Yali and Rider

South Hall of the Mahamandapa of Vitthala Temple, Vijayanagara (plan)

The Mahamandapa, although a physically continuous structure, is divided into four "halls" for convenience of description. Its east hall is decorated with sculptures of musicians. The south hall features sculptures of yalis. In the north hall are sculptures and reliefs of Narasimha. The west hall is collapsed.

This elaborately worked column is typical of many inside the south hall. The rampant yali and rider, supported by other animals and figures, is a favorite Vijayanagara-era motif. A nice additional touch is the group of ganas supporting the colonette base in the lower photo right.