Karnataka (South India)
brass alloy
A beautifully caparisoned Nandi, adorned with a double necklace and attached bells, stands on a stepped base engraved with geometric designs. Behind the Nandi rises an ample prabhavali, with a centrally coiled five-hooded naga, encircled by a flaming aureole and crowned with a kirtimukha (face of glory) at its apex.
Nandi or Nandin means rejoicing, gladdening. It is the name of Shiva’s conveyance (vahana) the white bull, son of Kashyapa and of Surabhi. Nandi was probably a folk deity later incorporated into the Brahmanic lore. Nandisymbolises on the one hand moral and religious duty (dharma), and on the other, virility, fertility and strength. Apart from being Shiva’s vehicle, nandi in his form as nandikeshvara, depicted as a human with a bulls head, is believed to be one of the great masters of music and dancing. In southern India his recumbent image is placed either opposite the main sanctuary or in the hall leading to it, facing the linga.
Size (cms): 39(H) x 15.5(W) x 16.5(D)
Size (inches): 15.5(H) x 6(W) x 6.5(D)
