Nandi: The Divine Guardian and Devotee of Lord Shiva

In Hinduism, Nandi holds a revered position as the sacred bull-headed mount of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. Known by various names such as Nandikeshvara, Nandeeshwara and Nandideva, Nandi is not only Shiva’s vehicle but also his most devoted worshiper. The importance of Nandi in the worship of Shiva is deeply embedded in Hindu tradition and mythology, making his veneration an essential part of Shiva worship.

1. Symbol of Devotion and Eternal Waiting

• Nandi’s name, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” reflects his unwavering devotion and receptivity. He is often depicted as a young bull with horns that are not fully developed, symbolizing his purity and youthfulness.
• Nandi embodies the virtue of patience and eternal waiting, a quality highly valued in Indian culture. His posture of calm alertness in front of Shiva’s shrine teaches devotees to be patient, receptive, and attuned to the divine presence.

2. Guardian of Kailash

• Nandi is not just Shiva’s mount but also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva. His role as a protector is crucial; he stands as the gatekeeper, controlling access to Shiva’s divine presence.
• Before entering a Shiva temple, devotees must emulate Nandi’s qualities—sitting still, being vigilant, and awaiting divine guidance. This practice symbolizes the preparation required to enter into the spiritual realm of Shiva.

3. Historical Vedic Significance

• • Nandi’s significance is highlighted in various Hindu legends. One such story involves Ravana, the demon king, who was cursed by Nandi for his disrespect towards Shiva. Nandi’s curse predicted that Ravana would be defeated by a monkey, which materialized when Hanuman and the Vanara Sena destroyed Lanka.

• Nandi was born to Sage Shilada, who performed severe penance to have a son blessed with immortality by Shiva. Nandi’s devotion earned him the boon of becoming Shiva’s eternal companion and vehicle.

4. Nandi’s Anthropomorphic Form

• • While Nandi is often depicted as a bull, he also has an anthropomorphic form, where he is shown as a dwarf figure or a Siddhar, a spiritual teacher. In this form, he is considered the chief among the Siddhars, initiated by Parvati and Shiva, and is believed to have passed on his wisdom to his disciples.

• Nandi’s teachings are preserved in the Nandinatha Sampradaya, a lineage of gurus who trace their spiritual heritage back to him.

5. Nandi’s Role in Shaivism

• • In Shaivism, the Nandi flag, bearing the emblem of a seated bull, is a recognized symbol of devotion to Shiva. Historically, Nandi has been the emblem of Tamil Shaiva monarchs and is still venerated among Shaivites, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

• Nandi is seen as an integral part of Lord Shiva’s family, and his worship is considered incomplete without acknowledging Nandi’s role as the eternal companion and guardian of Shiva.

Conclusion

Worshipping Nandi is not just an act of reverence towards Lord Shiva’s mount; it is a recognition of the qualities that Nandi embodies—devotion, patience, and receptivity. Nandi’s presence in Shiva temples, always facing the main shrine, is a reminder of the virtues needed to connect with the divine. Therefore, worshipping Nandi alongside Lord Shiva is not only traditional but also spiritually significant, as it prepares devotees to enter the divine presence with the right mindset and devotion.

Shivalingam is a sacred symbol representing Lord Shiva, reminding devotees of the deity’s omnipotent and formless nature. The term “lingam” appears in the Upanishads, Vedas and Puranas and epic sacred textbooks and pieces of literature of Hindus, signifying a “mark, sign, emblem, characteristic,” or the “evidence, proof, symptom” of divine power.

Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam is the form of Lord Shiva himself, hence worshipping it with rituals gives many times more results and every wish is fulfilled. Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi in the house is extremely auspicious for good luck, peace, health and security, creating an aura of positive energy in your living space any kind of vastu dosha can be removed if a well-weighted approx 215 – 350 gms pure parad (mercury) shivalingam is placed in the house or business place.

Worshipping Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi is a surefire way to increase business in shops, offices and factories. Just seeing the Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi brings good luck. There is no need for any consecration for this, but to get maximum benefits, the worship should be done correctly.

