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Oct 14, 2015 · 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.
- Mark Cartwright
Nandi (Sanskrit: नन्दि), also known as Nandikeshvara or Nandideva, is the bull vahana (mount) of the Hindu god Shiva. He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine.
Nandi in Hinduism symbolizes the divine bull associated with Shiva, serving as his vehicle and loyal attendant, representing power, grace, and spiritual significance in rituals, while also embodying divine protection and authority in various narratives.
Nandi, bull vahana (“mount”) of the Hindu god Shiva, identified as the god’s vehicle since the Kushan dynasty (c. 1st century ce). Most Shaivite temples have the figure of a humped white bull reclining on a raised platform and facing the entrance door of the shrine so that he may perpetually gaze.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Kamadhenu pictured with her calf. The Devi Bhagavata Purana narrates that Krishna and his lover Radha were enjoying dalliance, when they thirsted for milk. So, Krishna created a cow called Surabhi and a calf called Manoratha from the left side of his body, and milked the cow.
Apr 20, 2024 · Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” is the sacred bull of the Hindu god Shiva, one of the most important Hindu Gods. When the world becomes evil, Shiva destroys it to make way for beneficial change.
Nandi, the sacred bull, holds profound symbolism and meaning in the context of Shiva temples, enriching the spiritual narrative of Hinduism. Here's an expanded exploration of the symbolism and significance of Nandi Bull in Shiva temples:
