Linga Puranam describes the birth of Lord Nandi. There was a sage named Shilada who underwent severe penance to have a boon - A child with immortality. Lord Indra pleased of the austerities of Shilada, appeared in front of him to offer a boon. After hearing the request of Shilada and his desire to have an immortal child, Lord Indra suggested him to pray to Lord Shiva who could provide the boon, nobody else could provide such a boon.
Sage Shilada continued his penance for thousand years. He was totally immovable for many years, so the termites settled on his body and slowly started to build up their nest.Finally, his whole body was covered up by them. The insects started to eat his flesh and imbibed his blood. At last, only bones remained. Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and provided the boon for an immortal child. Lord Shiva proclaimed that He himself will be born as his child. Moreover, Lord Shiva provided Sage Shilada his old form with a single touch.
Sage Shilada performed Yagna and a child appeared from the sacrificial fire. The child had three eyes and four arms and he was holding a Trident and a Mace in both hands. His body was claded in armour made out of diamonds. The celestial dancers and singers performed on this auspicious occasion and the deities showered flowers on the child. The boy was named 'Nandi' - who brings joy.
Shilada brought the child home, immediately the boy lost his divine appearance to an ordinary child. The child completely forgot all about his birth. Sage Shilada was worried about the sudden change. He devoted his time for the bringing up the child, his education etc..By the age of seven the boy was well versed in Veda and all sacred texts.
One day the two deities - Mitra and Varuna visited Sage Shilada. At the first sight of the boy, they commented : Though the boy had all auspicious signs, he would have a very short life. The boy woulld not live after the age of eight. Sage Shilada was mortified at this remark. Nandi could not bear his father's sorrow, he began to pray to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him. Lord Shiva adorned the boy with a necklace around his neck which he was wearing, and made him immortal. Lord Shiva blessed the child and declared that he would be worshipped along with Him . Immediately the boy got all the divine powers, three eyes and ten hands. Soon He was adopted as the child of Goddess Parvati.
Lord Shiva's companions are known as 'Ganas'. Lord Ganeshwara is the Leader of his army and Nandi is also treated as one amongst them.
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Hara Sankara !!
Jai Sriman Narayana !!
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