This giant image of Nandi (Bull) is located at the top of Chamundi hills in Mysore. More than 350 years old, this is one of the oldest icons in Mysore. According to Hindu Legends Nandi is considered as the vehicle (mount) of Lord Shiva, the lord of destruction. In front of every Shiva temple, on the court facing the shrine, you can see the image of a Nandi.

About 16 feet in height and 24 feet long, this Nandi atop the Chamundi Hills is the third largest in India. The creation of this colossal image is attributed to Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar (1659–1673) one of the illustrious Maharajas of Mysore. It is the same Maharaja who also commissioned the 1000-stepped stairway to the hilltop.

Originally this was a colossal boulder. The image of the Nandi was carved out of this boulder in situ. When you visit this Nandi just look around to see similar boulders around this site. In fact right behind the Nandi image is a small cave temple under an overhanging boulder dedicated to Shiva. These boulders are painted with white and ochre stripes.

The Nandi is portrayed in a sitting position with its left foreleg folded in an about-to-get-up posture. While the image is in great proportions, the finer details are executed equally brilliantly. You can see many sequences of bells and garlands dexterously carved over the Nandi. With his ears pointed in rapt attention, the expression on his face is something not to be missed. The whole image sits on 4 feet or so-high platform.

This Nandi has been in active worship possibly ever since its creation. This is an open shrine exposed to the elements. During special days scaffolding is erected to do the abhisheka (anointing). Otherwise, on regular days the priest stands at the front and does pooja.

Tourists are welcome to visit the Nandi site. Follow the etiquettes deemed for a place of worship. Footwear needs to be removed before going close to the Nandi. You can go around the Nandi (clockwise) to see it close. There is an elevated place in front of the Nandi image. You'll even find a granite bench over there. This is a vantage place for viewing the upper portion of the Nandi and also a great point for taking photographs.

There is no specific timing as it is an open site by the side of the trek path. However visit it during the day time, for obvious reasons though the Chamundeshwari temple atop is open till around 9 at night.

The Nandi is located almost ¾th the way to the hilltop. The main road to the hilltop arrives at a "View Point" junction. The right fork leads to Nandi (2km) and the straight road leads to the main shrine of Chamundeswari further at the top of the hill. There is no bus service to the Nandi site.

If you have come to the hilltop by bus, the only way to reach the Nandi site is by walking (rather than a mini trek). You can easily get to the paved trek path (steps) from the bus terminus (get behind that guest house) or from the Chamundeswari temple area (the path starts near where they sell tender coconut). Ask for the steps to Nandi.

If you are reasonably fit it's about a 20-30-minute walk to the Nandi site. You can either trek back to the bus terminal or continue down to the base of the hill (another 30-45 minutes).  After the Nandi, the steps go down to the foothill close to where the JLB Road joins the Nilgiri Road. At the foothills, you'll find auto-rickshaws waiting for those coming by the trek path. If not, another 2km walk till you hit the busy main road. Alternatively, trek up and catch a bus from the hilltop to the city center.

A word of caution, avoid the trek path after dark and also if you are alone. This goes through the bushes. Mornings are busy with many regular joggers.

For those driving to the Nandi, there is a short route to the base and also to the NH212. Instead of returning to the "View Point" just continue on the road from Nandi. A little after the Nandi you will see a sharp right branch. This rather steep route called the Bull Temple Road will take you quickly to the base where the arch is located. On the other hand, the left fork takes you to the road to the Tripura Sundari temple road. Turn right as you come out of the hill to reach the NH212. This will join NH 212, turn left towards Nanjangud, and right for Mysore city. See also the route map.

Nandi who always is a source of Happiness even to Uma Maheswara

Nandi is the name for the bull which serves as the mount of the Siva and as the gatekeeper of Siva and Parvati. In the Hindu religion, he is the chief guru of 18 Siddhars, including Patanjali and Thirumular. 

Temples venerating Siva display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. There are also a number of temples dedicated solely to Nandi.

The doorways of pre-10th century North Indian temples are frequently flanked by images of Mahakala and Nandi, and it is in this role of Siva’s watchman that Nandi figures in Kalidasa’s poem the Kumarasambhavam.

The word 'Nandi' means Happy, Joyous, or Happy Person.

Sage Shilada underwent severe penance to have a boon — a child with immortality. Lord Indra pleased with the austerities of Shilada appeared in front of him to offer a boon. After hearing the request of Shilada and his desire to have an immortal child, Lord Indra suggested he pray to Lord Siva: nobody else could provide such a boon.

