When worshipping Lord Shiva, you must have seen the idol of Nandi sitting right in front of him in temples. Nandi is not only considered Shiva's vehicle but also his closest devotee and servant. It is said that where Shiva is, Nandi will surely be there. This is why devotees offer their respects to Nandi before entering a Shiva temple.
The Tradition of Whispering Wishes into Nandi's Ear
Among Shiva devotees, this tradition is quite prevalent: whatever wish you have, whisper it into Nandi's ear. It is believed that if you tell Nandi your heart's desire, it directly reaches Lord Shiva. This is not just a tradition but a mythological belief linked to faith, which has been going on for centuries.
Shiva's Absorption in Meditation and Nandi's Role
Lord Shiva is considered a deity absorbed in meditation and samadhi. He is often immersed in penance. In such a situation, so that the voices or prayers of the devotees may not immediately reach him, Nandi is considered a medium. Nandi always sits facing Shiva and remains engaged in his service with complete devotion. This is the reason why people believe that whatever is said to Nandi will certainly reach Shiva.
Why Nandi is Considered Shiva's Greatest Devotee
According to one belief, when the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) took place and the poison that emerged from it was about to destroy the entire universe, Lord Shiva drank it. It is said that at that time, some drops of the poison also fell on the ground, which Nandi drank without hesitation. Seeing this dedication of Nandi, Shiva became extremely pleased and declared him his most beloved devotee. Since then, Nandi came to be known as Shiva's supreme devotee.
The Tale of Nandi's Birth is Also Interesting
Another mythological tale says that Rishi Shilad performed rigorous penance and asked Lord Shiva for a child. Shiva granted him the boon of Nandi. From childhood, Nandi became knowledgeable in the Vedas and Puranas. One day, some saints predicted that Nandi would have a short life. Hearing this, Nandi began to perform penance to Shiva. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva granted him the boon of immortality and declared him his vehicle.
Guardian of Kailash and Messenger of Devotees
Nandi is not only Shiva's vehicle but also the doorkeeper of Mount Kailash. He has a special place in Shiva's court. Devotees believe that if they tell Nandi their wishes, he conveys them to Shiva with honesty and complete devotion. Nandi acts as a bridge between the devotees and Shiva.
The Way of Expressing Wishes is Also Special
When devotees reach the idol of Nandi in the temple, they follow certain special rules while expressing their wishes.
- First of all, upon reaching the idol of Nandi, one offers respects with folded hands.
- After this, the mind is calmed by chanting ‘ॐ’.
- The wish is spoken in a very low voice into Nandi's left ear, so that no one else can hear it.
- Some devotees cover their lips with both hands while expressing their wish, so that it remains completely confidential.
- Worshipping and performing aarti of Nandi before expressing the wish is also considered auspicious.
Why is There an Idol of Nandi in Every Shiva Temple?
In Shiva temples, the idol of Nandi is located right in front of Lord Shiva. This position shows that Nandi is always sitting with his attention focused on his lord. When devotees visit Shiva in the temple, they first visit Nandi and tell him their wishes. This tradition is seen in almost every Shiva temple in India.
Why is Nandi's Name Taken with So Much Reverence?
Nandi is not just a mythological character but a symbol of the faith and devotion of devotees. Seeing him, people get inspiration for selfless service and devotion. Nandi's devotion is to such an extent that he always sits in the same posture, only focusing on his lord Shiva. He neither looks here nor there. Only Lord Shiva and his service is the goal of his life.
Devotees Connect with Shiva Through Nandi
Even today, devotees go to temples and tell Nandi their heart's desires. Some want a job, some desire children, some ask for happiness and peace. Everyone expects Nandi to convey their words to Bholenath (Shiva). It is this faith that makes a simple-looking idol a medium of God.
