Nandi Bull

According to Hindu Mythology,Nandi , is the bull which Siva rides.

 

A B & W version is also uploaded for your preference.

 

Your comment/suggestion will be appreciated.Thanks.

Clear, well-focussed photo. However, it would have been better if the background was a bit out of focus. The other suggestion is of course to see if the statue could be approached from any other angle (say with more focus on the face). I am aware that you do not use a DSLR. Does your camera have a manual mode in it?

I think a very well seen and executed image, great capture of the shadow, congrats and best regards.

Samrat,thank you very much. I agree with you. My aim & shoot camera has no manual mode. I am changing over to DSLR:-) Here is another version, as suggested by you.

 

B.C, thank you very much for your feedback. I have uploaded this image for that shadow.

I like the Indian art that you upload, and your explanations, even though I think that with a DSLR your result on this will be better( not so easy to photo the black statue) This is not really a good focus, especially the face of Nandi, also imo it needs more space especially on the upper and bottom parts. The other vesion of Nandi's head is a bit better, but I think that this bull deserve some more frames, angles and light timing from you ....;-))

I think that the BG is good, I don't feel it compet with the sweet flower decorated stataue. As usual I enjoy learning from you about Indian art. You send me to look for more....

 

http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses/shiva.htm

Pnina, many thanks for your feedback & the link. I agree with you regarding leaving more space around the statute. But I have deliberately cropped it tight, to eliminate distractions.

Warm and flattering reds. I love the adornment and like the crop of the head without distractions as well. What is the significance of the decoration on the ears, between the eyes and down the front?

For me the original image is best. I especially like the way you have filled the frame which seems to hint at a mighty force that is just narrowly contained. The color also works well here and adds to the feeling of a mythological figure adorned and celebrated with garlands of bright flowers.

Donna, thank you very much for your appreciation and curiosity to know about those marks.

 

The three bands seen on the forehead of the bull, are worn by the Shaivites. It is called Tripundera tilak. This is adorned with Holy Ash ( Bhasma).The red dot is painted at the eye-brow junction. This could be of sandal paste or red kumkum( a type of powder) or a mix of both. These marks are applied to distinguish the devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Shaivites from other sects of Hindu religion.. The holy ash( bhasma) is also known as Bhibuti, is a symbol to remind the Hindus of their inevitable end at the burning pyre.Nandi

is the Holy Bull - the vehicle and the flag of Lord Shiva. So this is the emblem of Shaivites.

Jack, many thanks for your feedback. I have explained to Pnina why I had to make the crop tightly. I was only interested in the shadow of the bull.

I like the bw version best. It contains the strength of Nandi to the fullest extent, as teh color of the flowers do not distract. Very well seen and captured. Best wishes.

Jayanti, thank you very much for your feedback.