Happy Shivratri: Celebrating the Divine Dance with Shiva Tandava Stotram 'HAPPYSIVRATRI'

Shivaratri is upon us once again! This sacred Hindu festival, also known as Mahashivaraatri or Maha Prithivi Ratra, holds immense spiritual significance and reverence for devotees of Lord Shiva across the world. As we prepare to worship our benevolent Linga Bhagavan in all his divine glory, let's take a momentous journey into one of the most revered Hindu scriptures associated with this auspicious occasion - The Shiva Tandava Stotram.

What is Shiva Tandiya Strotram?

Literally translating to 'The Hymn that Glorifies Lord Shivas Cosmic Dance', the Shiva Tandava Stotra (also spelled as Shiv Tandav or Sivatandaveertha) is an ancient Hindu stotram, attributed to none other than the legendary Rakshasa King of Lanka himself - Ravana! Yes, you heard that right folks. The same Ravana who terrorized the Devas and humans alike with his unfathomable power has left behind a timeless piece of literature that continues to mesmerize devotees even today.

The Shiva Tandava Stotra is an effulgent tribute to Lord Shivas boundless energy, cosmic dance (Tandavam) which creates and sustains the universe. This majestic stotram beautifully captures the essence of our beloved Linga Bhagavan - The Cosmic Dancer who effortlessly spins through time-space while destroying all ignorance and impurities that pollute his creation.

Historical Significance

Legend has it that Lord Shiva, dissatisfied with the increasing chaos and immorality in the world, decided to perform an apocalyptic dance known as Tandava. This divine cosmic dance had the power to reduce everything to nothingness - a fearful sight indeed! But then intervened none other than our benevolent Ravana who, moved by his devotion towards Lord Shiva, pleaded with him not to destroy creation altogether.

Moved by Ravanas heartfelt prayers and sincere worship, Lord Shiva relented and agreed to grant one wish. It was then that the great sage Agastya requested for a powerful mantra or Mantra-siddhi (a magical formula) which could protect humanity from all kinds of misfortunes and calamities. Pleased with their devotion, Lord Shiva mercifully revealed the secrets of the Tandava Stotra to Ravana.

The stotram was then given in three parts - one part each to Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Lord Shiva). And thus began a sacred tradition where this powerful mantra would be recited during important Hindu festivals like Shivaratri every year. Today, the Tandava Stotra continues to play an integral role in appeasing Lord Shiva on this auspicious occasion.

Astrological Significance

In Vedic astrology (Jyotish), each planet has its own ruling deity associated with it who influences our lives according to their respective gunas (qualities). Here's a brief rundown of the significance behind reciting or listening to the Shiva Tandava Stotra during different auspicious times:

1. Amavasya Trayodashi: This falls on the thirteenth day after Purnima and is considered an ideal time for performing puja, havan (fire offerings), charity etc.

2. Pratipada Tritiya: The first three days of every month are especially dedicated to Lord Shiva; reciting the Tandava Stotra during these periods can bring great spiritual benefits.

3. Trayodashi Chaturdashi Amavasya: These four auspicious lunar phases fall on or around the full moon and new moon nights respectively; they mark important times for performing abhishekams (holy bath), puja, havan etc.

And so dear readers, as we gear up to celebrate this momentous occasion of Shivaratri let us not forget to pay our humble respects to Lord Shiva - The Supreme Cosmic Dancer who continues to dance eternally within and outside ourselves. May his divine grace bless all devotees with peace, prosperity, happiness and inner tranquility always!

Happy Shivratri!

Happy shivratri shiva tandava stotram