Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.
Hinduism Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for followers of the Hindu religion and those interested in learning more about Hinduism. It only takes a minute to sign up.
I have seen in many temples of Lord Shiva where people do pradakshinas and then while entering/leaving the Sanctrum, they see Shiva-Linga from in between the ears of the Nandi statue which is exactly in straight and opposite to the Shiva-Linga.
What is the story behind this and why Nandi statue is kept facing the Shiva-Linga?
PS: looks like two questions but they have same story behind it.
The poison in the throat is always a burning sensation for lord Shiva. Lord Shiva loves to spend time in meditation (Dhyanam). But this burning throat is not allowing him to do his meditation. Then He ordered Nandi to sit in front of him and blow some air on to his throat. The air blown on to his throat relieves him from the burning sensation. From then Onwards, Lord Shiva does his mediation with the help of Nandi.
Hence, the Nandi statue is place facing opposite to Shiv Ling. The same source also states:
Whenever we visit lord Shiva temple we should not go in between Nandi and Shiv ling (we should not break the path between Shiva and Nandi).If we do so, it is believed that we are disturbing lord Shiva's meditation. If we have a wish to share with lord Shiva, we should tell the wish in the ears of Nandi. Nandi later share the wishes of visitors with Shiva after the meditation.
It is also believed that present of Nandi in Temples shows the Bond between Lord Shiva and Nandi.
Nandi symbolizes the perfect, undistracted devotee. His eyes and his mind are always on Shiva. Everything that happens, he understands to be Shiva. This inspires us to do the same.
Like any library, Hinduism Stack Exchange shares great information, but does not offer personalized advice, and does not take the place of seeking such advice from any Acharya, Pundit, astrologer, Guru or other trustworthy Counselor.
By clicking “Accept all cookies”, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy.