The Story of Nandi: Lord Shiva's Eternal Companion

Once upon a time, in ancient India, there lived a great Rsi named Shilada. Despite his advanced age, Shilada still had no offspring, which worried him greatly. He feared that until the end of his life, he would not have a child to continue his lineage. Based on the advice of his ancestors, Shilada decided to perform austere austerities, prayers, and penances to beg the Gods for a son.

 Rsi Shilada doing Meditation (Source: Personal Collection)

Lord Indra, the king of the Gods, heard the hopeful prayers of Rsi Shilada. Moved, Lord Indra decided to descend to earth and meet the persistent Brahmin. Upon meeting, Rsi Shilada expressed his deep desire to have a child. The child he longed for was one who was strong, wise, and blessed with a long life. Lord Indra listened carefully to Rsi Shilada's request for a strong and long-lived son. Rsi Shilada hoped that his son would be a successor who would protect the family name and be devoted to the Gods. Lord Indra was silent for a moment, sensing the deep sincerity of the Brahmin's request. Unfortunately, Lord Indra had no power to grant Rsi Shilada's request

Respectfully, Lord Indra suggested that Shilada appeals to Lord Shiva, who had greater power in terms of life and strength. Lord Indra then disappeared from sight, leaving Rsi Shilada with renewed hope. Although disappointed, Rsi Shilada felt that he had received clear guidance and began preparing to ascend to Lord Shiva. Rsi Shilada began his deep asceticism to Lord Shiva, concentrating all his energies in prayer and devotion.

Seeing Shilada's dedication and sincerity, Lord Shiva was pleased and decided to appear before the Rsi. Lovingly, Lord Shiva asked Shilada what he wanted as a boon. Rsi Shilada, respectfully, requested that Lord Shiva grant him a son who was strong like Lord Shiva and blessed with a long life. Lord Shiva smiled at Rsi Shilada's sincere request and said that the wish would soon be realized. Lord Shiva assured Shilada that the son he dreamed of would soon be present in his life. After giving the promise, Lord Shiva disappeared from Rsi Shilada's presence, leaving a sense of peace in Rsi Shilada's heart.

Lord Shiva Appears in the Front of Rsi Shilada (Source: Personal Collection)

After meeting Lord Shiva, Rsi Shilada returned to his home with a heart full of happiness. He felt very grateful and confident that a strong child would soon come into his life. Every day he envisioned the time when he could care for and teach the child about life and wisdom. Rsi Shilada lived out his days in hope, waiting for the blessing promised by Lord Shiva.

Some time passed, while Rsi Shilada was performing Yajna for Lord Shiva, a miraculous event occurred. From the sacred fire of the Yajna, there emerged a boy who shone brightly, as bright as the sun. The child's light emitted a different aura than the average child, as promised by Lord Shiva. Rsi Shilada was very happy to see the child and immediately praised the greatness of Lord Shiva for the gift that had been given.

 The Birth of Nandi from Yajna's Fire (Source: Personal Collection)

With great happiness, Rsi Shilada brought the child born from the fire Yajna to his home. He named the child Nandi. Shilada was sure that Nandi would be a special child, just as he had hoped. He felt a deep sense of happiness and gratitude for the miracle that had happened.

Over time, Nandi grew into a very bright and wise boy. Rsi Shilada taught Nandi all the Vedas and other scriptures, hoping that his son would understand deep knowledge. Nandi learned all the teachings very quickly, demonstrating his extraordinary abilities. Every day, Shilada felt more and more proud of his son who had grown into a great boy.

Seven years after Nandi's birth, two Brahmins named Mitra and Varuna came to the humble hut where Rsi Shilada lived. Shilada welcomed the two guests with great respect. He immediately provided food and drink for the two Brahmins, making sure they were comfortable in his home. Mitra and Varuna felt honored and grateful for Shilada's warm welcome. After the two Brahmins entered, Shilada called his son, Nandi, to serve the guests. Nandi happily followed his father's orders, welcoming the Brahmins with great respect. He served them courteously, ensuring that they had everything they needed during their stay. The two Brahmins were impressed by Nandi's demeanor, who despite his youth, already possessed great maturity and kindness.

 Rsi Shilada Greeting Mitra and Varuna (Source: Personal Collection)

After a few days of staying at Shilada's house, Mitra and Varuna felt it was time to continue their journey. Before leaving, Shilada and Nandi respectfully knelt down, begging Mitra and Varuna to bless them. Shilada and Nandi respectfully bowed before the two Brahmins, asking that they be blessed with goodness and long life. The two Brahmins smiled and happily blessed them.

