Sunny Dua
Ravana’s iconic Shiv Tandav Stotram, a Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds a revered place in Indian spiritual heritage. Recognizing the need to make this profound composition accessible to a wider audience, eminent poet and Sahitya Akademi awardee Parkash Premi from Udhampur undertook the monumental task of translating it into Dogri. This is the first time in Duggar history that the Shiv Tandav Stotram has been rendered in Dogri, preserving its original meaning and rhythm while making it comprehensible for the common man. This translation marks a historic milestone in promoting the linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking this effort a step further, noted singer Rakesh Jamwal lent his soulful voice to this masterpiece, bringing it to life in the world of music. It wasn’t just about singing; Rakesh invested immense effort into arranging the music, collaborating with talented artists, and shooting the video at multiple picturesque locations. The result is a stunning audio-visual tribute that resonates deeply with Dogri audiences. Now available on all major social media platforms and music channels, this masterpiece is not just a musical achievement but also a significant step in celebrating and preserving the rich Dogri language and culture.
The Shiva Tandava Stotra is a timeless hymn of unparalleled beauty and devotion, composed by Ravana, the mighty demon king of Lanka. Its origin is steeped in a tale of audacity, penance, and divine grace. Ravana, after vanquishing his half-brother Kubera and seizing the celestial Pushpaka Vimana, encountered an insurmountable force near Mount Kailash. His chariot, halted mid-air, revealed the sacred presence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in their abode. Unyielding and arrogant, Ravana mocked Shiva’s devotee, Nandi, only to incur a curse that foretold his ultimate destruction by the Vanaras. Enraged, Ravana’s hubris drove him to an extraordinary act-attempting to lift the mighty Kailash with his twenty arms. Yet, Shiva, with divine nonchalance, pressed the mountain down with the tip of his toe, pinning Ravana beneath its colossal weight.
Imprisoned under Mount Kailash and writhing in agony, Ravana’s cries filled the heavens, birthing his identity as “Ravana,” the one who roars. His torment turned to devotion, and over a millennium of penance and hymns extolling Shiva’s glory softened the Lord’s heart. Ravana’s soulful praises, which resonated with the cosmos, earned him forgiveness and the boon of the invincible sword Chandrahasa. The hymns he sang in his darkest hour, imbued with both pain and adoration, became the immortal Shiva Tandava Stotra, celebrated for its poetic grandeur and rhythmic intensity. This stotra not only reflects Ravana’s genius but also the profound connection between humility and divine grace.
Today, this celestial hymn finds new life in the Dogri language, marking a historic milestone in Duggar literature. By rendering the ancient verses into Dogri, the mystical essence of the Shiva Tandava Stotra becomes accessible to a broader audience. No longer confined to Sanskrit scholars or musicians, the hymn now resonates with the common people, enriching their daily prayers and spiritual practices. This Dogri adaptation is more than a translation; it is a bridge between the timeless and the contemporary, offering devotees a way to internalize its rhythm and meaning in their mother tongue. It celebrates the cultural legacy of Duggar while preserving the universal message of devotion and surrender that transcends language and time.
The essence and flow of the original Sanskrit version have been preserved beautifully in the Dogri translation by the esteemed poet and Sahitya Academy Prize winner, Sh. Parkash Premi. His monumental effort allows the meaning and rhythm of the Shiva Tandava to reach a wider audience, making this divine hymn relatable to the people of Jammu.
Bringing this vision to life is the soulful voice of Rakesh Jamwal, a passionate singer deeply rooted in his culture and traditions. Balancing a demanding career as a police officer, Rakesh has nurtured his love for music, performing at religious and social events across Jammu and Udhampur. His dedication to both his profession and artistic pursuits showcases his unwavering passion for music. Over the years, he has refined his craft, earning admiration as a cherished figure in the local music scene and breathing life into the Dogri rendition of the Shiva Tandava Stotra.
The video’s visual appeal owes much to the expertise of Ravinder Thakur, whose artistry in makeup transformed performers into striking depictions of Lord Shiva’s energy and the serene devotion of saints. Shot against the stunning backdrop of Jammu’s iconic locations-Bhimgarh Fort, the snow-covered forests of Patnitop, and the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex-the visuals blend the region’s natural beauty with the hymn’s powerful lyrics. The seamless interplay of sacred chants and mesmerizing landscapes creates an immersive experience that connects the divine with Jammu’s rich cultural heritage.