Sage Shilada continued his penance for 1,000 years. He was totally immovable for many years, so the termites settled on his body and slowly started to build up their nest. Finally, his whole body was covered up by them. The insects started to eat his flesh and imbibed his blood. At last, only bones remained. Lord Siva appeared in front of him and provided the boon for the child.

Moreover, Lord Siva provided Sage Shilada his old form with a single touch. Sage Shilada performed Yagna and a child appeared from the sacrificial fire. His body was clad in armor made out of diamonds. The celestial dancers and singers performed on this auspicious occasion and the deities showered flowers on the child. The boy was named Nandi — who brings joy.

Shilada brought the child home. Immediately the boy lost his divine appearance to an ordinary child. The child completely forgot all about his birth. Sage Shilada was worried about the sudden change. He devoted his time to Nandi's upbringing his education etc. By the age of seven, the boy was well-versed in Veda and all sacred texts.
One day the deities Mitra and Varuna visited Sage Shilada. At the first sight of the boy, they commented: Though the boy had all auspicious signs, he would have a very short life. He would not live after the age of eight. Sage Shilada was mortified at this remark. Nandi could not bear his father's sorrow; he began to pray to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him.

Lord Siva adorned the boy with a necklace and made him immortal. Lord Siva blessed the child and declared that he would be worshiped along with Him and become his vahana. Immediately the boy got all the divine powers and transformed into half bull-half human. He and Shilada went to Lord Siva's abode to live.

Some Puranas describe Nandi or Nandikeshvara as a bull face with a human body that resembles that of Shiva in proportion and aspect, although with four hands — two hands holding the Parasu (the axe) and Mruga (the antelope) and the other two hands joined together in the Anjali (obeisance). Brahma Vaivarta Purana mentions Krishna himself to have taken the form of a bull as no one else in the Universe can bear Shiva.

According to some Puranas, Nandi was born to sage Shilada who got him by the grace of Shiva.

It was Nandi who cursed Ravana that his kingdom would be burnt by a Vanara. And later Hanuman burnt Lanka when he went in search of Sita, who was kept prisoner by Ravana in Ashok Vatika.

According to one incident, Nandi took the form of a whale. At Mount Kailash when Lord Siva was explaining the Vedas to his beloved wife, Parvati lost her concentration and Lord Siva cursed her to be born as a fisherwoman.

Later Lord Siva repents for the mistake. Years later when Parvati reached her marriageable age, Nandi took the form of a whale and started to trouble the people. Later Parvati's father said that anyone who killed the whale will marry his daughter. Later Lord Siva took the form of a fisherman and killed the whale. He married Parvati and returned to Mount Kailash happily.

In one puranic story, it is stated that once Siva and Parvathi were playing a game of dice. For any game, there has to be an umpire, who has to declare who is the winner. Siva and Parvathi agreed to have Nandi (the divine bull) as the umpire. Nandi is a favorite of Siva, as he is Siva's vehicle. Although Siva lost the game, Nandi declared him the winner.

It is stated that Parvathi was indignant over Nandi's partiality
for Siva and cursed him that he should die from an incurable disease. Thereupon Nandi fell at the feet of Parvathi and pleaded for forgiveness. "Mother forgive me. Should I not show at least this amount of gratitude to one who is my master? Is it not humiliating for me to declare that my master has lost the game? To uphold his honour I no doubt uttered a lie. But am I to be punished with such severity for so small an offence?" Nandi prayed for forgiveness in this manner. Parvathi forgave Nandi and taught him the means to atone for his lapse. She told him.

"The Chaturdasi day in the month of Bhadrapada is the day when my son's birthday is celebrated. On that day you have to offer to my son what pleases you most (green grass)". This means that one atones for one's sins when one offers to the Lord what is most pleasing and enjoyable to him. For Nandi, the most enjoyable and relishing food is green grass. As directed by Parvathi Nandi worshipped Ganapathi by offering green grass. Nandi was then relieved of his dreaded disease. His health improved and by the grace of Parvathi, he was redeemed.

Largest Nandis in India: Aimury, Kerala, Lepakshi, Andhra, Brahadishwara Temple, Chamundi Hills, Mysore, Karnataka,
Bull Temple, Bangalore, Rameswaram, Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu, Shanthaleswara Temple, Halebidu, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur, Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Nandi Temple, Khajuraho, Kedareshvara Temple at Balligavi, Doddabasaveshvara temple, Kurugodu. Nandishwara Teertha Temple. 

References:

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