Shiva and Nandi: A Sacred Bond
The Sanskrit word “Nandi” means giving joy, happiness, patience, satisfaction and contentment. These are the properties of Nandi, the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Mahadev Shiva, and it is also a symbol of eternal waiting. In Indian culture, waiting patiently is regarded as one of the greatest virtues. A person adept at waiting patiently is known to be essentially meditative. Nandi, the sacred bull, does not expect anything from his deity Shiva, nor does he expect his appearance at any time. He neither desires nor has any expectations from Shiva. All he loves doing is waiting forever for his Mahadev. Nandi embodies strength, endurance, and unwavering devotion.
Do you know why Shiva is worshipped in a Linga form? Read here: Why is Shiva Worshipped in Linga Form?
Nandi and His Respectful Place in Hindu Mandir
Whenever we visit a Shiva temple, we always find Nandi by his side. The relationship between Mahadev (Shiva) and Nandi is more than just that of a deity and a devotee; it’s like a father and son, as described in sacred Hindu texts like the Shiva Purana.
Here’s a simple story that tells about this scared bond between Mahadev and his most devoted worshipper.
There was once a rishi named Shilada, a devoted follower of Mahadev. Despite his love for children, he didn’t have any of his own. So, he prayed and performed intense penance to receive a child who would be devoted to Bhagwan Shiva. Impressed by his devotion, Bhagwan Shiva granted him a child. Shilada named the child Nandi and raised him with the utmost love and care.
Nandi grew up to be deeply devoted to Bhagwan Shiva, excelling in education and scripture. Shilada was proud of his son’s devotion and achievements.
A few years later, two rishis named Mitra and Varuna visited Nandi’s home. Nandi warmly welcomed them and served them with great care, as instructed by his father. The rishis were impressed by Nandi’s hospitality and blessed his father, Rishi Shilada, for a long and prosperous life. However, when it came time to bless Nandi, the rishis seemed unhappy and left abruptly.
Shilada, noticing this, asked the Rishis for an explanation. Their response saddened him deeply, as they foretold a grim fate for Nandi. When Shilada shared this with Nandi, expecting him to be distraught, Nandi remained calm and assured his father that devotion to Bhagwan Shiva could change destiny.
Inspired by Nandi’s faith, Shilada blessed him. Nandi then started a penance by the river Bhuvana. Impressed by his dedication, Bhagwan Shiva appeared before Nandi and granted him his lifelong wish: to be with Shiva forever. From that moment on, Nandi became Shiva’s closest companion and his trusted vehicle, serving him faithfully.
In Sanatan Hindu tradition, each god has a significant vehicle, often an endangered or threatened animal, symbolising certain qualities associated with the deity.
Nandi During Samudra Manthan
During the Samudra Manthan, a deadly poison emerged. This poison, catalysed by Cobra Vasuki’s venom, threatened to destroy all three worlds. To save the entire Brahmand from destruction, Mahadev intervened.
With his immense power, Shiva gathered the poison into his hand and drank it. To save her husband, Parvati gripped Shiva’s neck, stopping the poison from entering his body further. The poison spilled from Shiva’s mouth, turning his neck blue and earning him the name “Neelkanth.”
Witnessing this, the Devas and Asuras worried about Nandi, who had consumed the spilled poison. However, Shiva assured them that Nandi, being completely surrendered to him, was protected by his powers.
Moved by Nandi’s devotion, Shiva granted him a boon. Anyone who whispers their prayers into Nandi’s ears can communicate directly with Shiva. According to the Shiv Purana, devotees must first offer prayers to Nandi and his wife, Suyasha, before worshipping Kartikeya, Ganesha, Shiva, and Parvati.
In Hindu belief, Nandi holds immense significance, as even the greatest devotees cannot reach Shiva without his blessings. He is Shiva’s most loyal devotee.
Shiv and Shakti both love their ganas; Nandi is the first and closest to Shiv. That is why any sadhak who takes care of Nandi becomes close to Shiv and travels up the path of yogi very quickly.
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