NANDIKESHWARA AND GODDESS KALI WOODEN CARVING 

This intricate wooden carving piece of Lord Nandikeshwara and Goddess Kali is from Tamil Nadu. Lord Nandikeshwara is the god of Mridangam and played it when Shiva performed Taandava. Similar carvings were used in decorating temple chariots.

Temple cars or chariots also called as “Rathas” are vehicles used to carry idols of Hindu gods in processions on annual festival days. These are usually made of wood and in most cases have exquisite and intricate carvings on multiple set-in panels. The carvings can be images depicting stories from puranas, deities, mythical animals like Yali, ganas, dancers, real animals etc.

Rathas from different parts of India vary in style and size. These rathas decorated with flowers and jewels are pulled with thick ropes by hundreds of devotees. The anglo-Indian term “Juggernaut” was inspired by the large temple cars at Jagannath temple, Puri. The chariot at Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu is said to be the largest – 29 metres tall and weighing over 300 tonnes.

This handpicked carving is sure to add radiance and antique look to your living areas.