Jump to content

Yakshini: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
template syntax correction
No edit summary
 
(240 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Class of nature spirits in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies}}
{{Redirect|Yakshi|the 1967 Malayalam novel|Yakshi (novel)|the 1968 film based on the novel of the same name|Yakshi (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
[[File:Yakshini.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Didarganj Yakshi|Yakshini]] 3rd century B.C. [[Patna Museum]], [[Patna]]]]
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
'''Yakshinis''' ({{lang-sa|याक्षिणि}}, also called '''yaksinis''' or '''yaksis''' and '''yakkhini''' in [[Pali]]) are [[Mythology|mythical]] beings of [[Hinduism|Hindu]], [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], and [[Jainism|Jain]] mythology.
{{More citations needed|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| deity_of =
| image = [[File:Didarganj Yakshi statue in the Bihar Museum.jpg|170px]]
| caption = [[Didarganj Yakshi]]<br />3rd century BCE – 2nd century CE<ref>Huntington, John C. and Susan L. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060904160524/http://huntington.wmc.ohio-state.edu/public/index.cfm?fuseaction=showThisDetail&ObjectID=3809 The Huntington Archive]. Ohio State University, accessed 30 August 2011.</ref><ref>''A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century'' by Upinder Singh, Pearson Education India, 2008 [https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA364]</ref> [[Patna Museum]], [[Patna]]
| texts =
| planet =
| parents =
| affiliation = [[Devi]]
| Devanagari = यक्षिणी
}}
[[File:Bhutesvara Yakshis Mathura reliefs 2nd century CE front.jpg|thumb|The [[Bhutesvara Yakshis]], [[Mathura]], 2nd century CE.]]


'''Yakshinis''' or '''Yakshis''' ({{langx|sa|यक्षिणी}}, {{IAST3|Yakṣinī or Yakṣī}}, {{langx|pi|Yakkhiṇī or Yakkhī}}) are a class of female [[nature spirit]]s in [[Hinduism|Hindu]], [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], and [[Jainism|Jain]] religious mythologies that are different from [[Hindu deities|Deva]]s and [[Asuras]] and [[Gandharva]]s or [[Apsara]]s. Yakshinis and their male counterparts, the [[Yaksha]]s, are one of the many [[paranormal]] beings associated with the centuries-old [[sacred groves of India]]. Yakshis are also found in the traditional legends of [[Northeast India|Northeastern Indian]] tribes, ancient legends of [[Kerala]], and in the folktales of [[Kashmiri Muslims]]. [[Sikhism]] also mentions yakshas in its sacred texts.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last1=Bhairav|first1=J. Furcifer|title=Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of India|last2=Khanna|first2=Rakesh|publisher=Blaft Publications Pvt. Ltd.|year=2021|isbn=9789380636474|location=India|pages=418–421|language=English}}</ref>
==Description==
A yakshini is the female counterpart of the male [[yaksha]], and they both attend to [[Kubera]], the Hindu god of [[wealth]] who rules in the mythical [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] kingdom of [[Alaka]]. They both look after [[treasure]] hidden in the [[earth]] and resemble that of [[fairy|fairies]]. Yakshinis are often depicted as beautiful and voluptuous, with wide hips, narrow waists, broad shoulders, and exaggerated, spherical breasts. In the ''[[Uddamareshvara Tantra]]'', thirty-six yakshinis are described, including their [[mantra]]s and [[ritual]] prescriptions. A similar list of yakshas and yakshinis is given in the ''[[Tantraraja Tantra]]'', where it says that these beings are givers of whatever is desired. Although Yakshinis are usually benevolent, there are also yakshinis with malevolent characteristics in [[Folklore of India|Indian folklore]].


