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Nandi the bull-calf is the mount or vehicle of
Lord Shiva. As Shiva’s most devoted disciple, his
image is often placed directly opposite Shiva’s
shrine in Hindu temples. Regularly honoured by
worshippers with offerings of flowers and
incense, sculptures of Nandi are often touched in
the hope that devotees will be able to imitate the
strength of his devotion to Shiva. It is not known
when these two deities first came to be
associated but there is a long history of devotion
to bulls in Asia. The early civilisation of the Indus
Valley in particular (c. 3000-2000 BC) clearly
held the bull in high veneration- producing
images in stone and terracotta. In Sanskrit Nandi
means ‘joyfulness’ or ‘He who gives joy.’ This
refers to the emotions experienced by the
devotee in the presence of Shiva.
The most striking feature of this sculpture is the
material itself. Carved from the porous volcanic
rock basalt, the surface is slightly stippled
lending it a wonderful texture. Seated in a
recumbent pose with his front right leg
extended, the expression is peaceful and benign.
Unusually Nandi is bereft of the strings of bells/
beads and other adornments that are often
included in carved representations. This may be
because it was hung with fresh flowers by its
original owners, or perhaps the artist preferred a
simpler style. This is a remarkable piece, notable
for its restraint and naturalism rather than its
ostentation. (AM)
- (X.0577)
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