Nandikeshwara Gayatri Mantra (Nandi Gayatri)
नन्दिकेश्वर गायत्री मंत्र (नन्दी गायत्री) in English · English
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✦ Meaning
The Nandikeshwara Gayatri is the Gayatri-metre invocation of Nandi, the divine bull who is Shiva's mount (vahana), gatekeeper and foremost devotee. Following the 'Vidmahe–Dhimahi–Prachodayat' pattern, it invokes Nandi as the inspirer of wisdom. Devotees first salute Nandi before approaching Shiva, and this mantra is chanted to gain his grace and access to the Lord.
Origin & Story
Traditional deity-Gayatri (Shaiva Agamic and Puranic worship) · Unknown (traditional) · 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.
✦ As told in scripture
Temple lore holds that prayers whispered into the ear of Nandi reach Shiva directly; countless devotees attest that after invoking Nandi and confiding their wishes to him, long-blocked paths opened and their pleas before the Lord were swiftly answered.
The Mantra
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Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Chakratundaya Dhimahi Tanno Nandih Prachodayat
Meaning:Om. Let us realize that Supreme Being; let us meditate upon Chakratunda. May that Lord Nandi (Nandikeshwara) inspire and illumine our intellect.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting नन्दिकेश्वर गायत्री मंत्र (नन्दी गायत्री)
Invokes the grace of Nandi, the gateway to Lord Shiva
Traditionally chanted before Shiva worship to gain the Lord's audience
Bestows steadfast devotion, patience and dharmic strength
Considered protective, as Nandi guards Shiva's abode
Cultivates the ideal of the perfect, surrendered devotee
Aids focus and inspires the intellect toward the divine
How to Chant नन्दिकेश्वर गायत्री मंत्र (नन्दी गायत्री)
Chant before beginning Shiva worship, ideally while seated before or beside the Nandi murti that faces the Shiva Lingam. Repeat 3, 11 or 108 times. Maintain the bhava of humble surrender, since Nandi embodies the ideal devotee. Whispering one's prayer into Nandi's ear before darshan of the Lingam is a cherished temple custom that this Gayatri complements.
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