Super sized Nandis of South India

If it is a Shiva temple, there must be a sculpture of a Nandi (bull). Nandi is the vehicle for the Hindu god of Shiva. In Hindu mythology, Nandi is the bearer of truth and righteousness. Nandi is said to be Shiva’s main form of transportation and most ardent devotee.  As his most astute follower, Nandi is in charge of leading all of Shiva’s followers.  Along the same lines, Nandi is regarded as the gatekeeper and protector of Shiva as well as Shiva’s consort the Hindu Goddess Parvati.  Nandi is always seated and facing the main temple as protector.  The name, Nandi, is even used as metaphor meaning “to stand in the way of”.  It is said that one must first gain the approval of Nandi before being allowed worship of Lord Shiva himself.

In this post I am posting five super sized Nandis of south India.

1. Nandi of Brihadiswarar temple, Tanjavur

In The Big Temple or Brihadeeswarar Temple of tenth century is a big statue of sacred Nandi  carved out of a single rock. It is at the entrance of the temple facing the lingam or the main deity of the temple. It measures sixteen feet long and thirteen feet high. It is said that it weighs about 20 tonnes!

2. Nandi at Hoysaleswara temple

The eleventh century temple of Hoysaleswara, at Halebidu is most well known for its exquisite sculptures and has a large statue of Nandi. Hoysaleswara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has one of the largest monolithic Nandi statues. It is elaborately decorated and made of soapstone. 

3. Nandi at Veerabadra Swamy temple

The colossal monolith of Nandi called as Basavanna at Lepakshi is a remarkable piece of art. It is made of granite and fifteen feet tall and twenty two feet long. It is facing a huge lingam shaded by a seven headed cobra. It is carved out of a rock behind the Veerabadra temple. 

4. Nandi of Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram 

Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is located in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. The Gangaikondaan temple nandi is situated in the east facing the main shrine in front of the temple. Interestingly, the nandi is built in such a way that it reflects the sunlight into the inner sanctum.

5. Nandi at Ramappa Temple

As one enter the temple, one can  see a Nandi mandapam with Nandi, facing the Shiva's shrine. Although the mandapam is not in good condition, the majestic statue of Nandi is undamaged and presents an impressive sight. Unlike most of the other Shiva temples in the country, here Nandi is shown in an attentive posture, as if ready to take the command of the Lord and execute it any time. Of the five Nandis posted here the most intricately decorated one is the one at Ramappa Temple.

Rock-cut relief - Descent of the Ganges

A rock relief or rock-cut relief is a relief sculpture carved on a solid or living rock (rock that is not detached but still forms part of the earth) rather than a detached piece of stone. Rock reliefs have been made in many cultures throughout human history. Rock reliefs are generally fairly large, as they need to be in order to have an impact in the open air.

The best example of Rock relief in India is the Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance at Mahaballipuram, near Chennai, in Tamizh Nadu, India. This was carved in the mid 7th century and is considered the world's largest preserved open air rock relief - 29 meters long and 13 meters high. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

This is a protected monument at Mahaballipuram. It is a giant open air rock relief carved on two monoliths.  The legend depicted in this relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha.

The Arjuna's relief is in the centre of Mahaballipuram facing the sea or east. So the best time to photograph this would be in the morning as it will get a beautiful natural lighting! It is at a walking distance from the very famous Shore Temple.

Arjuna's Thapas was created to celebrate the victory of Hinduism over Buddhism by Narasimhavarman I. 

The sculptures show deva ganas descending in stages towards the Ganga. Humans are seen worshipping the Ganga, carrying water from it in a big pot or performing rituals on its banks, including Sun worship. There is a tank at the panel’s foot where water from these “rivers” are collected.

Photography is freely allowed here !