Mantra Cafe 2/3/16

This week we begin our deep dive into the Shiva Tandava Stotram, a hymn purportedly written in praise of Shiva by the notorious rakshasa Ravana, which goes to show that even the shadow ultimately serves the Light. 

As we begin to unravel the beauty and complexity of this mantra we drop into the story of the origins of the River Ganga and her descent to earth. We learn of the importance of perseverance to overcome all odds and that the Divine will be answered when called, no matter what other ideas one might have!

Join us as we begin this exploration, an offering from our hearts to yours!

jaṭā ṭavī galajjala pravāha pāvitasthale

gale valambya lambitāṃ bhujaṅga tuṅga mālikām |

DamaD DamaD DamaD Daman ninādava Damar vayaṃ

cakāra caṇDa tānDavaṃ tanotu naḥ śivaḥ śivam || 1 ||

 

jaṭā kaṭā hasam bhrama bhraman nilim panir jharī-

-vilo lavī civallarī virāja māna mūrdhani |

dhagad dhagad dhagajjvalallalā ṭapaṭṭa pāvake

kiśora candra śekhare ratiḥ pratik ṣaṇaṃ mama || 2 ||