Nandi

Nandi is among the most frequent Hindu deities worshiped in public places, temples, homes, or small shrines as part of puja throughout India. Nandi the white bull is Shivas vahana-a vehicle or mount that transports a major deity and represents a significant aspect or characteristic of that deity and increases the deity’s power, especially since it can instantly carry the deity anywhere. Nandi is Shiva principal disciple, leader of his attendants and guardian of all four-footed animals. He is the gate-guardian deity of Kailasa, home of Shiva and usually sits at the entrance to Shiva-dedicated temples. Often images of Nandi are decorated with flower offerings as a sign of respect.