Nandi, Shiva’s bull
March 23, 2007
Every deity has a “vahana” or mount that they ride around on. In the case of Shiva it is a bull, Vishnu has an eagle, Ganesha as mouse, etc.
Every Shiva temple has a Nandi, who sits always looking towards Shiva. Nandi is actually quite a funny character in Vedic mythology who has quite a few great stories about him. In the netcast section of Puja.net look for episode #37 for several stories, especially the one where Nandi takes the form of a shark to help Shiva win back Parvati after she had gotten angry with him and taken birth as a girl living in a fishing village.
One tradition with Nandi is that when people go to a temple, they lean over and whisper what they want in Nandi’s ear because he is always looking at Shiva and will make sure that Shiva hears your prayer at the most opportune time. It is a very charming tradition.