Nandhi or Nandhikéshwara, is the lord of joy. He is Śhiva’s vehicle and embodies inner strength, acquired through control over violence and physical strength. He is Śhiva and Pārvathi’s gatekeeper. Some purāṇas state that Nandhi was born out of the right side of Viṣhṇu and resembled Śhiva exactly. He was given as a son to Sage Śhālankāyana. He is depicted as a bull which is pure white in colour.