Complete Guide to Rama Tandava Stotram
Introduction to Rama Tandava Stotram
Rama Tandava Stotram is a dynamic and powerful hymn that describes Lord Rama performing the Tandava — the fierce cosmic dance of divine power — during his epic battle against the forces of Ravana. Unlike the gentle and righteous image typically associated with Rama, this stotram reveals his terrifying warrior aspect, showcasing his supreme martial prowess and divine fury against Adharma.
Spiritual Significance of Rama Tandava Stotram
While the Tandava is primarily associated with Lord Shiva, this stotram reveals that Lord Rama, as an incarnation of Vishnu, also manifested this cosmic dance during the climactic battle of the Ramayana. It reminds devotees that Rama is not only the ideal king (Maryada Purushottama) but also the supreme warrior who destroys evil with overwhelming divine force.
Rama Tandava Stotram Lyrics
॥ श्रीरामताण्डवस्तोत्रम् ॥
॥ इन्द्रादयो ऊचुः ॥
जटाकटाहयुक्तमुण्डप्रान्तविस्तृतं हरेः
अपाङ्गक्रुद्धदर्शनोपहार चूर्णकुन्तलः।
प्रचण्डवेगकारणेन पिञ्जलः प्रतिग्रहः
स क्रुद्धताण्डवस्वरूपधृग्विराजते हरिः॥1॥
अथेह व्यूहपार्ष्णिप्राग्वरूथिनी निषङ्गिनः
तथाञ्जनेयऋक्षभूपसौरबालिनन्दनाः।
प्रचण्डदानवानलं समुद्रतुल्यनाशकाः
नमोऽस्तुते सुरारिचक्रभक्षकाय मृत्यवे॥2॥
कलेवरे कषायवासहस्तकार्मुकं हरेः
उपासनोपसङ्गमार्थधृग्विशाखमण्डलम्।
हृदि स्मरन् दशाकृतेः कुचक्रचौर्यपातकं
विदार्यते प्रचण्डताण्डवाकृतिः स राघवः॥3॥
प्रकाण्डकाण्डकाण्डकर्मदेहछिद्रकारणं
कुकूटकूटकूटकौणपात्मजाभिमर्दनम्।
तथागुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणेन दर्शयन्
कृपीटकेशलङ्घ्यमीशमेकराघवं भजे॥4॥
सवानरान्वितः तथाप्लुतं शरीरमसृजा
विरोधिमेदसाग्रमांसगुल्मकालखण्डनैः।
महासिपाशशक्तिदण्डधारकैः निशाचरैः
परिप्लुतं कृतं शवैश्च येन भूमिमण्डलम्॥5॥
विशालदंष्ट्रकुम्भकर्णमेघरावकारकैः
तथाहिरावणाद्यकम्पनातिकायजित्वरैः।
सुरक्षितां मनोरमां सुवर्णलङ्कनागरीं
निजास्त्रसङ्कुलैरभेद्यकोटमर्दनं कृतः॥6॥
प्रबुद्धबुद्धयोगिभिः महर्षिसिद्धचारणैः
विदेहजाप्रियः सदानुतो स्तुतो च स्वस्तिभिः।
पुलस्त्यनन्दनात्मजस्य मुण्डरुण्डछेदनं
सुरारियूथभेदनं विलोकयामि साम्प्रतम्॥7॥
करालकालरूपिणं महोग्रचापधारिणं
कुमोहग्रस्तमर्कटाच्छभल्लत्राणकारणम्।
विभीषणादिभिः सदाभिषेणनेऽभिचिन्तकं
भजामि जित्वरं तथोर्मिलापतेः प्रियाग्रजम्॥8॥
इतस्ततः मुहुर्मुहुः परिभ्रमन्ति कौन्तिकाः
अनुप्लवप्रवाहप्रासिकाश्च वैजयन्तिकाः।
मृधे प्रभाकरस्य वंशकीर्तिनोऽपदानतां
अभिक्रमेण राघवस्य ताण्डवाकृतेः गताः॥9॥
निराकृतिं निरामयं तथादिसृष्टिकारणं
महोज्ज्वलं अजं विभुं पुराणपूरुषं हरिम्।
निरङ्कुशं निजात्मभक्तजन्ममृत्युनाशकं
अधर्ममार्गघातकं कपीशव्यूहनायकम्॥10॥
करालपालिचक्रशूलतीक्ष्णभिन्दिपालकैः
कुठारसर्वलासिधेनुकेलिशल्यमुद्गरैः।
