Story #4: The story of Nandi

 

   Long ago there lived a sage called Shilada.  He didn't have any child and so did penance for a long time. Eating only silas, meaning stone, gave him the name Shilada. After this staunch penance, lord Shiva appeared before him and gave him the boon of getting very famous person as his son.

   After that, when Shilada was turning the soil, as per the god's message,  he found a child. It had three eyes and four hands. He took it with him to his home.  On reaching home he saw that the child has gotten the usual human form. Shilada named the child Nandi.  Nandi in Sanskrit means happiness.  The child was a very fast learner, and learned Vedas and Puranas before he was 8 years old. He grew up as a steadfast devotee of Lord Shiva.

   At this time Mithra and Varuna came to the ashram of Shilada and stayed for two days.  Nandi took very good care of them.  At the time of leaving they both blessed Shilada with long life and Nandi with fame.  Shilada didn't miss to see the sadness in their voices when they blessed Nandi.  He followed them and asked the reason for it.  They reluctantly admitted that the child may not live long.  Hearing this Shilada was dumbstruck.  He returned very sadly. Nandi pestered his father and came to know the truth.

   The news didn't bother Nandi for even a second.  He readily consoled his father and said that there is no need to worry. His lord would save him.  Getting permission from his father, he reached a forest and started doing tapas by chanting Rudram continuously.

   After several months,  Shiva appeared before him and asked him what he wanted.  On seeing Shiva, he changed his mind. He said he wished to chant rudram one crore time.  Shiva blessed him with his wish.  So,  he continued chanting  rudram. This happened over and again until he chanted rudra many crore times.

   At last when Shiva appeared, he said he wished to sit near Shiva always.  Shiva blessed him immensely saying that he would also like to sit facing him always.  Shiva changed him to a bull form so that he wouldn't miss seeing Nandi when he had to go anywhere also.

   Even today we can see Nandi sitting in temples facing Shiva.  It never goes near Shiva.  Only the Lord comes near it,  when there is a procession.

   Nandi symbolizes and preaches us that waiting, remembering and meditating brings in immense results.

Nandikesaya namosthuthe !!