Yali is a mythical animal which has the body of a lion but with a trunk of an elephant. In this form Yali is the vehicle or Vahana of Navagraha Budh or Mercury. As per Vaishnava tradition, Yali is a combination of elephant, lion and snake. It has the head and body of lion but with an elephant trunk and has the tail of a serpent. Yali sculptures are widely used on the walls and pillars of South Indian temples. Mythical animal or monster Yali can be found in Hindu temples as a ancient art. It has been widely used in South Indian temples pillars. Part of lion and elephant as a body and head. These types of ancient mythical animals can be found in various parts of the world and religions.
There are many types of Yali:
Simha Yali or Lion Yali where the creature has the face of a Lion.
Makara Yali or Goat Yali where the creature has the face of a Goat and
Gaja Yali or Elephant Yali where the Yali has the head of an elephant.
