Brihadeeswarar Temple – Main Nandhi
The Main Nandhi is made up of huge monolithic stone and
13 feet in height & 16 feet long. It is housed in a Mandapam with numerous
pillars. It is believed that the Nandhi and the mandapam were erected during
the Nayaks period.
Usually the Nandhi is erected after the flag mast, but
here it is erected before the flag mast, such a Nandhi is called Porkala Nandhi
or Wartime Nandhi.
The massive Nandi image presiding majestically inside a
mandapa dating from Nayaka times is a monolith with a height of around 13 feet.
One of the major highlights of this great site is the
huge sized Nandi. Although there are many myths that try to relate this Nandi
idol to the Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola, it was not built by him. The original
Nandi of Chola period is placed in the side corridor. This massive Nandi which
is facing towards the main shrine and to which pooja is offered belongs to
Nayaka period (16th century CE). The Nandi Mandapa is full of pillars carved
with sculptures.
The tall flag staff is found in front of Nandi Mandapa.
Near that, there are four small sized Nandi idols are placed.
