Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple: Nandi – An impressive work of art

Nandi – An impressive work of art
Housed inside a stone mantapa (covered hall), this finely carved statue depicts Shiva’s vahana (vehicle) Nandi.

Carved out of a single rock, this magnificent statue of Nandi is smooth and shiny and has retained its original polish. It is a superb work of art with great attention paid to detail. Adorned with finely crafted jewelry all over his body, Nandi is leisurely resting with a serene expression and appears to keep a constant watch on Shiva. Nandi’s body is well-proportioned and perfectly curved, including a small curved hump on its back.

With a height of 8ft, a foot shorter than the Nandi (south), it is the 7th largest Nandi in India, but it is the most decorated.

A large-sized statue of Nandi is common sight in the courtyard of Shiva temples. Because the Halebidu Holysaleswara Temple has two garbhagrihas (south and north), there are two stone mantapas (pavilions) built next to each other on the east side of the temple courtyard. The Nandi statue shown in the image is housed in the stone mantapa in front of the north garbhagriha.

North Nandi Images
– North Nandi Shrine
– Left side view of Nandi
– Exquisitely carved hooves and tail

South Nandi Images
– Nandi and Surya Shrine
– Surya Shrine – Outer wall
– Nandi Statue – Front view
– Nandi Statue – Left side view
– Surya, the Sun God

Mysuru
– Magnificent Statue of Nandi on the Chamundi Hills