Yalli (motif)

Yalli, a corruption of the Sanskrit word "vyala" meaning fierce monster, is an architectural or decorative motif of an animal-mask. It is usually carved of stone with the body of a lion and the head of another beast such as an elephant. There are variations in the theme of the motif, often a lion-headed horse. Yalli were frequent motifs in Hindu temples, especially in South India. [cite web
url=http://www.khandro.net/mysterious_vyali_mukha.htm
title=Yalli and Mukha
publisher=
accessdate=2007-02-25 ]

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External links

* [http://www.cbmphoto.co.uk/TSdeva.html Photographs of Yali masks and sculptures]