Nandi or nandin means rejoicing, gladdening. It is the name of shivas conveyance (vahana) the white bul, son of kashyapa and of surabhi. Nandii was probably a folk deity later incorporated into the brahamanic lore. Nandi symbolises on the one hand moral and religious duty (dharma) , and on the other, virility, fertility and strength. Apart from being shivas vehicle, nandi in his form as nandikeshvara, depicted as a human with a bulls head, is believed to be one of the
great masters of music and dancing. In southern India his recumbent image is placed either opposite the main sanctuary or in the hall leading to it, facing the linga.