Nandi: Story Of Sacred Bull Of Lord Shiva

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The holy bull Nandi is dedicated in the shape of a statue in Hindu Shiva temples because he is the vahana and gatekeeper of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. In these temples, the statue of Nandi is typically positioned in front of the door, facing the altar.

This revered bull represents the Shiva bhakta. Nandi is occasionally seen as a zoomorphic representation of Shiva. Bulls are regarded as vahanas, or sacred vehicles, because of the venerated Nandi.

The Nandi bull is depicted in all its magnificence with decorations that sparkle with the fire of a thousand suns, three eyes, and a trident carried in its hand in one of the Shaiva Upapuranas named Saura Purana. Similar to the second Shiva, he possesses four arms.

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Story of Nandi’s Birth

Nandi is the son of Kashyapa and Surabhi, claims the Vayu Purana. Other Puranas claim that Nandi was the son of the sage Shilada, given to him by Shiva, or that he emerged from Vishnu’s right side and was given to the sage Salankayana as a son.

Numerous Vedic writings attribute the creation of Nandi to the great sage Shilada’s desire for an immortal kid. To have such a son, the wise sage undertook several penances, prayers, and acts of contrition. Indra, the most potent Vedic God, heard him and came to earth. According to what he learnt from the wise man, he want to locate a child who is strong, immortal, and powerful and whose power is genuinely limitless.

The great Lord Shiva is the only one who can grant this wish, Indra said. Shiva then received a heartfelt prostration from Shilada and consented to help him realise his ambition. The sage completed the sacred fire ceremony under God’s guidance (Yagya). A young child emerged from the flame in front of his eyes. The youngster who was born in such an unusual fashion was blessed by the gods who arrived, prompting the “father” to name the child Nandi.

Nandi the Bull

Nandi was brought home by Shilada, who also gave him instructions, lots of love, care, and education. Nandi first learned about all the sacred texts and scriptures when he was 7 years old. Lord Varuna and Mitra visited Nandi one day to bless it, but they didn’t appear content. God explained to Shilada that Nandi would not live long and would pass away at the age of eight.

Nandi was informed by a distraught Shilada who was in pain. When Nandi could no longer bear his father’s suffering, he started to pray to Lord Shiva. When the Almighty God saw how devoted he was, he gave the Nandi a bell-adorned collar, transforming him into a hybrid of man and bull. Additionally, he granted immortality to the young Nandi and made him the leader and guide of the Shiva Gana (Helper of Lord Shiva). Shilada and Nandi relocated to Lord Shiva’s house and spent the rest of their lives there.

Also Read – Vahanas – Hindu Gods and Goddesses’ Rides

The Curse of Parvati and Nandi

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were once seen rolling dice in front of Nandi. Despite the fact that the goddess was clearly the victor, Nandi declared that the deity had triumphed out of devotion to Shiva.

Parvati cursed him in wrath. Nandi requested that the curse be lifted and claimed that his actions were motivated by his love to his Lord. Nandi may be freed from the curse, according to Parvati, provided he loved her son, Lord Ganesha.

They assured Nandi that if he offered Lord Ganesha his favourite things and paid homage to the god on his birthday, the curse would be lifted. In Chaturdashi, the Hindu holy month of Bhadrapada, Nandi worshipped Lord Ganesha and offered him green grass as atonement.

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Nandi’s sacrifice for his Lord

Another tale claims that the serpent king Vasuki was used as a rope during the Samudra Manthan, the ocean churning. Vasuki released his poison, sparing the gods and demons involved in the churning, and Lord Shiva ingested it.

The throat of Lord Shiva turned blue, and some poison leaked from his mouth. Nandi ingested the poisoned spill in order to save Lord Shiva. To everyone’s surprise, Nandi survived the poison, and even the gods and demons were astounded by his immense strength and Lord Shiva’s protection.

Symbolism

Additionally, he serves as the head of the Ganas, Shiva’s slaves, and the protector of all four-legged animals.

The bull god Nandi is bestowed with a variety of abilities. He is the leader of the 18 Siddhars in Hinduism and the guardian of dharma, or justice. It is believed that he bestows blessings.

Nandi stands for purity, justice, faith, understanding, fortitude, and honour. In order for Lord Shiva to execute the Tandava, or dance of cosmic creation, he provides the music. According to the Brihaddharma Purana, Nandi defeated the elephant-demon Airavata while serving as Lord Shiva’s army’s commander.

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