In English, Parad is known as “Mercury,” and it is considered the purest form of a Shivalingam, or Lord Shiva idol. The Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi is highly sacred and possesses immense spiritual power. It is made of the purest mercury (parad), combined with the ashes (bhasma) of silver and juices of belpatra. This material makes it solid and heavy, though very soft and slippery, as it transitions from a liquid state to a hard metalloid. Handle it with utmost care to avoid damage, as it can break if dropped. Never keep parad with yellow/ white gold as it eats gold (consumes) and any gold items kept with pure parad can vanish as it would consume cold.

The Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi is an exceptional tantric tool or yantra. Parad, or mercury, is said to be the seed (sperm) of Lord Shiva. Hindu scriptures consider Parad to be one of the purest and most auspicious of all metals, with medicinal and astrological benefits. Worship of the Parad Shivalingam is believed to expiate sins and bad karma.

Typically, the Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam is a cylindrical or oval-shaped structure, representing the masculine and feminine aspects of divine energy. Devotees worship it with great reverence, offering prayers, incense, flowers, and other traditional rituals. By worshipping the Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi, one can attain spiritual enlightenment, purification of the soul, and blessings from Lord Shiva.

The Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam & Nandi is used for deep meditation (Sadhna). Focusing on it during worship is believed to fulfil nearly all of one’s wishes. Keeping this Shivalingam in your home ensures that you will not face a shortage of basic resources such as food, money, or clothes. Any form of Shivlingam helps remove Vastu Dosha in your home, alleviates pains and sufferings caused by planetary flaws in your astrological chart, and accomplishes the four goals of human life: religion, health, desire, and salvation.

It is said in the scriptures that : 

‘Brahmahatya Sahastraani Gauhatyaayah Shatani Cha. Tatkshandvilayam Yanti Raslingasya Darshanat. Sparshnaatprapyat Muktiriti Satyam Shivoditam’. 

(ब्रह्महत्या सहस्राणि गौहत्यायाः शतानि च। तत्क्षणद्विलयं यान्ति रस्लिङ्गस्य दर्शनात्। स्पर्शात् प्राप्यते मुक्तिरीति सत्यं शिवोदितम्॥). 

That is, the fruit obtained by worshipping millions of Shivlings is crores times more than that obtained by worshipping and seeing Parad Shivling. 

• The Parad (Mercury) Shivalingam fosters attachment and love among couples, eliminates problems, anxieties, stresses, and ego, and protects worshippers from accidents and diseases. It safeguards against the ill effects of Kaal Sarp Dosha, Mangalik Dosha, and other planetary defects.
• Belpatra juices, derived from the leaves of the Bel tree (Aegle marmelos, also known as the wood apple tree), are used to refine and harden Parad Liquid over weeks and months. These leaves, often used in Hindu worship, especially for Shiva, are said to represent the god’s three eyes. Belpatra also has medicinal properties, potentially helping with digestive issues, ulcers, headaches, and hypertension.
• It is advised to always buy a Nandi (Shiva’s Sacred Bull) along with a Shivalingam made of Mercury from our website along with any Shivalingam you purchase. We request you refer to section Parad (Mercury) Nandi page from this website. A Shivalingam set is incomplete without a Nandi (Shiva’s Sacred Bull). In case you already have a Shivalingam at Home or Office without a Nandi prefer buying a Parad (Mercury) Nandi (Shiva’s Sacred Bull) from Rudraalaya.com

A solid mercury Shivalingam, also known as a Parad Shivling or Rasalingam, is made by solidifying mercury with other metals, herbs, and sanskaras: 

• Purify mercury: The mercury is first thoroughly purified, as it is poisonous. 
• Combine with other metals: Mercury is mixed with silver and other alloy metals to solidify it. In Tamil, mercury is called Pada-rasam, and the lingam made from it is called Rasalingam. In Sanskrit, mercury is called Parad, and the lingam made from it is called Parad Lingam. 
• Add herbs and sanskaras: The mixture is then solidified with various herbs and sanskaras. The sulfur used in the process is considered the female (Shakti) form, while the mercury is considered the male (Shiva) form. 
• The Parad Shivling is a symbol of the Hindu god Shiva and is considered one of the most auspicious and divine creations. It is consecrated in Hindu Shiva temples, ashrams, homes and other places of worship. 

