In the vast world of Hindu devotion, small but sincere acts of service often bring the most powerful spiritual rewards. One such sacred ritual is to feed 2 rotis, jaggery, and dry fodder to 5 Nandi Maharaj. Rooted in the traditions of bhakti (devotion), seva (service), and cow protection, this offering is both spiritually uplifting and practically impactful.

Whether you are seeking blessings for health, wealth, relationships, or peace of mind, feeding 5 Nandis with love and devotion is believed to open divine channels to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and bestower of wisdom.

Who is Nandi Maharaj?

Nandi Maharaj is the sacred bull and the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. More than just a mount, Nandi is Shiva’s foremost devotee, gatekeeper, and constant companion. Devotees often whisper their prayers into Nandi’s ear, trusting him to deliver them directly to Shiva.

Nandi is a symbol of:

• Strength

• Devotion

• Dharma (righteousness)

• Loyalty

Feeding him is seen as a direct way to earn the blessings of Mahadev (Shiva) himself.

Why Feed 2 Rotis, Jaggery, and Dry Fodder?

Roti (Chapati)

Symbolizes hard work, simplicity, and sustenance. It’s a humble offering from the heart.

Jaggery (Gur)

Represents sweetness in life, abundance, and prosperity. Also good for cattle health.

Dry Fodder

Basic and essential food for bulls and cows, symbolizing care, compassion, and nourishment.

Together, these offerings reflect selfless service, material detachment, and spiritual purity.

Significance of Feeding 5 Nandis

Feeding one Nandi is powerful — feeding five increases the energy of this ritual fivefold. According to spiritual beliefs, feeding 5 Nandi Maharaj helps:

Fulfill important wishes (mannat)
Remove blocks in career, marriage, or finances
Heal family disputes or health problems
Gain Lord Shiva’s blessings faster
Accumulate good karma
Attract peace and positive vibrations to your home

This ritual is often performed as part of vow-fulfillment (mannat poorti) or during fasting periods like Pradosh and Shravan Maas.

How to Perform the Ritual – Step-by-Step Guide

Items Needed:

• 10 plain rotis (2 for each Nandi)

• 250–300 grams of jaggery (50–60 grams per Nandi)

• A bundle of clean dry fodder (hay, straw, sugarcane leaves)

• Fresh water

• Optional: flowers, incense, turmeric

Step 1: Set Your Intention

Before preparing food, sit quietly and think of your purpose:

• What do you wish to ask for?

• What gratitude do you want to express?

Mentally dedicate your seva to Lord Shiva through Nandi Maharaj.

Step 2: Prepare the Rotis

• Make 10 plain rotis without salt or oil.

• Cut jaggery into small chunks.

• Bundle dry fodder cleanly and neatly.

Step 3: Identify 5 Nandi Maharaj

You can:

• Feed 5 real bulls in a gaushala or village

• Perform the offering symbolically to 5 Nandi idols/statues at Shiva temples

• Feed 5 cows or bulls in the name of Nandi Maharaj if actual Nandi idols aren’t available

Step 4: Offer With Prayer

At each Nandi, offer:

• 2 rotis

• A small portion of jaggery

• A handful of dry fodder

Say a prayer or chant:

"Om Nandi Devaya Namah"
"Om Namah Shivaya"

Whisper your wish, thank Nandi, and mentally offer it to Lord Shiva.

Step 5: Offer Water

If feeding real bulls, make sure clean water is available nearby. This completes the act of seva.

Best Days to Feed 5 Nandis

While you can perform this ritual anytime, these days are considered most auspicious:

• Monday (Somvar) – Day of Shiva

• Pradosh Vrat – Shiva’s sacred twilight fast

• Mahashivratri – Most powerful Shiva celebration

• Full Moon (Purnima) – Energetic peak for spiritual offerings

• Shravan Month – Entire month dedicated to Lord Shiva

Performing this ritual for 5 or 11 consecutive Mondays brings even stronger results.

Social & Spiritual Value

This ritual is not just symbolic. It also supports:

• Animal welfare – Feeding bulls and cows directly helps the voiceless

• Cow shelters (Gaushalas) – Many rely on public donations for food

• Sustainability – Uses natural, biodegradable offerings instead of artificial ones

• Community service – Promotes the dharma of seva