\ What Is the Significance of Nandi? *LEGEND:*
Nandi (Sanskrit: नन्दि), is the bull vahana of the Hindu *god Shiva* <https://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/brass/shiva/>, meaning happiness, joy, and satisfaction. He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated humped, white Nandi, reclining on a raised platform generally facing the main shrine continuously staring at the god. *Nandi* <https://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/brass/shiva/nandi/> is one of Shiva’s chief attendants, occasionally depicted in sculpture as a bull-headed figure. Nandi is also discerned in an entire human form as Nandikeshwara or Nandideva, such sculptured forms are found at the entrance door of many Shaivite temples in South India, and are frequently confused with images of the deity because they are alike in such iconographic features as the third eye, crescent moon in the matted locks, and four arms, two of which hold the battle-axe and an antelope. However, a distinguishing feature is that Nandi’s hands are pressed together in adoration. Nandi got the divine knowledge of Agamic and Tantric wisdom taught by Shiva, from the *goddess Parvati* <https://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/brass/goddess/parvati/>. He is considered the chief guru of eight disciples of Nandinatha Sampradaya, namely Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada, Patanjali, and Sivayoga Muni. These eight disciples were sent in eight different directions of the world by Nandi, to spread this knowledge. *SIGNIFICANCE* : In the temple, we always see Nandi sitting and glaring attentively in front of the *Shiva Linga <https://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/brass/shiva/shiva-linga/>.* · The Truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol of the Almighty Supreme Shiva, Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of Jeeva (Individual Soul). · Nandi sitting before Shiva Linga signifies that a human being should turn away from Prakruthi and direct all his attention toward God only, that the jiva should always be focused on the Parameshwara. · The bull is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs, representing · Sathya (Truth), · Dharma (Righteousness), · Shanti (peace) and · Prema (Love). It is only through these four that Mukti or Enlightenment can be attained and the soul could finally merge into the Supreme Soul. This is the purpose and the goal of human birth. · Nandi signifies and conveys the meaning that the purpose of life is to realize the oneness of all creation and one's identity with the Divinity. · Suggests seeing God in everything and loving every creation of God. · The goal of life is God-realisation. · To achieve divine Consciousness is the aim of life. · Nandi also symbolizes that no one should stand between Shiva Linga and Nandi. The purpose of a human being is to realize God and there should be no distraction in this process. · In life's journey, human beings generally get distracted. One should have perfect control of Gyan-Indriyas and Karm-Indriyas. · The white color of Nandi bull symbolizes purity and justice. >From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb the light, experience, and wisdom is Nandi, which is the guru within. Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” is the sacred bull of the Hindu god Shiva, one of the most important *Hindu gods* <https://www.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/hindu/>. When the world becomes evil, Shiva destroys it to make way for beneficial change. Nandi is Shiva’s animal form, his means of transportation, and his most ardent worshiper. Sacred animals served as vahanas, or mounts for Hindu deities to travel on. Shiva and Nandi's association with Hindu scriptures and art can be traced to very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation, thus explaining the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull. · Vahanas symbolize or complement the energy or character of their deity. · Nandi is also believed to promote fertility; · A youthful Nandi is shown licking his muzzle in an engaging gesture of rapt devotion to Shiva. Hindu gods are usually depicted as being sixteen years old (sixteen being four times four, a number signifying perfection). Nandi is always shown as a young bull, his horns not fully developed. Nandi is a Brahman bull, the male zebu, or Indian ox. Brahman bulls have a hump on their back, horns, and a dewlap (a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck). Nandi is the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle (vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. Sculptures of Nandi are a common sight at Hindu temples dedicated to his master, and he is partly responsible for the Hindu reverence for living bulls even today. *Is It Good To Keep Nandi Statue At Home? <https://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/is-it-good-to-keep-nandi-statue-at-home/>* *How To Please Or Gratify Nandi?