
Weight: 580 gms
Height: 11.8 cm/ 4.5 inches
Width: 14.5 cm/5.8 inches
Depth: 6 cm/2.5 inches
Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” is the sacred bull of the Hindu god Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. When the world becomes evil, Shiva destroys it to make way for beneficial change. Nandi is Shiva’s animal form, his means of transportation, and his most ardent worshiper. Sacred animals served as vahanas, or mounts for Hindu deities to travel on. Shiva and Nandi's association in Hindu scriptures and art can be traced to very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation, thus explaining the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull. Vahanas symbolize or complement the energy or character of their deity. The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice. Nandi is also believed to promote fertility; passing temple visitors may touch the image’s genitals for a blessing. A temple to Shiva would almost always have a Nandi sculpture. Nandi sculptures would often be decorated with fresh flowers and given other offerings.
Due to the handmade and hand painted nature of the statue, the design on the Nandi cow may vary. The two variations are listed in the image, and depends what is available at the time of despatch, that statue will be despatched.