Unveiling the Mystique: Exploring the Sacred Significance of Nandi, the Divine Bull
Many people in today's world know Nandi as the bull in front of Lord Shiva. Nandi Devar was also called Vahanam or vehicle of Lord Shiva. Nandi can withstand the three-eye power of Lord Shiva. He is also known as the closest abode and personal bodyguard of Lord Shiva. He is an expert in playing drums and plays an important role during Pradosham (a sacred time to pray to Lord Shiva). But there are always two faces to a coin. Did you ever think that Nandi is a Bull, a Man, or even a Bull man?
In this article, we are going to discuss who Nandi is, what he has done, and how he became a close abode of Lord Shiva.
Interesting Notes: It is believed that “During Pradosham, Shiva dances in the head of Nandi”.
Who Is Nandi?
We cannot be sure about the past. But ancient scripts from the great sage Agathiyar say that “Nandi is one ancestor of the Siddha way of life and the guru of Ashta (8) Siddhas, which includes Patanjali Siddhar.” So, it is clear that Nandi is one of the Siddhars who attained supreme power and reached Lord Shiva himself.
"Nandham" in Tamil means growing love and a person who is always happy. So, it is clear that Nandi is a Siddhar who has growing love towards Lord Shiva and is always happy.
Interesting Notes: Nandi is called Adhikara Nandhi, which means a person who has supreme power over all devotees of Shiva.
Early Life Of Nandi Devar:
Once there lived a Siddhar called Silathamunivar and his wife Chitravathi who were without children. So, Silathamunivar prayed to Lord Shiva for a son. Shiva said, "You will find a baby in the forest, adopt him, and raise him as your son." One day Silathamuniar found Nandi as a baby in the forest. He named him Nandi and educated him with dharma & other scriptures.
Interesting Notes: It is believed that “Nandi married Suyamprabha (granddaughter of Vashistar) also known as Kundalini.”
Devotion For Shiva:
During Nandi’s seventh birthday, an old sage told Silathamunivar that his son would die. So, Silathamunivar asked Nandi to meditate on Lord Shiva. Nandi meditated on Lord Shiva for months, and finally, Shiva appeared in front of him and asked what he wanted. He said, “Nandi says that he wants to meditate on his name throughout his life.” Shiva was happy that Nandi didn’t ask for eternal life but wanted his blessing for meditation. Shiva makes Nandi one of his sons and personal bodyguards.
Interesting Facts: Lord Shiva is prayed to not only by humans but also by all species.
Conclusion:
Nandi Devar is known for his teaching of alchemy and medicines. He is a direct disciple of Lord Shiva and learned from him. He is one of the ancestors who taught the Siddha way of life. His life taught us that with growing love for God, we can attain the destiny of our life. Sivayanama - Mandirams depiction is Nandi Devar.
Interesting Notes: It is believed that “To get the blessing of Lord Nandi, you should donate food during the Pradosham period.
