Bhakta’s story
The birth of Nandi and his devotion
Shilada was a learned ascetic. Once he wished to have a son, so began to pray to Shiva for the purpose. His tapasya went on for a thousand years and Shiva appeared before Shilada.
“I am pleased with your meditation.” said Siva, “what boon do you desire?”
“Please grant me the boon that I may obtain a son who will not be born from a mother. “ replied Shilada, “And my son should be immortal.”
Shiva granted the desired boon.
When Shilada was ploughing the land, a handsome boy suddenly appeared on the top of his plough and the boy addressed Shilada as “father.
Shilada became very happy and named him as Nandi. Nandi was very intelligent, shilada taught him all the Sastras. Just like his father Nandi also became a great devotee of Siva
It became a practice for Nandi to devote all his times chanting of name of Siva.
When Shiva appeared before Nandi and wished to grant a boon. Nandi said. “Please grant me enough of life so that I can chant the mantra one crore times more.”
At the end of one crore japa Shiva appeared and asked for desired boon. Nandi politely said, “Please grant me enough of life so that I can chant the mantra one crore times more.”
At the end of one crore japa Siva again appeared and Nandi demanded same boon. When this had happened a number of times. Shiva said, “I make you immortal, I also make you a lord over the ganas. You will be my constant companion.”
The place where Nandi chanted the incantation has become famous as Japyeshvara Tirtha.