Nandi Maharaj-
Nandi Maharaj, also known as Shiva Nandi, is a figure of
great importance in Hinduism. He is considered a manifestation of Shiva, the
Supreme God of Hinduism, and is Shiva's primary companion and the protector of
His gates. He is often depicted as a bull, and is revered by devotees in the
temples of Shiva.
Nandi has a special relationship with Shiva and is known to faithfully carry
out Shiva's orders without question. In fact, Nandi is often described as
Shiva's primary representative. Furthermore, it is believed that Nandi can also
carry requests and prayers from devotees to Shiva.
Nandi is often referred to as the 'Vahan' of Shiva, which means ‘vehicle’ or
‘mount’ in Sanskrit. The concept of Nandi as Shiva’s vahan also invokes a
divine protection because it is believed that no one will get in trouble due to
ravages of Shiva if Nandi is present.
Nandi plays numerous important roles for Shiva and devotees alike. He provides
faithful service, delivers prayers to Shiva, guards Shiva's temple, and blesses
worshippers with his presence. In addition, Nandi ensures that devotees are
never harmed in Shiva's presence and symbolizes Shiva's power and greatness.
How Nandi became Shiva's Gana: Shilad Rishi had found Nandi as a son after
severe penance of Shiva. Shilad Rishi imparted the knowledge of complete Vedas
to his son Nandi. One day, Mitra and Varuna, two holy gurus,
visited Shilad Rishi's ashram. One day, Mitra and Varuna, two holy
gurus, visited Shilad Rishi's ashram.Nandi served those sages well by his
father's order. The gurus wished Shilad Rishi a long and good life when they
parted, but not Nandi.
Shilad Rishi then questioned him as to why he did not
bless Nandi. According to the sages, Nandi is short lived. Shilad Rishi got
worried after hearing this. Knowing father's concern, Nandi asked what's the matter
father. Then the father said that sages have said about your short life, that's
why I am worried. Hearing this, Nandi started laughing and said that you have
found me by the grace of Lord Shiva, so you will protect my age there too, why
do you worry unnecessarily.
Nandi immediately rushed to the banks of the Bhuvan river
to perform a penance for Shiva after he stated this. Shivji appeared after
harsh penance and said, ask for a boon, Vats. Then Nandi said that I want to
live in your company for the rest of my life. Pleased with Nandi's devotion,
Lord Shiva first embraced Nandi and gave him the face of a bull and accepted
him as his vehicle, his friend, the best of his ranks.
Temples of Nandi Maharaj located in India-
1. Sri Yoganandeeswara Temple, Nandi, Karnataka
2. Nandeeshwara Temple, Kolar, Karnataka
3. Nandi Temple, Chikkaballapur, Karnataka
4. Sri Nandeeswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
5. Nandi Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
6. Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Nandi, Karnataka
7. Nandi Temple, Chitradurga, Karnataka
8. Nandi Temple, Mysore, Karnataka
9. Nandikeshwara Temple, Nanjanagud, Karnataka
10. Nandi Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
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