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{{short description|Divine animal in Hinduism}}
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{{Saivism}}
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'''Nandi''' ({{lang-sa|नन्दि}}), also known as '''Nandikeshwara''' or '''Nandideva''', is the [[bull]] [[vahana]] of the [[Hindu god]] [[Shiva]]. He is also the [[Dvarapala|guardian]] deity of [[Mount Kailash|Kailash]], the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone-images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine.
'''Nandi''' ({{langx|sa|नन्दि}}), also known as '''Nandikeshvara''' or '''Nandideva''', is the bull ''[[vahana]]'' (mount) of the [[Hindu god]] [[Shiva]]. He is also the [[Dvarapala|guardian]] deity of [[Kailasha|Kailash]], the abode of Shiva. Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine.


According to [[Saivism|Saivite]] [[Shaiva Siddhanta|siddhantic]] tradition, he is considered as the chief [[guru]] of eight disciples of [[Nandinatha Sampradaya]], namely, [[Four Kumaras|Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana]], [[Sanatkumara]], [[Tirumular]], [[Vyagrapada]], [[Patanjali]], and Sivayoga Muni, who were sent in eight different directions, to spread the wisdom.<ref name="sivay">{{cite book | author=Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami|date=2003|title=Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism|publisher=Himalayan Academy Publications|ISBN=978-0-945497-89-9}}</ref> The [[Hinduism in Vietnam|Cham Hindus of Vietnam]] believes that when they die, the [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] will come and take their soul to the holy land of India from Vietnam.
[[File:Lord Nandi.jpg|thumb|Idols of Nandi Maharaj at the premises of the ''Shree Kalleshwar Mahadev Mandir'' in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai.]]


The Sanskrit word nandi ({{lang-sa|नन्दि}}) has the meaning of happy, joy, and satisfaction, the properties of divine guardian of Shiva- Nandi.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/tamil/recherche | title=Monier Williams' Sanskrit-English Dictionary | access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>
== Etymology ==
The Sanskrit word ''nandi'' ({{langx|sa|नन्दि}}) means happy, joy, and satisfaction, which are the properties of Nandi, the divine guardian of Shiva.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/tamil/recherche | title=Monier Williams' Sanskrit-English  
| access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>


It is recently documented, that the application of the name Nandi to the bull (Sanskrit: ''Vṛṣabha''), is in fact a development of recent [[syncretism]] of different regional beliefs within Saivism.<ref>Gouriswar Bhattacharya, (1977), "Nandin and Vṛṣabha", ''Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenländischen Gesellschaft'', Supplement III,2, XIX. Deutscher Orientalistentag,  pp. 1543–1567.</ref> The name Nandi was widely used instead for an anthropomorphic [[Dvarapala|door-keeper]] of Kailasha, rather than his mount, in the oldest Saivite texts in Sanskrit, Tamil, and other Indian languages. [[Shaiva Siddhanta|Siddhantic]] texts clearly distinct Nandi from ''Vṛṣabha''. According to them, [[Parvati|Devi]], [[Chandeshvara Nayanar|Chandesha]], [[Mahākāla|Mahakala]], Vṛṣabha, Nandi, [[Ganesha]], [[Bhringi]], and [[Murugan]], are the eight Ganeshwaras (commanders) of Shiva.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sabaratnam Sivacharyar|first1=Dr.S.P.|title=Shrimat Kamigagamah Purva Pada (Part One)|publisher=The Himalayan Academy, Kauai Adheenam|location=USA|pages=4:471–500|url=http://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/kamika-agama-purva-pada-part-1}}</ref>
The application of the name Nandi to the bull (Sanskrit: ''Vṛṣabha'') is a development of recent [[syncretism]] of different regional beliefs within Shaivism.<ref>Gouriswar Bhattacharya, (1977), [https://menadoc.bibliothek.uni-halle.de/dmg/periodical/pageview/125374 "Nandin and Vṛṣabha"], ''Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenländischen Gesellschaft'', Supplement III,2, XIX. Deutscher Orientalistentag,  pp. 1543–1567.</ref> The name Nandi was widely used instead for an anthropomorphic [[Dvarapala|door-keeper]] of Kailash, rather than his mount in the oldest Shaivite texts in Sanskrit, Tamil, and other Indian languages. [[Shaiva Siddhanta|Siddhanta]] texts distinguish between Nandi and ''Vṛṣabha''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sabaratnam Sivacharyar|first1=S.P.|title=Shrimat Kamigagamah Purva Pada (Part One)|publisher=The Himalayan Academy, Kauai Adheenam|location=USA|pages=4:471–500|url=http://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/kamika-agama-purva-pada-part-1|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705211638/https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/kamika-agama-purva-pada-part-1|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== History and legends ==
== Legend ==
   
