Shiva Tandava Stotram — Opening Verse

This is the famous opening verse of the Shiva Tandava Stotram — a hymn of breathtaking energy and devotion. The stotra is traditionally attributed to Ravana, the great king of Lanka, who was a devoted worshipper of Shiva despite being the antagonist of the Ramayana.

The verse paints a vivid picture: the Ganga flowing through Shiva's matted hair, serpents coiling around his neck, and the crashing beat of the damaru drum as Shiva dances the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and destruction.

The sound pattern of the verse itself mimics the damaru — 'Damad damad damad daman' — making this shloka as much a musical experience as a poetic one. Reciting it aloud reveals its full power.

The Shiva Tandava Stotram has 15 verses. It is not found in canonical Puranas but is a well-known independent stotra with a long tradition of recitation in Shaiva communities.

The stotra is traditionally said to have been composed by Ravana to please Shiva and obtain his blessings. Ravana, despite his role as an adversary in the Ramayana, is considered one of the greatest devotees of Shiva in the Puranic tradition.