Shiva and His Devotee Nandi: Nandi is known to all as Shiva's devoted disciple, and there's a story behind how he became Shiva's devotee. There lived a sage named 'Siladhara', a fervent devotee of Shiva, who was childless. In quest of a son, he performed rigorous penance for years, pleasing Shiva. Shiva appeared before him and asked him what boon he desired, to which Siladhara requested a son. Granting his request, Shiva disappeared, promising him a son. Days passed, and one day Siladhara found a newborn baby radiating an aura like the sun near a fence while walking by a field. Taking the baby home, he named him 'Nandi', raising him with love. Nandi grew into a wise and charming boy, making Siladhara proud. As Nandi grew, two great sages named 'Mitra and Varuna' visited their home and decided to stay for a while. Siladhara agreed gladly, instructing Nandi to serve them diligently. Nandi, with devotion, served the sages earnestly. Before departing, Siladhara asked the sages to bless him and Nandi. They blessed Siladhara with a long, happy life, but when Nandi bowed for blessings, they became somber, simply advising Nandi to care deeply for his father and teacher. Troubled, Siladhara privately asked the sages why they were so serious in blessing Nandi, and they revealed their sorrow in foreseeing Nandi’s short lifespan. Circumstances forced Siladhara to tell Nandi the truth. Nandi, unbothered, laughed and assured his father that Lord Shiva, who granted him life, would also extend it. Trusting in Shiva's power, Nandi promised to worship Shiva diligently, seeking his blessings to change his fate. Siladhara blessed him, and Nandi sought penance by a river, performing severe austerities. Pleased by Nandi’s devotion, Shiva appeared before him. Spellbound by Shiva's beauty, Nandi found himself speechless but inwardly wished to be Shiva's vehicle to eternally stay close to him. Sensing Nandi's unspoken wish, Shiva laughed, granting him the boon. From then, Nandi became Shiva's foremost vehicle and leader of all Shiva’s attendants. A belief persists that whispering one's desires into Nandi's right ear at Shiva's temple delivers them to Shiva and fulfills them. "Mityunjayaya Rudraya Neelakanthaya Shambhavae Amritesaya Sarvaya Mahadevaya Te Namah." With reverence, Written by: Aasha Nagabhushan.