The well behaved and benign ones are worshipped as [[tutelary deities|tutelaries]],<ref name="britannica.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/yaksha|title=Yaksha &#124; Hindu mythology}}</ref> they are the attendees of [[Kubera]], the treasurer of the gods, and also the Hindu god of [[wealth]] who ruled [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] kingdom of [[Alaka]]. There are also malign and mischievous yakshinis with [[poltergeist]]-like behaviours,<ref name="britannica.com"/> that can haunt and curse humans according to [[Folklore of India|Indian folklore]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.shivashakti.com/yaksh.htm|title=Yakshinis and Chetakas|last=Magee|first=Mike|date=2006|website=Shiva Shakti Mandalam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318103442/http://shivashakti.com/yaksh.htm|archive-date=18 March 2009|url-status=live|access-date=March 2, 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
=== 36 Yakshinis ===
The list of thirty six yakshinis given in the ''Uddamareshvara Tantra'' is as follows:<ref name="shivashakti">Magee, Mike. “Yakshinis and Chetakas.” Register.com. 2009-04-08. <http://www.shivashakti.com/yaksh.htm>. Accessed: 2009-04-08. (Archived by [[WebCite]] at http://www.webcitation.org/5ftSBRwgA)</ref>
[[File:Yaksi.JPG|thumb|180px|A '''Yakshini'''. 10th century, [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], [[India]]. [[Guimet Museum]].]]
{{Div col begin|3}}
# Vichitra (The Lovely One): She bestows all desires.
# Vibhrama (Amorous One)
# Hamsi (The one with Swan): She reveals the whereabouts of buried treasure, and grants an unguent with which one may see through solid objects.
# Bhishani (The Terrifying): The ritual is to be performed at the junction of 3 paths. The mantra is to be recited 10,000 times. Camphor and ghee are to be used as the offering. Om Aim Drim Mahamode Bhishani Dram Dram Svaha.
# Janaranjika (Delighting Men): She gives great good fortune and happiness.
# Vishala (Large Eyed): She gives the alchemical elixir.
# Madana (Lustful): She gives a cure-all pill.
# Ghanta (Bell): She gives the ability to enchant the world.
# Kalakarni (Ears Adorned with Kalas):
# Mahabhaya (Greatly Fearful): Protection from disease. She gives freedom from fear and the secret of alchemy, also freeing one from grey hair and signs of old age.
# Mahendri (Greatly Powerful): Gives the person the ablility to fly and go anywhere.One obtains Patala Siddhi.
# Shankhini (Conch Girl ): Fulfilment of any desire.
# Chandri (Moon Girl):
# Shmashana (Cremation Ground Girl ): She gives treasure, destroys obstacles, and one is able to paralyse folk with a mere glance.
# Vatayakshini: She also gives a divine and magical unguent.
# Mekhala (Love Girdle):
# Vikala: She yields the desired fruit.
# Lakshmi (Wealth): She gives Lakshmi Siddhi, the secrets of alchemy, and heavenly treasure.
# Malini (Flower Girl ): She gives Khadga Siddhi, which means being able to stop any weapon.
# Shatapatrika (100 Flowers ):
# Sulochana (Lovely Eyed): She gives Paduka Siddhi, enabling one to travel at great speed through the aethers.
# Shobha: The Devi gives the power of full enjoyment and the appearance of great beauty.
# Kapalini (Skull Girl): She gives Kapala Siddhi. She gives the power to go anywhere in the aethers in one's sleep, and also to go to any great distance away.
# Varayakshini:
# Nati (Actress): The Nati gives hidden treasure, an alchemical unguent, and the power of mantra yoga.
# Kameshvari:
# The text states these have already been described.
# The text states these have already been described.
# Manohara (Fascinating):
# Pramoda (Fragrant):
# Anuragini (Very Passionate):
# Nakhakeshi:
# Bhamini:
# Padmini is said to be included in (35) below.
# Svarnavati: She gives Anjana Siddhi.
# Ratipriya (Fond of Love):{{Div col end}}


The [[ashoka tree]] is closely associated with yakshinis. The young girl at the foot of the tree is an ancient motif indicating fertility on the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name=":1" /> One of the recurring elements in [[Indian art]], often found as gatekeepers in ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, is a yakshini with her foot on the trunk and her hands holding the branch of a stylized flowering ashoka or, less frequently, other tree with flowers or fruits.
==Early figures==
[[File:SungaYaksa.JPG|thumb|left|Yakshi under a flowering asoka tree. [[Sunga]], 2nd-1st century BC, India]]
The three sites of [[Bharhut]], [[Sanchi]], and [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], have yielded huge numbers of Yakshi figures, most commonly on the railing pillars of [[stupa]]s. These show a clear development and progression that establishes certain characteristics of the Yakshi figure such as her nudity, smiling face and evident (often exaggerated) feminine charms that lead to their association with [[fertility]]. The yakshi is usually shown with her hand touching a tree branch, and a sinuous pose, [[Sanskrit]] ''[[tribhanga]]'', thus some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the tree is based on an ancient [[tree deity]].<ref name="Heinrich Zimmer 1946">Heinrich Zimmer, ''Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization.'' (1946)</ref>


==In Buddhism==
The [[ashoka tree]] is closely associated with the yakshini mythological beings. One of the recurring elements in [[Indian art]], often found at gates of Buddhist and Hindu temples, is a Yakshi with her foot on the trunk and her hands holding the branch of a stylized flowering ashoka or, less frequently, other tree with flowers or fruits. As an artistic element, often the tree and the Yakshi are subject to heavy [[Indian art|stylization]].
[[File:SungaYaksa.JPG|thumb|upright|Yakshi under a flowering asoka tree. [[Shunga Empire|Shunga]], 2nd–1st century BC, India]]
The three sites of [[Bharhut]], [[Sanchi]], and [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], have yielded huge numbers of Yakshi figures, most commonly on the railing pillars of [[stupa]]s. These show a clear development and progression that establishes certain characteristics of the Yakshi figure such as her nudity, smiling face and evident (often exaggerated) secondary sexual characteristics that lead to their association with [[fertility]]. The yakshi is usually shown with her hand touching a tree branch, in a sinuous ''[[tribhanga]]'' pose, thus some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the tree is based on an ancient [[tree deity]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization|last=Zimmer|first=Heinrich Robert|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=1972|isbn=978-81-208-0751-8|editor-last=Campbell|editor-first=Joseph|location=Delhi|author-link=Heinrich Zimmer}}</ref>


