This is an unusual gaumukha, or water drip in the shape of a nandi (bull) head. There are two pots attached in this artefact, one on top of another. Water would drip in a constant stream to pour on the lingam below, from an aperture in the mouth of the nandi. The water drip is usually placed inverted upon the lingam (a phallic emblem of Shiva). Sahastradhara, the concept of thousand streams, indicates Shiva’s fondness for the constant abhisheka, or ritual bathing. Nandi is the attendant of Shiva. Here, his representation as the dhara (water drip), shows his utmost devotion to Shiva.
