The Murti of Nandi, the Bull, is generally seen in a sitting posture on a raised platform with discipline and calmness at the entrance of the temple of Lord Shiva as the guard or doorman. He patiently waits for the Lord while gazing at the sanctum, demonstrating that the individual souls should always be focused and surrendered to the Supreme Lord in all circumstances, without having any material desires. He symbolizes loyalty, truth and righteousness, thus, preserves Dharma. Watchfulness and virility are the most important qualities of the Bull, that make him the perfect vaahan for Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the material world, to ride. The alertness of Nandi tells us the importance of being in the present moment (mindfulness). He is the head of all the attendants (Ganas) of Lord Shiva and is also considered to be the guardian of four-legged animals.
Having a round body, a hump appearing as a huge mountain, and heavy shoulders signify his strength and capacity to bear load. Being very dear to the Lord, the divine Bull is decked with fascinating ornaments on his back, neck, and sharp horns. Nandi is also the chief of 18 Siddhas and is considered the granter of boons to the devotees, and also symbolizes justice, faith, and purity. His mind completely absorbed in the service of Mahadeva depicts that he is the timeless wisdom and the path to the Absolute Truth, which means the Guru within.
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