About

The monolithic statue of Nandi is a major tourist attraction is dodda Nandi Lord Shiva’s bull and holy vehicle. the statue is the third largest Nandi statue in India. located at a distance of 13 km from Mysore in Chamundi Hills, which known for its religious significance as it has been mentioned in many sacred Hindu scriptures. With a height of around 3500 feet above sea level, these hills are a must-visit place in Mysore. Well known religious shrine, Chamundeshwari Temple is located on these hills.

The statue, reckoned to be at least 350 years old this is one of the oldest icons in Mysore. this was sculpted during the period of illustrious Maharajas of Mysore Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar who ruled from 1659 to 1673 and is the only one of its kind in the State. The statue is 3,489 ft above sea level. the same maharaja who also commissioned the 1000 stepped stairway to the hilltop.

This giant sculpture of Nandi is about 16 feet in height and 24 feet long statue carved out of a single piece of black granite., 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.  In front of the statue, there are basic arrangements for devotees to offer prayers such as pooja plate, etc. along with religious importance, its fine sculpting is worth admiring too. The dark black color — which was nothing but oil and grime collected over decades — has been cleaned and the giant statue restored to its original color.

The Nandi is located almost at the ¾th the way to the hilltop. The main road to 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 walk. You can easily get to the paved trek path (using steps) from the bus terminus or from the Chamundeswari temple area. 

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