Available on Rakesh’s YouTube channel, “Maa Creations India,” the video opens with the singer dressed as a saint, blowing the Shankh, immediately drawing viewers into the spiritual ambiance. Iconic landmarks, like Bhimgarh Fort and Mubarak Mandi, come alive on screen, interspersed with shots of snow-laden woods. While the video is meticulously produced, some repetitive scenes slightly diminish its creative impact. Adding more diverse clips from the same locations could have elevated the storytelling further. Nevertheless, this project remains a remarkable blend of devotion, culture, and artistry, shining a spotlight on the talent and spirit of Jammu.
The video is a stunning interpretation of the Shiva Tandava Stotra, blending mesmerizing visuals with soulful music to enchant its audience. One unforgettable moment unfolds in the snow-laden woods of Patnitop, where high-velocity winds whip through Rakesh Jamwal’s flowing robes, creating a visual spectacle that gives viewers goosebumps. This scene transports the audience into the spiritual realm of Lord Shiva’s energy. The powerful imagery of Shiva adorned with a serpent around his neck, a garland of skulls, and a trident in hand, performing the cosmic dance, is truly awe-inspiring. The other performers also shine, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
Behind this magnificent creation is the talented team of Dhanjal Films Production, whose efforts have brought the hymn to life. The cast features accomplished artists like Madhu Shivraj, Srodh Jeevan Jasvantraj Sinth, and Zahid Gill, each adding their unique touch to the storytelling. The music captures the sacredness of Shiva’s Tandava, with the pulsating rhythm of the tabla, masterfully played by Varun from the Varun Art Group Jammu, and supported by Piyush, Vikash, Rohit, and Rahul Sharma. Their collective performance enriches the hymn’s spiritual intensity, resonating deeply with listeners.
The video is a blend of modern and ancient looks given to the team led by Rakesh Jamwal who could be seen singing the hymns in his husky voice in the backdrop of Lord Shiva and his disciples/followers doing a rhythmic dance and acrobats leaving audiences spellbound. A dedicated police officer, Jamwal is passionate about music and in his spare time stays glued to Harmonium practicing. Affectionate and popular amongst people, he never compromises with his work and ensures that law and order is implemented in the old city area strictly without disturbing the good citizens.
At the helm of this masterpiece is director H.S. Dhanjal, whose vision and artistry have elevated the video to a captivating work of devotion. His direction seamlessly merges the hymn’s spiritual essence with breathtaking visuals, creating a sensory experience that lingers long after the music ends. The video stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of its creators, offering a profound tribute to the cosmic power and grace of Lord Shiva.
In an interview with Daily Excelsior, Rakesh Jamwal expressed his excitement about the release of the Dogri version of the Shiv Tandav Stotram, calling it a major step in preserving and promoting the Dogri language and culture. He explained that this project makes the ancient Sanskrit hymn more accessible to the people of Jammu by bringing it closer to their native language. Jamwal believes that this initiative will inspire future generations to explore sacred texts and translate them into regional languages, further enriching the cultural heritage of the Duggar region.
Jamwal also discussed the structure of the Shiv Tandav Stotram, describing it as a “Hymn of Praise of Shiva’s Dance.” The hymn is composed in a rhythmic pattern with 16 syllables per line in each verse, alternating between short and long syllables. It follows an iambic octameter style and consists of 17 verses. He highlighted that the ninth and tenth verses focus on Shiva’s many epithets, portraying him as the ultimate destroyer, even of death. The use of alliteration and sound effects adds a powerful and rhythmic beauty to this sacred hymn, making it a masterpiece of devotional poetry.
Jamwal also recognized the immense contributions of Prakash Premi to Dogri literature. Born in 1943 in a small village in Udhampur, Premi has significantly enriched the literary world with his works. A scholar in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Dogri, he has authored over seven books, including collections of short stories, satires, epics, and monographs on eminent Dogri writers. Notable works like Trumban and Ik Kothi Das Duar reflect his deep connection to his roots. Jamwal praised Premi’s dedication to writing in his mother tongue and expressed hope that he will continue creating meaningful works that leave a lasting impact on Dogri literature.
(The writer is senior journalist)
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