Yali (mythology)
Yali (
The creature is represented in many South Indian temples, often sculpted onto the pillars.[4] There also exist variations of the creature, with it possessing the appendages of other beasts. It has sometimes been described as a leogryph (part-lion and part-griffin),[5] with some bird-like features, with the trunk referred to as a proboscis.[6]
Iconography
Descriptions of, and references to, yalis are ancient, but they became prominent in South Indian sculptures in the 16th century. Yalis were described to be more powerful than the lion, the tiger, or the elephant. In its iconography, the yali has a cat-like graceful body, but the head of a lion with the tusks of an elephant (
Symbolism
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The yali is said to be a guardian creature, protecting human beings both physically and spiritually. It is regarded to be a fearless beast, possessing supremacy over the animal world. It is also believed to be the symbolic representation of man's struggle with the elemental forces of nature.[9]
Literature
Descriptions of the yali are featured in ancient Tamil literature, dating back to the Sangam era.[10]
Gallery
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The Yali is often found on the neck of a modern Saraswati veena.
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Yali in pillars of Puthu Mandapam, Madurai, Tamil Nadu State, India
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Yali in Thiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar Temple, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu State, India
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Yali pillars at Vittala temple at Hampi, Karnataka state, India
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Yali pillars at Ananthasayana temple, Ananthasayanagudi, Karnataka state, India
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Carved pillar in the 16th century Thousand Pillar Hall, Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
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Yali pillars at Krishna temple at Hampi, Karnataka state, India
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Yali pillars at Bhoganandishvara temple in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka state, India
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Yali pillars at the Ranganatha temple in Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka state, India
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Pillars with Yali and Kudure Gombe ("horse doll") at Ranganatha temple, Rangasthala, Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka state, India
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Yali and rider, Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha state, India
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Yali and rider, Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha state, India
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Image of Yali at Orchha fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
See also
- Gandaberunda
- Pratyangira
- Sharabha
- Gajasimha
References
- Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0-500-51088-1) by Anna Dallapiccola
- ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
- ^ www.wisdomlib.org (2021-08-31). "Figure 149. Yali [Sculptures in temples in Kumbakonam]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ^ www.wisdomlib.org (2021-11-07). "Yali, Yāḷi: 1 definition". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 2022-09-30.
- ISBN 978-90-04-16819-0.
- ^ "Carved wood bracket – description". British Museum. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
- ISBN 978-0-429-62465-0.
- ^ "Sculptural fusion". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 21 January 2007. Archived from the original on 28 January 2007.
- ^ Khandro - Yali & Mukha
- ISBN 978-1-4766-2268-2.
- ISBN 978-81-206-0955-6.