* Nandi the bull is a deity conferred with many powers. He is the protector of Dharma and the chief of the team of Ganas, or attendants of the gods. In Hinduism, Nandi is considered as the chief of 18 Siddhas and therefore, the granter of boons. · Nandi statue is placed facing Shivalingam on the west side. A devotee should worships the Shivalingam standing by the side of the Nandi statue and facing the Shivalingam. · So, A simple Nandi Puja should be performed by · bathing Him with Gangajal (Ganges Water), · rinsing with perfume, wiping dry, · and applying sandalwood paste, · Offer incense and lamp. · As Nandi is loyal to Lord Shiva, once you chant ‘*Om Namah Shivaya’*, Nandi is bound to bless you too. *UNIQUENESS:* *Meditation :* · He is in meditative form – simply sitting and waiting aptly. · Nandi is a symbol of eternal waiting. · He is not expecting Shiva to come out tomorrow or some other day. · He will wait forever. · That quality is the essence of receptiveness. And that is why Nandi is Shiva’s closest accomplice. · Before you go into a temple, you must have the quality of Nandi – to simply sit. · So, just by sitting here, he is telling you, “When you go in, don’t do your fanciful and bizarre acts. Don’t ask for this or that. Just go and sit like me.” · His waiting is a meditation – just sitting. That’s his message for you. Simply go inside and sit. Alert, not sleepy. · Meditation means you are willing to just listen to the existence, to the ultimate nature of creation. You have nothing to say, you simply listen. That is the quality of Nandi – He is not sleepy or sitting passively. He is sitting very actively, full of alertness and life, but with no expectation or anticipation. That is meditation. Just waiting, not for anything in particular. · If you just wait without doing your own thing, your simple existence will do it. Once you are simply there, you become aware of the larger dimension of existence, which is always in action. You become aware that you are a part of it. But becoming aware that “I am a part of it” is meditativeness. Nandi is the symbolism of that. He reminds everyone, “You must sit like me.” · Waiting is considered the greatest virtue in Indian culture. · As a symbol of Shiva, the Nandi represents power, energy, vitality, joy, and delight, as well as a controlled potential for destructiveness. · When carved as a free-standing figure, the Nandi is always shown in a resting position that emphasizes the calmer aspect of its power. · The statue of Nandi is seen first. Nandi symbolizes the Aasan, which is, to be firmly seated in one place and posture. · Nandi gazes up at the murti of Lord Shiva. Similarly, the devotee should be perfectly still in an Aasan. · Nandi also symbolizes Dharma (Religion), underlining the fact that the goal of religion should be Shiva, i.e; salvation. *FINALE:* Whatever devotees bring their problems to Lord Shiva, Nandi stops them there. By no means allows disrupting the penance of Lord Shiva. The devotees, therefore, speak in the ears of Nandi and when Shiva comes out of penance, Nandi conveys all the things which he had heard from the devotees to Shiva. Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada. He underwent severe penance to have a boon– a child with immortality and blessings of Lord Shiva and received Nandi as his son. Legends say that Nandi was born from a Yajna performed by the Shilada. Nandi grew as an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and he performed severe penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as his mount, on the banks of river Narmada, near Tripur Tirth Kshetra in present-day Nandikeshwar Temple, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. {How people could think and research} KR IRS 8124 On Mon, 8 Jan 2024 at 09:28, 'venkat giri' via iyer123 < [email protected]> wrote: > *Respected Sir/s,* > > SUBJECT: CULTURAL QA 12-2023-6A > > Q1: Why is Nandi outside the Shiva temple? > > A1: Nandi *नन्दि* also known as Nandikeshvara or Nandideva or Basava *ಬಸವ* > *,* is the bull vahana (mount) of the Hindu god Shiva. He is also the > guardian deity of KALASH, the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples > display stone-images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. > Nandi > is one of Shiva's chief attendants and occasionally is depicted in > sculpture as a bull-headed dwarf figure. Nandi is also known in a wholly > anthropomorphic (having human characteristics. ...