Shloka 21
नन्दिकेश्वरावताराभिषेकविवाहवर्णनम्
Nandikeśvara: Incarnation, Consecration, and Marriage—Description
अथ शम्भुरुवाचोमामभिषिञ्चामि नन्दिनम् । गणेन्द्रं व्याहरिष्यामि किं वा त्वं मन्यसेऽव्यये
atha śambhuruvācomāmabhiṣiñcāmi nandinam | gaṇendraṃ vyāhariṣyāmi kiṃ vā tvaṃ manyase'vyaye
अथ शम्भुरुवाच—“हे उमे, नन्दिनम् अभिषिञ्चामि; गणेन्द्रत्वेन तं व्याहरिष्यामि। अव्यये, त्वं किं मन्यसे?”
Lord Shiva (Śambhu)
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Shakti Form: Umā
Role: nurturing
FAQs
Śiva’s consecration of Nandin shows that intimate service (sevā) to Pati (the Lord) is itself a sacred empowerment; the Lord uplifts the devoted and appoints them to uphold dharma in his divine retinue.
In Śaiva temple practice, Nandi is the foremost attendant facing the Liṅga; this verse supports the idea that approaching Saguna Śiva is traditionally accompanied by honoring Nandi as Śiva’s appointed gaṇendra and exemplar of unwavering bhakti.
A practical takeaway is to begin Śiva-pūjā by offering reverence to Nandi (and the Gaṇas), then proceed to Liṅga worship with mantra-japa (e.g., Om Namaḥ Śivāya) in a mood of humble service.