22/08/2019
Nandi Pooja & sthapana at Sai Shivalay in Punjab.
Each Hindu god has their own vahana(wagon) that they use in war or in peacetime. These vehicles typically tend to be endangered species (such as eagle, peacock, swan, tiger, owl, lion) which Hindus want to protect from getting slaughtered. The animals also stand for specific qualities that are consistent with the deity's image & functions. Nandi signifies strength, load bearing capacity and virility.
In the temple we always will find Nandi the bull sitting in front of the Shiva Linga. The Truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol of the Almighty Supreme Shiva Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of Jeeva (Individual Soul). Nandi sitting before Shiva Linga signifies that a human being should turn away from Prakruthi and direct all his attention towards God only. The bull is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs, which represent Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (peace), Prema (Love).
Nandi sitting and always looking at God signifies and convey the meaning that the purpose of life is to realise the oneness of all creation and one's identity with the Divinity.
# wisdom @ Sri Sathya Sai Mandir, Abohar