सुपुष्करेण पुष्कराञ्च पुष्करास्त्रमारणैः
सदाप्लुतं निशाचरैः सुपुष्करञ्च पुष्करम्॥11॥
प्रपन्नभक्तरक्षकं वसुन्धरात्मजाप्रियं
कपीशवृन्दसेवितं समस्तदूषणापहम्।
सुरासुराभिवन्दितं निशाचरान्तकं विभुं
जगत्प्रशस्तिकारणं भजेह राममीश्वरम्॥12॥
॥ इति श्रीभागवतानन्दगुरुणा विरचिते श्रीराघवेन्द्रचरिते
इन्द्रादि देवगणैः कृतं श्रीरामताण्डवस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम् ॥
॥ Shri Ramatandavastotram ॥
॥ Indradayo Uchuh ॥
Jatakatahayuktamundaprantavistritam Hareh
Apangakruddhadarshanopahara Churnakuntalah।
Prachandavegakaranena Pinjalah Pratigrahah
Sa Kruddhatandavasvarupadhrigvirajate Harih॥1॥
Atheha Vyuhaparshnipragvaruthini Nishanginah
Tathanjaneyarikshabhupasaurabalinandanah।
Prachandadanavanalam Samudratulyanashakah
Namoastute Surarichakrabhakshakaya Mrityave॥2॥
Kalevare Kashayavasahastakarmukam Hareh
Upasanopasangamarthadhrigvishakhamandalam।
Hridi Smaran Dashakriteh Kuchakrachauryapatakam
Vidaryate Prachandatandavakritih Sa Raghavah॥3॥
Prakandakandakandakarmadehachhidrakaranam
Kukutakutakutakaunapatmajabhimardanam।
Tathagunangunangunangunangunena Darshayan
Kripitakeshalanghyamishamekaraghavam Bhaje॥4॥
Savanaranvitah Tathaplutam Shariramasrija
Virodhimedasagramamsagulmakalakhandanaih।
Mahasipashashaktidandadharakaih Nishacharaih
Pariplutam Kritam Shavaishcha Yena Bhumimandalam॥5॥
Vishaladamshtrakumbhakarnamegharavakarakaih
Tathahiravanadyakampanatikayajitvaraih।
Surakshitam Manoramam Suvarnalankanagarim
Nijastrasankulairabhedyakotamardanam Kritah॥6॥
Prabuddhabuddhayogibhih Maharshisiddhacharanaih
Videhajapriyah Sadanuto Stuto Cha Svastibhih।
Pulastyanandanatmajasya Mundarundachhedanam
Surariyuthabhedanam Vilokayami Sampratam॥7॥
Karalakalarupinam Mahograchapadharinam
Kumohagrastamarkatachchhabhallatranakaranam।
Vibhishanadibhih Sadabhishenaneabhichintakam
Bhajami Jitvaram Tathormilapateh Priyagrajam॥8॥
Itastatah Muhurmuhuh Paribhramanti Kauntikah
Anuplavapravahaprasikashcha Vaijayantikah।
Mridhe Prabhakarasya Vamshakirtinoapadanatam
Abhikramena Raghavasya Tandavakriteh Gatah॥9॥
Nirakritim Niramayam Tathadisrishtikaranam
Mahojjvalam Ajam Vibhum Puranapurusham Harim।
Nirankusham Nijatmabhaktajanmamrityunashakam
Adharmamargaghatakam Kapishavyuhanayakam॥10॥
Karalapalichakrashulatikshnabhindipalakaih
Kutharasarvalasidhenukelishalyamudgaraih।
Supushkarena Pushkarancha Pushkarastramaranaih
Sadaplutam Nishacharaih Supushkarancha Pushkaram॥11॥
Prapannabhaktarakshakam Vasundharatmajapriyam
Kapishavrindasevitam Samastadushanapaham।
Surasurabhivanditam Nishacharantakam Vibhum
