Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 47
मृत्युञ्जय-विद्या-प्रादुर्भावः
The Manifestation/Transmission of the Mṛtyuñjaya Vidyā
सर्वाश्च तिथयो नन्दास्तव संयोगतश्शुभाः । तव भक्ता भविष्यंति बहुशुक्रा बहु प्रजाः
sarvāśca tithayo nandāstava saṃyogataśśubhāḥ | tava bhaktā bhaviṣyaṃti bahuśukrā bahu prajāḥ
Through association with you, O Nanda (Nandin), all lunar days become auspicious. Those who are your devotees shall prosper—endowed with abundant vitality and blessed with many offspring.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating the Purāṇic account to the sages at Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Paśupatinātha
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches that sacred association with Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandin, sanctifies time itself (tithis) and draws Shiva’s grace, resulting in worldly well-being and supportive conditions for dharma and devotion.
Nandin is intimately connected with Saguna Shiva and Shiva’s temple presence; honoring Nandi as the gateway to the Liṅga symbolizes approaching Shiva through devotion, humility, and right relationship with Shiva’s śakti-filled attendants.
Perform Liṅga-pūjā on any tithi with steady bhakti, beginning by offering reverence to Nandi; recite the Pañcākṣarī mantra (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and maintain purity and devotion, trusting that auspiciousness arises through Shiva’s grace.