Thousands of devotees witnessed the special puja to the Maha Nandi in the front yard of the famous Sri Brihadeeswarar temple (Big Temple) after the massive 13-foot-tall granite idol of the sacred bull was adorned with sandal paste on Tuesday. The ritual took place after almost a century, it is claimed.
The 16th century Nandi, erected at the temple complex by the Nayaks, replacing the old, smaller Nandi that was originally installed by Chola King Rajaraja I when he built the temple complex in 1010 AD, was covered with specially ground sandal paste. The ritual was organised jointly by the Palace Devasthanams and devotees of Sri Venkatrama Gandharva Swamy Mutt of Tiruvannamalai.
Sandalwood logs were purchased from the Forest Department from Chennai, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchi, Thanjavur, and Melur near Madurai, and devotees and public were given the opportunity to grind the sandalwood in select places in those towns.
Priest and devotees started applying on the Maha Nandi the 250 kg sandalwood paste since Monday night and the job was completed on Tuesday morning when the mahadeeparathanai was offered to the Nandi. Senior prince and scion of the Maratha dynasty Babaji Raja Bhonsle was present.
The ritual took place after almost a century, it is claimed
