Vyala sculpture, stone canal unearthed at Hampi

Hampi: A two-foot-tall stone carving of a Vyala, a mythical creature also known as ‘Yali’—a powerful figure frequently depicted in traditional Indian temple architecture and sculpture—was unearthed at the Hazara Rama Temple complex.

Archaeologists also discovered two more damaged Alwar idols and a 23-metre-long stone canal at the site. The findings emerged while soil was being dug up as part of temple precinct development work.

K Ramakrishna Reddy, superintending archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), said the discovery confirms that Vyala sculptures were not confined to mural depictions at the Hazara Rama Temple.

“This is evidence that Vyala sculptures were carved and installed at the temple’s main entrance,” he said.

Reddy added that two broken Alwar idols were discovered four days earlier, and two more idols have now been found along with the stone water canal.

“The canal indicates that an organised water management system existed during the Vijayanagara period,” he said.

Tourist guide Virupakshi V Hampi said the narrow canal may have been constructed to channel water flowing from the Queen’s Bath through the Mahanavami Dibba area.