Chamundi Hill Nandi Statue

The Chamundi Hill Nandi Statue is a massive monolithic sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull, located midway up Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, Karnataka. Carved from a single block of granite in 1659 under Wadiyar ruler Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar, it measures about 16 feet high and 25 feet long, making it one of India's largest Nandi statues. Situated on the route to the Chamundeshwari Temple, it is a prominent religious and heritage attraction.

Visitors can expect a large open courtyard housing the colossal black granite Nandi statue adorned with garlands and bells, facing the Chamundeshwari Temple uphill. The site is located on the Chamundi Hill ghat road, about halfway to the hilltop, with steps leading to the statue. The surroundings include small shrines, souvenir and flower stalls, and views of Mysuru city. Visitors can walk around the statue, observe detailed carvings, and take photographs from the enclosure.

The monolithic Nandi was commissioned in 1659 by Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar, ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Carved from a single granite boulder, it is among the largest Nandi sculptures in India, measuring approximately 16 feet in height and 25 feet in length. It was created as the vahana of Lord Shiva along the pilgrimage route to the Chamundeshwari Temple and remains an important example of Wadiyar-era sculpture.

Nandi is revered as the vehicle and devoted attendant of Lord Shiva in Hindu tradition. The statue holds religious importance for devotees visiting Chamundi Hills and is worshipped with offerings of flowers and garlands. Located on the sacred hill associated with Goddess Chamundeshwari, the tutelary deity of Mysuru, it forms an integral part of the pilgrimage experience to the hilltop temple.