Shiva
An energetic poetic vision of Shiva’s cosmic dance, traditionally attributed to Ravana.
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम्। डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम्॥
Jaṭāṭavī-galaj-jala-pravāha-pāvita-sthale, gale'valambya lambitāṁ bhujaṅga-tuṅga-mālikām. Ḍamaḍḍamaḍḍamaḍḍaman-nināda-vaḍḍamarvayaṁ, chakāra chaṇḍa-tāṇḍavaṁ tanotu naḥ Śivaḥ śivam.
May Shiva, whose neck is adorned by a lofty serpent garland and whose matted locks are sanctified by flowing water, bless us through his powerful tandava.
जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि। धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलल्ललाटपट्टपावके किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम॥
Jaṭā-kaṭāha-sambhrama-bhraman-nilimpa-nirjharī, vilola-vīchi-vallarī-virājamāna-mūrdhani. Dhagaddhagaddhagaj-jvalal-lalāṭa-paṭṭa-pāvake, kiśora-chandra-śekhare ratiḥ pratikṣaṇaṁ mama.
May my delight remain in the youthful moon-crested Shiva, whose locks carry the celestial river and whose forehead fire blazes intensely.
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे। कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि॥
Dharādharendra-nandinī-vilāsa-bandhu-bandhura, sphurad-diganta-santati-pramodamāna-mānase. Kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-dhoraṇī-niruddha-durdharāpadi, kvachid-digambare mano vinodametu vastuni.
May the mind find joy in the sky-clad Lord, companion of the mountain’s daughter, whose compassionate glance restrains unbearable adversity.
Reading guidance
Understand each verse so recitation becomes reflection as well as sound.
Keep an unhurried pace and confirm uncertain pronunciation with a trusted teacher or recording.
This is a selected excerpt, not a complete text for formal ritual use.
Traditional source: Traditionally attributed to Ravana