I’d like to introduce you to Nandi the Bull. In Hinduism the gods have vehicles or “vahanas“, upon which they ride about the universe. The god Shiva’s vahana is Nandi the Bull. In front, or sometimes inside, temples to Shiva, there is often a statue of Nandi, who sits and looks towards the main shrine of the temple, which enclosed the symbolic focus of Shaivite worship, the lingam. This is a huge Nandi sculpture at the Virupaksha Temple in Pattadakal, India, which dates from the 9th century CE. Worshipers to the temple visit Nandi first, and make offerings to him: marigold garlands, saffron, ghee (clarified butter, for lamps), or even just a cash donation. This magnificent statue, over life size and in a smooth black stone, was particularly well decorated.