About Nandi The Bull: Lord Shiva Vehicle

Introduction

Nandi, according to a Siddhantic tradition, was is the chief guru of the eight disciples of Nandinatha Sampradaya, namely, Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada, Patanjali, and Sivayoga Muni, who were sent in eight different directions, to spread the wisdom. The Chamites of Vietnam believe that when they die, Nandi will come and take his soul to India.

The word Nandi comes from the Tamil root word Nandhu, which means to grow or appear. In the Sanskrit word nandi, the divine guardian of Shiva-Nandigan has the same meaning. The worship of Shiva and Nandi can be traced back to the Indus Valley civilization. There are many bull-seals found in Harappa and Mohenjo daro, which indicate that the practice of worshipping the god has been around for thousands of years.

Physical Traits

The white colour of the bull represents purity and justice. The seated bull at the centre of the sanctum in a Shiva temple is a symbol of the individual jiva that should be focused on the Parameswara. He is described as a zoo-anthropomorphic form with the head of a bull and four hands. In his mount form, he is depicted as a seated bull.

Family

It is believed that the sage, known as Shilada, bestowed upon him the name Nandi after having undergone severe penance for having a child born with the blessings of Lord Shiva. He was also born with a body made out of diamonds.

Other Names

It has been suggested that the name Nandi was developed as a syncretism of various regional beliefs. In ancient texts, the name was often used for an anthropomorphic door-keeper named Kailasha.

Powers and Abilities

Nandi is believed to be immortal and is the head of all of Lord Shiva’s followers, the Ganas. He is also believed to be the leader of all animals in some stories.

Modern Day Influence

Most Shaivite temples have a depiction of a bull-headed figure known as Nandi, who is one of the chief attendants of Lord Shiva. In other words, statues of him are often confused with images of the deity. The respect shown to the bull in India is partly due to its association with the god, Shiva. In places such as Varanasi, bulls are allowed to roam the streets and are branded with the god’s insignia.