O revered sage, once upon a time, I was worshipped by Brahmā himself, by ascetics filled with austerity, and by the foremost of sages and gods, all seeking my incarnation. To fulfill their prayers, I declared, "I shall become your son, though unborn, and be named Nandi. You, O sage, will be my father, just as Brahmā is the father of the worlds." Having spoken these words, Soma—radiant as the moon and pleased with the sage’s reverence—vanished from sight. Filled with joy at receiving a son from Rudra, my father, the sage, proceeded to the great sacrificial ground, esteemed as the best among those who know sacrifice. By the command of Śambhu, I was born from that sacred ground, shining brilliantly like fire at the end of an age. At that moment, clouds poured down rain, celestial beings, kinnaras, siddhas, and sādhyas sang in the heavens, and Upendra showered flowers upon the earth as I became the son of Śilāda. Those who beheld me saw a radiant boy, glowing like the sun at the end of time, crowned with matted hair, three-eyed, four-armed, holding a trident, axe, and mace. I bore a thunderbolt, had thunderous fangs, was worshipped by Indra, adorned with thunderbolt earrings, fierce, and my roar echoed like a raincloud. All the gods, beginning with Brahmā, Indra, and the great sages, praised me. Music resounded everywhere, and the beautiful apsarases danced in celebration. The seers, filled with joy, honored me with great Śaiva mantras from the Ṛg, Yajur, and Sāma Vedas, bowing low in reverence. Brahmā, Hari, Rudra, Śakra, Śiva and Ambikā, Jīva, the radiant Moon, Bhāskara, the Wind, and Fire; Īśāna, Nirṛti, Yakṣa, Yama, and Varuṇa; all the Viśvedevas, the Rudras, and the mighty Vasus; Lakṣmī, Śacī, Jyeṣṭhā, Sarasvatī, Aditi, Diti, Śraddhā, Modesty, Fortitude; Nandā, Bhadrā, Surabhī, Suśīlā, Sumanā, the radiant Vṛṣendra, Dharma, and the son of Dharma—all surrounded and embraced me, praising me with devotion. My father Śilāda, witnessing this wondrous sight, was overcome with joy. Bowing down, he praised me, his son, the bestower of wishes: "O Lord, God of gods, Three-eyed one, my imperishable one! Because you are the protector of the worlds, my son, what more need be said? Since you are the guardian of the worlds, my son is all-pervading. Unborn one, I bow to you—source of the universe, Grandfather, father, son, great Lord, teacher of the worlds. Child of great fortune, protect me, Supreme Lord. Because I have been gladdened by you, O Lord of gods, I am called Nandī by name. Therefore, gladden me, O Nandin. I bow to the Lord of the universe. Be gracious; my parents have today gone to the world of Rudra, O mighty one. Since the great Lord has descended, my birth in this world has truly borne fruit. Since my son has descended for my protection, O Lord, homage to you, Lord of gods, Lord of Nandī, salutations to you. Son, protect me, mighty-armed one, God of gods, teacher of the world. Considering you as my son, O Lord of Nandī, whatever I have spoken—may that be forgiven by you, child, for you are to be praised by gods and demons. Whoever recites or hears what has been spoken by my son, or causes the twice-born to hear it with devotion, rejoices together with me." Thus, having praised his young son and bowed with great respect, Śilāda, steadfast in vows, addressed the assembled sages: "Behold, O sages, all of you, my imperishable great fortune. Because Nandī, the Lord, has descended in the sacrificial arena, who in the world, whether god or demon, is equal to me? This Nandī, who was born here in the sacrificial ground, is for my benefit." Delighted, my father bowed to the great Lord and hurried back to his own humble hut, as a poor man who has found a treasure. When I arrived at Śilāda’s hut, I relinquished my divine form and assumed a human one. For some reason, my divine memory was lost, and seeing me in this human state, my father—honored by the world—was stricken with intense sorrow. Surrounded by his kinsmen, he lamented and, knowing all, performed the birth rites and other ceremonies for me. Śilāda, son of Śālaṅkāyana, devoted to his son, instructed me in the Ṛgveda branch and likewise in the Yajurveda. He taught me the thousand branches of the Sāmaveda, with all its parts and sub-parts, as well as Ayurveda, Dhanurveda, music, and the science of horses. He also taught the conduct of elephants and the marks of men. When my seventh year was complete, two divine sages, Mitra and Varuṇa, endowed with the power of austerity and yoga, came to his hermitage by the command of the Lord to see me. After observing me closely, they said, "O dear one, Nandī, though master of all the meanings of the scriptures, has but a short life. Such a wonder has never been seen, that after this year there is no further lifespan." Upon hearing these words, the best of Brāhmaṇas, Śilāda, devoted to his son, embraced me, overwhelmed by grief. He cried out loudly, "Alas, my son, my son!" and fell down in despair. Distressed, he lamented, "Ah, such is the power of fate and the Creator!" Hearing his anguished voice, the residents of the hermitage gathered, sharing in his sorrow.