TANJORE

THE GREAT NANDI

Our march comes to a sudden stop at the unusually big sized status of Nandi - the divine vehicle of Lord Maheswara.  This enormous monolithic black statue measuring 19 1/2 feet in length; 8 1/4 in breadth; 12 feet in height weighs 25 tons.  It is installed in a high pavilion right in front of the Garbha griha. It indeed stuns and keeps us in silence for a while, by its excellent workmanship, and alerts us later only to guess as to what kind of sumptuous feast the main deity - Siva Linga would soon serve to our eyes.

It has an interesting story to tell. This is carved out of a single rock and deemed the second biggest in India, the first being in Lepakshi. As it was growing day after day in all directions imperceptibly due to God's grace a nail was driven in its back. And lo! the growth stopped abruptly and since then is remaining stationary.   On entering into the sanctum sanctorum, we are greeted by an overwhelming sight. It is the fascinating spectacle of an enormous monolithic, black Siva Linga. Understand, it is biggest of its kind in India and measures 9 feet in height and 23 1/2 feet in circumference. 

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]