   
Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada. Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boon– a child with immortality and blessings of Lord Shiva, and received Nandi as his son. Legends say that Nandi was born from a [[Yajna]] performed by the Shilada. Nandi grew as an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and he performed severe penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as his mount, on the banks of river [[Narmada River|Narmada]], near Tripur Tirth Kshetra in present-day Nandikeshwar Temple, in [[Jabalpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]].
Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada. Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boon– a child with immortality and blessings of Shiva, and received Nandi as his son. [[Shiva Purana]] says that Nandi was born from a ''[[yajna]]'' performed by Shilada.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x_1OAQAAIAAJ |title=The Sacred Scriptures of India |date=2009 |publisher=Anmol Publications |isbn=978-81-261-3630-8 |pages=77–79 |language=en}}</ref> Nandi grew up as an ardent devotee of Shiva and he performed severe penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as his mount, on the banks of river [[Narmada River|Narmada]]. According to [[Sthala purana|regional legend]], this site is identified with the Tripur Tirth Kshetra in present-day Nandikeshwar Temple, in [[Jabalpur]], [[Madhya Pradesh]].
 
According to [[Saivism|Shaiva]] [[Shaiva Siddhanta|Siddhanta]], Nandi is considered to be chief among the [[Siddhar]]s, initiated by [[Parvati]] and [[Shiva]]. He is regarded to have passed on what he had learned to his eight disciples, namely, the [[Four Kumaras]], [[Tirumular]], [[Vyagrapada]] (also known as Pullipani),<ref>{{Cite web |title=IN THE LAND OF THE SIDDHAS |url=http://www.sutrajournal.com/in-the-land-of-the-siddhas-by-john-weddepohl |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=www.sutrajournal.com}}</ref> [[Patanjali]], and Sivayoga Muni. They were sent out in eight different directions to spread his wisdom. His teachings are held by the [[Nandinatha Sampradaya]], a line of [[guru]]s who claim descent from Nandi.<ref>{{cite book |author=The Swamis of Kauai Hindu Monastery |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/the-guru-chronicles |title=The Guru Chronicles: Making of the First American Satguru |date=2011 |publisher=[[Himalayan Academy Publications]] |isbn=978-1-934145-40-1 |pages=19}}</ref><ref name="sivay">{{cite book |author=Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/dancing-with-siva |title=Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism |date=2003 |publisher=[[Himalayan Academy Publications]] |isbn=978-0-945497-89-9}}</ref>
 
Many [[Puranas|Puranic]] legends are available about Nandi. One describes his conflict with [[Ravana]], the antagonist of the ''[[Ramayana]]''. Nandi cursed Ravana, the [[rakshasa]] king of [[Lanka]], that his kingdom would be burnt by a forest-dweller monkey ([[vanara]]), since he behaved in a restless manner, just like a monkey, while waiting to meet [[Shiva]]. Later, [[Hanuman]] burned Lanka when he went in search of [[Sita]], who was imprisoned by Ravana in the grove called the [[Ashok Vatika|Ashoka Vatika]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8170172284 | title=Epic Scenes in Indian Plastic Art | publisher=Abhinav Publications | author=Jayantika Kala | pages=37 | isbn=9788170172284| year=1988 }}</ref>
 