Yakshis were important in early [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monuments as a decorative element and are found in many ancient Buddhist archaeological sites. They became [[Salabhanjika]]s ([[sal tree]] maidens) with the passing of the centuries, a standard decorative element of both [[Sculpture in India|Indian sculpture]] and [[Architecture of India|Indian temple architecture]].<ref name="ReferenceA">Hans Wolfgang Schumann (1986), ''Buddhistische Bilderwelt: Ein ikonographisches Handbuch des Mahayana- und Tantrayana-Buddhismus.'' Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. {{ISBN|3-424-00897-4}}, {{ISBN|978-3-424-00897-5}}</ref>
Some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the tree is based on an ancient fertility symbol of the Indian Subcontinent.<ref name="Heinrich Zimmer 1946"/>
Yakshis were important in early [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monuments as a decorative element and are found in many ancient Buddhist archaeological sites. They became [[Salabhanjika]]s ([[sal tree]] maidens) with the passing of the centuries, a standard decorative element of both [[Sculpture in India|Indian sculpture]] and [[Architecture of India|Indian temple architecture]].<ref name="ReferenceA">Buddhistische Bilderwelt: Hans Wolfgang Schumann, ''Ein ikonographisches Handbuch des Mahayana- und Tantrayana-Buddhismus.'' Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. ISBN 3-424-00897-4, ISBN 978-3-424-00897-5</ref>


The sal tree ''(Shorea robusta)'' is often confused with the ashoka tree ''(Saraca indica)'' in the ancient literature of the [[Indian Subcontinent]].<ref>Eckard Schleberger, ''Die indische Götterwelt. Gestalt, Ausdruck und Sinnbild'' Eugen Diederich Verlag. Cologne. ISBN 3-424-00898-2, ISBN 978-3-424-00898-2</ref> The position of the Salabhanjika is also related to the position of [[Queen Māyā of Sakya]] when she gave birth to Gautama [[Buddha]] under an asoka tree in a garden in [[Lumbini]], while grasping its branch.<ref name="ReferenceA" />
The sal tree (''Shorea robusta'') is often confused with the ashoka tree (''Saraca indica'') in the ancient literature of the Indian Subcontinent.<ref>Eckard Schleberger (1986), ''Die indische Götterwelt. Gestalt, Ausdruck und Sinnbild.'' Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. {{ISBN|3-424-00898-2}}, {{ISBN|978-3-424-00898-2}}</ref> The position of the Salabhanjika is also related to the position of [[Queen Māyā of Sakya]] when she gave birth to Gautama [[Buddha]] under an asoka tree in a garden in [[Lumbini]], while grasping its branch.<ref name="ReferenceA" />


=== List of yakshini found in Buddhist literature ===
==Yakshis in Jainism==
Below is a nonexhaustive list of yakshinis found in Buddhist literature:<ref>{{cite book|last1=Misra|first1=Ram Nath|url=http://ignca.gov.in/Asi_data/69855.pdf|title=Yaksha Cult and Iconography|date=1981|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal}}</ref>
[[File:Ellora cave34 001.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An image of [[Jain]] goddess [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] in Cave 34 of the [[Ellora Caves]]]]
In [[Jainism]], there are twenty-four yakshis, including [[Chakreshvari]], [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]], and [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]], who are frequently represented in Jain temples.<ref>Jina Sasana Devatas http://web.archive.org/web/20091027084400/http://www.geocities.com/tamiljain/sasandevs/index.html</ref> The names according to Tiloyapannatti (or Pratishthasarasangraha) and Abhidhanachintamani are:


{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Chakreshvari]]
*[[Hariti|Hārītī]]
* [[Rohini Devi|Rohini]], Ajitbala
*Ālikā
*Vendā
*Anopamā
*Vimalaprabhā
*Śrī
*Śankhinī
*Meghā
*Timisikā
*Prabhāvatī
*Bhīmā
*Haritā
*Mahādevī
*Nālī
*Udaryā
*Kuntī
*Sulocanā
*Śubhru
*Susvarā
*Sumatī
*Vasumatī
*Citrākṣī
*Pūrnasniṣā
*Guhykā
*Suguhyakā
*Mekhalā
*Sumekhalā
*Padmocchā
*Abhayā
*Jayā
*Vijayā
*Revatikā
*Keśinī
*Keśāntā
*Anila
*Manoharā
*Manovatī
*Kusumavatī
*Kusumapuravāsinī
*Pingalā
*Vīramatī
*Vīrā
*Suvīrā
*Sughorā
*Ghorā
*Ghorāvatī
*Surāsundari
*Surasā
*Guhyottamārī
*Vaṭavāsinī
*Aśokā
*Andhārasunarī
*Ālokasunarī
*Prabhāvatī
*Atiśayavatī
*Rūpavatī
*Surūpā
*Asitā
*Saumyā
*Kāṇā
*Menā
*Nandinī
*Upanandinī
*Lokāntarā
*Kuvaṇṇā ([[Pali]])
*Cetiyā (Pali)
*Piyaṅkaramātā (Pali)
*Punabbasumātā (Pali)
*Bhesakalā (Pali){{div col end}}