*மானுடவியல்**)* form, > called variously Nandikeshvara or ADHIKARANANDI. > > Most Shaivite temples have the figure of a humped white bull > reclining on a raised platform and facing the entrance door of the shrine > so that he may perpetually gaze on the GOD. Usually a distinguishing > feature is that Nandi’s hands are pressed together in adoration. > > Nandi, which means *“Giving Delight” or “Giving Joy,”* is the sacred > bull of the Hindu god Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. When > the world becomes evil, Shiva destroys it to make way for beneficial > change. Nandi is Shiva's animal form, his means of transportation, and his > most ardent worshiper. > > The Truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol of the Almighty > Supreme, Shiva Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of JEEVA (Individual Soul). > Nandi sitting before *SHIVA LINGA* signifies that a human being should > turn away from Prakruthi*प्रकृति* and direct all his attention towards > GOD ONLY. > > The *BULL *is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs, which > represent Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (peace), and Prema > (Love). It is only through human birth that the (Love), Supreme > Experience which we call it as MUKTI or Enlightenment can be attained and > the individual soul can finally merge into the Supreme Soul. This is the > purpose and the goal of human birth. > > Nandi sitting and always looking at God signifies and > conveys the meaning that the purpose of life is to realize the oneness of > all creation and one's identity with the Divinity. See God in everything > and love every creation of God. The goal of life is God-realization. To > become divine is the aim of life. The purpose of human birth is to achieve > Divine Consciousness. > > Nandi symbolically reminds everyone, “You must sit like me.” The > Nandi at the Dhyanalinga in the Isha Ashram is made of small pieces of > metal, each one not more than six to nine inches in size, put together to > form the surface. Inside, it is filled with sesame seeds, turmeric, > vibhuti the sacred ash, certain types of oils, some sand, and certain other > types of soil. The whole concoction has been prepared in a certain way. > This makes the Nandi radiate a certain field of energy. > > Confidential Prayers: It is believed that Nandi is a symbol of loyalty > and devotion. Devotees may whisper their prayers or wishes into Nandi's > ears, treating it like a trusted friend to whom they can express their > innermost thoughts. This practice allows individuals to convey personal and > confidential prayer. > > The respect shown the bull in modern India is partly because of > his association with Shiva. In Hindu cities such as VARANASI in Uttar > Pradesh state, certain bulls are given the freedom to roam the streets. They > are considered to belong to the god, and they are branded on the flank with > the trident insignia of Shiva. > > THE STORY: > > A great white bull is seen seated waiting in most Shiva > temples, facing lord Shiva or the Lingam. His name is Nandi. The name > means happy, joy and satisfaction. He is the closest bhakti, devotee, of > Lord Shiva. > > This is his story. > > There was a rishi by name of Shilada. He wanted to groom a child, > but no ordinary child. *He did tapas (meditation), for many years that a > termite hill grew around him and he was almost reduced to his bones.* > Lord Shiva was pleased and he gave him a boon for the eternal child. He > also restored his body to his original form. > > Next day, Shilada was ploughing his field, where he found a > baby. The baby was glowing bright. He was not sure what to do with the > baby, when he heard a heavenly voice *“This is your child, raise him > well”.* The baby was a boy. Shilada named him Nandi. Nandi was bright and > devoted to Lord Shiva. He learned the Vedas, shashtra and ashtra*(* > *அஸ்திரம்* *)*in rishi Shilada’s hermitage. *He was very bright and > learnt fast.