Lepakshi Nandi
The nandi is situated about 200 meters from the main temple.
The sixth praakaram originally extended
upto the nandi. Now streets and town houses (and an APTDC guest house)
intervene.
The Granite nandi measuring 8 M length and 6 M high is
considered to be the largest Nandi in the world. The one in Thanjavur is
second. Even among monoliths, it stands
on top, second only to Gomateswara. I did a rough calculation of the mass of
the bull. At 8x5x 2.5 (aprox) it should weigh at least 250 tonnes considering
density of granite to be 2.5 T/ Cu.M
The crouching bull is facing the Naga linga at the temple
and strikes a very natural and elegant pose. The garlands, kaasu malai and mani
malai are remarkable for their exquisite finish.
