Nandi the bull is a deity conferred with many powers. He is the protector of Dharma and the chief of the team of Ganas, or attendants of the gods. Nandi is also chief of eighteen Siddhas or gifts in Hinduism and is considered the granter of boons.According to temple tradition, a priest of this shrine who used to bring water for abhisekam  was troubled by a demon named Kanjan. Shiva bade Nandi to kill the demon which was duly done. Nandi is said to face the outside of the temple in order to safeguard it.