Rsi Shilada and Nandi asking Mitra and Varuna for blessings (Source: Personal Collection)

Mitra and Varuna first offered their blessings to Shilada. They wished him a long and happy life, as an expression of gratitude for his kindness and service to them. “May your life be filled with peace and prosperity, Shilada,” they said, giving him encouragement and prayers.

When it came time to bless Nandi, Mitra and Varuna seemed overcome with deep sadness. Although they tried to hide their feelings, Shilada could sense that something was wrong. In a low voice, they simply said, “Be well son, be kind to your parents and teachers.” Without further explanation, the two Brahmins left Shilada's house, leaving a feeling of anxiety in the Rsi’s heart.

After Mitra and Varuna's departure, Shilada felt something very strange. The expression of sadness shown by the two Brahmins made an impression on his mind. Feeling uneasy, he immediately ran out of the house, chasing after Mitra and Varuna to ask what had happened. With a trembling voice, Shilada begged them to tell the truth about his son, Nandi, as his heart was filled with fear. Reluctantly, Mitra and Varuna finally revealed the painful truth. They told Shilada that Nandi would not have a long life and that his life would end in less than a year. Hearing the news, Shilada felt like the world was crumbling before him. It broke his heart to hear that his son, whom he loved and was proud of, would die at such a young age.

Rsi Shilada Talking with Mitra and Varuna (Source: Personal Collection)

With a heavy heart, Shilada returned home, unable to bear her grief. Upon arriving home, he collapsed on the ground, unable to stand up due to the overwhelming emotional burden. Nandi, who saw his father in this state, rushed over and asked what had happened. With a trembling voice, Shilada revealed the bad news delivered by Mitra and Varuna, that Nandi would soon be gone at a very young age.

Nandi Approaching His Fallen Father  (Source: Personal Collection)

Hearing the news, Nandi laughed and calmed his father down. With confidence, he told Shilada, “Father, don't worry. I am a gift from Lord Shiva, and I believe that Lord Shiva will not abandon me.” Nandi's faith in Lord Shiva was so great that he had no fear of death. Nandi's words gave Shilada some peace, even though Shilada's heart was full of anxiety.

With his father's permission, Nandi decided to go to the banks of the river Bhuvan to perform asceticism. He was determined to ascend and do penance to Lord Shiva, hoping that he would be granted a long life. Despite his youth, Nandi showed great determination, believing that Lord Shiva would hear his prayer. This asceticism became his first step in seeking salvation from a foretold fate.

Nandi doing Meditation (Source: Personal Collection)

Nandi's asceticism was so steadfast and earnest that it attracted the attention of Lord Shiva. Seeing Nandi's perseverance and sincerity, Lord Shiva was moved and decided to appear before him. Nandi was surprised to see Lord Shiva appear, but his heart was filled with happiness and gratitude. Lord Shiva gently told Nandi to express his request as a reward for his steadfastness in asceticism.

Nandi Meeting Lord Shiva  (Source: Personal Collection)

When he saw Lord Shiva in front of him, Nandi instantly forgot that he was ascending to ask for a long life. Instead, Nandi requested that he could always be by Lord Shiva's side, being His servant all the time. Lord Shiva was moved by Nandi's loyalty and sincerity, and said, “You ascended to ask for a long life, but after seeing me, you forgot your wish. Therefore, I bless you with immortality, the same power as mine, and you will always remain faithful by my side. Birth and death will no longer affect you, and you will be my mount forever.”

After bestowing the boon on Nandi, Lord Shiva and Nandi went to Lord Shiva's residence on Mount Kailash. Once there, he informed Goddess Parwati about the extraordinary devotion shown by Nandi. Lord Shiva declared that he would make Nandi the head of Ganapaksa, the leader of Lord Shiva’s army. Hearing this, Goddess Parwati smiled lovingly and regarded Nandi as her own son.

Lord Shiva and Nandi in His New Form  (Source: Personal Collection)

In recognition of Nandi's dedication and loyalty, Lord Shiva first lovingly embraced Nandi. Then, Lord Shiva gave Nandi the form of a powerful bull, a symbol of strength and determination. With this form, Nandi was accepted as Lord Shiva's main vehicle, who would always be by His side on all journeys. Their relationship now became eternal, with Nandi faithfully serving Lord Shiva throughout the ages. Whatever Nandi hears and feels, Lord Shiva will also hear and feel it.