Buying Collector Nepali Rudraksha Beads from Rudraalaya.com

Collector Nepali Rudraksha beads are renowned for their size, power, and lustre. They are the most exclusive beads, with well-defined symmetry and matured seeds. The benefits of these collectors’ nine Mukhi Rudraksha beads are visible in a very short span of time, making them highly sought after by spiritual practitioners.

The Nepali Rudraksha bead is said to enhance mental clarity, concentration, and focus. It is associated with improving memory, intelligence, and decision-making abilities. It is said that the Rudraksha beads on your body shield you from all negative and evil sources. 

A Jaap Mala should never be worn on the neck, and a Mala worn on the neck should never be used in Jaap (Mantra Chanting). Rudraksha beads have been used in spiritual practices for thousands of years. These beads are believed to have powerful spiritual and healing properties. The number of Mukhis on a Rudraksha bead can vary, with commonly found beads having anywhere from zero (Nirankar Mukhi) to twenty-one Mukhis (in rare cases, we see 25-26 Mukhi, Trijuti, Ganesh Mukhi, Sawar, Annamaukhi, Gauri Shankar, Gauri Shankar with Garbha or Ganesha). Each type of Rudraksha bead is associated with different spiritual and healing properties. The formation of Rudraksha is a slow and natural process that takes several years.

Combining Rudraksha Beads

For beginners on a spiritual journey, it is recommended to start with a combination of 5 Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha and one Ganesh Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha. This combination is believed to remove obstacles, increase courage, and bring wealth. To know exactly which bead you should wear according to your planetary chart, please book a consultation with our astrologers or Acharyas to get a complete horoscope chart as per Indian traditions, ensuring you buy the exact Rudraksha that will provide maximum benefits.

Do you know a few facts about Original natural Nepali origin Rudrakshas :

According to a leading radiological research and analysis done at Banaras Hindu University of Varanasi in India, it is found that a Natural Nepali Rudraksha has a composition mix of copper, iron, manganese, barium, iron, gold and silver elements in different-different compositions in each Nepali Rudraksha. Each Nepali Origin Rudraksha has physiochemical properties, composition of minerals and moisture, oil and a specific gravity of 1.6481 and any Nepali Rudraksha having a gravity greater than 1 will sink in water else can float in water also. 

Nepali Orginal Rudraksha is the only seed in the world which has seeds inside its hollow chambers which have seeds in its womb having “spandan” or vibration. This vibration is due to electromagnetic, paramagnetic and inductive properties which are very-very high in natural Nepali Rudraksha varying in different Mukhi’s which upon wearing and meditating purifies your blood and opens your heart chakra and agya (or ajna) chakra is also known as the third eye chakra. 

It sends electrical impulses to the agya chakra making you aware and intuitive to take positive decisions and helping you transform your mental ability to think faster. In Hindu tradition, it is the sixth primary chakra in the body and is located in the centre of the forehead, between the eyebrows and meditating on this with Guru Mantra you can activate your Crown Chakra called Sahasrara. (*Made of a thousand Petals Crown Chakra is called Sahasrara).

Wearing a Rudraksha can change your personality inside out with clearer thoughts, a calm personality, a smiling face and an aura on your face, forehead temple and skin which radiates the energies of your activated chakra which others can sense by feeling good about you and that you automatic start healing others when you are around them. 

Others start showing a positive way of speaking and looking at you. You may get this to hear often “You have changed or You sound different”. This is the power of Original Nepali Rudraksha, you have to wear it and meditate on its energy to feel the changes taking you to an alpha state of mind, activating the endocrine gland, regulating blood circulation, controlling high BP, reducing your breath count which helps you live longer removing depression or hypertension.

You feel the energy of neurons, which makes you calmer (neurons are the key players in the brain). That is the reason why in Hindu or Tebetian Buddhist Religion we are asked to chant mantras on a Rudraksha bead as by pressing a bead from 3 fingers in a way that presses an acupressure point in your thumb which starts opening your pineal gland, also known as the epiphysis cerebri or pineal body (in our language agya (or ajna) chakra), is a small, cone-shaped gland in the brain that produces melatonin, a hormone that regulates circadian rhythms and seasonal physiology. 

