Shiva Tandava Stotram — Word-by-Word Meaning

From the dense forest of his matted locks, the holy Ganga flows and purifies. Around his neck hangs a lofty garland of serpents. With the damaru drum sounding dam-dam-dam, he performs the fierce cosmic dance — may Lord Shiva bestow auspiciousness upon us. The celestial river Ganga whirls and twirls amidst his matted hair, adorning his crown with playful waves. His forehead blazes with sacred fire. My devotion grows every moment for the Lord who wears the crescent moon. He whose mind delights in the playful grace of Parvati, daughter of the mountain king, whose fame spreads across all directions — may my mind find joy in that Lord who is clad in the directions themselves, who removes insurmountable difficulties with a single merciful glance. The hood-gems of the tawny serpents in his matted hair cast a glow like kadamba flowers and vermillion upon the faces of the celestial maidens. May that wondrous Lord of all beings, draped in elephant hide, delight my mind.