Nandi, Shiv ji's Dearest Devotee

Long ago there lived a rishi named Shilad. He wished for a very special son, one who would be born by Shiv ji's grace and whom death could never touch. For this, he did hard tapasya to Shiv ji for a long time.

Shiv ji was pleased and said, "You will have just such a son." Some time later, while Rishi Shilad was preparing the ground for a yagya, a glowing little boy appeared from the earth. When the rishi saw the child, his heart filled with joy. He named him Nandi, which means "the one who gives joy".

Nandi grew up. He was very clever. While still young, he learned the Vedas and the Shastras. But more than anything, he loved to chant Shiv ji's name.

When Nandi was seven years old, two divine sages named Mitra and Varun came to Rishi Shilad's ashram. Nandi looked after them with love. The sages blessed Nandi, but as they were leaving, they quietly told Rishi Shilad, "This boy is full of good qualities, but his life will be very short."

Hearing this, Rishi Shilad became very sad. When Nandi saw his father unhappy, he asked why. After hearing everything, Nandi smiled and said, "Father, do not worry. I will go to Shiv ji for shelter."

Nandi went to the bank of a river and began to meditate on Shiv ji and chant his name with all his heart. He did not care about hunger or tiredness. Seeing his true devotion, Shiv ji and Maa Parvati appeared before him.

Shiv ji lovingly placed his hand on Nandi's head and said, "Nandi, you have nothing to fear. It was I who sent those sages, so that you would come to me. You will never grow old, and death will never touch you. You will always stay with me. From today, you are the chief of all my ganas." Then Shiv ji hugged him close.

Since then, Nandi has stayed with Shiv ji at every moment. He guards the gate of Kailash, and in the form of a bull he is also known as Shiv ji's vahan. In every Shiv temple, Nandi ji sits facing the Shivling, as if he is gazing at his Lord every moment. Many devotees first bow to Nandi ji and then go for Shiv ji's darshan.