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.

These different types of Yali representations can be found adorning temples across India, showcasing the rich diversity and intricate artistic expressions within Hindu mythology.

Oct 22, 2017 · According to Vastu Shastra, there are 16 types of yalis or vyalas including trunk of rhinoceros,ibex etc. They usually have body of a lion and the head some other beast. Common examples are Elephant head -Gaja vyala, Lion head – Simha vyala, Horse head – Ashva vyala, Human head – Nir vyala, Dog head – Shvana vyala.

Jan 10, 2017 · Types of Yazhis and their form. While there are many forms of Yazhis, three types are commonly seen in temple architecture: Simha or Lion Yazhi (சிம்ம யாளி), Makara or Capricorn Yazhi (மகர யாளி), and; Yannai or Elephant Yazhi (யானை யாளி).

These yalis are woven into the silk as a form of protection for the weaver—the simha yali brings its role as defender of the temple to the drape, while the gaja yali has connotations of power and intelligence.

Nov 7, 2020 · According to Vastu Shastra ("science of architecture"), a traditional Indian system of architecture originating in India, there are 16 types of Yalis or Vyalas. All of them are among the finest sculptures in India, but that’s not all.

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 …

According to the Samarangana Sutradhara, a classic treatise in the canon of Vastu Shastra- there can be 16 types of yali. However the ones most commonly seen are the Sinh Yali (Lion faced) and the Gaja Yali (Elephant faced).

Primary Type/Nature: Monsters and Beasts Mythical Attributes: A fearsome creature with the body of a lion and the head of an elephant or a horse. Role in Mythos: Yali is commonly seen in Hindu temples, sculptures, and textiles, serving as a guardian and symbol of divine protection.

Jan 10, 2018 · Different types of Ya:li convey some jna:na about ourselves and the Supreme. Ya:li is an artificial creature structured to show that ‘no matter how strong, smart, powerful, beautiful one may be, all those qualities will flourish in the right way when they are obediently submitted in the service of God’. Ya:li shows how obediently the ...