The Devoted Companion of Lord Shiva
In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, is one of the most revered deities. He is considered as the destroyer of evil and the transformer of the universe. Lord Shiva is often depicted as a solitary figure, but there is one companion who has always been by his side – Nandi.
Nandi is a bull and the most devoted devotee of Lord Shiva. He is the chief gana (attendant) of Lord Shiva and the gatekeeper of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Nandi is also considered the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva and is often depicted sitting in front of Lord Shiva’s idol in temples.
The relationship between Lord Shiva and Nandi goes beyond that of a master and a servant. It is a friendship that is based on mutual respect, devotion, and trust. According to Hindu mythology, Nandi was born to a sage named Shilada who had prayed to Lord Shiva for a son. Lord Shiva blessed him with a son who would be the epitome of devotion and loyalty. Nandi was born with a divine purpose to serve Lord Shiva, and he took this responsibility seriously.
Secret Behind How Lord Shiva Born
Nandi’s devotion to Lord Shiva is well known. Legend has it that Nandi once saw a beautiful damsel on his way to Kailash and was mesmerized by her beauty. The damsel was actually Lord Vishnu in disguise. Lord Vishnu wanted to test Nandi’s devotion to Lord Shiva, and so he started walking towards Kailash. Nandi stopped Lord Vishnu and asked him to leave as no one was allowed to enter Kailash without Lord Shiva’s permission. Lord Vishnu revealed his true identity, and Nandi realized his mistake. He apologized to Lord Shiva and asked for forgiveness.
Nandi’s loyalty and devotion have not gone unnoticed. Lord Shiva has often been depicted as sharing his thoughts and feelings with Nandi. Nandi has been known to calm Lord Shiva during his bouts of anger and bring him back to his senses. There are many stories in Hindu mythology that highlight the bond between Lord Shiva and Nandi.
In one of the stories, Lord Shiva was sitting on a hill with Nandi when he heard a group of sages reciting hymns in his praise. Lord Shiva was pleased with their devotion and decided to give them a darshan. However, he asked Nandi to keep a watch at the entrance and not allow anyone to enter while he was away. The sages arrived, but Nandi refused to let them enter. In their anger, the sages cursed Nandi, saying that no one would worship him as they did Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was moved by Nandi’s devotion and declared that whoever worships him would also have to worship Nandi.
Nandi is also considered the embodiment of dharma, or righteousness. He is often depicted as carrying a flag with a symbol of a bull on it, which represents dharma. Nandi is also said to have taught dharma to humans, and his teachings are considered essential for leading a righteous life.
In conclusion, Nandi is not just a friend of Lord Shiva, but a symbol of devotion, loyalty, and righteousness. The bond between Lord Shiva and Nandi is a testament to the importance of friendship and companionship in our lives. Nandi’s teachings and his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva are an inspiration to all of us.