The ancient Tamil text ''[[Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam|Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam]]'' mentions another story in which Nandi is incarnated as a whale.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ge5ZAAAAMAAJ | title=The Indian Journal of English Studies, Volume 34 | publisher=Orient Longmans | author=Indian Association for English Studies | pages=92| year=1995 }}</ref> According to this legend, Parvati lost her concentration while Shiva was explaining the meaning of the ''[[Vedas]]'' to her. Parvati, then incarnated as a fisher-woman to atone for her lack of concentration. To unite his master and his beloved-wife, Nandi took the form of a whale and started to trouble the people. [[Himavat|Parvati's father]] declared that the man who would kill the whale would marry his daughter. Later, Shiva took the form of a fisherman and killed the whale, and received Parvati in her previous form.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ge5ZAAAAMAAJ |title=The Indian Journal of English Studies |date=1995 |publisher=Orient Longmans. |pages=92 |language=en}}</ref>
 
The [[Hinduism in Vietnam|Cham Hindus of Vietnam]] believe that when they die, [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]] takes their soul to the holy land of India from Vietnam.


Nandi got the divine-knowledge of [[Āgama (Hinduism)|Agamic]] and [[Tantra|Tantric]] wisdom taught by Shiva, from goddess [[Parvati]]. He could teach that divine-knowledge to his eight disciples, who are identified as the progenitors of [[Nandinatha Sampradaya]], namely, [[Four Kumaras|Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana]], [[Sanatkumara]], [[Tirumular]], [[Vyagrapada]], [[Patanjali]], and Sivayoga Muni. These eight disciples were sent in eight different directions of the world by Nandi, to spread this knowledge.<ref name="sivay" />
== Iconography ==
The [[Āgama (Hinduism)|''Agamas'']] describe Nandi in a zoo-anthropomorphic form, with the head of bull and four hands, with [[antelope]], axe, mace, and [[abhayamudra]]. In his mount form, Nandi is depicted as a seated bull in all Shiva temples, all over the world. This form has been found even in [[Southeast Asia]]n countries including [[Cambodia]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Shiva and Uma on the Bull Nandi |url=http://art.thewalters.org/detail/6687 |publisher=[[The Walters Art Museum]]}}</ref>


Many other puranic tales are available about Nandi. One describes his conflict with [[Ravana]], the antagonist of [[Ramayana]]. Nandi cursed Ravana (the demon King of [[Lanka]]), that his kingdom would be burnt by a forest-dweller monkey ([[Vanara]]), since he behaved in a restless manner, just like a monkey,while waiting to meet [[Shiva]]. Later, [[Hanuman]] burned Lanka when he went in search of [[Sita]], who was imprisoned by Ravana in [[Ashok Vatika]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=8170172284 | title=Epic Scenes in Indian Plastic Art | publisher=Abhinav Publications | author=Jayantika Kala | pages=37 | isbn=9788170172284| year=1988 }}</ref>
The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi faces the sanctum in Shiva temples and represents an individual [[Ātman (Hinduism)|''jiva'']] (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on the [[Parameshwara (god)|Parameshvara]]. From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb light, the experience, and the wisdom is Nandi, who is the guru within.<ref>{{cite book |author=Vanamali |url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=1620552493 |title=Shiva: Stories and Teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana |year=2013 | publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-62055-249-0}}</ref>


