Why Nandi Sits Before Every Shivling — The Untold Story of Kailash’s Guardian

Why Nandi Sits Before Every Shivling — The Untold Story of Kailash’s Guardian

Have you ever wondered why the bull sitting in front of the Shivalinga has been sitting in the same posture with its eyes closed for centuries? Why does every devotee, upon entering the temple, first whisper his thoughts into the ears of the person before even going to God? And this is not just about temples. A mysterious humped bull has also been found engraved on the seals of the thousands of years old Indus Valley Civilization. The same civilization which is believed to be about 5000 years old. So is the story of Nandi older than our Puranas? Is this just a story about a vehicle or is there a deeper mystery hidden? Today we will talk about that supreme devotee of Shiva who kept himself untouched even by the effects of Halahal poison. Who himself gave such a curse to Ravana that it laid the foundation for the end of the conqueror of the three worlds. A wise man who had deep knowledge of Vedas, Astrology, Ayurveda and all the scriptures. Yet who dedicated his entire life to the same feet. This is the story of Lord Nandi. Of the invincible guard of Kailash, the most steadfast devotee of Shiva. In the lap of the Himalayas where there was nothing all around except snow and silence. A great ascetic, Sage Shilad, lived there. His life was a confluence of devotion, sacrifice and knowledge. He dedicated his entire life to the worship of Shiva. He was a deep scholar of the Vedas. But there was an unfulfilled desire in his heart. The desire to have a son who would carry forward his lineage, who would uphold religion and who would be a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Shilad knew very well that such a son would not be born in any ordinary birth. This was possible only by the grace of Shiva. So he resolved to please Mahadev. A resolution in which he sat in meditation with the idea of asking for a son beyond death. Shilad performed severe penance for years. Sometimes he chanted the name of Shiva while standing in the middle of fire, sometimes he did penance while standing in water.

Sometimes I spent days under the open sky without food and water. He lost the sense of day and night. Only one sound kept coming out from his lips continuously. Om Namah Shivay. The flame of his penance reached heaven. The gods became frightened. The earth started shaking. It seemed as if the rivers had stopped. A divine light spread over the peaks of the Himalayas. As if nature itself has become a participant in this penance. The birds became silent. The wind stopped. The entire universe seemed to wait with bated breath for the moment when Mahadev would appear. And then the moment came. It was as if the universe had stopped. The flames of fire subsided and from those flames Mahadev himself appeared. A snake wrapped around the neck, a cool moon on the forehead, the Ganga flowing in the matted hair and a wonderful confluence of compassion and brilliance in the three eyes. Sage Shilad became emotional after seeing this divine vision. Tears flowed from his eyes. He fell on the ground and started saluting. He said, Lord, today my years of penance have become fruitful. Mahadev smiled and said, Shilad, your devotion has captivated me. Tell me what you want? Shilad expressed his heart’s feelings. Lord, I have knowledge, devotion and peace but I lack children. I want a son who is beyond death, who is your devotee, who is born to protect the Dharma. Mahadev did not call this wish impossible. He granted the boon. Your son will be born from my part. He will be a symbol of immortal element, not mortal. My name will remain in his every breath. He will be a life model of stability, loyalty and devotion. And his name will be Nandi. Saying this, Mahadev disappeared. A deep peace fell upon the earth. Shilad’s penance was completed. But this was not the end. This was the beginning of a new era. The stage was set for the birth of Shiva Ansh. Time passed and one day sage Shilad was ploughing the land near his ashram. Then suddenly a bright light burst out from the earth. The earth shook. Divine rays started emanating and from that light a child appeared. Fair complexion, golden aura from the body, Tripund on the forehead and a small Rudraksha garland around the neck, Shilad was astonished, this was not an ordinary child, this was the living embodiment of Lord Shiva’s grace, at that very moment the gods showered flowers from the sky, the sound of conch shell echoed, a powerful aura spread all around, Shilad picked up that child in his lap. Tears flowed from his eyes. He said, this is not just my son, it is a part of Shiva himself. The child was named Nandi. The word Nanda means joy, happiness, stability. The Shiva element was hidden in this name itself. Nandi is said to be the mirror of Shiva’s heart. Later on, this boy was going to become the gatekeeper of Kailash. Was going to become Shiva’s vehicle. It was going to become a living symbol of devotion. With time Nandi reached childhood. But he was no ordinary child.