* > > Few years later, two sages by name of MITRA and VARUNA visited > the hermitage. Nandi was put to take care of them. They were very satisfied > and blessed them while leaving. The sages blessed rishi Shilada of dirghayu > *धीर्गायु**:*, of long life. They blessed Nandi of yashashvii *यशस्वी*, > of being celebrated. Shilada being a father was worried that the sage did > not bless his son of long life. He questioned the sages, and Mitra told him > that his son did not have a long life, thus he could not bless him so. > > Seeing a worried father, Nandi said “*If I am destined to > die, Lord Shiva can change it. He is the most powerful. He will never let > down his devotee. I will do tapa and reverse my fate. Bless me in my > pursuit”.* He went into the river Bhuvana to do his penance. > > Nandi’s tapa was so strong, that Shiva appeared almost instantaneously > before him. Shiva offered him a boon, and Nandi asked for “I wish to be > with you always”. > > Shiva blessed Nandi and said, “I am looking for a bull for my > vaahana, to travel. You will get the face of a bull, stay with me at my > abode Kailash, be my companion, my mount and my friend. You will be a > leader of my GANA”. > > Shiva’s son Ganesh was the lord of the GANA, and thus his name > GANAPATI. Nandi was their leader and commander, and called GANANAYAK. > > During sagar manthan, the great ocean was churned to > take out AMRIT, the eternal elixir sought by both devas and asuras. The > first thing that came out was Halahal, the cloud of poison that > threatened the survival of all living including gods and celestial beings. > Everyone ran hither and thither, and ultimately reached Kailash*. To > protect the world, Lord Shiva collected the poison in his open palm and > swallowed it.* Goddess Parvati, his wife and consort, panicked and > clutched Shiva's throat so that the poison do not enter the body. Thus, > the poison was stored in his throat, giving Shiva names of Neelkanth, one > with a blue throat, and Vishkantha, the one with poison throat. In this > melee, some of the Halahal dropped from his palm. Nandi was nearby, and > seeing his master drink it, quickly gathered it and drank it before it fell > on earth. The august gathering was shocked that what would happen, but > nothing happened to Nandi. Shiva calmed everyone and told the gathering > that “Nandi is my greatest devotee, surrendered to me completely and has > my power and protection”. > > After the sagar manthan, Shiva had difficulty concentrating in d > > Dhyanam, his meditation. His throat was always burning by the Halahal that > was stuck there. He ordered Nandi to sit in front of him and blow air on > to his throat. The air blown relieved him of the burning sensation. From > thereon, lord Shiva meditated with the help of Nandi. Till today, you will > find Nandi seated in front of Shiva in all temples, waiting patiently for > his master’s next command. Also, it is said that one should never stand > in front of Nandi, that is one should never come in between Shiva and > Nandi, as it disturbs Shiva’s meditation. And if one needs to take a look > at Shiva, look at him through the space between his ears. > > > > Once Siva and Parvathi were playing a game of dice. Nandi was > the umpire. Although Siva lost the game, Nandi declared him the winner. > Parvathi was outraged over Nandi's partiality for Siva and cursed him that > he should die from an incurable disease. Thereupon Nandi fell at the feet > of Parvathi and pleaded for forgiveness, as he could not see his master > loose and it would have been humiliating to declare his master has lost. It > was in gratitude to one’s master that he uttered a lie. Parvathi forgave > Nandi and told “Offer my son Ganesh on his birthday, Chaturdashi day in > the month of Bhadrapada, something that pleases you most". Nandi thus > worshiped Ganesh by offering green DHURVA Grass, as this was Nandi’s most > relishing food. He was thus redeemed. Ganesh is thus worshiped on this day > to get rid of one’s sin and obstacles. > > Once a delegation of people went to Kailash to seek the > advice of Shiva on how to lead an ideal life. Shiva was busy at that time > and sent Nandi to the delegation to tell “Din main ek bar khao, teen bar > nahao” (Eat once and bathe thrice daily). Nandi joyfully proceeded > towards them and afraid that he might forget, repeated the instruction to > himself. When he stood in front of the delegation he said “Shiva has asked > me to inform you that din main ek bar nahao, teen bar khao (Bathe once and > eat thrice daily)”. The delegation returned happily satisfied and dutifully > followed it. Soon there was a shortage of food. Eventually another > delegation went to Shiva to seek a solution to the new problem. Shiva > understood that Nandi created the problem. He