The Mystical Significance of Lord Shiva’s Nandi Bull
The Bull as a Symbol of Tamas and Rajas
Lord Shiva, is often depicted riding a bull as his vehicle, known as Nandi. While the association of gods and goddesses with animals in Hindu mythology is not uncommon, the choice of Nandi as Lord Shiva’s vehicle has deeper mystical symbolism.
According to Hindu philosophy, Tamas and Rajas are two of the three Gunas or qualities that shape the universe, the other being Sattva. Tamas refers to darkness, inactivity, and ignorance, while Rajas represents passion, activity, and attachment. The bull, from one standpoint, symbolizes both Tamas and Rajas, which project themselves as the two horns of the Bull. Thus, the Bull represents a man.
The Bull as a Symbol of the Perfect Man
Despite representing Tamas and Rajas, Lord Shiva is said to ride the Bull because, as the Self, he is neither Tamas nor Rajas, but rather a man. The Bull, therefore, represents the perfect being, the realized soul, who has purified their mind and intellect and sought identity with the Self.
The word “Vrushabha” has two meanings: one the ordinary meaning, which is the Bull that is known to everybody as the vehicle of Lord Shiva, and the other the inner concealed meaning, which is “Sreshta” (the best). This is because “Vrsham Bhasayati iti Vrushabha” means one who illuminates right actions, their results, and all dharmas. So the Bull can be taken as the symbol of a perfect man who has achieved the highest level of purification.
The Significance of Nandi
The Bull we see inside the temple of Lord Shiva is also called Nandi. “Nandati iti Nandi” means one who is full and happy. Only the perfect man, the realized soul, can enjoy fullness and complete happiness. Therefore, Nandi is again proved to be the symbol of the perfect man, who has completely purified the inner equipment of the mind and intellect and sought identity with the Self.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lord Shiva’s use of Nandi Bull as his vehicle is not just a mere depiction in Hindu mythology. It has deep mystical symbolism that represents the perfect man, the realized soul, who has purified their mind and sought identity with the Self.
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