8" Nandi, The Shiva’s Mount and One of His Ganas In Brass

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Item Code: XB08
Specifications:
Brass Sculpture
Dimensions 8.6 inch X 6.6 inch X 6.1 inch
Weight: 2.92 kg
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
Shipped to 153 countries
Shipped to 153 countries
More than 1M+ customers worldwide
More than 1M+ customers worldwide

A vibrant statue of a bull with divine glow enshrining the animal’s face, couched on a lotus pedestal, is a representation of Shiva’s Nandi, his mount and one of his principal ganas. Nandi is also known in scriptures as Nandin, Nandikeshvara and Nandishvara. Excellently modeled revealing great plasticity and perfect anatomical dimensions the figure of the bull is exceptionally vigorous. With just one of its forelegs slightly raised, the animal seems to get up and begin walking. In casting the figure the artist has observed all anatomical norms, rules of proportion and figural balance, besides imparting to it divine lustre and a saint’s quiescence which as one of Shiva’s principal ganas and mount it inherited from its Lord. Except that the animal has been elaborately adorned using variously conceived, designed and arranged decorative laces-type ornaments on its back, hind part, neck and head, the figure of the bull is unique in its naive simplicity, and whatever spirituality the figure reveals is born of this simplicity.

Strangely, all scriptures, even the Nandi-purana, a full-fledged text devoted to Nandi, perceive Nandi as a sage, or a sage’s son, a human being though born by the divine process, not biological, but in worship tradition and in temple cult – deity-iconography and architecture, Nandi has been conceived as a bull, though with the status of Shiva’s ‘dhwaja’ and as, as essential a temple component as the deity image itself, since early centuries of the Common Era. Every Shiva temple that enshrines a Shiva-linga, or even an anthropomorphic Shiva image, also has a Nandi icon enshrining it either inside the sanctum facing the Linga icon, outside the sanctum door, or on temple’s main entrance. In larger medieval temples, especially the temples in Panchayatana format, independent subordinate shrines, and sometime even the full-fledged temples, were dedicated to Nandi. Except in South, where in some of the Shiva temples Nandi icons are conceived in human form with four hands, with or without a bull’s face, in visual mediums, sculpture or painting, and in entire votive tradition, Nandi, the Shiva’s mount, manifests as bull.

Scriptural position is quite different. Accordingly, Nandi is the son of sage Shilad and the grandson of the known sage Shalankayana. Shilad was childless. For a son he performed great penance which pleased Shiva who appeared in his vision and assured him that he would get a son. Accordingly, one day when Shilad was digging land for installing ‘agni’ – fire, for yajna, from it emerged a boy with three eyes, four hands and ‘jata-mukuta’ – coiffure crowning his head, an exact mini form of Shiva himself. Subsequently the boy became known as Nandi or Nandin. Shilad brought the boy home where it transformed into a normal human being. When about nine-ten years of age, the boy came to know that he had a short lifespan. He hence turned to rigorous penance which pleased Shiva who not only blessed him with immortality but also acclaimed him as his son and elevated him to the position of one of his principal ganas, and his constant companion. Puranas also attribute to Shilad’s son many exploits and illustrious deeds.

It is difficult to say when exactly the transformation from human to animal Nandi, or vice-versa, took place. Noticeably, despite whatever the theological texts asserted, the visual tradition perceived Nandi only as Shiva’s bull, not otherwise. The visual tradition, too, has a long past, unbroken and constant. Scholars have identified the yogi figure on Indus terracotta seals as Shiva, and the Indus bull, sometimes as the animal that Shiva used as his mount. Otherwise too, Nandi’s icons as bull begin pouring in from fourth-fifth centuries, almost when the period of Puranas was just budding. Thus, this possibility may not be completely ruled out that in view of its divine links and association with Shiva the bull was mythicised as a sage’s son.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.


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Nandi: The Symbolic Representation of Strength and Devotion in Hindu Mythology

Nandi is the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The statue of Nandi, the Bull, is generally seen in a sitting posture on a raised platform with discipline and calmness at the entrance of the temple of Lord Shiva as the guard or doorman. He patiently waits for the Lord while gazing at the sanctum, demonstrating that individual souls should always be focused and surrendered to the Supreme Lord in all circumstances, without having any material desires. He symbolizes loyalty, truth, and righteousness, thus, preserving Dharma. Watchfulness and virility are the most important qualities of the Bull, that make him the perfect vaahan for Lord Shiva, the destroyer of the material world, to ride. The alertness of Nandi tells us the importance of being in the present moment (mindfulness). He is the head of all the attendants (Ganas) of Lord Shiva and is also considered to be the guardian of four-legged animals.

Having a round body, a hump appearing as a huge mountain, and heavy shoulders signify his strength and capacity to bear a heavy load. Being very dear to the Lord, the divine Bull is always decked with fascinating ornaments on his back, neck, and sharp horns.
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What is the significance of Nandi?

Nandi is the chief of 18 Siddhas and is considered the granter of boons to the devotees, and also symbolizes justice, faith, and purity. His mind completely absorbed in the service of Mahadeva depicts that he is the timeless wisdom and the path to the Absolute Truth, which means the Guru within. Without the mercy of the Guru, one cannot receive the grace of the Supreme Lord. Since Nandi is the eternal servant of Lord Shiva, one who tries to come closer to Lord Shiva and take his shelter, he should approach him by pleasing Nandi first.
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Why does Nandi sit in front of Shivling?

Nandi is always depicted sitting outside the sanctum of Lord Shiva, facing the Lord. He patiently waits for his master outside the temple as if ready to serve the Lord whenever he wants his service. This shows how Nandi always remains absorbed in the thoughts of Lord Shiva and is eager to please his master. A practicing devotee can learn from the attitude of Nandi that the only qualification needed to please the Supreme Lord is his sincerity and dedication to serve Him in all circumstances.
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Is it good to keep Nandi statue at home?

Lord Shiva is very dear to Nandi and similarly, Nandi is very dear to Lord Shiva. Keeping the statue of Nandi at your home altar means attracting the mercy of Lord Shiva in your life. It will bring all fortune and auspiciousness. However, keeping the statue of Nandi alone may not fulfill the ultimate purpose. Nandi, being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, does not like to stay in a place where there is no worship of the lord. Thus, if you want to please Nandi, you should keep his statue along with the deity of Lord Shiva (Nandi gazing at the lord).

How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?


Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.

 

Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.

 

  • The best and simplest way to maintain a brass statue is to clean it at least twice a week using a soft cloth or cotton rag. This will prevent dust from accumulating on the surface. Dusting is especially important for outdoor statues since it is prone to dust accumulation much more than indoors.

 

 

  • To give a natural shine and luster to the statue, you may apply coconut or olive oil using cotton on every portion. You can use a toothbrush to get to the small crevices but do not be too harsh. This will make the brass statue appear fresh and new with a polished look.


  • In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth. 

 

Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I see the original photo of the product ?
    A. For original pictures of the statue, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. All returns must be postmarked within seven (7) days of the delivery date. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more please view our return policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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