Introduction to Bhairava Tandava Stotra
The Bhairava Tandava Stotra is a powerful and revered hymn dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Known for his role as the protector and destroyer of evil, Bhairava is often depicted in a terrifying yet majestic form, embodying both wrath and protection. This stotra captures the essence of Bhairava’s cosmic dance, the Tandava, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance and the triumph of truth.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Bhairava Tandava Stotra
- The Symbolism Behind Bhairava’s Tandava
- Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1: The All-Pervading Bhairava
- Verse 2: The Fierce and Compassionate Lord
- Verse 3: The Destroyer of Sin
- Verse 4: The Supreme Protector
- Verse 5: The Joyful and Tranquil Bhairava
- Verse 6: The Guardian of the Devotees
- Verse 7: The Giver of Knowledge
- Verse 8: The Master of All Yogis
- Benefits of Chanting Bhairava Tandava Stotra
- Conclusion: Embrace the Transformative Power of Bhairava
Understanding Bhairava Tandava Stotra
The Bhairava Tandava Stotra is a hymn that vividly describes Lord Bhairava in his most dynamic and awe-inspiring form. The stotra portrays Bhairava’s cosmic dance, which represents the rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction. This stotra is not only a tribute to Bhairava’s formidable energy but also a powerful tool for spiritual growth and protection. Devotees chant this stotra to invoke Bhairava’s blessings, seek protection from negative forces, and gain strength and courage in their spiritual journey.
The Symbolism Behind Bhairava’s Tandava
Bhairava’s Tandava is symbolic of the cosmic dance of the universe—the perpetual cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. In this dance, Bhairava destroys ignorance, fear, and negative energies, making way for truth, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. The Tandava is a reminder of the impermanence of the material world and the eternal nature of the divine. By aligning oneself with the rhythm of this cosmic dance, devotees can transcend worldly limitations and experience divine bliss.
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Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 1: The All-Pervading Bhairava
ॐ चण्डं प्रतिचण्डं करधृतदण्डं कृतरिपुखण्डं सौख्यकरं
लोकं सुखयन्तं विलसितवन्तं प्रकटितदन्तं नृत्यकरम् ।
डमरुध्वनिशङ्खं तरलवतंसं मधुरहसन्तं लोकभरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं भैरववेषं कष्टहरम् ॥ १॥
Original Verse: “Om Chandam Pratichandam Karadhruta-Dandam Kritaripu-Khandam Saukhyakaram | Lokam Sukhayantam Vilasita-Vantam Prakathita-Dantam Nrutyakaram ||”
Translation: “Salutations to Bhairava, who wields the staff, who cuts down enemies, who bestows happiness and joy, who delights the world with his divine play, who reveals his teeth in a smile, and who is ever engaged in the cosmic dance.”
Interpretation: This verse glorifies Bhairava as the all-powerful deity who wields a staff (danda) to destroy evil and bring joy to the world. His smile, which reveals his sharp teeth, symbolizes the removal of ignorance and fear. The reference to his dance highlights his dynamic and ever-active nature, constantly engaged in the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction.
Verse 2: The Fierce and Compassionate Lord
चर्चितसिन्दूरं रणभूविदूरं दुष्टविदूरं श्रीनिकरं
किङ्किणिगणरावं त्रिभुवनपावं खर्प्परसावं पुण्यभरम् ।
करुणामयवेशं सकलसुरेशं मुक्तसुकेशं पापहरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेषं कष्टहरम् ॥ २॥
Original Verse: “Charchita-Sindoora Rannabhuu-Viduram Dushta-Viduram Shrinikaram | Kinkini-Ganaraavam Tribhuvanapavam Kharrparasavam Punyabharam ||”
Translation: “Adorned with red sindoor, far removed from the battlefield, far from the wicked, revered by all, whose anklets jingle as he dances, who purifies the three worlds, who carries a skull bowl filled with merit.”