Jagatprashastikaranam Bhajeha Ramamishvaram॥12॥
॥ Iti Shribhagavatanandaguruna Virachite Shriraghavendracharite
Indradi Devaganaih Kritam Shriramatandavastotram Sampurnam ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shri Rama Tandava Stotram
1 First Verse
जटाकटाहयुक्तमुण्डप्रान्तविस्तृतं हरेः
अपाङ्गक्रुद्धदर्शनोपहार चूर्णकुन्तलः।
प्रचण्डवेगकारणेन पिञ्जलः प्रतिग्रहः
स क्रुद्धताण्डवस्वरूपधृग्विराजते हरिः॥
अपाङ्गक्रुद्धदर्शनोपहार चूर्णकुन्तलः।
प्रचण्डवेगकारणेन पिञ्जलः प्रतिग्रहः
स क्रुद्धताण्डवस्वरूपधृग्विराजते हरिः॥
Word Meanings: जटाकटाहयुक्तमुण्डप्रान्तविस्तृतम् (Jatakatahayuktamundaprantavistriram) = with matted hair spread wide like a cauldron around his shaven head; हरेः (Hareh) = of Hari (Rama); अपाङ्गक्रुद्धदर्शन (Apangakruddhadarshana) = with angry sidelong glances; चूर्णकुन्तलः (Churnakuntalah) = with dust-covered locks; प्रचण्डवेगकारणेन (Prachandavegakaranena) = due to terrific speed; पिञ्जलः (Pinjalah) = tawny/golden; प्रतिग्रहः (Pratigrahah) = the receiver (of battle); क्रुद्धताण्डवस्वरूपधृक् (Kruddhataandavasvarupadhrik) = who has assumed the form of a fierce war-dance; विराजते (Virajate) = shines forth
Translation: (Indra and the gods spoke:) With matted hair spread wide, angry sidelong glances, dust-covered locks, golden-hued from terrific speed — Lord Hari (Rama) shines forth, having assumed the form of a fierce war-dance (Tandava)!
2 Second Verse
अथेह व्यूहपार्ष्णिप्राग्वरूथिनी निषङ्गिनः
तथाञ्जनेयऋक्षभूपसौरबालिनन्दनाः।
प्रचण्डदानवानलं समुद्रतुल्यनाशकाः
नमोऽस्तुते सुरारिचक्रभक्षकाय मृत्यवे॥
तथाञ्जनेयऋक्षभूपसौरबालिनन्दनाः।
प्रचण्डदानवानलं समुद्रतुल्यनाशकाः
नमोऽस्तुते सुरारिचक्रभक्षकाय मृत्यवे॥
Word Meanings: व्यूहपार्ष्णिप्राग्वरूथिनी (Vyuhaparshnipragvaruthini) = the army formation with vanguard and rearguard; निषङ्गिनः (Nishanginah) = the quiver-bearing warriors; अञ्जनेय (Anjaneya) = Hanuman; ऋक्षभूप (Rikshabhupa) = the bear-king (Jambavan); सौरबालिनन्दनाः (Saurabalinandanah) = the sons of Sugriva and Vali (Angada); प्रचण्डदानवानलम् (Prachandadanavandalam) = the fierce fire against the demons; समुद्रतुल्यनाशकाः (Samudratulyanashakah) = destroyers vast as the ocean; सुरारिचक्रभक्षकाय (Surarichakrabhakshkaya) = to the devourer of the enemy hosts of the gods; मृत्यवे (Mrityave) = to Death himself
Translation: Here are the army formations with vanguard and rearguard — the quiver-bearing warriors: Hanuman, the bear-king Jambavan, sons of Sugriva and Vali — fierce fires against the demons, destroyers vast as the ocean! Salutations to You, the devourer of the enemy hosts, Death itself!
