Halebidu Hoysaleswara Temple: Nandi, the Sacred Bull of Shiva

Statue of Nandi, the Sacred Bull of Shiva, in the Halebidu Holysaleswara Temple in Karnataka, India.

Left side view of the Nandi statue in front of the south garbhagriha

Nandi, the Sacred Bull of Shiva
A large-sized statue of Nandi is a 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 south garbhagriha.

Carved out of a single rock, this magnificent statue of Nandi is a superb work of art with great attention to detail. As you can see, adorned with finely crafted jewelry all over its body, Nandi is leisurely resting with a serene expression on its face 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.

North Nandi shrine Images
North Nandi Shine
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 wall
Nandi Statue – Front view
Nandi Statue – Left side view
Surya, the Sun God

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