Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 29
प्रयागे महत्समाजः — शिवदर्शनं दक्षागमनं च
The Great Assembly at Prayāga: Śiva’s Appearance and Dakṣa’s Arrival
प्रत्युवाच द्रुतं पक्षं गर्वितं तं महाखलम् । शिलादतनयो नंदी तेजस्वी शिववल्लभः
pratyuvāca drutaṃ pakṣaṃ garvitaṃ taṃ mahākhalam | śilādatanayo naṃdī tejasvī śivavallabhaḥ
Darauf erwiderte Nandī—Śilādas Sohn, strahlend an Glanz und dem Herrn Śiva innig lieb—sogleich jenem hochmütigen und überaus ruchlosen Parteigänger.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vīrabhadra
Sthala Purana: Nandī’s swift rebuttal is the narrative hinge that leads toward the destructive rectification of Dakṣa’s arrogance (eventually through Vīrabhadra and the ruin of the sacrifice).
Significance: Highlights the dharmic principle: insulting Śiva and His devotees invites corrective ‘samhāra’ of pride; encourages humility and reverence toward Śiva-bhaktas.
FAQs
The verse highlights Nandi as the embodiment of steadfast Shiva-bhakti and dharmic clarity—one who answers arrogance with decisive truth, showing that devotion to Pati (Shiva) is inseparable from courage and discernment.
By calling Nandi “Śiva-vallabha,” the Purana emphasizes Saguna Shiva’s intimate, personal grace expressed through His attendants; in Linga-worship, Nandi represents devoted approach—humility, vigilance, and unwavering orientation toward Shiva.
A practical takeaway is to cultivate Nandi-like steadiness through japa of the Panchākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and disciplined humility—responding to ego and hostility with calm, Shiva-centered resolve.