the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

After the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, they fell in love with each other. All the Devas feared that their son would destroy the Earth. He will be just unstoppable. The Guru of Devas instructed them to go to Lord Shiva and explain him about the situation. They went to Mandiranchal mountain but Nandi was guarding the entrance. So the Devas asked Lord Agni to disguise himself as a swan and explain to Lord Shiva about the situation. He did as per the order and informed Lord Shiva that the Devas are waiting outside. Lord Shiva came outside and accepted the Devas' request. As soon as the Devas left, Lord Shiva cursed Nandi because of his carelessness that he should wander on the Earth. Nandi was worried that he displeased Lord Shiva. The Devas said to him that he should go and worship the Shivalinga in Mahakal forest. Nandi worshipped that Linga and Lord Shiva was pleased. As the Linga was worshipped by a Pratihara (Nandi), it was known as Pratihareshwar. Whoever worships this Linga, will reach heaven in all his seven generations.