3 Third Verse
कलेवरे कषायवासहस्तकार्मुकं हरेः
उपासनोपसङ्गमार्थधृग्विशाखमण्डलम्।
हृदि स्मरन् दशाकृतेः कुचक्रचौर्यपातकं
विदार्यते प्रचण्डताण्डवाकृतिः स राघवः॥
उपासनोपसङ्गमार्थधृग्विशाखमण्डलम्।
हृदि स्मरन् दशाकृतेः कुचक्रचौर्यपातकं
विदार्यते प्रचण्डताण्डवाकृतिः स राघवः॥
Word Meanings: कलेवरे (Kalevare) = on the body; कषायवासः (Kashayavasah) = bark garments; हस्तकार्मुकम् (Hastakarmukam) = bow in hand; उपासनोपसङ्गमार्थधृक् (Upasanopasangamarthadhrik) = holding weapons for the purpose of divine mission; विशाखमण्डलम् (Vishakhamandalam) = the circle of arrows; हृदि स्मरन् (Hridi smaran) = remembering in the heart; दशाकृतेः (Dashakriteh) = of the ten-faced one (Ravana); कुचक्रचौर्यपातकम् (Kuchakrachauryapatakam) = the sin of the wicked conspiracy and abduction; विदार्यते (Vidaryate) = tears apart; प्रचण्डताण्डवाकृतिः (Prachandataandavaakritih) = in the form of a fierce war-dance
Translation: With bark garments on His body, bow in hand, holding the circle of arrows for His divine mission — remembering in His heart the sin of the wicked conspiracy and abduction by the ten-faced Ravana — Raghava tears apart (the enemy) in the form of a fierce war-dance!
4 Fourth Verse
प्रकाण्डकाण्डकाण्डकर्मदेहछिद्रकारणं
कुकूटकूटकूटकौणपात्मजाभिमर्दनम्।
तथागुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणेन दर्शयन्
कृपीटकेशलङ्घ्यमीशमेकराघवं भजे॥
कुकूटकूटकूटकौणपात्मजाभिमर्दनम्।
तथागुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणेन दर्शयन्
कृपीटकेशलङ्घ्यमीशमेकराघवं भजे॥
Word Meanings: प्रकाण्डकाण्डकाण्डकर्मदेहछिद्रकारणम् (Prakandakandakandakarmadehachhidrakaranam) = causing holes in the bodies of great warriors through volleys of arrows; कुकूटकूटकूटकौणपात्मजाभिमर्दनम् (Kukukutakutakutakaunapatmajabhimardanam) = the crusher of hosts upon hosts of demon progeny; गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणङ्गुणेन (Gunanggunangunangunangunangunena) = with the twanging sound of the bowstring again and again; दर्शयन् (Darshayan) = showing; कृपीटकेशलङ्घ्यम् (Kripitakeshalanghyam) = who surpasses fire and Shiva (Kripitakesha = Agni/Shiva); ईशम् (Isham) = the Lord; एकराघवम् (Ekaraghavam) = the one Raghava
Translation: Piercing the bodies of great warriors with volleys of arrows, crushing hosts upon hosts of demon progeny, with the repeated twanging of His bowstring — He who surpasses even fire and Shiva — I worship the one Lord Raghava!
5 Fifth Verse
सवानरान्वितः तथाप्लुतं शरीरमसृजा
विरोधिमेदसाग्रमांसगुल्मकालखण्डनैः।
महासिपाशशक्तिदण्डधारकैः निशाचरैः
परिप्लुतं कृतं शवैश्च येन भूमिमण्डलम्॥
विरोधिमेदसाग्रमांसगुल्मकालखण्डनैः।
महासिपाशशक्तिदण्डधारकैः निशाचरैः
परिप्लुतं कृतं शवैश्च येन भूमिमण्डलम्॥
Word Meanings: सवानरान्वितः (Savanaranvitah) = accompanied by monkeys; आप्लुतम् (Aplutam) = drenched; शरीरम् (Shariram) = the body; असृजा (Asrija) = with blood; विरोधिमेदसाग्रमांसगुल्मकालखण्डनैः (Virodhimedasagramansagulmakalkhandanaih) = cutting through the fat, flesh, and sinews of enemies; महासिपाशशक्तिदण्डधारकैः (Mahasipashashaktidandadharakaih) = the wielders of great swords, nooses, spears, and staffs; निशाचरैः (Nishacharaih) = night-wanderers (Rakshasas); परिप्लुतम् (Pariplutam) = flooded; शवैः (Shavaih) = with corpses; भूमिमण्डलम् (Bhumimanandalam) = the surface of the earth
Translation: Accompanied by the monkeys, drenched in blood, cutting through the fat, flesh, and sinews of enemies — the Rakshasas wielding swords, nooses, spears, and staffs — by Him (Rama), the surface of the earth was flooded with corpses!
