There is a brick platform leading to the Nandi Maṇḍapa. Nandi the bull is facing his Lord Bṛhadīśvara. It is a magnificent and perhaps the biggest Nandi in Tamil Nadu carved out of a single block of stone. Its size is quite appropriate to carry Bṛhadīśvara. This Nandi is an embodiment of grace for the people of Tanjavur. They believe that if he is worshipped specially he will bestow rains, fertility and prosperity. The pillared hall in which it is housed was built in the 16th century.
The Nāyaks whose portraits are found in the front pillars, are standing in veneration, worshipping Bṛhadīśvara and also the Nandi at the same time. Paintings in the European tradition found on the ceilings, were painted in mid 19th century under the Marāṭhās.
