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GODS AND GODDESSES OF THE ANCIENT WORLD: Nandi...
GODS AND GODDESSES OF THE ANCIENT WORLD: Nandi (Hinduism)
NANDI (also Nandin) is the sacred bull calf, gatekeeper, and vehicle (vahana) of the Hindu god Shiva. Sculptures of Nandi are a common sight at Hindu temples dedicated to his master, and he is partly responsible for the Hindu reverence for living bulls even today, especially in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Vayu Purana, Nandi is the son of Kasyapa and Surabhi. In the Saura Purana Nandi, his role as Shiva’s gatekeeper is described as, ‘adorned with all ornaments, glowing like a thousand suns, holding a trident in his hand, three-eyed, adorned with a sliver of the moon, a thunderbolt in his hand, four-armed, like a second Sankara [Shiva]’.
Besides being Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi is also the chief of the god’s team of ganas or attendants, and consequently he often carries a golden staff of office. His other duties include being the guardian of all quadrupeds and the provider of music as Shiva dances the tandava, the cosmic dance of creation.
Info by Mark Cartwright on Ancient History Encyclopedia
