The story of Nandi

The Story of Nandi

There was once a sage by name Shilada. He was an ardent devotee of Shiva.  He did not have any children of his own. He decided to pray to Lord Shiva to bless him with a son. He practised his austerities for many years. Finally, Shiva appeared in front of Shilada. He asked him “Shilada, what do you desire?” Shilada replied “Lord, by your grace I have everything. I do not have a child who I can call my own. I seek only that boon from you.” Shiva was pleased and blessed him.

Shilada was happy as he knew that a child born of Shiva’s blessing will be exceptional in all respects. After some time, while Shilada was ploughing his land, he found a baby boy. The baby although abandoned seemed happy and content. The child had a radiance about him. Shilada was not sure what to make of it. He thought that the child might have been lost by its parents. He was at first hesitant to take him home. At that time, there was a divine voice (ashariri) that resounded in the skies “Shilada, this is the child we promised you. Take him home and bring him up as your own.” 

Relieved that the child was the one given to him by Shiva himself, a joyous Shilada claimed the child as his own. He took him home and brought him up. Shilada named the child Nandi. Nandi grew up to be a happy and intelligent child. His grasp of scriptures and his lessons were exemplary. He was also an obedient and loving child. Nandi was an ardent devotee of Shiva and never forgot his daily puja to his favourite God. Shilada and his wife were very happy and were thankful to the Lord for giving them the opportunity to bring up a divine child.

One day, two sages, Mitra and Varuna, visited Sage Shilada. Shilada was solicitous of the visiting sages and hosted them with lot of respect and (should it be humility?) admiration. He called his son Nandi and told him “Nandi, these are the sages Varuna and Mitra. They are very learned and are highly deserving of our respect. Serve them as you would serve me and use their time here to further your knowledge.” Nandi, who was obedient to his father and generally very respectful to the elders was very happy to be at the service of the two sages. The sages spent a few days at Shilada’s ashram and took leave after a few days.

Shilada paid his respects to the sages when they were leaving. They blessed him. Then Nandi took the blessings of the sages. The sages looked at each other and gave him a brief blessing. Shilada noticed that the sages were a little concerned when they blessed Nandi. He followed them outside the house. Once they were out of earshot of his wife and son, he asked them why their blessing to Nandi was not given with enthusiasm.

The sages were at first reluctant to talk openly. When Shilada insisted, they finally revealed to him that Nandi may not have long to live. They said that this is what they divined based on the reading of his stars.

Shilada was devastated. He returned to his hut crest fallen. Nandi noticed that his dad was looking unhappy and worried. He asked Shilada what was the problem. Shilada was at first reluctant to share the details with Nandi. But Nandi was persistent. Finally, Shilada was forced to reveal to Nandi what the sages had told him.

Shilada expected Nandi to be sad or shocked. He was taken aback when Nandi started laughing helplessly. Shilada got irritated. He told Nandi “Stop laughing. What is there to laugh in this?” Nandi stopped laughing and said, “What can I do but laugh. You yourself told me that you found me in a field after you prayed to Lord. If I am a gift from Lord Shiva himself, my life and death are his problem. Why should you and I worry about it.” Shilada was shocked at the child’s maturity and was ashamed that he did not have the wisdom to completely trust in Lord Shiva.

Nandi continued, “Father. Do not worry. I shall set forth immediately and do a penance to propitiate/please Lord Shiva. I am sure the Lord will hear my prayers and grant me a long and productive life.”

Nandi, although a small boy still, went to the river Bhuvana and started severe austerities to please Lord Shiva. He went without food and water for many years. Lord Shiva finally appeared before him and said, “Nandi, open your eyes. I am pleased with your devotion. Tell me what you desire.”

Nandi opened his eyes. He saw the resplendent form of the Maheswara in front of him. He could not tear his eyes from the Tejomaya’s (Shiva’s) form. Nandi was lost in the beauty of Kailashnath. The first thought that occurred in his mind was “What a beautiful form. If only I could keep seeing this beautiful form every minute of my life.” Shiva who understood Nandi’s thinking said, “I would also like you next to me. I have recently lost the bull that I use for my travels. You can take his place. But you will have to take the face of a bull.” Nandi immediately responded, “Lord. If it means being next to you all the time, I am willing to be anything.” Shiva who knew Nandi would agree blessed him. Nandi immediately took the form of a bull and took up permanent residence at Kailash. With tears in his eyes, Nandi praised the Lord and took his blessings. He became the gate keeper, vaahan (vehicle) and constant companion to the divine couple Shiva and Parvati. Due to his unconditional devotion to Lord Shiva also made him the head of the Shiva Ganas the guards of Kailash.

Shilada was proud and happy that his son changed destiny by sheer devotion and faith. He blessed Nandi and went back to his ashram a happy man.