Lord Nandi bull temple has life size metal statue of bull Nandi, locally also known as Nandigan with the broken ear and tail can be seen standing in a modern shed in front of Manimahesh temple at 84 temple complex.
Nandi is chief of Ganas and Shiva’s foremost attendant, who had shape of the bull anf qualities of noble devotee. Usually in front of Shiva temples the shilpa texts provide for a couchant bull paced outside and staring at his lord Shiva. But here we have a life size Nandi bull standing on all fours (legs). Visnudharmotra purana, however describes of such Nandi bull, as representing solidity and stability of dharma.

Legends of lord Nandi bull

According to the Indian Puranas, Nandi achieved divine status in many ways. These include his recognition as another form of Shiva from whom, in some cases, his representations are sometimes almost impossible to differentiate. Nandi can be seen at the entrance to Shiva temples in the for of rishi. However, he is seen in the form of a bull more frequently in front of Shiva temples. According to the legends, it is said that Lord Brahma gave Nandi bull to Shiva or he took the form of a bull to represent Dharma and stood for the salvation of departed souls on the other side of death. The association of Lord Shiva with Nandi bull can be due to his relationship with Rudra, who was sometimes referred to as a bull. Earlier, the bulls were found in ancient scriptures, which have contributed to the civilisations of different countries. The universal strength of Lord Shiva can be linked with his association with Nandi bull.