Nandi Maharaj is the divine bull and foremost devotee of Lord Shiva. He is worshipped as the gatekeeper of Shiva and the symbol of strength, devotion, and dharma. Performing Nandi Puja brings courage, removes obstacles, increases devotion towards Shiva, and grants peace and prosperity.
Preparation
Take a bath early in the morning
Wear clean white or saffron clothes
Clean the puja place thoroughly
Place the idol or picture of Nandi Maharaj (along with Shiva Linga if possible)
Sit facing East or North direction
Required Materials
Idol or picture of Nandi Maharaj
White or saffron cloth
Fresh flowers (especially white and red)
Incense sticks (agarbatti)
Ghee lamp (diya)
Sandalwood paste
Kumkum, turmeric, akshat
Bilva leaves
Grass (for Nandi)
Fruits and sweets
Panchamrit
Coconut
Sankalp (Resolution)
Sit peacefully and take a sankalp
Pray for strength, devotion, obstacle removal, and blessings of Lord Shiva
Puja Vidhi Steps
Light the lamp and incense sticks
First worship Lord Ganesha
Then worship Lord Shiva (Shiva Linga)
Offer flowers, bilva leaves, sandalwood paste, and akshat to Nandi Maharaj
Perform abhishek with water, milk or panchamrit
Offer fresh grass, fruits, and sweets to Nandi
Chant Nandi Maharaj mantras with devotion
Main Mantra
Om Nandi Ishwaraaya Namah
Om Nandi Devaaya Namah
Om Mahabalaaya Nandi Veeraaya Namah
Chant any of the above mantras 108 times or as per your wish
Aarti & Pradakshina
Perform Nandi Maharaj Aarti with devotion
Circumambulate the altar 3, 7, or 11 times
Pranam & Conclusion
Bow down to Nandi Maharaj and pray for strength and unwavering devotion
Seek blessings of Lord Shiva through Nandi
Distribute prasad among family members
Important Instructions
Nandi Puja is especially auspicious on Mondays and during Pradosh Kaal. Always worship Nandi before or along with Lord Shiva. Offering grass, bilva leaves, and sweets pleases Nandi Maharaj greatly. This puja is very beneficial for removing obstacles, gaining physical and mental strength, and deepening devotion. Perform the puja with full faith and sincerity.