Nandi is the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The statue of Nandi, the Bull, is generally seen in a sitting posture on a raised platform with discipline and calmness at the entrance of the temple of Lord Shiva as the guard or doorman. He patiently waits for the Lord while gazing at the sanctum, demonstrating that individual souls should always be focused and surrendered to the Supreme Lord in all circumstances, without having any material desires. He symbolizes loyalty, truth, and righteousness, thus, preserving Dharma. Watchfulness and virility are the most important qualities of the Bull, that make him the perfect vaahan for Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the material world, to ride. The alertness of Nandi tells us the importance of being in the present moment (mindfulness). He is the head of all the attendants (Ganas) of Lord Shiva and is also considered to be the guardian of four-legged animals.

Having a round body, a hump appearing as a huge mountain, and heavy shoulders signify his strength and capacity to bear a heavy load. Being very dear to the Lord, the divine Bull is always decked with fascinating ornaments on his back, neck, and sharp horns.

Why does Nandi sit in front of Shivling?

Nandi is always depicted sitting outside the sanctum of Lord Shiva, facing the Lord. He patiently waits for his master outside the temple as if ready to serve the Lord whenever he wants his service. This shows how Nandi always remains absorbed in the thoughts of Lord Shiva and is eager to please his master. A practicing devotee can learn from the attitude of Nandi that the only qualification needed to please the Supreme Lord is his sincerity and dedication to serve Him in all circumstances.

Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is one of the principal deities of Goddesses in Hinduism. She appeared in the material world as the daughter of Himavan, king of the Himalayan mountains. The Vedic scriptures describe her as a young, beautiful woman who is chaste and faithful to her husband, Lord Shiva. She is always engaged in the loving service of her family; her two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. Goddess Parvati is the embodiment of devotion, love, power, and beauty. The followers of the Shakta tradition (Shaktism) describe her as Adi Shakti or the energy behind the creation of material nature. She is very merciful toward all living entities like a mother who cares for her children and manifests many forms to protect them from miscreants. Her most venerated and important powerful forms are Durga and Kali that she took to vanquish demons who created havoc in the material world.

The Vedic scriptures talk of her beautiful form in detail. She wears a red saree and is generally seated, having two or four arms, beside Lord Shiva. Her younger son Ganesha sits on her knee, while Kartikeya sits or stands near Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is typically decorated with gold ornaments and a crown on her head and also carries a lotus flower in one of her hands.

Can we keep Shiv Parvati statue at home?

It is stated in Srimad Bhagavatam, the most glorious Vedic literature, that Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava (devotee of Lord Vishnu): vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ. In order to get the mercy of the Supreme Lord Vishnu, it is important for us to serve His pure devotees. Thus, worshiping Lord Shiva along with his consort Goddess Parvati at home is the way to the heart of Lord Vishnu. But you must also know the standards of worshiping them so that no offense is committed at their lotus feet. If Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are pleased with your devotional service, you will easily get the causeless mercy of Lord Vishnu and thus the ultimate goal of your life will be achieved.