==In Hinduism==
In the ''Uddamareshvara Tantra'', thirty-six yakshinis are described, including their [[mantra]]s and [[ritual]] prescriptions. A similar list of yakshas and yakshinis are given in the ''Tantraraja Tantra'', where it says that these beings are givers of whatever is desired. They are the guardians of the [[treasure]] hidden in the [[earth]].They can be [[Sattvik]], [[Rajas]] or [[Tamas (philosophy)|Tamas]] in nature. {{Citation needed|date=April 2017}}

===36 Yakshinis===
[[File:Yaksi.JPG|thumb|upright|A Yakshin, 10th century, [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], [[India]]. [[Guimet Museum]].]]
The sadhak can take yakshini as mother, sister or wife before commencing it. Proper mantra dikshaa from guru can speed up the mantra siddhi. They can be invoked with mantra "Om hreem shreem nityadravae mada (yakshini name) shreem hreem". The list of thirty six yakshinis given in the ''Uddamareshvara Tantra'' is as follows, along with some of the associated legends:<ref name=":0" />
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
# Vichitra (The Lovely One)
# Vibhrama (Amorous One)
# Hamsi (The one with Swan)
# Bhishani (The Terrifying)
# Janaranjika (One who is charming)
# Vishala (Large Eyed)
# Madana (Lustful)
# Ghanta (Bell)
# Kalakarni (Ears Adorned with Kalas)
# Mahabhaya (Greatly Fearful)
# Mahendri (Greatly Powerful)
# Shankhini (Conch Girl )
# Chandri (Moon Girl)
# Shmashana (Cremation Ground Girl )
# Vatayakshini
# Mekhala (Love Girdle)
# Vikala
# Lakshmi (Wealth)
# Malini (Flower Girl )
# Shatapatrika (100 Flowers )
# Sulochana (Lovely Eyed)
# Shobha
# Kapalini (Skull Girl)
# Varayakshini
# Nati (Actress)
# Kameshvari
# Dhana yakshini
# Karnapisachi
# Manohara (Fascinating)
# Pramoda (Fragrant)
# Anuragini (Very Passionate)
# Nakhakeshi: She gives fruit on Siddhi.
# Bhamini
# Padmini
# Svarnavati:
# Ratipriya (Fond of Love)

{{div col end}}

==In Jainism==
{{multiple image | perrow = 2
| image1 = Ellora cave34 001.jpg
| width1 = 175
| height1 = 130
| caption1 = An image of [[Jain]] goddess [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] in Cave 34 of the [[Ellora Caves]]
| image2 = Jain Goddess Chakreshwari - Kankali Mound - Circa 10th Century CE - ACCN 00-D-6 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-23 5387.JPG
| width2 = 170
| caption2 = An image of [[Jain]] goddess [[Chakreshvari]], c. 10th century, Mathura Museum
| image3 = MET - Padmavati Idol (1).jpg
| width3 = 175
| height3 = 130
| caption3 = [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]], 10th century, [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]
| image4 =
| width4 = 175
| height4 = 130
| caption4 = [[Jwalamalini]], 17th century, [[Ackland Art Museum]]
}}

In [[Jainism]], there are twenty-five yakshis, including Panchanguli, [[Chakreshvari]], [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]], and [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]], who are frequently represented in Jain temples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/tamiljain/sasandevs/index.html|title=Jina Sasana Devatas|last=Vasanthan|first=Aruna|website=Tamil Jain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027084400/http://www.geocities.com/tamiljain/sasandevs/index.html|archive-date=27 October 2009 |access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref> Each is regarded as the guardian goddess of one of the present tirthankar Shri [[Simandhara|Simandhar]] Swami and twenty-four Jain ''[[tirthankara]]''. The names according to [[Tiloyapannatti]] (or Pratishthasarasangraha) and Abhidhanachintamani are:

* Panchanguli
*[[Chakreshvari]]
* Rohini, Ajitbala
* Prajnapti, Duritari
* Prajnapti, Duritari
* Vajrashrankhala, [[Kālī|Kali]]
* Vajrashrankhala, [[Kālī|Kali]]
Line 69: Line 179:
* Manovega, Shyama
* Manovega, Shyama
* Kali, [[Shantadurga|Shanta]]
* Kali, [[Shantadurga|Shanta]]
* [[Jwalamalini]], [[Bhrikuti]]
* [[Jwalamalini]], Mahajwala
* Mahakali, Sutaraka
* Mahakali, Sutaraka
* Manavi, Ashoka
* Manavi, Ashoka
* [[Parvati|Gauri]], Manavi
* Gauri, Manavi
* [[Gandhari (character)|Gandhari]], [[Chanda]]
* Gandhari, [[Chanda (monster)|Chanda]]
* Vairoti, Vidita
* Vairoti, Vidita
* Anantamati, Ankusha
* Anantamati, Ankusha
Line 87: Line 197:
* Siddhayika
* Siddhayika


==Legendary yakshis of south India==
==Yakshis in Kerala==
[[File:Besnagar Yakshi.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Besnagar]] Yakshi, 3rd–1st century BC.]]
In the literature and folktales of Kerala, yakshis are generally not considered benevolent. Many folk stories feature murdered women reborn as vengeful yakshis, some of which are listed below. Aside from those mentioned below, yakshis are also featured in [[Malayattoor Ramakrishnan|Malayatoor Ramakrishnan]]'s 1967 novel ''Yakshi'', which describes their world as having a blue sun, carpets of crimson grass, streams of molten silver, and flowers made of sapphires, emeralds, garnets, and topaz. In the novel, young yakshis fly around on the backs of giant dragonflies. According to Ramakrishnan's novel, adult yakshis are required to enter the land of the living once a year to feed on the blood of human men.<ref name=":2" />


