Yali (pronounced Yaali) is a mythical creature seen in many Hindu temples. These are also known as Vyalam or Sarabham, 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.

Iconography and image

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.

Siva as Yali

Saiva texts hold that the unpacified Narasimha avatara of Vishnu was controlled and assimilated by Siva in the form of Sarabesvara (Sanskrit) or the Yaliappar (Tamil) [1]. This can be taken as another proof that the Yali is more powerful than a lion. Iconography can be seen in temples like Madurai Meenakshi tample [2]. However Vaisnavas differ from this version due to the subordinate position given to Vishnu. This form of Siva is considered to be one of the most powerful manifestations of the lord.