Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple: Nandi and Surya Shrine

Nandi and Surya Shrine
The courtyard of the Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple has two Nandi Shrines, each facing a garbhagriha (inner sanctum). The shrine shown in the image is in front of the south garbhagriha (a.k.a. Shantaleswara Garbhagriha).

The front part of the shrine, which has the Nandi statue, is a mantapa (covered hall), just like the North Nandi Shine. Attached to this mantapa in the back is a chamber with its outer wall carved with beautiful reliefs. Standing inside this chamber is a statue of Surya, the sun god.

Nandi is Shiva’s vahana (mount) and the gatekeeper, and Surya is a celestial object. The symbolism of having Nandi and Surya in front of the garbhagriha is to show that they keep a constant watch on Shiva.

North Nandi shrine Images
– North Nandi Shrine
– Right side view of Nandi
– Left side view of Nandi
– Exquisitely carved hooves and tail
South Nandi Shrine Images
– Nandi and Surya Shrine
– Surya Shrine – Outer walll
– Nandi Statue – Front view
– Nandi Statue – Left side view
– Surya, the Sun God

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