The Sanskrit word nandi (Sanskrit: नन्दि) has the meaning of happy,
joy, and satisfaction, the properties of divine guardian of Shiva- Nandi.
Nandi bull is the animal that is often associated with the
Lord Shiva. Nandi Bull was a great devotee of the lord and would always be seen
with him. Nandi bull lived with lord Shiva in the Mount Kailash itself.
Nandi (also Nandin) 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, especially in the state of Uttar
Pradesh.
The sacred bull Nandi or Nandin is the vehicle and gatekeeper
of Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the creator, which is why it is enshrined in the
form of statue at Hindu Shiv temples. The revered Nandi is the reason why bulls
are considered sacred vahanas or vehicles of Lord Shiva. He is four armed, much
like a Second Shiva.
Which direction should Nandi face?
But the exact direction where Nandi is faced depends on the
direction where Lord Shiva is faced. For example, if Lord Shiva is face east in
a temple, then Nandi is faced west in the temple (facing Lord Shiva).
The air blown on to his throat relieves him from the burning
sensation. From then onwards, Lord Shiva does his mediation with the help of
Nandi. This is the story behind having Nandi sitting in front of Lord Shiva in
all our temples.
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