Nandikeshwara Gayatri Mantra (Nandi Gayatri) — Word-by-Word Meaning
नन्दिकेश्वर गायत्री मंत्र (नन्दी गायत्री)
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The primordial sound of the Absolute
तत्पुरुषाय
Tatpurushaya
To that Supreme Being / divine person
विद्महे
Vidmahe
May we know, may we realize
चक्रतुण्डाय
Chakratundaya
To the one with a curved/discus-like face (an epithet of Nandi, the bull-faced attendant of Shiva)
धीमहि
Dhimahi
May we meditate upon
तत्
Tat
That (divine power)
नः
Nah
Our, for us
नन्दिः
Nandih
Nandi / Nandikeshwara, the sacred bull and foremost devotee-attendant of Shiva
प्रचोदयात्
Prachodayat
May (he) inspire and illumine (our intellect)
Complete Translation
Om. Let us realize that Supreme Being; let us meditate upon Chakratunda. May that Lord Nandi (Nandikeshwara) inspire and illumine our intellect.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional deity-Gayatri (Shaiva Agamic and Puranic worship)
Author: Unknown (traditional)
Period: Ancient
Like other deity-Gayatris, the Nandikeshwara Gayatri adapts the threefold Vedic Gayatri pattern to invoke Nandi, Shiva's bull-mount and foremost devotee. In Shaiva worship Nandi is honoured first, as the guardian of Shiva's presence and the model of perfect devotion; his Gayatri is recited at the outset of Shiva puja and in temples before darshan of the Lingam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nandi / Nandikeshwara?▼
Nandi is the divine bull who serves as Lord Shiva's vahana (mount), chief attendant and gatekeeper. As Nandikeshwara he is regarded as the foremost of Shiva's devotees and a guru of Shaiva knowledge. Every Shiva temple has a Nandi facing the sanctum, and devotees honour him before approaching the Lord.
Why chant the Nandi Gayatri before Shiva worship?▼
Nandi is the doorway to Shiva. By first invoking and saluting Nandi — the perfect devotee and guardian — one seeks his grace and 'permission' to approach the Lord. The Nandikeshwara Gayatri is the formal Gayatri-invocation used for this purpose.
What does 'Chakratunda' mean here?▼
'Chakratunda' is an epithet used in Nandi's Gayatri, referring to his distinctive bull/curved face. The deity-Gayatris each insert such a descriptive epithet in the 'Dhimahi' line to identify the form being meditated upon — here, Nandi.
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