King Ravana of Lanka

Ravana, the king of Lanka, was born of the great sage Vishrava and possessed peerless mastery over the four Vedas, the science of politics, and classical Indian musicology. Though ultimately tragic due to unchecked hubris (Ahamkara), his devotional genius in praising Lord Shiva remains universally acknowledged across Sanatana Dharma.

The genesis of the Shiv Tandav Stotram is tied to Mount Kailash. Out of immense pride, Ravana attempted to uproot and lift the sacred mountain. Lord Shiva gently pressed His toe, pinning Ravana's hands beneath the colossal mass. Overcome with searing physical agony and instant spiritual realization, Ravana wept (from which his name 'Ravana' was bestowed by Mahadeva) and spontaneously composed this 15-verse hymn accompanied by the rhythmic pulsing of his tears and breath.

Composed in the galloping Panchachamara meter (16 syllables per quarter with an alternating short-long syllable structure), the hymn evokes the wild, ecstatic cosmic dance of Shiva, the roaring celestial Ganga trapped in His matted hair and the thunderous beat of the Damaru.