Yali (Hindu Mythology)

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Yali (pronounced yaali) is a mythical creature seen in many Hindu temples. These are also known as Vyala, in Sanskrit. Yalis are often sculpted on the pillars of Hindu temples. Yali is a mythical lion, and it has been widely used in south Indian sculpture. Description and references to yalis is very old, but its depiction in the south Indian sculpture became prominent from the 16th century. Yalis are believed to be more powerful than the lion or the elephant.

[edit] Iconography and image

In its iconography and image the yali has a catlike graceful body, but the head of a lion with horns of an elephant (gaja). Sometimes they have been shown standing on the back of a makara, another mythical creature. Some images look like three-dimensional representation of yalis. Images or icons have been found on the entrance walls of the temples, and the graceful mythical lion is believed to protect and guard the temples and ways leading to the temple. Generally they are positioned on both sides of an entrance. In south India, it is very common to find the image of yalis on entrances of structures (like residential or commercial complexes), in addition to temples.

[edit] Reference

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola

[edit] External links

• Photographs of Yali sculptures

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