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Jatayu, the valiant brid who fought against Ravana to release Sita.
As part of temple iconography, the most pervasive mythic beast is makara; it has a certain resemblance to a crocodile, with some features of an elephant. It is a master of the deep, represented with wide-open jaws, studded with fierce teeth and a thick and fleshy body often covered with scales. Out of its open mouth a lotus rhizome (a symbol of the Tree of Life, of fertility and of abundance) issues with leaves, flowers and even animals and jewels.
The makara is the vähana of Varuna, of Gangă and of some yakşas and yaksis, all figures associated with water. It is also a specific symbol of the Jain tirthařkara Puşupadanātha.
The makara occurs in prabhamandalas of icons, in niches and on panels of temple walls, and sometimes in the company of kirttimukhas.
The other creatures depicted are nägas and vyālas, kinnara couples - semi-divine beings, half human half birds, elephants, horses, lions and geese. These sculptures have been employed to beautify the temples.
The sardūlas or vyālas are fabulous beasts represented as horned lions. Executed in the round or very high relief they are generally shown at the outer flank of the pilasters of the parikara. The sárdulas are seen on a corridor ceiling of the Vimalavasähi.
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