KarmaVaani
Shaiva tradition
नन्दीNandi
Nandikeshvara · Nandishvara · Shailadi
Shiva's bull and the gatekeeper of Kailasa, who sits facing every Shiva shrine.
- Abode
- Mount Kailasa
- Vahana
- He is himself the vahana of Shiva
- Colour
- White
Nandi is the white bull who carries Shiva and guards the gate of Kailasa. The Shiva Purana tells that he was born to the sage Shilada after long austerity and, learning he would die young, won Shiva's favour by his devotion and was made chief of the ganas. A stone Nandi sits in front of every Shiva temple, gazing steadily at the linga; devotees whisper their wishes into his ear. As Nandikeshvara he is also honoured as a teacher of music and dance.
Mantra
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे चक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि। तन्नो नन्दिः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Chakratundaya Dhimahi, Tanno Nandih Prachodayat
The Nandi Gayatri: we know the Supreme Person and meditate on him; may Nandi inspire us.
How Nandi is shown
A white humped bull lying with his forelegs folded, facing the sanctum; as Nandikeshvara, a four-armed attendant with a bull's head.
- Steady gaze at the linga
- The mind fixed on the divine, the model for every devotee.
- Bell around the neck
- Readiness at the gate of the Lord.
- Folded forelegs
- Patience and waiting in devotion.
Stories
The son of Shilada
The sage Shilada prayed for a son who would never die. Shiva granted him Nandi, but seers foretold the boy would live only a short life. Nandi went to the river and chanted Shiva's name until the god appeared, embraced him, hung a garland round his neck and made him immortal, his own vehicle and lord of all his hosts.
