Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c27.5

v4.c27.5

A second account of the birth of Nandikeśvara runs as follows: in the Tretā-yuga, a *ṛiṣi* named Nandi was performing a severe penance on the peak called Muñjavān on the Mandara mountain. Śiva pleased with the devotion of Nandi presented himself before the *ṛiṣi*. The latter requested Śiva to grant him the boons that he should have unshakeable faith in and love for Śiva, as also that he should be made the head of the *gaṇas*. Śiva granted him the boons with pleasure and disappeared. Indra and the other gods were overjoyed to see the bliss that befell the *ṛiṣi* Nandi and praised him for his good fortune.