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How To Pray To Nandi? In Hindu Religion Worship

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Praying to Nandi is an important aspect of Hindu worship, particularly for devotees of Lord Shiva. Nandi is not just a vehicle (vahana) for Lord Shiva but is also a revered deity in his own right, often seen as the gatekeeper and devoted attendant of Shiva. Here's a detailed overview of how to pray to Nandi, along with additional information on prayers, puja steps, mantras, symbolism, and relevant facts.

Who is Nandi?

  • Role in Hindu Mythology: Nandi is depicted as a bull and serves as the divine vehicle (vahana) and gatekeeper of Lord Shiva. Nandi is considered a symbol of strength, virility, and devotion. The bull represents dharma (righteousness) and is a guardian deity of all Shiva temples.

  • Symbolism: Nandi represents loyalty, faith, and strength. He symbolizes the qualities of a devoted follower, always in service to Shiva. In Hindu temples, Nandi is always depicted facing the sanctum sanctorum, looking directly at Shiva, symbolizing his vigilance and devotion.

Symbolism of Nandi in Hindu Worship

  1. Loyalty and Devotion: Nandi represents unwavering loyalty and devotion to Lord Shiva. This is why he is always positioned facing the Shiva Linga, watching over his master.

  2. Strength and Protection: As a bull, Nandi symbolizes strength, endurance, and virility, protecting the temple and its devotees from negative influences.

  3. Dharma: Nandi stands for righteousness and dharma. He is a protector of dharma and ensures that those who come to seek Shiva's blessings do so with a pure heart.

How to Pray to Nandi

1. Preparation for Prayer:

  • Cleanliness and Purity: Before starting the prayer, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Purity of body and mind is essential in Hindu worship.

  • Offerings: Common offerings to Nandi include raw rice, grass, water, fresh flowers (especially white), fruits, and sweets. Nandi is particularly fond of arugampul (a type of grass) and vibhuti (sacred ash).

  • Location: Nandi statues are commonly found facing the main sanctum in Shiva temples. You can pray to Nandi in temples, or if you have a small Nandi idol at home, you can perform your prayer there.

2. Steps for Performing Nandi Puja:

  1. Start with an Invocation:

    • Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles in your puja (prayer). Recite "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" three times.

  2. Clean the Idol:

    • Sprinkle the idol or statue of Nandi with water, symbolizing purification.

  3. Offer Vibhuti (Sacred Ash):

    • Apply vibhuti on the Nandi idol and on your forehead. Vibhuti symbolizes the destruction of ego and worldly attachments.

  4. Offer Grass and Flowers:

    • Present fresh grass and white flowers to the idol. Nandi is particularly associated with purity and simplicity, so these offerings are significant.

  5. Light a Lamp (Deepam) and Incense (Agarbatti):

    • Light a lamp and place it before Nandi. Incense sticks (agarbatti) should be lit, and their smoke should be waved in a circular motion around the idol, symbolizing the presence of the divine.

  6. Recite Nandi Mantras and Prayers:

    • Chant specific mantras dedicated to Nandi while focusing your mind on Lord Shiva and Nandi’s unwavering devotion.

3. Specific Mantras to Chant:

  • Nandi Gayatri Mantra:

    Om Vrishabhaya Vidmahe
Maha Devaya Dhimahi
Tanno Nandi Prachodayat

    This mantra is a prayer to Nandi for strength, courage, and unwavering devotion.

  • Shiva Mantras for Nandi Worship:

    Om Namah Shivaya

    Chanting this mantra helps in focusing the mind and invoking the presence of Lord Shiva.

4. Conclude the Puja:

  • Pradakshina (Circumambulation):

    • Walk around the idol of Nandi three or more times, in a clockwise direction. This act symbolizes reverence and devotion.

  • Arti:

    • Perform an arti (ritual waving of a lighted lamp) in front of Nandi, expressing gratitude and seeking blessings.

  • Prayers and Meditation:

    • Spend a few moments in meditation, silently praying to Lord Shiva and Nandi for strength, guidance, and protection.

  • Prasadam:

    • Conclude the worship by offering fruits and sweets as prasadam (blessed food) to Nandi and later consuming it.

Ideal Gods or Goddesses to Worship Alongside Nandi

While worshipping Nandi, it is common to also offer prayers to:

  • Lord Shiva: As Nandi is the vahana of Shiva, worshipping Nandi often goes hand in hand with the worship of Lord Shiva.

  • Goddess Parvati: Being Shiva's consort, Parvati is also revered alongside Shiva and Nandi.

  • Lord Ganesha: Often invoked at the beginning of Hindu rituals to remove obstacles and bless the proceedings.

Rare Facts About Nandi Worship

  1. Role in Mythology: According to some legends, Nandi was born to the sage Shilada. Blessed by Lord Shiva, Nandi became immortal and the divine gatekeeper.

  2. Symbolic Posture: Nandi is typically depicted in a resting posture but with alert ears and eyes, symbolizing his readiness to listen to the prayers of devotees and his vigilant protection over Shiva's abode.

  3. Nandi's Ear and the Lingam: In many Shiva temples, devotees whisper their wishes into Nandi's ear, believing that he will convey their wishes directly to Shiva.

  4. Jyotirlinga Temples: In the famous Jyotirlinga temples, which are dedicated to Shiva, Nandi's idol is always positioned in such a way that it faces the Shiva Lingam, symbolizing his perpetual service and devotion.

  5. Nandi Kshetra: Some temples in India are dedicated solely to Nandi. For instance, the Nandikeshwara Temple in Karnataka is a unique temple where Nandi is the main deity.

Symbolism of Nandi in Hindu Temples

  1. Positioning in Temples: Nandi’s statue is always placed directly facing the main deity (Shiva Lingam) in Shiva temples, signifying his eternal vigilance and devotion to Lord Shiva.

  2. Guardian of the Temple: Nandi is considered a guardian of the temple premises. His presence ensures that the temple is protected from any negative influences.

  3. Dharma’s Embodiment: Nandi symbolizes righteousness and purity, guiding devotees to approach Shiva with a pure and devoted heart.

Praying to Nandi is an act of devotion that connects devotees with Lord Shiva’s divine energy and strength. Through simple yet meaningful rituals, offerings, and prayers, devotees express their reverence for Nandi's devotion, seeking strength, protection, and blessings in their spiritual journey. By understanding the symbolism and significance of Nandi, devotees can deepen their connection to this revered deity and the divine energy he represents.