Yali (Hindu Mythology) - Siva As Yali

Siva As Yali

Saiva texts hold that the unpacified Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu was controlled and assimilated by Siva in the form of Sarabesvara (Sanskrit) or the Yaliappar (Tamil) . This can be taken as another proof that the yali is more powerful than a lion. However, Vaisnavas maintain that in response to Siva's transformation, Narasimha took on the form of Gundabherundanarasimha (Narasimha with 32 arms and a pair of wings) and subdued Siva. Imagery of this can be seen in the Narasimha Sanathi in the Srirangam temple. Iconography can be seen in temples like Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple . However Vaisnavas differ from this version due to the subordinate position given to Vishnu.This form of Siva is considered to be one of the most powerful manifestations of the Lord.