Nandi Bull

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Nandi stands as the sacred bull that serves as a majestic mount for the revered god Shiva, while also safeguarding the entrance to the divine realm of Shiva and Parvati. In Hinduism, Nandi is recognized as the esteemed guru of eighteen prominent masters, including the renowned Patanjali and Thirumular. Grand temples dedicated to Shiva proudly display magnificent stone carvings of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine with reverence. A number of impressive temples are solely devoted to honoring Nandi's sacred presence. The widespread adoption of the name Nandi for the bull is actually a relatively recent phenomenon, as documented by Gouriswar Bhattacharya in his engaging article "Nandin and Vṛṣabha." Historically, the term Nandi was commonly used to refer to an anthropomorphic deity who served as one of Shiva's two trusted doorkeepers, alongside Mahākāla. The entrances of ancient North Indian temples are frequently adorned with statues of Mahākāla and Nandi, reflecting their roles as guardians of the sacred realm. In Kālidāsa's celebrated poem, Kumārasambhava, Nandi is portrayed as Shiva's loyal watchman.