6 Sixth Verse
विशालदंष्ट्रकुम्भकर्णमेघरावकारकैः
तथाहिरावणाद्यकम्पनातिकायजित्वरैः।
सुरक्षितां मनोरमां सुवर्णलङ्कनागरीं
निजास्त्रसङ्कुलैरभेद्यकोटमर्दनं कृतः॥
तथाहिरावणाद्यकम्पनातिकायजित्वरैः।
सुरक्षितां मनोरमां सुवर्णलङ्कनागरीं
निजास्त्रसङ्कुलैरभेद्यकोटमर्दनं कृतः॥
Word Meanings: विशालदंष्ट्रकुम्भकर्णमेघरावकारकैः (Vishaladamshtrakumbharnameghravakarkaith) = by those like Kumbhakarna with large fangs and thunder-like roars; अहिरावणाद्यकम्पनातिकायजित्वरैः (Ahiravanyadyakampannatikayajitvaraih) = by Ahiravana, Akampana, Atikaya, and other mighty warriors; सुरक्षिताम् (Surashitam) = well-protected; मनोरमाम् (Manoramam) = beautiful; सुवर्णलङ्कनागरीम् (Suvarnalkandarim) = the golden city of Lanka; निजास्त्रसङ्कुलैः (Nijastrasankulaih) = with volleys of His own weapons; अभेद्यकोटमर्दनम् (Abhedyakotamarddanam) = the crushing of impenetrable fortresses
Translation: Though protected by Kumbhakarna with his great fangs and thunder-like roars, by Ahiravana, Akampana, Atikaya, and other mighty warriors — the beautiful golden city of Lanka, with its impenetrable fortresses, was crushed by His volleys of weapons!
7 Seventh Verse
प्रबुद्धबुद्धयोगिभिः महर्षिसिद्धचारणैः
विदेहजाप्रियः सदानुतो स्तुतो च स्वस्तिभिः।
पुलस्त्यनन्दनात्मजस्य मुण्डरुण्डछेदनं
सुरारियूथभेदनं विलोकयामि साम्प्रतम्॥
विदेहजाप्रियः सदानुतो स्तुतो च स्वस्तिभिः।
पुलस्त्यनन्दनात्मजस्य मुण्डरुण्डछेदनं
सुरारियूथभेदनं विलोकयामि साम्प्रतम्॥
Word Meanings: प्रबुद्धबुद्धयोगिभिः (Prabuddhabuddhayogibhih) = by awakened, enlightened yogis; महर्षिसिद्धचारणैः (Maharshisiddhacharanaih) = by great sages, Siddhas, and Charanas (celestial bards); विदेहजाप्रियः (Videhajapriyah) = the beloved of Sita (daughter of Videha); अनुतः (Anutah) = followed; स्तुतः (Stutah) = praised; स्वस्तिभिः (Svastibhih) = with benedictions; पुलस्त्यनन्दनात्मजस्य (Pulastyanandanatmajasya) = of the grandson of Pulastya (Ravana); मुण्डरुण्डछेदनम् (Mundarundachhedanam) = the severing of heads and torsos; सुरारियूथभेदनम् (Suraiyuthbhedanam) = the breaking of enemy battalions; विलोकयामि (Vilokayami) = I behold; साम्प्रतम् (Sampratam) = now
Translation: Followed and praised by awakened yogis, great sages, Siddhas, and celestial bards, with benedictions — the beloved of Sita now severs the heads and torsos of Ravana (grandson of Pulastya), breaking the enemy battalions — I behold this now!
