Yalli (motif)

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Yalli pillars at Aghoreshwara Temple, Shimoga district
Yalli pillars at Aghoreshwara Temple, Shimoga district
Yalli balustrade, Aghoreshwara temple, Shimoga district
Yalli balustrade, Aghoreshwara temple, Shimoga district

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.[1]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Yalli and Mukha. Retrieved on 2007-02-25.

[edit] External links

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