Big temple Nandhi to be anointed with sandalwood paste

After a gap of about 100 years, the 16th century giant statue of Nandhikeswarar (Bull God) at the famous Braghadeeswara Temple here is to be anointed with sandalwood paste, an annual practice given up for various reasons.
About 250 kg of sandalwood paste, ground at various places with the permission of Forest department, would be used for anointing the 13 feet high and 16 feet long Nandhi tomorrow, officials of the Chola era temple said.
Special grinding stone facility had been set up for the work in Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore besides here.
The practice of covering the Nandhi idol with sandalwood paste every year was given up for various reasons, including shortage of sandalwood and due to rules and regulations of then British regime, the officials said.

The Nandhi statue is located at the entrance of the temple, popularly known as Big Temple and built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD. The temple is a UNESCO heritage site.