Adhikara Nandi in Hindu religion is a popular form of Nandikeshwara, the bull of Shiva in South India. In this form, Nandi is represented in human form – in the form of Shiva. Adhikara Nandi form has four hands. As per Sivarchana Chandrika of Appayya Dikshita, the two back hands hold battle axe (parashu) and antelope (mruga). The two front hands are folded on the chest in anjali posture. He is red complexioned and has a shaft on his shoulder and sword at his hip level. He wears Vibhuti and rudraksha. In other aspects, the Adhikara Nandi is quite similar to Dakshinamurti Shiva. Why The Name Adhikara Nandi? Nandi is the chief of the Shiva ganas. He has commanding power over the millions of ganas. As he has authority or adhikara over the ganas he is known as Adhikara Nandi. Adhikara Nandi Stories As per one story, Adhikara Nandi appeared from the right side of the body of Bhagavan Vishnu. Rishi Salakayana desired to have a son resembling Shiva. He performed intense tapas for achiev