Nandi Is The Gate-Guardian Deity Of Kailasa, The Abode Of Lord Shiva. He Is Usually Depicted As A Bull, Which Also Serves As The Mount To Shiva. According To Saivite Siddhantic Tradition, He Is Considered As The Chief Guru Of Eight Disciples Of Nandinatha Sampradaya, Namely, Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada, Patanjali, And Sivayoga Muni, Who Were Sent In Eight Different Directions, To Spread The Wisdom Of Shaivism
A Lingam Sometimes Referred To As Linga Or Shiva Linga, Is An Abstract Or Aniconic Representation Of The Hindu Deity Shiva In Shaivism. It Is A Votary Symbol Revered In Temples, Smaller Shrines, Or As Self-Manifested Natural Objects. The Lingam Is Often Represented Within A Lipped, Disc-Shaped Platform. Lingayats Wear A Lingam Inside A Necklace, Called Ishtalinga.
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