How Did Nandi Become Lord Shiva's Vehicle? An Interesting Tale
Almost all deities in Hinduism have an animal mount. Lord Shiva's mount is Nandi. Often, a statue of Nandi, Lord Shiva's vehicle, is placed in front of or outside Shiva temples.
The scriptures also give Nandi a special place. Nandi is not just a vehicle for Lord Shiva; he is a devoted follower, one of his foremost attendants, and a close friend. But have you ever wondered how Nandi became Lord Shiva's vehicle?
Lord Shiva Fulfills Nandi's Wish
This happened when Lord Shiva had no vehicle. He had to travel through the forests and mountains on foot. One day, observing this, Goddess Parvati said to him, "You are the master of the universe. Is it appropriate for you to travel on foot?" Shiva replied with a laugh, "I am a wandering ascetic. What need do I have for a vehicle? Even a holy man does not ride."
Parvati, her eyes filled with tears, said, "It pains me to see you, with ashes on your body, matted locks, walking barefoot on paths of thorns." Shiva tried to convince her, but she insisted that since she needed a vehicle, so should he.
Lord Shiva, now concerned, called upon all the gods. Nārada relayed Shiva's message, causing anxiety among the gods, fearing Shiva might choose one of their mounts. All the gods made excuses and remained in their palaces.
Parvati was disheartened. Shiva, seeing no one arrive, roared. All the animals of the forest came running.
Shiva said, "My wife Parvati wishes I had a mount. Who among you will be my vehicle?" The animals rejoiced. A small rabbit hopped forward and said, "Lord, make me your mount. I am gentle and soft." The other animals laughed. The lion roared, "Foolish rabbit, how dare you speak before me? The king of the forest!" The frightened rabbit retreated, and began eating carrots.
The lion, bowing, stepped forward, "Lord, I am the king of the forest. My strength is unmatched. Make me your mount." Before the lion could finish, the elephant interrupted, "None are as fit for this task as I. I will fill my trunk with water during the hot season and bathe you, Mahadeva." A wild boar then offered, "Make me your mount. I will keep clean." Saying this, he began to lick mud off his body.
Then a musk deer stepped forward, "Ugh, what a terrible smell! Leave me alone! Lord Shiva can ride on me!" The animals all boasted of their suitability.
Shiva calmed them, "In a few days, I will ask each of you for something. The one who provides it will be my vehicle."
Nandi, a Symbol of Hard Work
The bull Nandi stood there. From that day forward, he secretly listened to the conversations of Shiva and Parvati. He went without food or water, hidden for hours, until he learned that Shiva needed dry wood for the rainy season. He immediately began collecting dry wood in the forest. Before the rains arrived, he had gathered enough.
When the monsoon arrived, flooding the forest, Shiva called all the animals and requested dry wood. They looked at each other in confusion. Then Nandi stepped forward, carrying a bundle of dry wood. Lord Shiva was pleased, realizing Nandi had heard and obeyed him. And so, Nandi became his vehicle.
All the animals returned, praising Shiva and Parvati.
