Nandi, which means “giving delight” or “giving joy,” is the sacred bull of Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. Sacred animals served as vahanas, or mounts for Hindu deities to travel on. Shiva and Nandi's association in Hindu scriptures and art can be traced to very early Indian culture, where dairy farming was the most important occupation, thus explaining the importance and sacredness of the cow and bull. These wooden Nandi’s come from the state of Maharashtra, Central India. They were used there during Pola, a festival in honour of the bull.
