Image title: Figure 9. Yali—with dragon face and animal body

The above sculpture shows Yali–which are bracket figures with dragon face and animal body. These figures occupy the pillars in many temples.

Gallery information:

Kumbakonam is considered as one of the holiest places in Tamil Nadu and is known for its temples and Mathas (monasteries which were centres of Brahmanical learning). These photographs depict the connection between the sculptures in the temples and Natya Shastra and related texts dealing with iconography.