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NANDI The name Nandi, which means 'happiness', designates the sacred bull belonging to Shiva, the Hindu god of creative power. In traditional Indian sculpture Shiva is often shown mounted on or leaning against the animal. As a symbol of Shiva, the Nandi represents power, virility, joy, and delight, as well as a controlled potential for destructiveness. When carved as a free-standing figure, the Nandi is always shown in a resting position that emphasizes the calmer aspect of its power. Shiva and Nandi's association in Hindu scriptures and art can be traced to very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation, thus explaining the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull. Vahanas symbolise or complement the energy or character of their deity. The white colour of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Nandi images are found in abundance at Shiva temples. Nandi is a symbolism of eternal waiting, because waiting is consi

SAKTA TILAK Sakta or Shakta sect is the name of a Hindu sect, whose members worship the female principle of energy, which is the counterpart of the god Siva. The metaphysical ideas of Saktism are thus described by Sir Edward Gait, “Saktism is based on the worship of the active producing principle, Prakriti, as manifested in one or other of the goddess wives of Siva (Durga, Kali, Parvati) the female energy or Sakti of the primordial male, Purusha or Siva. Saktism reveres the Supreme as the Divine Mother, Sakti or Devi, in Her many forms, both gentle and fierce. Saktas use mantra, tantra, yantra, yoga and puja to invoke cosmic forces and awaken the kundalini power. The Sakta sect, when they avow themselves, mark either with a saffron or with turmeric and borax.