Signifiance of Vibhuti, Nandi

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pure heart. What does the Balipitha or altar which stands in front of the

sanctum sanctorum of the Siva’s temple represent? People should destroy their

egoism and mineness (Ahamta and Mamata) before they attain the Lord. This is

the significance. What does Nandi or the bull which is in front of Sivalinga

represent? Nandi is the attendant or doorkeeper of Siva. He is the vehicle of

Lord Siva. He represents Satsanga. If you make association with the sages, you

are sure to attain God-realisation. Sages will show you the way to reach Him.

They will remove pitfalls or snares that lie on your path. They will clear your

doubts and instil in your heart dispassion, discrimination and knowledge. There

is no other safe boat than Satsanga to reach the other shore of fearlessness

and immortality. Even a moment’s Satsanga or association with the sages, is a

great blessing to the aspirants and the worldly-minded persons. They get firm

conviction in the existence of God

through Satsanga. The sages remove the worldly Samskaras. The company of sages

is a formidable fortress to protect oneself from the temptations of Maya. Lord

Siva represents the destructive aspect of the Godhead. He is seen absorbed on

the mountain peak of Kailas. He is an embodiment of serenity, renunciation and

indifference to the world. The third eye in the centre of His forehead

represents His destructive energy which when let loose destroys the world.

Nandi is His favourite. He is the door-Keeper. He is seen hushing all nature,

so that the Lord may not be disturbed in His Samadhi. The Lord has five faces,

ten hands, ten eyes, two feet. Vrishabha or the bull represents Dharma Devata.

Lord Siva rides on the bull. Bull is His vehicle. This denotes that Lord Siva

is the protector of Dharma, is an embodiment of Dharma or righteousness. Deer

represents the Vedas. Its four legs are the four Vedas. Lord Siva is holding

the deer in His hand. This

indicates that He is the Lord of the Vedas. He has sword in one of His hands.

This signifies that He is the destroyer of births and deaths. The fire in one

of His hands shows that He protects the Jivas by burning all fetters.

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