The ancient Tamil text ''[[Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam]]'' mentions another story in which Nandi is [[incarnate]]d as a whale.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ge5ZAAAAMAAJ | title=The Indian Journal of English Studies, Volume 34 | publisher=Orient Longmans | author=Indian Association for English Studies | pages=92| year=1995 }}</ref> It says that Parvati lost her concentration while Shiva was explaining the meaning of ''[[Vedas]]'' to her. Parvati, then incarnated as a fisher-woman to atone for her lack of concentration. To unite his master and his beloved-wife, Nandi took the form of a whale and started to trouble the people. Fisher-woman Parvati's father declared that the man who would kill the whale would marry his daughter. Later, Shiva took the form of a fisherman and killed the whale, and received Parvati in her previous form.{{cn|date=August 2022}}
=== Nandi Flag ===
[[File:NandiFlag.svg|thumb|Nandi Flag, the official flag of Hindu Shaivas all over the world.<ref name="rev">{{cite book |author=DBS.Jeyaraj |url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/17929 |title=Reviving Practice of Hoisting 'Nandi' (Crouched Bull) Flag As Hindu Festivals and Functions |year=2013}}</ref><ref name="zurich">{{cite web |author=Kalabooshanam Chelvathamby Manickavasagar |date=2008 |title=Fourth International Saiva Siddhantha Conference and the Glory of Nanthy Flag |url=http://www.island.lk/2008/03/21/features6.html |access-date=5 March 2017 |publisher=The Island}}</ref>]]
Nandi flag or Vrshabha flag, a flag with the emblem of seated bull is recognized as the flag of Shaivism, particularly among Tamil community all over the world. Nandi was the emblem of historical Tamil Shaiva monarchs, such as [[Pallava dynasty]] and [[Jaffna Kingdom]].<ref>Rasanayagam, Mudaliyar (1926). Ancient Jaffna, being research into the History of Jaffna from very early times to the Portuguese Period. Everymans Publishers Ltd, Madras (Reprint by New Delhi, AES in 2003). பக். 390. {{ISBN|81-206-0210-2}}.</ref> Several campaigns to aware the Shaivas about their Nandi flag is carried out continuously during the [[Shivaratri]] session, particularly among [[Tamil People|Tamil community]] of [[Sri Lanka]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[Tamil diaspora|diaspora]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hiduism Today, (2008), Hindu Campaigns for Restoration of Nandi Flag Tradition |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/blogs-news/hindu-press-international/hindu-campaigns-for-restoration-of-nandi-flag-tradition/7481.html |access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>
 
