Nandi - The Vehicle of Lord Shiva

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Name: Nandi - The Vehicle of Lord Shiva
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEP387
Price: 1365.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1279.50

$1706

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Specifications

	ZEP387
	STONE STATUE FROM SOUTH INDIA (MAHABALIPURAM)
	Height: 10 inch
	Width: 12 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 15 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 20 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Murti 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 the 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, preserves 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 load. Being very dear to the Lord, the divine Bull is decked with fascinating ornaments on his back, neck, and sharp horns. Nandi is also 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.

The Steadfast Guardian: A Stone Sculpture of Nandi

This exquisite stone sculpture captures the divine essence of Nandi, the sacred bull and devoted vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva. Rendered in dark, resonant stone, this artwork embodies the strength, loyalty, and profound spiritual connection that Nandi represents in Hindu tradition. Each detail, from the gentle curve of his powerful horns to the serene expression on his face, speaks of a creature of immense dignity and unwavering faith. The sculptor has meticulously adorned Nandi with traditional ornamentation, including intricate necklaces and decorative coverings, carved with a contrasting lighter tone that highlights their delicate patterns. These embellishments are not mere decoration; they signify Nandi's elevated status as a celestial being, constantly in attendance to the Supreme Being. The texture of the stone itself adds a tactile dimension, inviting contemplation and reverence. This piece originates from South India, a region renowned for its rich sculptural heritage, specifically from Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its ancient rock-cut temples and monolithic sculptures. The craftsmanship reflects the artistic mastery honed over centuries in this sacred locale.

Mythological Significance and Cultural Resonance

In the vast tapestry of Hindu mythology, Nandi holds a place of paramount importance. He is not simply a mount but a devoted disciple, the chief of Shiva's celestial attendants (Ganas), and the embodiment of righteousness (dharma). Tales abound of Nandi's unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva, often depicted as the silent, steadfast listener to Shiva's divine teachings. It is believed that Nandi guards the entrance to Shiva's abode, Kailasa, and only those with pure hearts and true devotion are granted passage. His presence signifies a gateway to spiritual understanding and divine grace. In temples dedicated to Lord Shiva across India, a large idol of Nandi is invariably placed facing the main shrine, eternally meditating and awaiting his master. Devotees often whisper their prayers and desires into Nandi’s ear, believing that he will carry their heartfelt pleas directly to Lord Shiva. This sculpture, therefore, is more than an object of art; it is a conduit for devotion, a symbol of faithful service, and a reminder of the profound bond between the divine and the earthly. Its presence is meant to invoke a sense of peace, protection, and spiritual aspiration, resonating with the ancient wisdom and enduring faith of Indian culture.