Nandi (, , , ) is the name for the
bull which serves as the mount (Sanskrit:
Vahana) of the god
Shiva and as the gatekeeper of Shiva and
Parvati. In
Hindu Religion, he is the chief guru of eighteen masters (18
Siddhar ) including
Patanjali and
Thirumular. Temples venerating Shiva display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. There are also a number of temples dedicated solely to Nandi.