“This is a sandstone statue of the sacred Bull Nandin. It originated from Prasat Rumduol in Svay Rieng Province, and it is now in the collection of the National Museum of Cambodia.
Researchers believed it was carved in the 7th century, pre-Angkorian period. Sacred beast Nandin is the vehicle of Shiva. This was sculpted in a naturalist manner and also has the third eye on its forehead, similar to that of his master.
This suggests the bull is more than a vehicle, and is a representation of Shiva himself. Sacred Nandin is generally installed outside, facing entrance doorways of monuments, where in the interiors there are placed statues or representations of Shiva.
In Cambodia, Nandin was a key character in the Preah Ko, Preah Keo legend. Since the middle period, the bull became a very important national symbol, with a greater significance than Indian sculptures. The special role of Nandin in serving Shiva inspired ancient Khmer artists, to be extremely careful and conscientious in sculpting the statue of Preah Ko, the sacred bull of Khmer legends.”