The Nandi flag used nowadays was designed by Ravindra Sastri of [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], according to the request and guidance of S. Danapala, a [[Sri Lanka]]n Shaiva personage, in the 1990s. The first Nandi flag was hoisted in 1998, at [[Colombo Hindu College]] at [[Ratmalana]], Sri Lanka.<ref name="dana1">{{cite book |title=Taṉapālā, kalāniti., Ciṉṉatturai., (2013), "Nantikkoṭi ēṟṟīr! Koṭikkavi pāṭīr!", Omlanka Publication}}</ref><ref name="dana2">{{cite book |title=Ciṉṉatturai taṉapālā, (2008), "nantikkoṭiyiṉ mukkiyattuvamum perumaikaḷum", Manimekalai Publication.}}</ref> Following years, it was declared as the official Shaiva flag in fourth International Saiva Siddhanta Conference, held in Zurich in 2008.<ref name="zurich" /> Nowadays, Tamil Shaivas, especially in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[UK]], [[South Africa]], and [[Switzerland]], hoist the flag in all religious and cultural festivals.<ref name="zurich" /><ref name="dana1" /><ref name="dana2" /> Nandi flag was declared as the official Hindu flag of Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nanthi Flag to Maithripala Sirisena |url=http://www.omlanka.net/news/other-news/588-nanthi-flag-to-maithripala-sirisena.html |access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Minister Swaminathan urged to Provide Nanthi Flags to Temples, Societies |url=http://www.omlanka.net/news/other-news/1686-minister-swaminathan-urged-to-provide-nanthi-flags-to-temples-societies.html |access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Nandi - Shiva's bull in front of Hindu temple, Rewalsar, HP, India.jpg|thumb|Nandi - [[Shiva]]'s bull in front of Hindu temple, [[Rewalsar, India|Rewalsar]], HP, India
File:Isha Yoga Center - Bull.jpg|Statue of Nandi, [[Coimbatore]], India
File:Decorated Nandhi.jpg|Decorated Nandhi at temple in [[Thanjavur]]
File:Nandi - Shiva's bull in front of Hindu temple, Rewalsar, HP, India.jpg|Nandi in front of a Hindu temple in [[Rewalsar, India|Rewalsar]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[India]]
File:Nandibull.jpg|2nd-century CE sculpture of a Nandi in [[Mysore]]
File:Decorated Nandhi.jpg|The tallest statue of Nandi at the [[Brihadisvara Temple]] in [[Thanjavur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
File:Nandi-Gongakondaicholapuram.jpg|Nandi at [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]
File:Nandibull.jpg|17th-century CE sculpture of a Nandi in [[Mysore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
File:Nandi Dev at Tungnath.jpg|Nandi at [[Tungnath]] Mandir
File:BullTemple1.jpg|The second-tallest Nandi statue at the [[Dodda Basavana Gudi]] temple in [[Bengaluru]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
File:Nandi at chamundi mysore.jpg
File:Nandi-Gongakondaicholapuram.jpg|Nandi at the [[Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram|Brihadeeshwara Temple]] in [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
File:6th century Ladkhan temple, Nandi in lower mandapa, Aihole Hindu monuments Karnataka.jpg
File:Nandi Dev at Tungnath.jpg|Nandi at the [[Tungnath]] Temple
File:Nandi90 4 4.jpg|Nandi at [[Prambanan]], Java, Indonesia
File:Nandi at chamundi mysore.jpg|Nandi at the [[Chamundeshwari Temple]], [[Mysore]], [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
File:6th century Ladkhan temple, Nandi in lower mandapa, Aihole Hindu monuments Karnataka.jpg|Nandi statue in the [[Aihole]] monuments, [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
File:Nandi90 4 4.jpg|Nandi at [[Prambanan]], [[Java]], [[Indonesia]]
File:The bull Nandi.JPG|decorated
File:Nandi statue at Aimury Shiva temple, Perumbavoor (16).jpg|at Aimury Sri Mahadeva Temple, Koovappady
</gallery>
</gallery>
[[Āgama (Hinduism)|''Agamas'']] describe him in a zoo-anthropomorphic form, with the head of bull and four hands, with [[antelope]], axe, mace, and [[abhayamudra]]. In his mount form, Nandi is depicted as a seated bull in all Shiva temples, all over the world. This form has been found even in [[Southeast Asia]]n countries including [[Cambodia]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher= [[The Walters Art Museum]]|url= http://art.thewalters.org/detail/6687|title= Shiva and Uma on the Bull Nandi}}</ref>
