The term “Nand” means bliss, the anand. If we add a little letter of ‘i’ at its end, we find Nandi. We recollect from our previous memories, that we have seen him outside the Shiva temples. We also see him with Mother cows. If we we go to the rituals, we find that people whisper their whimper in his ears, for their wishes are fulfilled by Shiva Ji. Let us see his background. He is counted amidst the agrey of Lord Shiva. He is one of the intimate devotees of Shiva Ji; he is immortal as well, serves Shiva Ji day and night. He has been the Guru of Sanatkumars and even Rishi Patanjali. Nandi Ji has given the initiation into the path of yoga to Sanatkumars and Rishi Patanjali. Rishi Patanjali (Patan+anjali) is called so, as he fell from the skies, into the hands of his mother. Rishi Patanjali has given the yoga sutras, the formulae which tell us that if we remember Lord, doing our duties, then we can unite with the Eternity. Yoga Sutras were delivered by Nandi Ji to Rishi Patanjali. When we visualize Mount Kailash, we think of Shiva Ji, Mother Parvati, Ganesh Ji, Kartikeya Ji, and even Nandi Ji. We cannot reach to Lord, until we cross Nandi Ji. We celebrate Mahashivratri, and we revere Shiva Ji and Mother Parvati. They were married on the day of Mahashivratri. Shiva Ji rode Nandi Ji to Himalayas, to bring Mother Parvati to Kailash. He rode Nandi Ji, with his back oriented towards the Himalayas. He has the ability to change from one form to another.
If we imagine that the one who is ridden by Shiva Ji, is the One, he will always be in bliss. We are in his lap 24*7, but He comes in our lap, we will live in bliss. If we leave our stiffness towards the soft touch of Lord, we will live in ananda. We will become Shiva from Shava, via Nandi Ji. Mind is the Nandi in us. If we direct it, through our practice, we will be freed.
India is carrying out several initiatives to make Mother cow as the National animal. If we quote her as an animal, we shall be called a beast. She is the mother, she forgives all. When Nandi stands before our couryard, we beat him and do not give him food. Then, we go to Shiva temple, and whisper in Nandi’s ears. Will our wishes be fulfilled?