Being a part of Shiva, he possessed immense knowledge. Sage Shilad taught him the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga and Shastras. But Nandi would absorb everything just by listening once. The hymns of Rigveda would settle in his memory at once. He had become proficient in yoga exercises and would remain absorbed in concentrated meditation for hours. When the Vedas were recited, a divine fragrance would spread in the atmosphere. As if the gods themselves were speaking through his tongue. Nandi’s intelligence was supernatural. He did not just read the scriptures. He also understood the elemental knowledge hidden in them. One day he said that the meaning of Vedas is not just words. This is the vibration that keeps the universe alive. Sage Shilad himself was astonished by this knowledge of his son. Nandi was experiencing intuitively the knowledge he had gained through decades of penance. This news reached far away to the heaven. Devarshi Narada told the gods that a child has been born on earth who is beyond death and whose intelligence astonishes even the great sages. Indra asked curiously, who is this boy? Narada said that this is Nandi, son of sage Shilad, whose speech has the brilliance of Mahadev himself. The gods looked at the child and their eyes were filled with reverence. They acknowledged his amazing brilliance. Knowing that this child is going to become an exclusive servant of Shiva’s feet in the future. Indra said, the brilliance of this boy seems to be greater than that of us gods. Then he ordered that Nandi be tested. To check whether this child has any ego or not. One day when Nandi was engrossed in the yagya. Suddenly a divine fragrance spread in the ashram. Some nymphs appeared there and their arrival brightened the entire ashram. He asked Nandi about his penance and knowledge and then asked a question. Doesn’t this beauty distract you? Nandi replied calmly. You all are the beauty of God’s creation. I admire external beauty. But I am not distracted by it. The true glory is the steady inner vision. The brilliance of the soul is far superior to external beauty. I only meditate on the feet of Shiva. For me there is no greater attraction than Shiva. Hearing this answer the goddesses were left speechless. It was as if the exam had turned upside down. A slight pride arose in his heart. How can a child call us insignificant? Nandi understood this feeling and said that you people looked at devotion as a test. This is a crime and he cursed the goddesses that they would take birth on earth and purify their deeds through devotion. The goddesses became frightened and started apologizing. We had come only to take the exam. Nandi smiled and said that only a true devotee of Shiva forgives. Ego is momentary but compassion is the proof of true devotion. The greatest quality in beauty is humility. Seeing this, the gods bowed before the devotion of Nandi. He said this child is an ocean of knowledge.

