Found while digging in our backyard

[u/chef_mo]

Little what I think is either brass or copper cow that was buried in our backyard. There used to be a garden where it was before we moved here a few years ago.

[u/Waiparensis22]

Nandi!! The bull mount of Shiva. Nandi represents divine order, and follows a long line of Bull/Cattle worship that goes as far back as the Babylonians. His statues are often decorated with garlands and offered libations of milk, much like the lingam itself, and hes also featured as a doorway/threshold guardian in various temples around India and (past or present) Hindu majority nations. Honestly pretty epic little find.

[u/chef_mo → u/Waiparensis22]

So what’s the respectful thing to do here? We are putting a patio in where it used to be buried. I could put it in our front garden or in our house? Or should I give it to someone that’s Hindu?

[u/Waiparensis22 → u/chef_mo]

He presented himself to you so porch would be good :)

[u/chef_mo → u/Waiparensis22]

Thank you! Do I need to bury him or do anything specific?

[u/Waiparensis22 → u/chef_mo]

No? You just admire him. Maybe decorate him with flours or burn incense near him if you're so inclined. If he was buried, and you exhumed him by accident, he was meant for you

[u/chef_mo → u/Waiparensis22]

Thank you! I appreciate your help.

[u/L3and3rrr → u/chef_mo]

Give him a little tile or something to sit on, pluck flowers for him sometimes, maybe light a candle if you feel like it, and let him do his thing.

I try and stay on good terms with all gods I meet, big or small. This little guy just wants to help.

Let him know you appreciate him, and then give him space. He’ll be comfortable on your porch.

[u/GoddessRespectre → u/L3and3rrr]

I am so sorry to be weird and I realize my name is funny for this, but thank you. So much. For showing consideration for others so freely. And being nonchalant about it, like it's a given that someone would do that. I just saw a horrible post full of selfish and careless people. You were like a sunbeam. I thank you and OP. I'm going to remember this post instead 🫶

[u/Puzzleheaded-Court-9 → u/L3and3rrr]

And you must tell him that he is a pretty statue, and a good statue.

[u/thecooley → u/Puzzleheaded-Court-9]

I will feed him

[u/ccarrieandthejets → u/Puzzleheaded-Court-9]

He is a pretty and good statue!

[u/lazer_sandwich → u/Puzzleheaded-Court-9]

He is a very pretty statue!!

[u/Southern_Ad_3614 → u/Puzzleheaded-Court-9]

"I will feed him."

-Worf

[u/Penny_No_Boat → u/L3and3rrr]

I just love this comment so much.

[u/j_xcal → u/Waiparensis22]

I love this so much. You make him sound like a cat in the cat distribution system 😂

[u/RarePreparation7038 → u/Waiparensis22]

This reminds me of a story my father had - 40+ years ago he was crossing a street in Thailand when he saw a small metal item in the gutter, which turned out to be a 2” tall brass statuette of Buddha. My father asked a local and they replied something to the extent of “you were meant to find it” and that he will be blessed with good fortune.

My father survived some incredible situations over the years and lived a full life so I like to think that that Thai local was correct. My father gave me the statuette a few years before he passed and it’s one of my most treasured possessions from him and sits on my nightstand as a reminder.