Nandi (Bull) Idols
Nandi is also discerned in an entire human form as Nandikeshwara or Nandideva; such sculptured forms are found at the entrance door of many Shaivite temples in South India, and are frequently confused with images of the deity because they are alike in such iconographic features as the third eye, crescent moon in the matted locks, and four arms, two of which hold the battle-axe and an antelope.
Nandi becomes Shiva’s Gatekeeper and Mount
Nandi grew as an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, and he performed severe penance to become his gatekeeper, as well as his mount, on the banks of the River Narmada, near Tripur Tirth Kshetra in present-day Nandikeshwar Temple, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Why is Nandi always seated before the Shiva Linga?
Nandi is Shiva’s animal form, his means of transportation, and his most ardent worshiper. Sacred animals served as vahanas, or mounts for Hindu deities to travel on. Shiva and Nandi's association with Hindu scriptures and art can be traced to very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation, thus explaining the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull.
