Nandi, the bull of Siva
Deccan or South India, 16th-17th century
Indian Art, Gallery 20

Each of the major Hindu deities is associated with a bird or animal on which he or she rides. The mount of Brahma the Creator is a goose, Vishnu the Preserver rides the fabulous Garuda bird, and the goddess Durga is accompanied by a lion. The powerful god Siva rides the bull Nandi. Siva, who destroys the universe at the end of each cycle of Time, is, with Vishnu, one of the most revered deities. Worshippers arriving at a temple dedicated to Siva will often first encounter a large sculpture in the round, like this one, of the reclining bull gazing devotedly towards the inner shrine, where the image of his master Siva resides.

Siva’s association with a bull dates from very early times. The cult of the bull, symbolising fertility and strength, was already widespread in ancient Egypt, Greece and the Near East, as well as in India as early as the Indus Valley Civilization (c2000 BC). Siva is worshipped both in human form and in the form of the linga or phallus symbolising his cosmic power (two lingas can be seen in Cases 10 and 13). He is therefore associated with a cult animal of strength and fertility. Besides being a benign and auspicious presence, Nandi is believed to promote fertility; passing temple visitors may touch the image’s genitals for a blessing.