Vyala (Manticore)

Historical Background
In Hindu legend, the Yali is a creature with the body of a lion, tail of a peacock, and the trunk and tusks of an elephant. They were sometimes considered guardians of temples. It represents natural forces, but in other artistic depictions, it is said to represent human passions. It is also called Yalli, Vyala. Yali derives from vyala, Hindu for "fierce creature".