Why is Nandi so dear to Lord Shiva?

Why is Nandi so dear to Lord Shiva? Now the question also arises that if Ravana is the biggest devotee of Shiva, then why Nandi is so dear to Mahadev. There is also an interesting story attached behind it. According to this story, when the Asuras were churning the ocean, Halahal poison emerged from the churning of the ocean. Seeing the poison, both Sur and Asura refused to drink poison, in such a situation, Mahadev himself drank that poison to protect the whole world. But while drinking poison, some drops fell on the ground, which Nandi licked. Lord Shiva was pleased to see this love and dedication of Nandi and he gave Nandi the title of his biggest devotee. In this way, along with the ride of Lord Shiva, Nandi also came to be known as his biggest devotee. Along with being a devotee of Lord Bholenath, Nandi also got the privilege of becoming his vehicle. In any Shiva temple, there is an idol of Nandi ji outside the temple and since then it is believed that he conveys the message of the