Is the source of compassion. That is why Mahadev later accepted Nandi as his gatekeeper and vehicle. Because only the one who defeats ego is called a true devotee. Nandi had only one feeling in his heart since childhood. Resolve to dedicate life to the service of Shiva. While other children were busy playing, Nandi would sit quietly in meditation. Every morning he would offer flowers, water, Bilva leaves to the Shivalinga and ask Mahadev to always remain in his service. With time, Nandi’s meditation became deeper and deeper. He started doing penance on the snowy peaks, sitting without food in the harsh cold winds, chanting only Om Namah Shivay. The energy of his penance reached the world of gods. Narad ji said that this child has become the living embodiment of devotion to Shiva. Mahadev was very pleased with this unwavering devotion of Nandi. One day a huge pillar of light appeared in front of Nandi on the snow peak. This was the radiant form of Mahadev himself. Shiva said, Nandi you are my devotee. Be a part of my heart. Nandi humbly asked for a boon. Lord, bless me to always remain at your feet. I want to make service, protection and your name my life. Mahadev said ‘Tathastu’ and at that very moment Nandi received three divine blessings which made his identity immortal in the universe forever. The first boon is that Nandi will become the head of Shiva’s Ganas. Every living being and every power of Kailash will follow his orders. His name will be immortal as Ganaadhiksha and Shiva’s orders will be his religion. Second boon: Nandi will become the gatekeeper of Kailash. Every devotee coming to see Shiva will first pay obeisance to Nandi. Nandi will understand the feelings of the devotees and present them before Shiva. This transformation from devotee to protector will make him the protector of Kailash. The third boon is that Nandi will become Shiva’s vehicle. Will become his friend. Whenever Mahadev goes on a journey, Nandi will always be with him. Shiva will sit on them and do the welfare of the universe. At that moment a bright aura emanated from Nandi’s body. His appearance became even more divine and glorious. There was a devotional peace in his eyes. The glow of love on the face. Mahadev said Nandi you will be loved by every Shiva devotee. And Nandi replied Lord, your command is my religion. Thus Nandi became Shiva’s friend, servant and protector. This tradition started from here which is still seen in every Shiva temple. While entering the temple, Nandi is first saluted. Devotees whisper their wishes into his ears because Nandi is considered to be the bridge that carries the devotee’s words to Shiva. After these blessings, a new brilliance arose in Nandi. A sun-like aura started emanating from his body. Mahadev said that now Nandi will not remain in normal human form. Mahadev raised his trident, symbolizing Shiva’s power, devotion and loyalty. A divine ray of light emerged from the trident and that ray fell on Nandi’s heart. The sky resounded with thunder. The earth started shaking. Light spread over the Himalayan peaks. Gradually Nandi’s body started changing. His arms transformed into horns. His body took the form of a divine bull. Snow-white complexion, golden shining aura and a wonderful confluence of compassion, power and devotion in the eyes. Mahadev placed his hand on Nandi’s forehead and named him Nandishwar. It was announced that whoever sees Nandi will have his sins washed away. The gods showered flowers. The slogans of Jai Nandishwar and Jai Shiv Ganadhyaksha echoed in the sky. This form of Nandi had now become a symbol of devotion and power. Wherever Shiva resides, the presence of Nandi is considered mandatory. There was a girl in heaven whose name was Suyash. She was the daughter of a Brahmarishi. She was as beautiful as the moon but at heart she was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. She remained engrossed in Shiva meditation day and night. She had installed a Shivalinga in her room on which she would offer Bilva leaves, flowers and Ganga water every day. His father was unhappy with his devotion. He would say, daughter, now you are of marriageable age. Your life is meant to be a householder. Not to become an ascetic. But Suyash was firm. She said, I will marry only the one who is like Shiva. I want a life partner who has compassion, devotion and religion. The father became angry and said, there is no one like Shiva. Then Suyash decided to perform penance herself. With the resolve to ask Mahadev himself for a life partner, she set out towards the Himalayas. He performed penance with unwavering devotion in the harsh winter and icy winds. She remained engrossed in meditation for hours and kept chanting Om Namah Shivay. Adoration to Lord Shiva. After months of penance, Mahadev appeared and asked for a boon. Suyash said, Lord, I want a husband who is full of devotion and loyalty like Shiva. Mahadev smiled and blessed her that she would marry his beloved Ganaadhipati Nandi. Nandi is the living embodiment of Shiva devotion. Then came the day when Mount Kailash was decorated with flowers. Gods, sages and nymphs appeared there. Shiva and Parvati sat in the wedding pavilion and the marriage of Nandi and Suyash was solemnized in a divine manner. The gods showered flowers. The Gandharvas sang melodious songs. Mother Parvati described Suyash as the inspiration for the devotion of the devotees and Mahadev said, this love of Nandi and Suyash will be a symbol of service and devotion. Nandi said humbly, this is my great fortune. Shiva and Parvati blessed both of them. This union of Nandi and Suyash became a symbol of the unity of the soul and the Supreme Being, far beyond the relationship of husband and wife. In which Suyash’s devotion and Nandi’s loyalty were reflected together. The atmosphere of Mount Kailash is always peaceful. Mahadev remained engrossed in meditation. Mother Parvati would sit near him and Nandi would remain absorbed in steadfast devotion at Shiva’s feet. But one day this peace was broken. Lankapati Ravana moved towards Kailash. He was full of pride in his strength and knowledge. His aim was to show his power to Mahadev. Calling himself the conqueror of the three worlds, he claimed that he would take Shiva to Lanka as well. He spread his 20 arms and tried to lift Mount Kailash. The earth started shaking. The sky started trembling. The gods became frightened. Then Nandi, standing at the gate of Kailash, stopped Ravana in his calm but bright form. He said this is not an ordinary mountain. This is the abode of Mahadev himself. The power you are shaking is the center of the universe. Ravana replied arrogantly, “I am the king of Lanka, Nandi. No one can stop me, neither gods nor demons.” Ravana’s pride in power is the cause of destruction. And then he cursed Ravana. Nandi said, the destruction will happen at the hands of a monkey. Ravana laughed and made fun of this curse. But Nandi firmly said, that monkey would be a part of Shiva himself in whom there would be a confluence of devotion, strength and religion. Your Lanka will be burnt to ashes in its flames. And ages later, this curse came true. When Hanuman ji reached Lanka in search of Mother Sita, the entire Lanka was burnt by the fire in his tail. Ravana’s golden city turned into ashes. The gods said, Nandi’s words are never false. Ego ultimately ended in the flames of religion. Time passed by. One day a group of demons attacked Kailash. Mahadev was engrossed in meditation with the intention of desecrating the Shivalinga. Mother Parvati was absorbed in meditation. Nandi standing at the gate blocked their way. The demons sneered. What harm can this bull do to us? Fire ignited in Nandi’s eyes. With the blows of his horns, tail and hooves he destroyed the entire group in moments. The blood of the demons fell on the ground and Bilva leaves started growing from it. A symbol of the germination of religion even in war. Mahadev opened his eyes and said, Nandi has not only protected Kailash but has also saved the dignity of religion. Parvati called him Nandi, the protector of Dharma. Nandi bowed his head politely. This power is not mine, it is Shiva’s grace. After some time, Vidyun Mali, the demon of Tripurasura dynasty, came to Kailash with his army. Today Kailash will be mine. Parvati entrusted Nandi with the responsibility of protection. Nandi roared, as long as there is life, no one will be able to touch Kailash. He scattered the enemy army. Destroyed Vidyun Mali’s fire arrow with the trident. And finally threw him at the foot of the mountain. The demon was destroyed. Mahadev appeared. Nandi has saved the pride of both Kailash and Dharma. He declared Nandi as the invincible guard of Kailash. Nandi will remain the gatekeeper of Shiva Dham as long as the universe exists. Even today Nandi is standing still in the same divine form at the gate of Shiv Dham. Eyes closed, mind always absorbed in Shiva. Every devotee first pays obeisance to Nandi. He whispers his wishes into his ears. With the belief that Nandi would convey that wish directly to Shiva. Nandi is not just a watchman but an eternal symbol of devotion and service. His story teaches that true devotion does not ask for rewards. She is silent. It is deep. It is made of dedication. There is no ego in devotion. There is only surrender and love is the bridge that takes man to God. Hail Nandi Maharaj, Hail Bholenath, Har Har Mahadev.