Leogryph

Description

It is a mythical creature seen in many South Indian temples, often sculpted onto the pillars. It may be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, and in similar shapes. Also, it has been sometimes described as a leogryph (part lion and griffin), with some bird-like features. Also known by the terms Vyala or Vidala in Sanskrit. Elephant vyala with body and face turned to the left side. It wears a crown, ornaments and its proboscis is twirled to the proper right and resting on a modaka. A figure is shown on the right.