Interpretation: This verse depicts Bhairava in his dual aspect—fierce and compassionate. He is adorned with red sindoor, symbolizing his fiery nature, yet he is far from the wicked, protecting the righteous. His anklets, jingling with each step, purify the three worlds as he dances. The skull bowl he carries represents his role in collecting and removing the sins and impurities of the world.
Verse 3: The Destroyer of Sin
कलिमलसंहारं मदनविहारं फणिपतिहारं शीघ्रकरं
कलुषं शमयन्तं परिभृतसन्तं मत्तदृगन्तं शुद्धतरम् ।
गतिनिन्दितकेशं नर्तनदेशं स्वच्छकशं सन्मुण्डकरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेशं कष्टहरम् ॥ ३॥
Original Verse: “Kalimalasamhara Madana-Viharam Phanipatiharam Shighrakarama | Kalusham Shamayantham Paribhrutasantham Maththadhrugantham Shuddhatharam ||”
Translation: “The destroyer of the impurities of the Kali Yuga, the one who enjoys divine play, who removes the pride of serpents, who acts swiftly, who calms the agitated, who delights the hearts of devotees, who is purest of the pure.”
Interpretation: In this verse, Bhairava is depicted as the cleanser of the sins of the Kali Yuga, the current age of strife and discord. He enjoys divine play, indicating his mastery over all aspects of existence. His swift actions bring relief to those in distress, and his purity uplifts the hearts of devotees, guiding them towards spiritual enlightenment.
Verse 4: The Supreme Protector
कठिनस्तनकुम्भं सुकृतं सुलभं कालीडिम्भं खड्गधरं
वृतभूतपिशाचं स्फुटमृदुवाचं स्निग्धसुकाचं भक्तभरम् ।
तनुभाजितशेषं विलमसुदेशं कष्टसुरेशं प्रीतिनरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेशं कष्टहरम् ॥ ४॥
Original Verse: “Katinastana-Kumbham Sukrutam Sulabham Kalidimmbham Khadgadharam | Vrutha-Bhutha-Pishacham Sphutamrdhu-Vacham Snigdhassukacham Bhakthabharam ||”
Translation: “Who holds the mountain-like breasts of the goddess Kali, who is easily pleased, who wields a sword, who commands spirits and ghosts, whose words are soft yet clear, who is affectionate towards devotees.”
Interpretation: This verse emphasizes Bhairava’s role as the supreme protector, particularly of devotees who are sincere in their worship. His command over spirits and ghosts illustrates his authority over all beings. His soft and clear words, combined with his affection for devotees, make him both a fierce protector and a gentle guide.
Verse 5: The Joyful and Tranquil Bhairava
ललिताननचन्द्रं सुमनवितन्द्रं बोधितमन्द्रं श्रेष्ठवरं
सुखिताखिललोकं परिगतशोकं शुद्धविलोकं पुष्टिकरम् ।
वरदाभयहारं तरलिततारं क्षुद्रविदारं तुष्टिकरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेषं कष्टहरम् ॥ ५॥
Original Verse: “Lalitha-Anana-Chandram Sumanavithandram Bodhithamandram Shresthavaram | Sukhithakila-Lokam Parigathasokam Shuddhavillokam Pushtikaram ||”
Translation: “Whose face shines like the full moon, who is surrounded by fragrant flowers, who awakens mantras, who is the best among all, who brings joy to the world, who dispels sorrow, who is pure, and who bestows nourishment.”
Interpretation: Bhairava is depicted here as a source of joy and tranquility. His moon-like face symbolizes calmness and peace, while his presence dispels sorrow and brings joy to all beings. His ability to awaken mantras signifies his deep spiritual wisdom, making him the best among deities.
Verse 6: The Guardian of the Devotees
सकलायुधभारं विजनविहारं सुश्रविशारं भ्रष्टमलं
शरणागतपालं मृगमदभालं सञ्जितकालं स्वेष्टबलम् ।
पदनूपूरसिञ्जं त्रिनयनकञ्जं गुणिजनरञ्जन कुष्टहरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेषं कष्टहरम् ॥ ६॥
Original Verse: “Sakalayudha-Bharam Vijana-Viharam Susravisharam Brashtha-Malam | Saranagata-Palam Mrugamada-Bhalam Sanjitha-Kalam Sweshtabalama ||”
Translation: “Who carries all weapons, who wanders in solitude, who is adorned with fragrant substances, who is free from impurities, who protects those who seek refuge, who wears musk on his forehead, who conquers time, who fulfills the wishes of his devotees.”
