Nandi Statue

Worship of Nandi

The worship of Nandi, which is Lord Shiva’s vehicle, has been traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Several seals of bull have been discovered at sites. This leads to the conclusion that bulls were revered and worshipped back then.

Largest Statue of Nandi in Mysore

The statue in this picture is one of the largest statues of Nandi in India. It is 16ft. tall and 24 ft. long, which is made out of a single granite in 1659. Nandi, who is the vehicle of Lord Shiva which is always depicted in ‘about to stand up’ posture. There are fine carvings of several garlands of tiny bells around the statue.

This idol of Nandi has 800 steps of a hill. This idol attracts several tourists. Near the temple, there is a small temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can offer your prayers there.

Legend behind the custom of whispering

Devotees whisper their prayers and wishes into the ears of the Nandi Bull. The legend behind this is that Goddess Parvati lost her memory. Lord Shiva who was very disturbed by this, started meditating with Goddess Parvati. Nandi Bull also started to meditate behind them.

During this meditation, Jalandhar, who is an enemy of Lord Shiva abducted Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva who was unaware of this, continued his meditation. The gods and goddesses were too scared and did not know how to warn Shiva. They asked Lord Ganesha for help.

Ganesha tried to bring Lord Shiva out of the meditation but he failed. Then he saw Nandi Bull and he whispered everything that was needed to be conveyed and Nandi conveyed it to Shiva. This is how Lord Shiva came out of deep meditation. Since that time, the custom is that whatever we whisper into Nandi’s ears, it gets conveyed to Lord Shiva who fulfills the wishes.

Types of Nandi Statues in India

1. Mahanandishwara Temple:

The village of Mahanandi which is popularly known as Nava Nandikshetra in Kurnool. The Mahanandishwara Temple with the presiding deity of Shiva in the main temple. The statue of Nandi at Mahanandishwara Temple is said to be one of the biggest monolith Nandi statues.

2. Nandi Statue, Mysore

This beautiful statue of Nandi in the picture is situated in the Chamudi Hills. It holds a history of 350 years. The statue was commissioned by Chikka Devraja Wodeyar, and the king of Mysore. The monolithic Nandi is situated reroute to Chamudi Temple.

3. Nandi, Gangaikondacholapuram

Brihadeshwara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram is one of the architectural marvels of Chola Dynasty. Its basic design and structure is similar to the Brihadeshwar Temple in Thanjavur. One important attraction of this temple is the figurine of Nandi located in front of the temple.

4. Yaganti

Yaganti Uma Maheshwara Temple in Kurnool is said to have a growing Nandi Idol inside the temple. Locals say that the Nandi statue was much smaller in size and has grown bigger over the years.

5. Lepakshi

This stunning Nandi statue is one who welcomes tourists to the Lepakshi temple. This monolithic statue of Nandi is beautiful and possesses excellent craftsmanship. All the marvels are rooted to Vijaynagara kings.