=== Chempakavally Ammal and Neelapilla Ammal ===
In South India, Yakshis are not considered benevolent beings. They are reputed to waylay men with their beauty and drink their blood.
According to a legend from Thekkalai, next to [[Nagercoil]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], a pair of beautiful sisters named Chempakavally and Neelapilla turned into vengeful yakshis after becoming victims of an [[honor killing]] by their father. Since their father killed them to keep them from the clutches of the lustful [[raja]] of the region, the sister yakshis tortured and killed everyone in the palace, and their father as well. The two yakshis haunted the place where they were killed until they were placated somewhat by many poojas and rituals and a temple constructed on the site. Idols of the sister yakshis are present inside. The older sister, Chempakavally, eventually transformed into a benevolent deity and traveled to [[Mount Kailash]] to worship [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]], while the younger sister, Neelapilla, remained ferocious. It is said that some of Neelapilla's devotees offer her the fingernail clippings or locks of hair from their enemies, beseeching her to destroy them.<ref name=":2" />


===Kalliyankattu Neeli===
===Kalliyankattu Neeli===
One of the most famous stories of legendary Yakshis of Kerala is that of [[Kalliyankattu Neeli]], a powerful demoness who was fabled to have finally been stopped by the legendary priest [[Kadamattathu Kathanar]]. The Yakshi theme is the subject of popular Keralite tales, like the legend of the Yakshi of [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]], as well as of certain [[Film|movies]] in modern [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]].


===Kanjirottu Yakshi===
One of the most famous legendary stories of Yakshis in Kerala is that of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a powerful demoness who was finally stopped by the legendary Christian priest [[Kadamattathu Kathanar]]. The Yakshi theme is the subject of popular Kerala tales, like the legend of the Yakshi of [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]], as well as of certain [[Film|movies]] in modern [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]].
Mangalathu Sreedevi or Chiruthevi, also known as [[Kanjirottu Yakshi]] is a yakshi from the folklore of Kerala. According to legend, she was born into a [[Padamangalam Nair]] [[tharavad]] by name Mangalathu at Kanjiracode in [[Travancore|South Travancore]]. She was also known as Chiruthevi. She was a ravishingly beautiful courtesan who had an intimate relationship with Raman Thampi, son of King [[Rama Varma of Venad|Rama Varma]] and rival of [[Marthanda Varma|Anizhom Thirunal Marthanda Varma]].<ref>Kaimal, Kesava. 'Thekkan Thiruvithamkurile Yakshikal'. Srinidhi Publications, 2002.</ref> Made arrogant by her beauty and the adoration heaped on her by men, she enjoyed toying with men's lives and driving them to financial ruin.


However, Chiruthevi was truly in love with Kunjuraman, her palanquin-bearer, who was already married and uninterested in her romantically. In frustration, Chiruthevi arranged to have Kunjuraman's wife killed. Kunjuraman finally agreed to sleep with Chiruthevi, but then murdered her to avenge his wife.
===Mangalathu Chiruthevi===


Immediately after her death, Chiruthevi was reborn as a yakshi in the village of [[Kanjiracodu|Kanjirottu]], where she magically transformed into a beautiful woman mere moments after her birth. She terrorized men and drank their blood, and continued to harass Kunjuraman. Her frenzy only subsided after she made a deal with her brother Mangalathu Govindan, a close associate of Kunjuraman and a great [[upāsaka]] (follower) of Lord [[Balarama]]. According to their agreement she would cohabit with Kunjuraman for a year on the condition that she would become a devotee of [[Narasimha]] after the year was up.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Nair, Balasankaran 2001">Nair, Balasankaran. 'Kanjirottu Yakshi'. Sastha Books, 2001.</ref> The yakshi was installed at a temple which later came to be owned by Kanjiracottu Valiaveedu, though this temple no longer exists.
Another lesser known Yakshi is Mangalathu Chiruthevi also known as [[Kanjirottu Yakshi]]. She was born into a [[Padamangalam Nair]] tharavad by name Mangalathu at Kanjiracode in South Travancore. She was a ravishingly beautiful courtesan who had an intimate relationship with Raman Thampi, son of King [[Rama Varma of Venad|Rama Varma]] and rival of [[Marthanda Varma| Anizhom Thirunal Marthanda Varma]].<ref>Kaimal, Kesava. 'Thekkan Thiruvithamkurile Yakshikal'. Srinidhi Publications, 2002.</ref>
[[File:Reserve bank of India Headquarters.jpg|thumb|[[Reserve Bank of India]] headquarters, Delhi entrance with a yakshini sculpture (c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Commonman/English/History/Scripts/anecdote3.aspx|title=Anecdote 3: Of Art, Central Banks, and Philistines|website=Reserve Bank of India|access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref>]]

[[File:Malampuzha_Garden_Yakshi_Statue_by_Kanayi_Kunjiraman.JPG|thumb|right|Statue of Yakshi by Kanayi Kunjiraman at [[Malampuzha dam garden|Malampuzha Dam]]]]
Mangalathu Chiruthevi was infatuated with one of her servants, Kunjuraman. Kunjuraman, a Pondan Nair (palanquin-bearer), was a fair, tall, well-built and handsome young man. She and her brother Govindan used to ride on Kunjuraman's back to nearby places. A predatory sadist, Chiruthevi enjoyed torturing Kunjuraman physically and mentally. She did everything possible to separate him from his wife.