cursed Nandi “You have > created the problem. You will help these people to grow the food they > need”. And from that time, cattles have been paying the eternal price, > being domesticated for agriculture and pulling the plough. > > Nandi got the divine knowledge of Agamic and Tantric wisdom taught by Lord > Shiva from goddess Parvathi. He is considered the chief guru of Nandinath > Sampradaya. He had eight disciples - Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, > Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada, Patanjali and Sivayoga Muni who were > directed to eight directions of the world by Nandi to spread the wisdom of > Shaiva tradition. All Shaivites, the worshiper of Shiva, adore a flag with > the image of Nandi. The white colour of the bull represents purity and > justice. > > Nandi is described with many traits. As a gatekeeper at Kailash, the > abode of Shiva, he is described as adorned with all ornaments, glowing like > a thousand suns, holding a trident in his hand, three-eyed, adorned with a > sliver of the moon, a thunderbolt in his hand, four-armed, like a second > Shiva himself. As a chief Gana, he carries the golden staff of office. As a > musician, he provided the cosmic music when Shiva did the Tandav Nritya, > dance of creation. As a guardian of all four-footed life form, he looks > majestic, muscular and powerful with a bell, clapper and necklace of flower. > > In temple architecture, a seated Nandi is found in the mandapa, outer > hall, of almost all Shiva temples, representing an individual devotee > looking directly at his Parmeshwar, lord, in the Garbhagriha, sanctum > sanctorum. It is a custom for the faithful to whisper in the ears of > Nandi the purpose of the visit, and requesting him to inform the master to > hear the prayer at the opportune time. > > Nandi is a bull and not some oxen or a cow. Bulls are wild and are not > domesticated. They roam free. They are useful only to make cows pregnant to > bear calf and give milk. Farmers would castrate the male calf to make them > oxen and use them as draft animals to pull the plough or cart. Even > today, a village will only have one or two bulls, which roams the streets > and temples. Bull cannot be used for any other work. The bull Nandi is > representative of life energy, virility, springing of life. > > BULL TEMPLE: > > The BULL TEMPLE, also known as NANDI TEMPLE is one of the oldest > temples in the city of Bengaluru. The temple is popularly called as 'Dodda > Basavana Gudi' *ದೊಡ್ಡ ಬಸವನ ಗುಡಿ* by the locals *and is the biggest temple > dedicated to Nandi in the world.* Nandi, the bull, is the mount or > 'vahana' of Lord Shiva and the guardian deity of Lord Shiva's abode, > Kailashagiri; according to Hindu traditions. This temple is every Shiva > devotee's must-visit destination because Nandi holds great importance to > Lord Shiva. > > The architectural style of the Bull Temple is mainly Dravidian and > was constructed by Kempe Gowda. It is believed that the origin of the river > VRISHABHAVATI is at the feet of Nandi. The entire sculpture of the bull > is carved out of one single granite rock. The statue is 4.5 meters high > and 6.5 meters long. Coconut oil, butter and 'Benne' *ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ* *BUTTER* are > regularly applied to this statue. This had led to the originally grey > statue to turn black. > > On the premises of the BULL TEMPLE, there is also a beautiful temple > of Ganesh, the beloved son of Lord Shiva. An interesting fact about this > temple is that the statue of Lord Ganesh is made entirely of butter! It > takes about 110 kilos of butter to make this artistic statue, and a new > statue is made every four years. What is really astonishing and > noteworthy is that in the four-year tenure of each butter sculpture, the > butter doesn't melt or change shape even once. The butter that makes the > statue of the deity is then distributed to the devotees as prasad. > > Each year in the Hindu month of Karthika last MONDAY, the temple > hosts at BAAVANGUDI in Bengaluru;the famous 'Kadalekai Parishe' *ಕಡಲೆಕಾಯಿ > ಪರಿಷೆ* (Groundnut Fair) which is attended by hundreds of devotees. > > --------- > > > > Regards > > V.Sridharan > > Trichy > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "iyer123" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/443949092.4939173.1704686273535%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/443949092.4939173.1704686273535%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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