Nandini

Nandini (The Enjoying), in Hindu Mythology was a Divine Cow that could grant wishes. She is also referred to as Shabala in the tale of Vasishta. Nandini is said to be the daughter of Kamadhenu (Cow of plenty, also referred to as Surabhi - the first cow created by Brahma).

Nandini was given to the sage Vasishta by Indra (also referred to as Devendra or Devas) who used her milk to feed thousands of disciples. She could materialize everything that was wished for, so Vasishta eventually became the master of the Vasus. One of the vasu, Dyaus, later stole the cow from Vasishtas because of his wifes cupidity. He denied it when being questioned and was cursed by Vasishta to be born on earth, as a mortal who would not be allowed to have a woman. Dyaus returned the cow, the curse of Vasishta passed, but Dyaus was born on earth as Bhishma, son of King Shantanu.

Dyaus was not the only one to attempt to steal Nandini, also Vishwamitra attempted to take Nandini by force after being a guest in Vasishtas Ashram. Nandini however, dodged the attacks of Vishwamitras army and asked Vasishta why he would allow them to take her and if he gave up on her. Vasishta replied that he did not give up on her and that he simply can not do anything to stop them. So Nandini spawned armies of magical soldiers with her divine voice who defeated the army of Vishwamitra.

Nandini is also used as a first name for beautiful and intelligent Indian women.

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