Interpretation: In this verse, Bhairava is portrayed as the ultimate guardian and protector of his devotees. His array of weapons symbolizes his readiness to protect, while his solitary wanderings reflect his detachment from worldly affairs. His purity and power over time further emphasize his supreme nature.
Verse 7: The Giver of Knowledge
मर्दयितुसरावं प्रकटितभावं विश्वसुभावं ज्ञानपदं
रक्तांशुकजोषं परिकृततोषं नाशितदोषं सन्मतिदम् ।
कुटिलभ्रुकुटीकं ज्वरधननीकं विसरन्धीकं प्रेमभरं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेषं कष्टहरम् ॥ ७॥
Original Verse: “Mardayithu-Saravam Prakathitha-Bhavam Viswasubhaavam Jnanapadam | Raktamshuka-Josham Parikruthathosham Nashithadosham Sanmathidham ||”
Translation: “Who crushes all enemies, who reveals his nature, who is the embodiment of auspiciousness, who is the abode of knowledge, who wears red garments, who is satisfied with devotion, who removes all faults, who bestows wisdom.”
Interpretation: Bhairava is depicted as the giver of knowledge and wisdom. His red garments symbolize his active energy, while his satisfaction with devotion indicates his accessibility to sincere worshippers. He removes faults and impurities, guiding devotees towards enlightenment.
Verse 8: The Master of All Yogis
परिनिर्जितकामं विलसितवामं योगिजनाभं योगेशं
बहुमद्यपनाथं गीतसुगाथं कष्टसुनाथं वीरेशम् ।
कलयन्तमशेषं भृतजनदेशं नृत्यसुरेशं वीरेशं
भज भज भूतेशं प्रकटमहेशं श्रीभैरववेषं कष्टहरम् ॥ ८॥
Original Verse: “Parinirjitha-Kamam Vilasitha-Vamam Yogijanabham Yogesham | Bahumadhya-Panatham Geetha-Sugatham Kashta-Sunatham Viresham ||”
Translation: “Who has conquered desires, who manifests in the left-hand path, who is revered by yogis, who is the lord of yoga, who is the master of all sacrifices, who is praised in sacred songs, who is the remover of difficulties, who is the lord of heroes.”
Interpretation: The final verse highlights Bhairava’s mastery over desires and his revered status among yogis. As the lord of yoga, Bhairava is the ultimate guide for those on the spiritual path. His ability to remove difficulties and his heroic nature make him a powerful deity to invoke for both spiritual and worldly success.
Benefits of Chanting Bhairava Tandava Stotra
Chanting the Bhairava Tandava Stotra offers numerous benefits to devotees:
- Protection from Negative Energies: The stotra invokes Bhairava’s protective energy, shielding devotees from evil forces and negative influences.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular recitation helps in overcoming ignorance, enhancing spiritual knowledge, and deepening one’s connection with the divine.
- Removal of Obstacles: Bhairava’s blessings help in removing obstacles from one’s path, leading to success in various endeavors.
- Courage and Strength: The powerful vibrations of the stotra instill courage and strength, empowering devotees to face challenges with confidence.
- Inner Peace: The stotra’s calming influence brings inner peace, dispelling fear, anxiety, and sorrow.
Conclusion: Embrace the Transformative Power of Bhairava
The Bhairava Tandava Stotra is a potent hymn that encapsulates the formidable energy and protective grace of Lord Bhairava. By chanting this stotra with devotion and sincerity, devotees can invoke Bhairava’s blessings, gaining protection, courage, and spiritual wisdom. Embrace the transformative power of Bhairava and let his divine energy guide you on your spiritual journey, helping you overcome challenges and achieve inner peace.
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