Nandi Mandapa, Hindu Cave 15, Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India
Nandi mandapa in Hindu Cave 15 is a monolithic structure devoted to the divine bull - Nandi - but is not a shrine.
As the the roof of Nandi Mandapa is flat - it is believed that the huge Nandi sculpture that is now placed in the upper pillared hall in sync with the lingam was originally placed on the top of the roof so as to allow it to better serve the lingam within the cave.
Nandi symbolically has many meanings for Hindus - one such is - Nandi waits eternally outside Shiva temples usually looking straight towards the shrine - Nandi just perennially wants to be receptive of the light and experience the wisdom that Shiva emanates. Another meaning could be Nandi is willing to wait forever which in essence is the greatest virtue of being receptive of the divine
Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. How to reach Ellora Caves?