The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi faces the sanctum in Shiva temples and represents an individual [[Ātman (Hinduism)|jiva]] (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on the [[Parameshwara (god)|Parameshwara]]. From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb light, the experience, and the wisdom is Nandi, which is the guru within.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=1620552493 | title=Shiva: Stories and Teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana | author=Vanamali - | year=2013 | isbn=978-1-62055-249-0}}</ref>
== Nandi Flag ==
[[File:NandiFlag.svg|thumb|Nandi Flag, the official flag of Hindu Saivites all over the world.<ref name="rev">{{cite book | url=http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/17929 | title=Reviving Practice of Hoisting 'Nandi' (Crouched Bull) Flag As Hindu Festivals and Functions | author=DBS.Jeyaraj | year=2013}}</ref><ref name =  zurich />]]
Nandi flag or Vrshabha flag, a flag with the emblem of seated bull is recognized as the flag of Saivism, particularly among Tamil community all over the world. Nandi was the emblem of historical Tamil Saivite monarchs, such as [[Pallava dynasty]] and [[Jaffna Kingdom]].<ref>Rasanayagam, Mudaliyar (1926). Ancient Jaffna, being research into the History of Jaffna from very early times to the Portuguese Period. Everymans Publishers Ltd, Madras (Reprint by New Delhi, AES in 2003). பக். 390. {{ISBN|81-206-0210-2}}.</ref> Several campaigns to aware the Saivites about their Nandi flag is carried out continuously during the [[Shivaratri]] session, particularly among [[Tamil People|Tamil community]] of [[Sri Lanka]], [[Tamil Nadu]], and [[Tamil diaspora|diaspora]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/blogs-news/hindu-press-international/hindu-campaigns-for-restoration-of-nandi-flag-tradition/7481.html | title= Hiduism Today, (2008), Hindu Campaigns for Restoration of Nandi Flag Tradition | access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>
The nandi flag used nowadays was designed by Ravindra Sastri of [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], according to the request and guidance of S. Danapala, a [[Sri Lanka]]n Saivite personage, in the 1990s. The first Nandi flag was hoisted in 1998, at [[Colombo Hindu College]] at [[Ratmalana]], Sri Lanka.<ref name = dana1>{{cite book | title=Taṉapālā, kalāniti., Ciṉṉatturai., (2013), "Nantikkoṭi ēṟṟīr! Koṭikkavi pāṭīr!", Omlanka Publication}}</ref><ref name = dana2>{{cite book | title=Ciṉṉatturai taṉapālā, (2008), "nantikkoṭiyiṉ mukkiyattuvamum perumaikaḷum", Manimekalai Publication.}}</ref> Following years, it was declared as the official Saivite flag in fourth International Saiva Siddhanta Conference, held in Zurich in 2008.<ref name = zurich /> Nowadays, Tamil Saivites, especially in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Canada]], [[Australia]], [[UK]], [[South Africa]], and [[Switzerland]], hoist the flag in all religious and cultural festivals.<ref name =  zurich>{{cite web | url=http://www.island.lk/2008/03/21/features6.html | title=Fourth International Saiva Siddhantha Conference and the Glory of Nanthy Flag | publisher=The Island | date=2008 | access-date=5 March 2017 | author=Kalabooshanam Chelvathamby Manickavasagar}}</ref><ref name = dana1 /><ref name =  dana2 /> Nandi flag was declared as the official Hindu flag of Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.omlanka.net/news/other-news/588-nanthi-flag-to-maithripala-sirisena.html | title=Nanthi Flag to Maithripala Sirisena | access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.omlanka.net/news/other-news/1686-minister-swaminathan-urged-to-provide-nanthi-flags-to-temples-societies.html | title=Minister Swaminathan urged to Provide Nanthi Flags to Temples, Societies | access-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 58: Line 68:
* [[Gavaevodata]], the primordial cow in [[Zoroastrianism]]
* [[Gavaevodata]], the primordial cow in [[Zoroastrianism]]
* [[Kao (bull)]]
* [[Kao (bull)]]
* Nandi is also a village and it's a [[Gram panchayat]] of Janpad Panchayat Katangi, Balaghat (MP)


