Nandi Bull, Mysore – Guarding the Chamundi Hills
Mysore Nandi Bull is an important religious spot in the city of Mysore. The gigantic idol of the Nandi Bull nestled at the top of the Chamundi Hills in Mysore is one of the oldest icons, and represents as the guard protecting the city and its surroundings.Nandi Bull – A Quick Glance
Famous for: Iconic statue, Architectural brilliance
Devoted to: Nandi, the bull and the mount of Lord Shiva
Built in: 1659 AD
Built under: Dodda Devaraja Odeyar
Size: 24′ long, 10′ wide and 11′ high
Timing: 24 hours
Visiting duration: 30mins
Best time to visit: July to February
Entry fee: Free
Nandi Bull – An Overview
Nandi Bull is closely associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, and one can spot the statue of Nandi, the bull in every Shiva temple across the country. However, this idol stands out for the fact that it is huge and more than 350 years old making it one of the oldest constructions of Mysore.The massive structure of Nandi Bull stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 24 feet long. This is the third largest Nandi bull idol in India and quite an interesting one to explore exclusively for its enormous size and exquisite fine details carved over it.
The construction is built on a 4 - 8 meters high monolith, constructed on the 800th step of the Chamundi Hill. The idol is gigantic – measuring 24 feet in length, 10 feet in width and 11 feet in height. Nandi is found in a seated posture and is made of granite which accounts for its jet black colour.
The Nandi Bull in Mysore was created in 1659 AD when the city was under Dodda Devaraja Odeyar, the ruler of Mysore. The construction is exclusively popular for its spectacular craftsmanship that is beautifully adorned with the carvings on the idol. Worth mentionable are the anklets and the pendant bell of the bull that speak for its exclusive ornamentation and artwork.
Architecture and History of Nandi Bull
The Nandi Bull construction was originally built as a colossal boulder from which the statute of Nandi was carved out. You can find several similar boulders around the Nandi Bull on your way up to the Chamundi Hills. There is a small cave temple right behind the Nandi idol dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is constructed under an overhanging boulder. All the boulders around are striped in white and ochre paints.The idol of Nandi is constructed in sitting position. The bull is made to fold its legs, with its left foreleg in a posture as if it is about to stand up. What makes the Nandi Bull idol unique is the exceptional proportionate overall structure along with some of the finest carvings all over. The garlands, forehead tiara, pendant bell and the anklets are some of the worth mentionable carvings on the statute. There are several garland carved out in granite boulder around the neck of the bull which draw attention of every visitor.
The ears of Nandi Bull are adroitly carved to make it pointed in full attention. Along with that, the facial expressions also denote his sincere dedications in serving the Lord Shiva. Additionally, the ever-ready posture, represented through its left foreleg also adds to the dutifulness of the Nandi Bull. As a whole, the construction was made keeping in mind that purpose of the idol near the Chamundi Hills. It was mainly to provide a safeguard to the entire region, and there was no one that could have been delegated with the job to protect Goddess Chamundeshwari or Lord Shiva other than the Nandi Bull.
The entire structure is placed on a platform which stands at 4 feet to be precise. There is an elevated place near the Nandi Bull, Mysore with a granite bench placed for people to sit and watch the surroundings. The point offers a mesmerizing vantage point to view the Nandi from above. People take photographs from this place.
Worship and Rituals at Nandi Bull
Unlike most of the other places where Nandi Bull’s idol is placed inside Shiva’s temple, this Nandi is actively worshipped as a regular ritual ever since it was created. The shrine is open for all and is exposed to devotees of every community and caste.Tourists visit the Nandi site either for rituals or only to pay homage to the prominent figure related to Hindu mythology. Though everyday rituals are performed within the small enclosure premise of the Nandi Bull, on special days you will find anointing (“abhisheka”) performed at the spot with temporary wooden platforms being erected for public gathering.
For entering the premise, you need to take off your footwear and you need to perform circumambulation around the Nandi clockwise to get a closer look of the statute. There is no specific time for visit, as it is an open site that strategically falls by the side of the trek path. However, it is suggested to visit the Nandi Bull during the day time to avoid the risky turns and rough routes especially in the night.
How to Reach Nandi Bull
Nandi Bull, Mysore falls on the way to Chamundi Hills which is one of the major tourist destinations in Mysore. The spot is widely accessible by road from the city of Mysore, via multiple local transports that run along the route on a regular basis. Public buses, cabs and private cars are available in abundant to take you to the top of the Chamundi Hills and you can easily visit the Nandi Bull on the half-way to the hill.While travelling by bus, you will have to get down to a common spot from where you will have to trek a bit to reach the place. For the same reason, it is advisable not to visit Nandi Bull, Mysore after it gets dark. The place is not plain and is secluded from where you will have to struggle a bit to find a local transport. If you are driving all the way to Nandi Bull, you can avail to a shorter route that trails to the NH212. You don’t have to return to “View Point”, instead you can continue on the road straight to the spot.
The Nandi Bull is a masterpiece in artwork and craftsmanship, and an interesting place to discover. Don’t miss it out on your next trip to Mysore.