In course of time, the unmarried Govindan and Kunjuraman became bosom friends. They often shared the same room. Chiruthevi was not quite comfortable with the growing fondness of her brother for her lover. But she did not act.

Chiruthevi hatched a plot and liquidated Kunjuraman's wife. Once Govindan was travelling on Kunjuraman's back when the former revealed the details of the plot. Days later, Kunjuraman strangled Chiruthevi to death when they were sharing a bed. Govindan winked at the crime and protected his beloved friend.

Chiruthevi was reborn as a vengeful Yakshi to a couple at Kanjiracode. She grew into a bewitching beauty within moments of her birth. Though she seduced many men and drank their blood, her heart was set on the handsome Kunjuraman. She told him that she was willing to pardon him if he married her. Kunjuraman flatly refused. The Yakshi channelised all her energies in tormenting him. Devastated, Kunjuraman sought the assistance of Mangalathu Govindan, who was a great upasaka of Lord [[Balarama]]. Govindan was for a compromise. He said that the Yakshi could have Kunjuraman for a year provided she conformed to three conditions. One, she must agree to be installed at a temple after one year. Two, after many years the temple will be destroyed and she must then seek refuge in (saranagati) Lord [[Narasimha]] for attaining moksham. Three, she must pray for Govindan and his relationship with Kunjuraman not only in their current birth but also in their subsequent births. The Yakshi swore upon 'ponnum vilakkum' that she would abide by all the three conditions. Thus the compromise formula worked.<ref>Nair, Balasankaran. 'Kanjirottu Yakshi'. Sastha Books, 2001.</ref>

A year later, the Yakshi was installed at a Temple which later came to be owned by Kanjiracottu Valiaveedu.<ref>Nair, Balasankaran. 'Kanjirottu Yakshi'. Sastha Books, 2001.</ref> The Temple does not exist anymore.


Sundara Lakshmi, an accomplished dancer and consort of HH [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma]], was an ardent devotee of Kanjirottu Yakshi Amma.
Sundara Lakshmi, an accomplished dancer and consort of HH [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma]], was an ardent devotee of Kanjirottu Yakshi Amma.


After taking refuge in Lord Narasimha of Thekkedom, the Yakshi is now believed to be residing in Kallara B of Sri [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple]].<ref>Bayi, Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi. 'Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple' (Third Edition). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2013.</ref> The enchanting and ferocious forms of this Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of Sri Padmanabha's shrine.
The Kanjirottu yakshi is now said to reside in Vault B of [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple|Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kerala]], which supposedly also contains an enormous treasure.<ref>Bayi, Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi. 'Sree Padmanabhasamy Temple' (Third Edition). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2013.</ref> The enchanting and ferocious forms of this Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of Sri Padmanabha's shrine. The vault remains unopened due to ongoing legal issues<ref>{{Cite news|last=Krishnan|first=Murali|date=2020|title=Supreme Court upholds royals' rights on Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-upholds-royals-rights-on-sri-padmanabhaswamy-temple/story-wJeARrUuJazpfAmgsEiJxI.html}}</ref> and the legend of the Yakshi, whom some believe will wreak havoc on the world if her prayers to Lord Narasimha within Vault B are disturbed by opening the vault.
[[File:Yakshi_Mathura.jpg|thumb|Red sandstone 2nd century Kushan empire, mathura region, Dallas Museum of Art. ]]


==Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism==
[[File:Reserve bank of India Headquarters.jpg|thumb|[[Reserve Bank of India]] headquarters, Delhi entrance with a Yakshini sculpture(c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rbi.org.in/Commonman/English/History/Scripts/anecdote3.aspx|title=History of Reserve Bank|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref>]]


In [[China]], [[Taiwan]], and [[Japan]] yakshni are famous and well-known, such as [[Hariti]], one of the [[Twenty-Four Protective Deities]] who are venerated as defenders of the Buddhist [[dharma]] in [[mahayana|Mahayana Buddhism]]. The Kishimojin (Hariti) temple in [[Zōshigaya|Zoushigaya]], [[Tokyo]] is dedicated to her.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fun-japan.jp/th/articles/11549 | title=Zōshigaya Kishimojin – Ikebukuro's Deity of Childcare & Childbirth }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/kishimojin-temple/60277 | title=Kishimojin Temple - Tokyo | date=17 September 2019 }}</ref>
==In popular culture==
In [[Christopher Pike (author)|Christopher Pike]]’s novel ''[[The Last Vampire]],'' a yakshini is an extremely powerful and evil [[demon]] that led to the creation of the [[vampire]]s around 3000 <small>B.C.</small> in what is now present-day [[Rajasthan]], India. A yakshini was summoned by an [[Bhairava|Aghoran]] priest so that it could devour a [[rakshasa]] that was causing a plague. The yakshini was summoned into the corpse of a recently deceased woman who had been pregnant. It took control of the woman’s body, horribly maimed and killed the [[priest]], and then appeared to disappear. The yakshini in fact transferred itself into the baby in the dead woman's womb which then begins to show signs of life. The child is freed from the dead woman's womb and grows up as an [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Aryan]] boy who is the first vampire.


