Nandi is a sacred bull that is ridden by the god Shiva in Hindu mythology. Its duty is to play music for Shiva Nataraja to dance to. It is the guardian of four-legged beasts (or all beasts in general) and symbolizes fecundity and fertility. Its name means "happy" or "fortunate one."
He is said to have been born from the right side of Vishnu. He also acts as the gatekeeper of Shiva and Parvati's abode. There are numerous temples dedicated solely to Nandi and stone idols of Nandi are usually present at temples venerating Shiva and Parvati. He is also a gatekeeper of Shiva's abode and one of his watchmen, along with Mahakala.
"Origin: India. A white bull Shiva rides. Its name means 'happy.' His duty is to play music for Shiva Nataraja to dance to. He is the guardian of four-legged beasts and symbolizes fecundity and fertility. A statue of Nandi is commonly placed in front of temples that worship Shiva."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
Shin Megami Tensei II[]
In addition to being a regular demon, there are certain demons called Demi-Nandi who are mass-produced clones of Nandi used as livestock for the people of Tokyo Millennium.
Shin Megami Tensei NINE[]
Nandi's skin color in NINE and in other games that mainly uses 3D models are more darker compared to her original artwork from Shin Megami Tensei.
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE[]
"A sacred cow that serves as the mount of the god Shiva in Hindu tradition. Its name means "fortunate one," and it symbolizes fertility and the harvest. Its body is the color of milk and it carries Shiva and his wife Parvati on its back. Shiva is also known as the god of dance, and when he dances, Nandi plays the music. Nandi is enshrined alongside Shiva in many temples in India. Its statue is always set facing Shiva's so that it is ready to serve its master at a moment's notice."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE compendium
Nandi can be contracted within the silver level of Nakano Stone Site. It also appears alongside Shiva when he acts as a boss and alongside Matador on his floor within the Denshi Kairo instance.
Devil Summoner 2: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon[]
"A sacred male cow from Hindu lore. Said to be Shiva's mount, Nandi is the protector of all beasts. It is Nandi's responsibility to play music for Shiva to perform the dance of destruction and recreation."
—Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon details
Nandi is a demon of the Volt Order and can be found in the Tento Sanctuary in Chapter 3. Obtainining Nandi through negotiation can be slightly more complicated than a normal demon, as it doesn't speak normally until after a few encounters of negotiating with it.
Persona 3 Reload[]
Nandi is one of the twelve Personas present since the original Persona 3 version to be removed in Persona 3 Reload.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2[]
Nandi can be encountered as an enemy in the Airport.
