Here is Selvanathan Sthapati visualizing the Nandi Mandapam steps Yesti Stone.

Yesti stones flank the sides of the steps in the traditional temple architecture.

Basically they act as a barricade at the sides of the stone steps and also as a kaipidi wall a piece of small wall that serves as a railing we hold to get down the steps.

Here is sthapati composing an elephant based yesti design.

More detailing….endless corrections.

Ageless tools and experienced technique.

And finally a composition ready for the stewards approval. If everything goes well, we will have a cement model made and then carving starts.