It’s located in the midline of the brain, between the thalamic bodies, and behind the habenular commissure. The pineal gland is part of the endocrine system and is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid its main function is to produce melatonin in a cyclical pattern at night, which helps regulate sleep patterns and the body’s internal clock. Melatonin levels change throughout the day and year, and the gland’s rhythm is controlled by clock genes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is synchronized to the light-dark cycle. Melatonin also affects the reproductive system and may help protect cells from damage. The main function of the pineal gland (in our language agya (or ajna) chakra),  is to receive and convey information about the current light-dark cycle from the environment via the production and secretion of melatonin cyclically at night (dark period).

The ajna chakra or pineal gland is also connected to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, as well as the eyes, ears, and nose hence upon wearing rudraksha increases your sensitivity or sixth sense. Some believe that the ajna chakra stimulates energies to provide clarity and move to a higher plane of perception or intuition which is called sixth sense.

Rudraksha Diksha at Rudraalaya.com: 

• Wearing a Rudraksha bead is a personal choice, the specific timing and practices can vary among different religious or spiritual traditions. So, it is advisable to seek guidance from our Acharya/panel of Astrologers. By offering INR ₹ 2,501/- rupees ($35) you can book a 30-minute consultation on Video Calls and get complete information on which rudraksha is good as per your date of birth, and profession as per your horoscope. You will have to share your exact date, time and place of birth before booking any consultations with us. PS: GST is applicable extra for India.
• We offer Rudraksha Diksha with full Horoscope Prediction with our renowned panel of Astrologers from India at a nominal fee of INR ₹ 5,501/-  rupees ($75) and information regarding Rudraksha and worship of Lord Shiva with the right methods is given before you can buy any kind of products from our website.

We require a minimum of 10 days time to research your kundali / horoscope to plan any consultation upon booking and sharing details during a consultation as we follow both software and vedic way of analysis through our astrologers. We give you a printed / PDF report after you book a consultation. We operate workshops on rudraaksha and give vital information to devotees across India, the schedules of which are published on our Facebook Page.

• However, many people prefer to wear the Rudraksha bead in the morning after taking a bath and performing their daily spiritual practices such as meditation or prayers. Some individuals choose to wear it on auspicious occasions such as Maha Shivaratri or Navaratri however, every day is auspicious but it best is to wear a rudraksha on Monday or Tuesday between 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM from sunrise. These occasions are believed to amplify the spiritual energy and significance of the bead.

About Rudraalaya (previously known as Nepal Rudraksha) has been serving the blessing of Rudraksha since Sujeet Singh (our founder), father started this journey of worshipping Lord Shiva from Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain Since, 1969 and beyond. Our Founder “Shri Sujeet Singh’s” Grandfather “Late Shri Bans Lochan Laxminarayan Singh Ji” was a doctor (Vaidya) in Varanasi, he used to offer free Rudraksha to High BP and Heart Patients as suggested by his Village Vedacharya and Guru Ji. This introduced the Rudraksha to his father “Late Samar Bahadur Bans Lochan Singh Ji” who followed the steps of his family educating others and his son on Rudraksha. Shri Sujeet Samar Bahadur Singh Ji and his whole clan and forefathers were spiritual seekers and blessed by Lord Shiva “Shree Kashi Vishwanath” Ji. This tradition has continued till date and will continue with the descendants of this family.

Certificate of Origin with Moneyback Assurance

We do not issue any lab certificates or X-ray reports until requested or pre-built and capped beads like (Siddhamala or Kantha). The reason to do so is that we believe every owner of the rudraksha should feel and be aware of the natural form of the rudraksha bead and should be able to experience the touch and feel of the bead before wearing it. Before wearing a rudraksha you should check that the lines should be clear and complete head to tail (Mukhi), the colour and texture should be reddish brown (Nepali rudraksha) and unpolished and the rudraksha should not have any cracks or should not be broken or damaged (preferably unoiled), every Nepali Rudraksha has a natural hole in the centre. Having these features as shown in our pictures you see the true form of the Rudraksha. We recommend for all expensive rudraksha above $1000, you should get it certified by a gemological lab such as IGLI (International Gemological Laboratories & Institute) if you request we can do this at an additional charge however, if post-purchase any lab certifies that the sold rudraksha is not authentic Nepali rudraksha, we will return full money along with the charges of Lab Test upon giving us original Lab Test Report with Invoice, Lab Details and the Rudraksha Bead undamaged or unworn or modified from the original form as sold. (Please refer to our return and exchange policy)