Shivling with Nandi

When halahala (a terrible poison) formed during the churning of the waters, Lord Shiva took on the responsibility of consuming it in order to safeguard all life on Earth. A few droplets fell as he was doing so. When Nandi, Shiva's vahana (vehicle), saw this, he followed in his lord's footsteps and drank those droplets. Nandi represents devotion, self-sacrifice, and fearlessness. His devotion is to Shiva, and Nandi, like Shiva, is always ready to assist those who call on him.