In [[Thailand]], yakshni are known and worshiped as deity guardians in [[tai folk religion|Tai Folk religion]] and [[Thai folklore]], showing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on [[Culture of Thailand|Thai culture]]. Yakshini have spirit houses and shrines devoted to them as [[Tutelary deity|Tutelary deities]] in Thai folk religion. Examples include Nang Phisuea Samudra (ศาลนางผีเสื้อสมุทร), considered the deity guardian of Phisuea Samut Fort, [[Phra Samut Chedi district|Phra Samut Chedi District]], [[Samut Prakan province|Samut Prakan Province]], [[Saeng Chan Beach|Seang Chan Beach]] in [[Mueang Rayong district]], and [[Rayong province]];<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thairath.co.th/lifestyle/travel/thaitravel/1710386 | title=เหนือฟ้าใต้บาดาล : ศาลนางผีเสื้อสมุทร พลังศรัทธาที่มีแต่รัก | date=24 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://travel.trueid.net/detail/Edx00kOm2k1d | title=ชม 'ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร' หนึ่งในปราการต้านศึก ร.ศ.112 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ceediz.com/th/travel/samutprakarn/sp/a/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3.1747/ | title=ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร (เกาะ) สมุทรปราการ สถานที่ทางประวัติศาสตร์ ป้อมปืน }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://pantip.com/topic/37110288 | title=&#91;CR&#93; เที่ยวไปกินไป by laser @ สมุทรปราการ : 1 อำเภอพระสมุทรเจดีย์ : 1 พระสมุทรเจดีย์ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.naewna.com/entertain/677174 | title=ขนลุก'บ๊วย และ อ.เรนนี่'พามาสัมผัสความศักดิ์สิทธิ์ ณ ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร | date=September 2022 }}</ref> Nang Suphanapsron chomtevi (นางสุพรรณอัปสรจอมเทวี), considered the deity guardian of Wat Nang thakian (วัดนางตะเคียน) in [[Mueang Samut Songkhram district]], and [[Samut Songkhram province]];<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thairath.co.th/lifestyle/culture/2404407 | title="ยักษ์แม่ใหญ่" จมใต้น้ำ 100 ปี ขึ้นมาให้โชคลาภ วัดนางตะเคียน | date=29 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://travel.trueid.net/detail/rzB4yA5k1ym6 | title=กราบขอพร "ยักษ์แม่ใหญ่" พระนางสุวรรณอัปสรจอมเทวี วัดนางตะเคียน จ.สมุทรสงคราม }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://supapitakpong.com/giantess/ | title=แม่ยักษ์ใหญ่ อายุร้อยปี วัดนางตะเคียน แห่งลุ่มน้ำแม่กลอง | date=21 April 2022 }}</ref> and Nang Panturat (ศาลนางพันธุรัตน์) from the [[Sang Thong]], considered the deity guardian of Khao Nang Panthurat Forest Park, Khao Yai Sup district, [[Cha-am district]], and [[Phetchaburi province]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9640000112910 | title=ตามรอยวรรณคดีสังข์ทองที่ "วนอุทยานเขานางพันธุรัต" UNSEEN New Series ของเมืองไทย | date=14 November 2021 }}</ref>
In the [[Megami Tensei]] video game series, Yaksini is one of many demons which can be fought and summoned.


In [[Myanmar]], yakshni are known and worshiped as deity guardians in Myanmar folk religion and [[Burmese mythology|Burmese folklore]], showing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on [[Culture of Myanmar|Burmese culture]]. Examples include [[Popa Medaw]], the [[Nat (spirit)|deity guardian]] of [[Popa Mountain National Park|Popa mountain]], and the yakshni deity guardian of the [[Shwedagon Pagoda]].
==See also==


==See also==
{{col div|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Apsara]]
*[[Apsara]]
*[[Ashoka tree]]
*[[Fairy]]
*[[Fairy]]
*[[Houri]]
*[[Houri]]
*[[Isakki]]
*[[Nariphon]]
*[[List of tree deities]]
*[[Nymph]]
*[[Nymph]]
*[[Salabhanjika]]
*[[Salabhanjika]]
*[[Sitala]]
*[[Shitala]]
*[[Succubus]]
*[[Yogini]]
*[[List of tree deities]]
{{colend}}


