Hymn-Shiva Tandava Stotram-M. Venkataraman

Glimpses from Indian spirituality, mythology and way of life.

This is a hymn said to have been composed by the great demon Ravana. Ravana committed the sin of abducting Sita and was punished by Lord Rama. We all know that. But Ravana was also a great devotee of Lord Shiva and he has composed this hymn praising Lord Shiva.

There is a story behind this hymn. It is said that on one occasion Ravana tried to lift Mount Kailash in his hand to take Lord Shiva along with him to Sri Lanka. To prevent this, Lord Shiva pressed his toe. In the process, he crushed the fingers of Ravana and Ravana cried in pain. And to escape from the act of Lord Shiva, Ravana sang this hymn and thus pleased Lord Shiva.

The hymn represents the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva that eliminates all negative energies. This contains 15 verses each describing in great detail the various qualities of Lord Shiva and his eternal beauty.

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