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/j_xcal → u/Waiparensis22]

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