Dimensions: Height 8,1 cm ; Wide 7 cm ; Depth 11,5 cm

Weight: 458,3 grams

The Nandi here is reclining on a oval pedestal. It is wearing garlands of beads with a bell. One of the distinguishing features is the Lingam (aniconic representation of the Hindu deity, Siva) in front of the Nandi, in front of the feet. This feature of Nandi, with a small Lingam in front of it, is more commonly seen in Karnataka. This Nandi was probably used in a home shrine and has significant wear and tear.

Nandi (bull) is the sacred vehicle (vahana) of Siva and is considered to be the foremost devotee of Siva.

As Siva is the rider of the bull, every Siva temple will have a shrine for stone image Nandi, in reclining form as above, in front of and facing Siva. In the early Tamil literature, Nandi is synonymous with Siva. There are temples dedicated to Nandi, especially in Karnataka, India.

The above Nandi is from Karnataka is probably from late 18th century.