Yali (IAST: Yāḷi), [1] (Tamil: யாழி) also called Vyāla (Sanskrit: व्याल), [2] is a South Indian mythological creature, portrayed with the head and the body of a lion, the trunk and the tusks of an elephant, and sometimes bearing equine features.

Nov 4, 2019 · The Yali or Vyala is a composite animal, most commonly depicted with a pair of horns, the tusks and trunk of an elephant, the manes and graceful body of a lion, and the tail of a serpent. In this form it is called a gaja-vyala i.e. elephant-vyala.

Oct 22, 2017 · Yali is also known as Vyala or vidala in sanskrit. Mostly Yali portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse. Image shown above has horse body and elephant head. If you lucky enough to visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in, Madurai, you’ll …

Yali is also known as vyala or vidala in Sanskrit. It is a composite form of many different animals. Samarangana Sutradhara mentions sixteen forms of Vyala that can be carved in sixteen different poses. These two-hundred and fifty-six forms of Yali provided an amazing repertoire in the hands of craftsmen to bring uniformity with variations.

The yali, also called vyala, is a ubiquitous motif in the medieval temples of India, particularly in the South. Some early appearances date back to the Pallava dynasty—in the rock caves and monolithic structures of Mamallapuram, and the temples of Kanchipuram.

Feb 20, 2019 · There is a strong resemblance between this composite animal and the mythological animal called Yali or Vyala which is depicted at the entrances of many Hindu temples, particularly those of Southern India, and to a lesser extent in Eastern and Central India.

Nov 7, 2020 · As a personification of natural forces, Yali (also known in Sanskrit as Vyala or Vidala) became prominent particularly in South Indian sculpture in the 16th century. He was considered to be more powerful than the lion, the tiger, or the elephant.

Yali, the mythical creature, holds significant prominence in Indian temple architecture and plays a vital role in safeguarding these sacred structures. Let’s explore the two key aspects of Yali in Indian temples: Yali Pillars and Yali motifs in South Indian temple architecture.

Dec 8, 2022 · A Yali – also referred to as Vyala or Sardula – is a mythological creature formed from the fusion of a leonine form with one or more other land, water or bird creature. They represent a strength, protective power and fierceness …

Apr 21, 2022 · Mythical composite creatures sculpted on pillars and pilasters across temples in South Asia, yalis, also known as vyalas, are most frequently depicted in late medieval and early modern temples in southern India.