Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c14.s49.2

v2.c14.s49.2

The bull Nandin¹ is the animal of Śiva. Its image, which may be either recumbent or erect, is placed facing the Śiva temple on a pedestal (*pīṭha*), either inside the shrine, or in a pavilion (*maṇḍapa*) in front of the temple, or at the door. It is not measured in any *tāla* system. Various absolute and comparative measurements are prescribed. Its height, for instance, may be equal to the height of the idol (of Śiva), or up to its ears or arms, or the height may be from one cubit to nine cubits, or equal to three-fourths or one-half of the height of the door of the temple. The bull Nandin is made either solid or hollow, of iron (*lohaja*), stone, wood, *ābhāsa* (marble), *ratna* (precious stone), *sudhā* (stucco), baked clay (terra-cotta ?) and *śarkarā* (grit).