== References ==
== References ==
Line 64: Line 73:


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://www.artzolo.com/nandi-kamadhenu-paintings Nandi (Kamadhenu) Paintings]
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' 2004 ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dallapiccola
*''Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend'' 2004 ({{ISBN|0-500-51088-1}}) by Anna Dallapiccola
{{Commons category|Nandi}}
{{Commons category|Nandi}}
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{{Shaivism|state=collapsed}}
{{Shaivism|state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Hindu legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Legendary creatures in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Hindu gods]]
[[Category:Hindu gods]]
[[Category:Mythological bulls]]
[[Category:Mythological bulls]]

Latest revision as of 15:04, 18 February 2026


Nandi
Nandi in a zoo-anthropomorphic form
AffiliationMount of Shiva
AbodeMount Kailash
ConsortSuyasha[1]
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Nandi (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), 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.

Idols of Nandi Maharaj at the premises of the Shree Kalleshwar Mahadev Mandir in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The Sanskrit word nandi (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) means happy, joy, and satisfaction, which are the properties of Nandi, the divine guardian of Shiva.[2]

The application of the name Nandi to the bull (Sanskrit: Vṛṣabha) is a development of recent syncretism of different regional beliefs within Shaivism.[3] The name Nandi was widely used instead for an anthropomorphic door-keeper of Kailash, rather than his mount in the oldest Shaivite texts in Sanskrit, Tamil, and other Indian languages. Siddhanta texts distinguish between Nandi and Vṛṣabha.[4]

Legend[edit | edit source]

Nandi is described as the son of the sage Shilada. Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boon– a child with immortality and blessings of Shiva, and received Nandi as his son. Shiva Purana says that Nandi was born from a yajna performed by Shilada.[5] Nandi grew up as an ardent devotee of Shiva and he performed severe penance to become his gate-keeper, as well as his mount, on the banks of river Narmada. According to regional legend, this site is identified with the Tripur Tirth Kshetra in present-day Nandikeshwar Temple, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

According to Shaiva Siddhanta, Nandi is considered to be chief among the Siddhars, initiated by Parvati and Shiva. He is regarded to have passed on what he had learned to his eight disciples, namely, the Four Kumaras, Tirumular, Vyagrapada (also known as Pullipani),[6] Patanjali, and Sivayoga Muni. They were sent out in eight different directions to spread his wisdom. His teachings are held by the Nandinatha Sampradaya, a line of gurus who claim descent from Nandi.[7][8]

Many Puranic legends are available about Nandi. One describes his conflict with Ravana, the antagonist of the Ramayana. Nandi cursed Ravana, the rakshasa king of Lanka, that his kingdom would be burnt by a forest-dweller monkey (vanara), since he behaved in a restless manner, just like a monkey, while waiting to meet Shiva. Later, Hanuman burned Lanka when he went in search of Sita, who was imprisoned by Ravana in the grove called the Ashoka Vatika.[9]

The ancient Tamil text Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam mentions another story in which Nandi is incarnated as a whale.[10] According to this legend, Parvati lost her concentration while Shiva was explaining the meaning of the Vedas to her. Parvati, then incarnated as a fisher-woman to atone for her lack of concentration. To unite his master and his beloved-wife, Nandi took the form of a whale and started to trouble the people. Parvati's father declared that the man who would kill the whale would marry his daughter. Later, Shiva took the form of a fisherman and killed the whale, and received Parvati in her previous form.[11]

The Cham Hindus of Vietnam believe that when they die, Nandi takes their soul to the holy land of India from Vietnam.

Iconography[edit | edit source]

The Agamas describe Nandi in a zoo-anthropomorphic form, with the head of bull and four hands, with antelope, axe, mace, and abhayamudra. In his mount form, Nandi is depicted as a seated bull in all Shiva temples, all over the world. This form has been found even in Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia.[12]

The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Symbolically, the seated Nandi faces the sanctum in Shiva temples and represents an individual jiva (soul) and the message that the jiva should always be focused on the Parameshvara. From the yogic perspective, Nandi is the mind dedicated to Shiva, the absolute. In other words, to understand and absorb light, the experience, and the wisdom is Nandi, who is the guru within.[13]

Nandi Flag[edit | edit source]

Nandi Flag, the official flag of Hindu Shaivas all over the world.[14][15]

Nandi flag or Vrshabha flag, a flag with the emblem of seated bull is recognized as the flag of Shaivism, particularly among Tamil community all over the world. Nandi was the emblem of historical Tamil Shaiva monarchs, such as Pallava dynasty and Jaffna Kingdom.[16] Several campaigns to aware the Shaivas about their Nandi flag is carried out continuously during the Shivaratri session, particularly among Tamil community of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, and diaspora.[17]

