Nandi Statue and idols are a common sight in temples and always find their place in front of Lord Shiva’s shrines as a sign of pure devotion.
As a child, I often saw men and women whisper into the ears of the Nandi statue when they arrived at Lord Shiva’s temple complex. I wondered what they talked about, and rushed answers from the elders that toted us kids around were simple. Wishes and prayers, they said. I wondered what one wishes for in the ears of the divine Nandi while offering the exact wants and prayers to Lord Shiva. Were we meant to ask different things from both divine beings?
Fast forward to today, I have the answers to my many curious questions about Lord Nandi. But before we jump right into it, let us learn more about Lord Shiva’s trustworthy, divine mount, the Nandi.
Nandi Statue : The Significance of The Divine Nandi in Hinduism
A Nandi statue is most often seen seated facing Lord Shiva in his shrine, focused away from the surroundings, with all his attention directed towards the Lord alone, the Parameshwara.
The name, Nandi, translates to “one that gives joy.” Every Nandi Statue follows the traditional morphology of a bull or the Indian ox. A strong hump is seen on the back, strong horns on the head, and folds of skin hang loosely from the neck.
The Nandi is symbolic of stability and is often seen seated in front of the main shrine. Each of the four legs of the divine mount represents the four elements
- Sathya, the truth
- Dharma, righteousness
- Shanti, peace
- and Prema, love
It is believed that enlightenment can be attained through the understanding and the practice of these elements, making it the purpose of human birth. Therefore, the Nandi protects Dharma and the chief of the Ganas. He is also said to be a granter of boons and the chief of the Siddhas in Hinduism.
How To Offer Prayers In A Temple Where The Nandi Statue Is Directly In Front Of The Shivalingam
Most devotees perform the Nandi darshan by means of Shrungadarshana. One can perform the Shrungadarshana by following the steps in the order as written below:
- Begin by sitting or standing to the right of the Nandi Statue.
- Place both hands’ forefinger/index finger on the two horns of the Nandi Statue.
- Lean forward to the middle and view the Shivalingam from between the horns of the divine mount.
Practising the Shrungadarshana when praying with a Nandi statue amplifies the flow of Shakti energy and is spiritually beneficial for the devotee.
Devotees also cup the ears of the Nandi and whisper their confessions, prayers, and wishes in confidence that their prayers will be shared with the Lord without having to disrupt Lord Shiva’s penance.
Benefits of Worshipping the Nandi
The Nandi is a symbol of patience, strength, and sincerity. The Nandi statue can be worshipped both in the home and in the office to bring in prosperity, good luck, success, wealth, and power.
- The Nandi protects and secures work and businesses from unforeseen conditions.
- The Nandi creates an atmosphere of respect and reverence in the family unit when worshipped at home.
- Worshipping a Nandi statue in the workplace increases stability in the work environment.
- It also attracts new customers and clients while ensuring long-term, loyal collaborations.
- Many devotees also believe that worshipping the Nandi statue helps them receive blessings from their forefathers and helps devotees suffering from Pithra Dosha.
How To Worship Nandi Statue At Home- 5 Things To Remember
The divine Nandi can be worshipped in the home in a simple and auspicious way. Here are five things to remember before worshipping the Nandi at home.
- Always ensure that the Nandi statue is placed in the South / South-West area of the house facing the North direction.
- Place the Nandi statue on a clean surface away from the constant foot traffic, just as you would divine idols and statues.
- Nandi Abhisekham can be done with Gangajal, water from the river Ganges.
- The Nandi statue must be wiped dry, and sandalwood paste and perfume can be applied after. Floral offerings can also be made after the application of sandalwood paste.
- Ensure that you light lamps, offer incense and perform the pooja by chanting, Om Namah Shivaya and the Nandi Mantra as shared below:
Mantra For Nandi Puja:
Om Mahaakaalyam Mahaaveeryam
Shiva Vahanam Outatmama
Ganaanamtwa Pratham Vande
Nandishwaram Mahabalam
Where Can You Buy A Nandi Statue Online?
Beautiful vintage brass and bronze Nandi statues, Nandi stands, and Nandi and Shivalingam pairs are available for purchase at the Ancient Madurai Store!
Click here to browse through the collection!
Shop for bespoke kitchen, pooja, and decor items in brass and bronze on the Ancient Madurai Website Shop!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to keep Nandi statue at home?
Yes, it is very good to keep and worship a Nandi statue at home. The Nandi statue can be worshipped both in the home and in the office to bring in prosperity, good luck, success, wealth, and power.
What is the significance of Nandi?
The Nandi is a symbol of patience, strength, and sincerity and is most often seen seated facing Lord Shiva in his shrine, focused away from the surroundings, with all his attention directed towards the Lord alone, the Parameshwara.
Where should Nandi statue be placed in home?
Always ensure that the Nandi statue is placed in the South / South-West area of the house facing the North direction.
Why Nandi is always in front of Shiva?
The Nandi is seated facing Lord Shiva in his shrine, focused away from the surroundings, with all his attention directed towards the Lord alone, the Parameshwara.
Leave a Reply