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.
