Nandi (The Mount of Lord Shiva)

 

As for the bull Shiva rides upon, ancient texts heap praise on it, calling it the Bull of Dharma:

Nandi (The Mount of Lord Shiva)

‘The bull of dharma has forgiveness for its horns, control of the senses for its ears, the eyes of faith and the Vedas as its breath. (Shiva Purana Vidyeshvarasamhita:17.86).

Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Shiva. He represents Dharma Devata. Lord Shiva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Shiva is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness.

Nandi represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him. They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness and immortality. Even a moment’s Satsanga or association with the sages, is a great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm conviction in the existence of God through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya.

Lord Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world. Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature, so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi.

Om Namo Nandishawaraya Namah ~ Shivaya Namah Om !