The Nandi flag used nowadays was designed by Ravindra Sastri of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, according to the request and guidance of S. Danapala, a Sri Lankan Shaiva personage, in the 1990s. The first Nandi flag was hoisted in 1998, at Colombo Hindu College at Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.[18][19] Following years, it was declared as the official Shaiva flag in fourth International Saiva Siddhanta Conference, held in Zurich in 2008.[15] Nowadays, Tamil Shaivas, especially in Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, UK, South Africa, and Switzerland, hoist the flag in all religious and cultural festivals.[15][18][19] Nandi flag was declared as the official Hindu flag of Sri Lanka.[20][21]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Gopinatha Rao, T. A. (1997). Elements of Hindu Iconography, Volume 2. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. p. 213. ISBN 9788120808775.
  2. ↑ "Monier Williams' Sanskrit-English". Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  3. ↑ Gouriswar Bhattacharya, (1977), "Nandin and Vṛṣabha", Zeitschrift der Deutschen Morgenländischen Gesellschaft, Supplement III,2, XIX. Deutscher Orientalistentag, pp. 1543–1567.
  4. ↑ Sabaratnam Sivacharyar, S.P. Shrimat Kamigagamah Purva Pada (Part One). USA: The Himalayan Academy, Kauai Adheenam. pp. 4:471–500. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  5. ↑ The Sacred Scriptures of India. Anmol Publications. 2009. pp. 77–79. ISBN 978-81-261-3630-8.
  6. ↑ "IN THE LAND OF THE SIDDHAS". www.sutrajournal.com. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  7. ↑ The Swamis of Kauai Hindu Monastery (2011). The Guru Chronicles: Making of the First American Satguru. Himalayan Academy Publications. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-934145-40-1.
  8. ↑ Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (2003). Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism. Himalayan Academy Publications. ISBN 978-0-945497-89-9.
  9. ↑ Jayantika Kala (1988). Epic Scenes in Indian Plastic Art. Abhinav Publications. p. 37. ISBN 9788170172284.
  10. ↑ Indian Association for English Studies (1995). The Indian Journal of English Studies, Volume 34. Orient Longmans. p. 92.
  11. ↑ The Indian Journal of English Studies. Orient Longmans. 1995. p. 92.
  12. ↑ "Shiva and Uma on the Bull Nandi". The Walters Art Museum.
  13. ↑ Vanamali (2013). Shiva: Stories and Teachings from the Shiva Mahapurana. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-62055-249-0.
  14. ↑ DBS.Jeyaraj (2013). Reviving Practice of Hoisting 'Nandi' (Crouched Bull) Flag As Hindu Festivals and Functions.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Kalabooshanam Chelvathamby Manickavasagar (2008). "Fourth International Saiva Siddhantha Conference and the Glory of Nanthy Flag". The Island. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  16. ↑ Rasanayagam, Mudaliyar (1926). Ancient Jaffna, being research into the History of Jaffna from very early times to the Portuguese Period. Everymans Publishers Ltd, Madras (Reprint by New Delhi, AES in 2003). பக். 390. ISBN 81-206-0210-2.
  17. ↑ "Hiduism Today, (2008), Hindu Campaigns for Restoration of Nandi Flag Tradition". Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Taṉapālā, kalāniti., Ciṉṉatturai., (2013), "Nantikkoṭi ēṟṟīr! Koṭikkavi pāṭīr!", Omlanka Publication.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Ciṉṉatturai taṉapālā, (2008), "nantikkoṭiyiṉ mukkiyattuvamum perumaikaḷum", Manimekalai Publication.
  20. ↑ "Nanthi Flag to Maithripala Sirisena". Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  21. ↑ "Minister Swaminathan urged to Provide Nanthi Flags to Temples, Societies". Retrieved 5 March 2017.

External links[edit | edit source]


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