The Hindu deity Shiva's bull vahana is called Nandikeshwara or Nandideva. Additionally, he serves as the protector deity of Kailash, Shiva's abode. Stone representations of a seated Nandi, typically facing the main shrine, can be found in almost all Shiva temples. He is regarded as the chief guru of eight Nandinatha Sampradaya disciples, namely Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandana, Sanatkumara, Tirumular, Vyagrapada, Patanjali, and Sivayoga Muni, who were sent in eight different directions to spread wisdom, according to Saivite siddhantic tradition. Vietnam's Cham Hindus hold the belief that when they pass away, the Nandi will appear and transport their soul to India, the holy land. It has recently been documented that the bull is given the name Nandi (Sanskrit: In fact, Vabha) is a recent syncretism of various regional beliefs within Saivism. In the oldest Saivite texts in Sanskrit, Tamil, and other Indian languages, the anthropomorphic door-keeper of Kailasha was frequently referred to as Nandi instead of his mount. Nandi and Vabha are clearly distinguished in Siddhantic texts. They claim that Devi, Chandesha, Mahakala, Vaidya, Nandi, Ganesha, Bhringi, and Murugan are Shiva's eight Ganeshwaras (commanders).