A traditional representation of the sacred bull Nandi. The temple guardian crouches at Lord Shiva's feet. His weighty body gathered in steady equipoise, with smooth leathery form accomplished by proportional bone structure. The bulk and presence of the figure are modeled with integrity, elegantly adorned with strands of jewels and numerous small bells. Slightly clinging to his left, subtle details are seen in the quiet charms of the bull's posture and movements.

Cattle played various vital roles in the history of world religions. They are venerated to be sacred creatures of life that should be protected and revered. Inspired by the beliefs that life in all its forms is interconnected, a soul is present in all living beings. All three major religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism were championing non-violence towards all creatures as the highest ethical value. In the Vedas, the oldest of the Hindu scriptures, the cow is associated with Aditi, the mother of all the gods. Or the Mother Earth Prithvi in the Pali Canon. When the Gautama Buddha enacted the earth-pointing ( bhumisparsa ) mudra. The Earth Goddess was called to be the witness of the Buddha's enlightenment.