35.5 - Mini-Episode - Nandi

Summary

In this episode of 'Stories from India,' host Narad Monei, a mythological character with eternal life, delves into the tale of Nandi, Shiva's bull and home security system. Born to Rishi Shilada as a divine answer to his prayers, Nandi grows into a strong and devout boy who becomes Shiva's mount and protector. The episode also touches on Nandi's role in Ganesha's head story and hints at the upcoming Rat Yatra festival tale, promising intriguing myths and legends from Indian folklore.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The podcast 'Stories from India' explores myths, legends, and folk tales from India.
• 👨‍🦳 The host, Narad Monei, is a mythological character with eternal life and knowledge of the past, present, and future.
• 🎶 Narad Monei is also a traveling musician and storyteller, sharing his stories through a podcast format.
• 📅 The podcast has changed its format to include separate mini episodes for characters of the week, based on listener feedback.
• 🐂 Today's mini episode features Nandi, Shiva's bull, who also serves as Shiva's ride and home security system.
• 👶 Nandi was born to Rishi Shilada as a gift from Shiva, after the Rishi prayed for a child.
• 🙏 Nandi grew up to be a strong and religious boy, and upon learning his origin, decided to thank Shiva by offering prayers.
• 🐃 Shiva was impressed by Nandi and offered him a job as his ride and home security system, in the form of a bull.
• 🏔 Nandi's role is not limited to local security; he can be loaned out to other towns, similar to how soccer players play for other clubs.
• 🦄 Nandi is also associated with the story of Ganesha's decapitation, where he is believed to have defeated Indra and brought an elephant's head as a replacement.
• 🌐 The next full episode will explore the story behind the Rat Yatra in Puri and the importance of keeping curiosity in check.

Q & A

What is the name of the podcast and its main theme?

The podcast is called 'Stories from India' and it focuses on myths, legends, and folk tales from India.

Who is the host of the podcast and what is unique about his character?

The host is Narad Monei, a mythological character with the gift of eternal life and knowledge of the past, present, and future.

What is the format change mentioned in the podcast?

The format change involves making the characters of the week a separate mini episode, as a result of listener feedback.

Who is Nandi and what is his significance in Hindu mythology?

Nandi is Shiva's bull, who also serves as his mount and home security system. He is considered a divine entity and plays a significant role in Hindu mythology.

How was Nandi born according to the podcast?

Nandi was born to a Rishi named Shilada, who prayed to Shiva for a child. Shiva blessed Shilada, and Nandi was found as a baby in a field by Shilada.

What did Nandi do after learning about his origin story?

After learning about his origin, Nandi decided to thank Shiva by leaving home to pray to him, similar to what his father had done.

What job did Shiva offer Nandi?

Shiva offered Nandi the job of being his ride and home security system, but in the form of a bull, not as a human.

Why does Shiva's home in the Himalayas need a home security system?

Shiva's home requires a home security system because gods, goddesses, and demons do not travel as ordinary humans, and Nandi can also be loaned out to other towns for security.

What is the story associated with Nandi and Ganesha's head?

In one version of the story, after Ganesha's decapitation due to a misunderstanding, Nandi defeats Indra and brings his elephant's head as a replacement for Ganesha.

What is the upcoming full episode about?

The upcoming full episode will explore the story behind the rat yatra in Puri, discussing the importance of keeping curiosity in check and the journey of a drifting log of wood from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal.

How can listeners provide feedback or stay updated with the podcast?

Listeners can leave comments or reviews on SFI podcast's website, tweet at SFI podcast, or find the host on Instagram and Facebook. They can also subscribe to the show for automatic notifications of new episodes.