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| September 17, 2013 Pradosham, Arunachaleswarar Temple |
The first two photographs are of Nandi taken at Arunachaleswarar Temple during Pradosham which fell on September 17, 2013.
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| Nandi the Bull, Arunachaleswarar Temple |
Whisper into my Ear
Nandi is the Gate keeper of Lord Shiva's abode, thus it is believed to be important to seek his blessings before praying to Lord Shiva.
It is thought that by whispering our prayers into Nandi’s ear, it will induce him to act as our interlocutor (messenger) and those prayers will reach Lord Shiva.
When whispering into Nandi’s ear, some close one of his ears while whispering into the other, to prevent the wish leaving through the other ear.
When whispering it is believed that one shouldn’t stand in-between Nandi and Lord Shiva while praying. First one touches the feet of the Bull, then whispers into the ear and then goes to Nandi’s back.
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| Nandi on Girivalam Roadway |
As seeing the Sivalingam in the Siva Sannidhi from in-between the ears of Nandi is also said to be a form of worship as it is believed that Shiva is looking at the world from between those ears and head. Thus in the case of Nandi at the side of the Girivalam Roadway, one should stand at the back of the statue and look at the Arunachala Lingam from in-between the Bull’s ears.
Next time you visit Arunachala and perform girivalam (giripradakshina), try whispering your thoughts and needs into the Bull’s ears. I found it a powerful and happy experience.