8 Eighth Verse
करालकालरूपिणं महोग्रचापधारिणं
कुमोहग्रस्तमर्कटाच्छभल्लत्राणकारणम्।
विभीषणादिभिः सदाभिषेणनेऽभिचिन्तकं
भजामि जित्वरं तथोर्मिलापतेः प्रियाग्रजम्॥
कुमोहग्रस्तमर्कटाच्छभल्लत्राणकारणम्।
विभीषणादिभिः सदाभिषेणनेऽभिचिन्तकं
भजामि जित्वरं तथोर्मिलापतेः प्रियाग्रजम्॥
Word Meanings: करालकालरूपिणम् (Karalakalarupinam) = embodiment of terrible Time/Death; महोग्रचापधारिणम् (Mahogranchapadaharinam) = holder of the great terrible bow; कुमोहग्रस्तमर्कटाच्छभल्लत्राणकारणम् (Kumohagrastmarkatcchabhallatranakaranam) = the protector of the monkeys and bears seized by delusion; विभीषणादिभिः (Vibhishanadibhih) = by Vibhishana and others; अभिषेणने (Abhishenane) = in the battle-march; अभिचिन्तकम् (Abhichintakam) = the one who is contemplated; जित्वरम् (Jittvaram) = the victorious one; उर्मिलापतेः (Urmilapateh) = of the husband of Urmila (Lakshmana); प्रियाग्रजम् (Priyaagrajam) = the beloved elder brother
Translation: I worship Him — the embodiment of terrible Time, holder of the great bow, protector of the monkeys and bears, contemplated by Vibhishana and others in battle — the victorious one, the beloved elder brother of the husband of Urmila (Lakshmana)!
9 Ninth Verse
इतस्ततः मुहुर्मुहुः परिभ्रमन्ति कौन्तिकाः
अनुप्लवप्रवाहप्रासिकाश्च वैजयन्तिकाः।
मृधे प्रभाकरस्य वंशकीर्तिनोऽपदानतां
अभिक्रमेण राघवस्य ताण्डवाकृतेः गताः॥
अनुप्लवप्रवाहप्रासिकाश्च वैजयन्तिकाः।
मृधे प्रभाकरस्य वंशकीर्तिनोऽपदानतां
अभिक्रमेण राघवस्य ताण्डवाकृतेः गताः॥
Word Meanings: इतस्ततः (Itatah) = here and there; मुहुर्मुहुः (Muhurmuhu) = again and again; परिभ्रमन्ति (Paribhramanti) = whirl around; कौन्तिकाः (Kauntikah) = spear-bearers; अनुप्लवप्रवाहप्रासिकाः (Anuplavapravahaprasikah) = warriors surging forth with javelins; वैजयन्तिकाः (Vaijayantikah) = victory-banner bearers; मृधे (Mridhe) = in battle; प्रभाकरस्य (Prabhakarasya) = of the Sun; वंशकीर्तिनः (Vanshakirtinah) = singer of the dynasty's glory; अपदानताम् (Apadanatam) = to heroic deeds; अभिक्रमेण (Abhikramena) = by the advance; ताण्डवाकृतेः (Tandavakriteh) = of the Tandava form
Translation: Here and there, again and again, spear-bearers, javelin-warriors, and victory-banner bearers whirl around — in battle, proclaiming the glory of the Solar dynasty, advancing in heroic deeds through Raghava's Tandava form!
10 Tenth Verse
निराकृतिं निरामयं तथादिसृष्टिकारणं
महोज्ज्वलं अजं विभुं पुराणपूरुषं हरिम्।
निरङ्कुशं निजात्मभक्तजन्ममृत्युनाशकं
अधर्ममार्गघातकं कपीशव्यूहनायकम्॥
महोज्ज्वलं अजं विभुं पुराणपूरुषं हरिम्।
निरङ्कुशं निजात्मभक्तजन्ममृत्युनाशकं
अधर्ममार्गघातकं कपीशव्यूहनायकम्॥
Word Meanings: निराकृतिम् (Nirakritim) = formless; निरामयम् (Niramayam) = free from disease/defect; आदिसृष्टिकारणम् (Adisrishtikaaranam) = the cause of the primal creation; महोज्ज्वलम् (Mahojjvalam) = supremely radiant; अजम् (Ajam) = unborn; विभुम् (Vibhum) = all-pervading; पुराणपूरुषम् (Puranapurusham) = the ancient Being; निरङ्कुशम् (Nirankusham) = unrestricted; निजात्मभक्तजन्ममृत्युनाशकम् (Nijatmabhaktajanmamrityunashakam) = the destroyer of birth and death for His own devotees; अधर्ममार्गघातकम् (Adharmamargaghatakam) = the destroyer of the path of unrighteousness; कपीशव्यूहनायकम् (Kapishavyuhanayakam) = the commander of the monkey army formation
Translation: Formless, flawless, the cause of primal creation, supremely radiant, unborn, all-pervading, the ancient Being, unrestricted, the destroyer of birth and death for His devotees, the slayer of unrighteousness, the commander of the monkey army!
11 Eleventh Verse
करालपालिचक्रशूलतीक्ष्णभिन्दिपालकैः
कुठारसर्वलासिधेनुकेलिशल्यमुद्गरैः।
सुपुष्करेण पुष्कराञ्च पुष्करास्त्रमारणैः
सदाप्लुतं निशाचरैः सुपुष्करञ्च पुष्करम्॥
कुठारसर्वलासिधेनुकेलिशल्यमुद्गरैः।
सुपुष्करेण पुष्कराञ्च पुष्करास्त्रमारणैः
सदाप्लुतं निशाचरैः सुपुष्करञ्च पुष्करम्॥
Word Meanings: करालपालिचक्रशूलतीक्ष्णभिन्दिपालकैः (Karalapaalichakrashulatikshanbindipalakaih) = with terrible shields, discuses, tridents, and sharp javelins; कुठारसर्वलासिधेनुकेलिशल्यमुद्गरैः (Kutharasarvalasidhenukaalishlyamudgaraih) = with axes, swords, clubs, darts, and maces; सुपुष्करेण (Supushkarena) = by the powerful; पुष्करास्त्रमारणैः (Pushkarastramranaih) = with celestial weapons and killing; निशाचरैः (Nishacharaih) = by the night-wanderers (Rakshasas); सुपुष्करम् (Supushkaram) = fierce; पुष्करम् (Pushkaram) = the battlefield
Translation: With terrible shields, discuses, tridents, javelins, axes, swords, clubs, darts, and maces — with celestial weapons, the night-wanderers (Rakshasas) drenched the fierce battlefield in blood!
12 Twelfth Verse
प्रपन्नभक्तरक्षकं वसुन्धरात्मजाप्रियं
कपीशवृन्दसेवितं समस्तदूषणापहम्।
सुरासुराभिवन्दितं निशाचरान्तकं विभुं
जगत्प्रशस्तिकारणं भजेह राममीश्वरम्॥
कपीशवृन्दसेवितं समस्तदूषणापहम्।
सुरासुराभिवन्दितं निशाचरान्तकं विभुं
जगत्प्रशस्तिकारणं भजेह राममीश्वरम्॥
Word Meanings: प्रपन्नभक्तरक्षकम् (Prapannabhaktarakshkam) = the protector of surrendered devotees; वसुन्धरात्मजाप्रियम् (Vasundharatmajapriyam) = dear to Sita (daughter of the Earth); कपीशवृन्दसेवितम् (Kapishavrindasevitam) = served by hosts of monkeys; समस्तदूषणापहम् (Samastadushanapaham) = the remover of all faults; सुरासुराभिवन्दितम् (Surasurahivvanditam) = saluted by gods and demons; निशाचरान्तकम् (Nishacharantakam) = the destroyer of the night-wanderers; विभुम् (Vibhum) = the all-pervading; जगत्प्रशस्तिकारणम् (Jagatprashstikaaranam) = the cause of the world's glory; राममीश्वरम् (Ramamishvaram) = Lord Rama
Translation: I worship Lord Rama — the protector of surrendered devotees, beloved of Sita, served by hosts of monkeys, remover of all faults, saluted by gods and demons, destroyer of the Rakshasas, all-pervading, the cause of the world's glory!
