Benefits of Shiv Tandav Stotram

The Shiv Tandav refers to the frantic cosmic dance by Lord Shiva. Needless to say, the Shiv Tandav Storam is a hymn of praise dedicated to the lord in honour of this dance. Shiva is considered to be The Destroyer among the Trinity and is believed to be one of the easiest gods to please in Hindu mythology.

The Shiv Tandav Stotram is believed to have been authored by the well-known demon king Ravana who ruled over Sri Lanka and was a big devotee of the god. The stotram highlights the power, valour and beauty of the lord. It is believed to be one of the most powerful Shiva mantras with 16 quatrains featuring 16 alternate long and short syllables.

Origin of Shiv Tandav Stotram

As per a legend in the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana, the demon king Ravana was once returning to Sri Lanka in his Pushpaka Vimana after defeating Kubera. The chariot stopped over a beautiful place and would not proceed further. It was then that he met Lord Shiva’s most faithful attendant Nandi and explained his predicament to him. Ravana also asked Nandi why the chariot refused to budge further.

Nandi explained that the place was called Kailash and the reason for the chariot not moving ahead was because Lord Shiva and His consort Goddess Parvati were deeply engaged in their relationship on top of the mountain and this was why no one was allowed to cross the mountain. At the mention of His favourite lord’s name, Ravana was urged with a desire to bring Kailash to his kingdom so that he could be closer to his dear lord. After he returned to his kingdom, he discussed with the renowned sage Narada what he could do in this regard.

Based on the saint’s advice, Ravana proceeded towards Kailash to request Lord Shiva to come to Sri Lanka with him. However, when he reached Kailash, his ego and power overtook his wisdom and made him all the more haughty. He decided to uproot the mountain and take it with him to Sri Lanka. With this thought in mind, he started lifting the mountain.

Lord Shiva decided that it was time to teach Ravana a lesson. The god pressed the mountain hard with his big toe, resulting in his hands getting crushed under the weight of the mountain. Unable to withstand the pain, the demon cried out in pain and started shouting out the lord’s name along with hymns in His honour. He proceeded to chant the Shiv Tandav Stotram, praising the god and seeking His forgiveness. Lord Shiva was impressed by the demon king’s devotion and released His big toe to free him from his pain and also bestowed him with many boons.

Benefits of Chanting the Shiv Tandav Stotram

The Shiv Tandav Stotram is a powerful mantra and is associated with several benefits for those who recite it with utmost devotion. The following are some of the key benefits of the Shiv Tandav Stotram.

Luxuries and Wealth

The Shiv Tandav Stotram helps a person’s desire for luxuries and wealth be fulfilled in life. It is believed that when the mantra is chanted regularly with true devotion, the chanter is left with no desire unfulfilled in his materialistic life.

Peace among Family Members

When members of a family chant the Shiv Tandav Stotram, peace will prevail among the family members and they will be always blessed with happiness. It also helps a couple to understand each other better.

Relief from Marriage Related Problems

The Shiva Tandav Stotram must be chanted by people who are single and facing marriage related problems such as their marriage getting delayed. Chanting this mantra for 51 days everyday will put an end to such marital problems.

Resolves Financial Problems

A person who chants the Shiv Tandav Stotram wholeheartedly is blessed with the ability to clear his/her debts and loans. It can also help him/her to find a solution to his/her money related problems.

Professional Growth

The Shiv Tandav Stotram blesses the reciter with power and courage to fight any obstacle he/she encounters in life. The mantra helps to overcome professional failures and/or hard times in business.

Victory against Enemies or Court Cases

The mantra has the power to help its reciter win over his/her enemies. The chanter will also win court cases with respect to legal matters.

Blessed with Progeny

Childless couples who chant this stotram with true devotion will be blessed with an offspring. While the stotram can be chanted on a day, it is more beneficial when chanted on a pradosh day for the desire childless couples to be fulfilled.

Blessings During Eclipse

It is said that when an individual chants the Shiv Tandav Stotram 1008 times during an eclipse, he/she will not only receive the divine blessings of the lord but also have all his/her wishes fulfilled. The mantra can be recited during either the solar eclipse or the lunar eclipse.

Hindus are of the firm belief that the Shiv Tandav mantra must definitely be chanted when an individual is constantly afflicted by health related problems or problems pertaining to profession or money. The stotram should also be chanted when one is continuously troubled by one’s enemies or is affected by the tantra-mantra related obstacles. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva forgives the sins of those who chant this stotram and blesses them with prosperity, grace, happiness, peace, power and cognitive strength.

The Shiv Tandav Stotram is quite fruitful if chanted when a person’s horoscope has any malefic planetary effects and he/she is facing an undesirable dasha. The stotram must also be chanted if the individual wishes to accomplish something special and big in his/her life.

The Shiv Tandav Stotram can be chanted on any day of the week at any time of the day. However, for best results it is recommended that the recitation is done in the early morning hours, a Monday or during the Pradosh kaal for best or favourable results. Some devotees also prefer to do the chant an hour before sunset.

Keep a Shiva linga or a picture or idol of the lord in a clean place. Make offerings like diyas, incense sticks and naivedya as prasad to the deity with a sincere mind. Recite the Shiv Tandav Stotram with complete devotion keeping the lord in your mind always. Finally, offer your prayers to Him and seek His blessings.

 Written by - Deepthi K