Shyamala Dandakamश्यामला दण्डकम्
Devoted to Matangi (Shyamala — Saraswati of the Sri Vidya tradition)
Source: Mahakavi Kalidasa — composed (by tradition) when the goddess granted him speech
Transliteration
Maanikya-veenaam-upalaalayanteem madaalasaam manjula-vaag-vilaasaam | Maahendra-neela-dyuti-komalaangeem Maatanga-kanyaam manasaa smaraami | Chatur-bhuje chandra-kalaa-vatamse kuchonnate kunkuma-raaga-shone | Pundrekshu-paashaa-ankusha-pushpa-baana-haste namaste jagad-eka-maataah
Meaning (English)
I meditate in my mind upon the daughter of Matanga — playing upon the ruby-jewelled veena, languid with bliss, charming in her playful speech, her delicate limbs glowing with the lustre of a sapphire. O four-armed one, adorned with the crescent moon, holding in your hands the sugarcane bow, the noose, the goad, and the five flower-arrows — salutations to you, sole Mother of the universe. The dandakam is Kalidasa's own gratitude after Shyamala (Matangi) gave him poetry.
Benefits (Phal)
The supreme prayer for the gift of poetry, music, learning, and persuasive speech — recited by every Carnatic and Hindustani musician of South India before performance. Removes stammering and shyness in public speaking. Considered the Saraswati upasana of the Sri Vidya kula.
When to Chant
Brahmamuhurta; Vasant Panchami; every Friday; before any performance, exam or speech; Saraswati Puja on Navaratri.
How to Chant
Sit facing east; sphatika mala; full dandakam (~30 lines including the dhyana shloka) ~6 minutes; rhythmic chanting at the natural dandaka metre; offer white flowers and a sugar offering to the instrument.
Book a pandit for Shyamala Dandakam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.