Nandi (mythical bull)
Nandi is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, recognized primarily as the steed and devoted companion of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Typically depicted as a large white bull, Nandi serves as the gatekeeper to Shiva's abode, and statues of him are customarily placed at the entrances of Shiva temples, where devotees seek his blessings before entering. His mythology is rich and varies across different narratives, often highlighting his unwavering devotion to Shiva.
One popular story recounts how Nandi was born to a sage named Shilada, who prayed for a son. Impressed by Shilada's devotion, Shiva granted him Nandi, who eventually became a divine being, embodying loyalty and sacrifice. Nandi is also associated with the themes of purity and justice, represented by his white coat, and he is believed to be the guardian of animals and a symbol of fertility.
In contemporary worship, Nandi is often seen alongside Shiva and Parvati in temple sculptures and is revered in his own right, with dedicated temples existing in various locations across India. Devotees believe that whispering their wishes into Nandi's ear can bring them good fortune, further emphasizing his role as a spiritual intermediary. Through these practices, Nandi continues to represent the transformative power of faith and devotion in Hindu tradition.
Subject Terms
Nandi (mythical bull)
Nandi is a character in Hindu mythology that is best known as the steed (or vahana) of Shiva, one of the most important gods in the Hindu faith. Nandi is usually portrayed as a large white bull and the gatekeeper of Shiva's home. As such, a statue of Nandi is often placed in front of temples dedicated to Shiva, and worshippers are encouraged to seek Nandi's blessing before entering.
Physical Appearance
As with many Hindu deities, Nandi has several physical forms, though he is usually shown as a white bull. Many modern reproductions of Nandi show him as lacking genitalia. However, historically, Nandi was depicted with his scrotum intact to demonstrate his virility and status as a bull rather than as a castrated steer or female cow. In his humanoid form, Nandi is shown as having the head of a bull and the body of a human male.
Mythology
The mythology of Nandi is complex, and he is featured in many stories, most of which show Nandi's devotion to Shiva, his master. The best-known tales concern his origins—but the details often depend on who is telling the story. In most versions, a wise mystic named Shilada (sometimes spelled Shilad or Salankayana) is childless, but devoted to Shiva. Shilada longs for a son and begins to pray to Shiva. He continues to pray for a thousand years, through much suffering. Shiva is very impressed with his piety and dedication, so he appears before Shilada and grants his request for a son. Soon a child appears that Shilada names "Nandi," in honor of the joy he has brought. Shilada teaches Nandi about the Vedas (a series of holy Hindu texts), the arts, and medicine.
One day, Shilada and Nandi are visited by two Hindu deities to whom they show great respect. In return, they ask for the gods' blessings. While the deities tell Shilada that he has many years left to live, they sadly inform him that Nandi does not. When he hears this news, Shilada becomes very upset, until Nandi reminds him of Shiva's powers. Nandi prays to Shiva, and his faith is so strong that Shiva appears immediately. When Shiva hears Nandi's request for more time with Shilada, Shiva turns him into a half-man, half-bull to serve as his companion. Nandi is overjoyed, and he and his father leave with Shiva to serve him forever.
In another tale, the serpent Vasuki spills the poison of human karma and misery out of his body. If this poison touches the Hindu gods, they may lose their immortality, so they shrink back at the sight of it. Shiva is the only god who can touch the poison without worry, so he tries to drink it all to spare his fellow gods. However, several drops escape his grasp, and Nandi immediately swallows them. Nandi not only survives but also suffers no ill effects, which amazes the other gods. When asked how this was possible, Shiva explains that Nandi's devotion to him is so great that he shares his immortal power. Nandi is usually depicted as Shiva's most loyal follower: a model of devotion and sacrifice. Nandi is meant to be viewed as a symbol of the power of having faith in Shiva.
With Vishnu and Brahman, Shiva is part of a trinity of gods in Hindu mythology called the Trimurti. The principles behind the Trimurti are complicated, but its three representations are considered distinct and yet still linked as one. Together, they embody the cycle of the universe and of life itself. Brahman is portrayed as the creator, Vishnu as the maintainer, and Shiva as Lord Shiva, the Destroyer. Despite the seemingly negative meaning of the term "destroyer," in Hinduism it is intended to represent a sense of rebirth or transformation rather than a damaging force. Nandi's own rebirth from a child into an immortal bull can be viewed as an example of Shiva's transformative power.
Nandi has other mythological associations as well. According to legend, only those Hindu devotees who have conquered desire and achieved enlightenment are able to ride Nandi. His white coat also represents his symbolic power as a force of purity and justice—divine aspects that are in line with his presentation as a purely benevolent deity. As the leader of Shiva's followers, Nandi is also associated with fertility and is the guardian of all four-legged animals. In addition, he is the musician who provides the melody to which Shiva does the tandava dance of cosmic creation.
Contemporary Worship
Nandi is most often seen today as one of a set of statues, along with Shiva and his wife Parvati, that are placed in front of temples of Shiva. The statue of Nandi is often placed on a separate pavilion, so he can gaze eternally in adoration of his master and his temple. Good fortune is said to come to those who whisper into Nandi's ear before entering a temple of Shiva.
Although he is closely tied to his master, Nandi is also celebrated in his own right and has many temples dedicated exclusively to his worship. These temples include the Dodda Ganesha Gudi Temple in Bangalore, Karnataka, and the Nandi Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Eric Bullard
Bibliography
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Ray, Sudipta. "Significance of Nandi Bull in Religion." Metaphysics Knowledge. Abhishek Solutions Group. Web. 4 Dec. 2015. http://www.metaphysics-knowledge.com/miscellaneous/significance-of-nandi-bull-in-religion.html/
Williams, George Mason. "Nandi." In Handbook of Hindu Mythology. 220-1. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.