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
Pagkaraan, si Nandī—anak ni Śilāda, maningning sa kapangyarihan at minamahal ng Panginoong Śiva—ay mabilis na sumagot sa mapagmataas at lubhang masamang kapanig na iyon.
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.