Nandi - Shiva's Bull Carrier

Adapted from Chapter 36 of the Brahmavaivarta Purāna, Krsna-janma-khanda

The mysterious origin of Shiva's bull carrier, Nandi, is related in the Brahmavaivarta Purāna.

Chapter five of the brahma-khanda describes how Srimati Radharani once emerged from the left side of Krishna's body, followed by millions of gopis and cowherd boys.

Several young cows, including bulls, high breed surabhi cows, and kamadhenu cows, also emerged from Krishna's body. Krishna then gave away a beautiful bull that was as strong as ten million lions to Lord Shiva to serve him as his carrier. Coming from the body of the Lord, Nandi is thus an expansion of Krishna. This is also described in the following story from the Krsna-janma-khanda of Brahmavaivarta Purāņa (chapter 36, texts 42 to 57):

Desiring the welfare of the universe, Lord Shiva once went to fight the demon Tripurasura. Shiva's mind was full of pride. He considered that as he was the destroyer of all the three worlds, how could this demon, who was just like a firefly, engage in battle with him? He began fighting with Tripurasura, but, to his surprise, he found that it was not such an easy battle. Although the two fought day and night for one continuous year, neither was victorious. They appeared to be equal in prowess.

Employing his illusory potency, the de-mon suddenly rose into space. Shiva also flew up to fight with the demon. In space, they continued fighting for one month. The powerful demon then shattered Shiva's bow, broke his chariot, and destroyed all of his other weapons. Enraged, Shiva delivered a powerful blow with his fist on Tripurasura's chest. Reeling from Shiva's blow, the demon fainted. Regaining consciousness in a moment, the demon picked up Shiva and threw him down. Seeing Shiva defeated and his chariot broken, all the gods felt panicky.

Shiva started offering prayers to Krishna. Find-ing himself in danger, Lord Shiva repeatedly began to meekly call out Krishna's name. Krishna mani-fested Himself in the form of a beautiful bull and lifted Shiva up onto His back. Krishna then gave Shiva some armor and a trident. Taking that trident given to him by the Lord, Shiva struck Tripurasura with it. The demon was reduced to ashes and fell to the ground.

Understanding that his pride had been the cause of his difficulties, Lord Shiva renounced it and began offering prayers to Krishna.

While relating this story to Srimati Radharani, Krishna concluded:

tato 'ham vrsa-rūpena vahāmi tena tam priyam mama priyatamo nāsti trailokyesu śivāt parah

Since then, I started carrying Shiva over My back as his vehicle because no one in the three worlds is dearer to Me than Shiva.

Taken from the Parimal Publications edition of Brahma-vaivarta Purana. Sanskrit with English translation. 2001. Delhi.

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