Nandi the bull is a deity conferred with many powers. He is the protector of Dharma and the chief of the team of Ganas, or attendants of the gods. Nandi is also chief of 18 Siddhas or gifts in Hinduism and is considered the granter of boons. According to temple tradition, a priest of this shrine who used to bring water for abhisekam (ritual pouring of water on the deity) was troubled by a demon named Kanjan. Shiva bade Nandi to kill the demon which was duly done. Nandi is said to face the outside of the temple in order to safeguard it. The actual idol may be little bit different from the pic as they are manually carved