In the temple we always will find Nandi the bull sitting in front of the Shiva Linga. The Truth is that just as Lingam is the symbol of the Almighty Supreme, Shiva Nandi (Bull) is the symbol of Jeeva (Individual Soul). Nandi sitting before Shiva Linga signifies that a human being should turn away from Prakruthi and direct all his attention towards God only. The bull is a symbol of stability sitting on four legs, which represent Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (peace), Prema (Love). It is only through human birth that the (Love).Supreme Experience which we call it as Mukti or Enlightenment can be attained and the individual soul can finally merge into the Supreme Soul. This is the purpose and the goal of human birth.
Nandi sitting and always looking at God signifies and conveys the meaning that the purpose of life is to realize the oneness of all creation and one's identity with the Divinity. See God in everything and love every creation of God. The goal of life is God-realization. To become divine is the aim of life. The purpose of human birth is to achieve Divine Consciousness.
