Bull vehicle

Title
Bull vehicle
Year/Period
19th-20th centuries
Region
Tamil Nadu, South India
Dimension
Object size: H173 x W63 x L188cm
Accession No.
1995-01825

Nandi is the vehicle of Shiva, a Hindu deity famous for his reclusive nature and unconventional lifestyle. In south India, this Nandi vahana (bull vehicle) carries the mobile images of Shiva, and his consort, Parvati, which are placed atop, and taken out in a procession through the town. This graceful animal has a great presence and candid expression, notice the edge of the tongue leaping out of its mouth. Such vehicles are plated in silver and gold and covered with realistic paint.