Simma Yaali (சிம்ம யாளி)
Pallavas always tend to relate themselves to lions, which can be observed from their names (Narasimha, Rajasimha, etc). It is not surprising to see this temple built by Pallava kings to be protected by Simma Yaalis all over. However, one can find 3 different types of Yaalis (யாளி) in the premises.
1. Simma Yaali (சிம்ம யாளி), which is found wherever one’s eyes would fall.
2. Yaanai Yaali (யானை யாளி / Elephant Yaali), which would be the second numerous creatures. However, there are enough number of natural elephant like sculptures on the border walls.
3. Makara Yaali (மகர யாளி; looks like Simma Yaali, but has horns on its head), which is found in a few instances (such as amongst the 9 dancers in image: www.flickr.com/photos/46639082@N05/9216713800/.
Yaalis are imaginary mythical creatures. Some people believe that they were real terrifying creatures that roamed ancient Tamil Nadu and South India and were driven to be extinct, though there are not enough evidences for such a school of thought.
Here is a pillar that is protected by 3 Simma Yaalis.
Simma Yaali (சிம்ம யாளி)
Pallavas always tend to relate themselves to lions, which can be observed from their names (Narasimha, Rajasimha, etc). It is not surprising to see this temple built by Pallava kings to be protected by Simma Yaalis all over. However, one can find 3 different types of Yaalis (யாளி) in the premises.
1. Simma Yaali (சிம்ம யாளி), which is found wherever one’s eyes would fall.
2. Yaanai Yaali (யானை யாளி / Elephant Yaali), which would be the second numerous creatures. However, there are enough number of natural elephant like sculptures on the border walls.
3. Makara Yaali (மகர யாளி; looks like Simma Yaali, but has horns on its head), which is found in a few instances (such as amongst the 9 dancers in image: www.flickr.com/photos/46639082@N05/9216713800/.
Yaalis are imaginary mythical creatures. Some people believe that they were real terrifying creatures that roamed ancient Tamil Nadu and South India and were driven to be extinct, though there are not enough evidences for such a school of thought.
Here is a pillar that is protected by 3 Simma Yaalis.