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Rama Tandava Stotram
Spiritual Growth
- Divine Grace: Attracts the special blessings and protection of Lord Rama
- Inner Peace: Brings tranquility and contentment to the mind
- Positive Energy: Develops an attitude of gratitude and spiritual awareness
- Spiritual Progress: Enhances devotion and deepens spiritual understanding
Material and Worldly Benefits
- Obstacle Removal: Clears impediments from the path of progress
- Success: Enhances success in academic, professional, and personal endeavors
- Protection: Provides divine protection from negative forces and energies
- Family Harmony: Promotes peace and understanding among family members
Health and Well-being
- Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and decision-making
- Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety and promotes emotional balance
- Physical Vitality: Supports overall health and well-being
- Karmic Purification: Helps dissolve accumulated negative karma
How to Chant Rama Tandava Stotram: Complete Guide
Preparation for Chanting
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Sacred Space: Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Deity Image: Place an image or idol of Lord Rama before you
- Light a Lamp: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp for auspiciousness
- Mental Preparation: Calm the mind with a few minutes of deep breathing
Step-by-Step Chanting Process
- Invocation: Begin with a brief prayer to Lord Rama
- Sankalpa: State your intention (spiritual growth, protection, or specific purpose)
- Recitation: Chant the stotram with clear pronunciation and devotional feeling
- Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and meditate on the deity's form
- Prayer: Offer your heartfelt prayers and express gratitude
Important Guidelines
- Maintain regularity — daily practice yields the best results
- Chant with genuine devotion rather than mere mechanical repetition
- Try to understand the meaning of the verses for deeper spiritual impact
- Maintain a vegetarian diet on days of special devotion
- Share the merit of your practice by praying for the welfare of all beings
Best Times to Recite Rama Tandava Stotram
Daily Practice
- Early Morning: Brahma Muhurta (4:00 - 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
- Evening: During sunset (Sandhya Kaal) for divine blessings
- Before Sleep: For peaceful rest and divine protection through the night
Special Occasions
- Festival Days: During festivals associated with Lord Rama
- Ekadashi: Auspicious for spiritual practices and vrat observances
- Purnima (Full Moon): Enhanced spiritual energy for meditation and chanting
- Amavasya (New Moon): For removal of negative influences and karmic cleansing
Frequently Asked Questions about Ram Tandava Stotram
What is the Ram Tandava Stotram?
The Ram Tandava Stotram (राम ताण्डव स्तोत्रम्) is a powerful and dramatic hymn that celebrates Lord Rama's fierce warrior form as He performs the battle dance (Tandava) during the Lanka war. Unlike the serene, dharmic image commonly associated with Rama, this stotram reveals His terrible martial power — the Rama who destroyed the mighty Rakshasa army, slew the ten-headed Ravana, and restored cosmic order through divine warfare.
What is the significance of Rama performing a Tandava?
While 'Tandava' is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, Lord Rama — being an avatar of Vishnu and described as 'Rama Rupa Dhari' (one who assumes Rama's form) — also displays fierce battle energy that can be described as a warrior's Tandava. The Ram Tandava Stotram captures the thunderous energy of Rama's war against evil — His advancing on the battlefield, the arrows flying from His bow, and the earth trembling under His mighty stride.
When should one chant the Ram Tandava Stotram?
This stotram is most powerful on Ram Navami, during Dussehra/Vijayadashami (celebrating Rama's victory over Ravana), on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and during the Navaratri period. It is particularly effective when facing enemies, litigation, or any form of conflict. Warriors, soldiers, and those in competitive professions benefit greatly from this stotram's fierce protective energy.
What are the benefits of reciting the Ram Tandava Stotram?
The stotram invokes Rama's supreme warrior energy for victory over all enemies and obstacles. It builds fearlessness, physical and mental strength, strategic thinking, and the determination to fight for dharma. It destroys enemies both visible and invisible, protects from malefic influences, and ensures victory in all righteous battles. Regular recitation embodies the warrior spirit of Maryada Purushottam Rama — fighting with both fierce power and perfect dharmic conduct.
How does this stotram compare to the Shiva Tandav and Hanuman Tandav?
While the Shiva Tandav (by Ravana) describes Shiva's cosmic dance of creation and destruction, and the Hanuman Tandav highlights Hanuman's martial exploits, the Ram Tandava specifically captures Rama's battlefield prowess during the Lanka war. Rama's Tandava is unique in combining supreme martial fury with absolute dharmic restraint — He fights with the ferocity of a lion but the righteousness of a king. Each Tandava stotram serves a different spiritual purpose while sharing the powerful rhythmic structure.