Nandi , the bull is the Vahan of Lord Shiva. Nandi is Lord Shiva’s Vahan, gate keeper of Kailasha- abode of Shiva, companion and head of Shiva’s attendants called as Ganas.
Shiva with Nandi is one of the oldest representations of Hindu religion.Many scholars believe that this representation sprouted from the fact that earlier people wanted a God to protect their cattle which were the most important wealth and property in those times.
Who was Nandi:
Nandi has been described as the son of the sage Shilada. Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boon– a child with immortality. With the blessings of Lord Shiva he received Nandi as his son. It is said that Nandi’s body was clad in armour made out of diamonds when he was born. Nandi grew as an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and he did penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as his mount.
Nandi got the divine-knowledge of Agamic and Tantric wisdom taught by Shiva from Goddess Parvati. The white colour of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi towards sanctum in Shiva temples represents an individual ‘jiva’ or soul. The message is that the jiva should always be focused on the Parmeshwara or Lord Shiva. The bull is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs, which represent Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (peace) and Prema(love). From the yogic perspective Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute.
History:
The worship of Shiva and Nandi can even be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. The famous Pasupati Seal depicts a seated figure, which is usually identified as Shiva. There were many bull-seals found in Mohenjodaro and Harappa. It led to conclusion of the researchers that Nandi worship has been a long standing tradition for many thousands of years in India.
There are three qualities of Nandi the Bull -strength, load bearing capacity and virility. Nandi or bull has been used by earlier people in farming and other related activities. Nandi as a Vahan to Lord Shiva connected him with common people who used bull for transportation too. In South India it is believed that if a devotee whisper his wish in Nandi’s ear, his wish also fulfills.
