Nandi is depicted as a bull, who serves as the mount and gana of Lord Shiva and is a gate-guardian deity of Kailash.

Nandi is depicted as a bull, who serves as the mount and gana of Lord Shiva and is a gate-guardian deity of Kailash. The word “nandi” also called Nandikeshvara, Nandishvara, Shalankayana or Thandava Talika), has come from Tamil root word Nandhu, means to grow to flourish or to appear which was used to indicate growing flourished divine bull Nandi. The Sanskrit word Nandi has the meaning of "happy", "joy" and "satisfaction"; also said as the properties of divine guardian of Lord Shiva - Nandi. Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. Nandi signifies strength, load bearing capacity and virility. Nandi has been given many anthropomorphic properties ; He is the protector of dharma (morality/religious way). He is the head of 18 siddhas (scholars) of Hinduism.

Bull has been used as a symbol of dharma (righteousness) from a long time, throughout the world. Lord Shiva riding on the bull simply means that when you are righteous and truthful, the infinite consciousness, the innocent consciousness is with you.

Nandi represents Jeevatma. It's believed that only Nandi could relay the info or messages to Lord Shiva when He was in deep meditation and other Devas did not manage and did not dare to disturb Shiva. As he is the assistant of Shiva, he can also grant many boons. In South India, there is a tradition of talking one's wish to Nandi's ears, and it's believed to be granted. In the temple of Eshwara or Shiva, you find Nandi, the bull in front of the deity. The truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol of the Lord (Eshwara), Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of Jeeva (Individual soul). Therefore just like the Nandi, man should turn away from Prakruthi and direct all his attention towards Eshwara only. ✨🐂🕉🙏

Om Namo Nandishwaraya Namah ~ Om Namah Shivaya ✨👁🙏