==References==
==References==
Line 137: Line 248:
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Yaksha}}
{{Commons category|Yaksha}}
*http://www.yakshi.in/concept-of-yakshi
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721181758/http://www.yakshi.in/concept-of-yakshi Concept of Yakshi] (archived 21 July 2011)
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9077732 Encyclopædia Britannica &mdash; "Yaksha"]
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9077732 Encyclopædia Britannica &mdash; "Yaksha"]
*[http://www.museum.rbi.org.in/yaksh.html RBI Monetary Museum &mdash; "Yaksha and Yakshini"]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050319130942/http://www.museum.rbi.org.in/yaksh.html RBI Monetary Museum &mdash; "Yaksha and Yakshini"]
*[http://kushan.org/essays/women/ideals.htm Ideals of Female Beauty in Ancient India]
*[https://aghoristories.com/yakshini/the-enigmatic-yakshinis-guardians-and-goddesses-in-hindu-mythology/ Ideals of Female Beauty in Ancient India]
*[http://huntingtonarchive.osu.edu/ Huntingdon Archive]
*[http://huntingtonarchive.osu.edu/ Huntingdon Archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406204249/http://huntingtonarchive.osu.edu/ |date=6 April 2015 }}


{{HinduMythology}}
{{HinduMythology}}


[[Category:Buddhist mythology]]
[[Category:Buddhist legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Non-human races in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Non-human races in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Indian folklore]]
[[Category:Indian folklore]]
[[Category:Female buddhas and supernatural beings]]
[[Category:Female buddhas and supernatural beings]]
[[Category:Female legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Female legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Mythological hematophages]]
[[Category:Mythological hematophages]]
[[Category:Yakshas]]
[[bxr:Ягшас ба рагшас]]
[[Category:Agricultural goddesses]]
[[Category:God in Jainism]]
[[Category:Forest spirits]]
[[Category:Hindu legendary creatures]]

Latest revision as of 01:07, 10 December 2024

Yakshini
Didarganj Yakshi
3rd century BCE – 2nd century CE[1][2] Patna Museum, Patna
Devanagariयक्षिणी
AffiliationDevi
The Bhutesvara Yakshis, Mathura, 2nd century CE.

Yakshinis or Yakshis (Sanskrit: यक्षिणी, IAST: Yakṣinī or Yakṣī, Pali: Yakkhiṇī or Yakkhī) are a class of female nature spirits in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies that are different from Devas and Asuras and Gandharvas or Apsaras. Yakshinis and their male counterparts, the Yakshas, are one of the many paranormal beings associated with the centuries-old sacred groves of India. Yakshis are also found in the traditional legends of Northeastern Indian tribes, ancient legends of Kerala, and in the folktales of Kashmiri Muslims. Sikhism also mentions yakshas in its sacred texts.[3]

The well behaved and benign ones are worshipped as tutelaries,[4] they are the attendees of Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, and also the Hindu god of wealth who ruled Himalayan kingdom of Alaka. There are also malign and mischievous yakshinis with poltergeist-like behaviours,[4] that can haunt and curse humans according to Indian folklore.[5]

The ashoka tree is closely associated with yakshinis. The young girl at the foot of the tree is an ancient motif indicating fertility on the Indian subcontinent.[6] One of the recurring elements in Indian art, often found as gatekeepers in ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, is a yakshini with her foot on the trunk and her hands holding the branch of a stylized flowering ashoka or, less frequently, other tree with flowers or fruits.

In Buddhism

[edit]
Yakshi under a flowering asoka tree. Shunga, 2nd–1st century BC, India

The three sites of Bharhut, Sanchi, and Mathura, have yielded huge numbers of Yakshi figures, most commonly on the railing pillars of stupas. These show a clear development and progression that establishes certain characteristics of the Yakshi figure such as her nudity, smiling face and evident (often exaggerated) secondary sexual characteristics that lead to their association with fertility. The yakshi is usually shown with her hand touching a tree branch, in a sinuous tribhanga pose, thus some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the tree is based on an ancient tree deity.[6]

Yakshis were important in early Buddhist monuments as a decorative element and are found in many ancient Buddhist archaeological sites. They became Salabhanjikas (sal tree maidens) with the passing of the centuries, a standard decorative element of both Indian sculpture and Indian temple architecture.[7]

The sal tree (Shorea robusta) is often confused with the ashoka tree (Saraca indica) in the ancient literature of the Indian Subcontinent.[8] The position of the Salabhanjika is also related to the position of Queen Māyā of Sakya when she gave birth to Gautama Buddha under an asoka tree in a garden in Lumbini, while grasping its branch.[7]

List of yakshini found in Buddhist literature

[edit]

Below is a nonexhaustive list of yakshinis found in Buddhist literature:[9]

  • Hārītī
  • Ālikā
  • Vendā
  • Anopamā
  • Vimalaprabhā
  • Śrī
  • Śankhinī
  • Meghā
  • Timisikā
  • Prabhāvatī
  • Bhīmā
  • Haritā
  • Mahādevī
  • Nālī
  • Udaryā
  • Kuntī
  • Sulocanā
  • Śubhru
  • Susvarā
  • Sumatī
  • Vasumatī
  • Citrākṣī
  • Pūrnasniṣā
  • Guhykā
  • Suguhyakā
  • Mekhalā
  • Sumekhalā
  • Padmocchā
  • Abhayā
  • Jayā
  • Vijayā
  • Revatikā
  • Keśinī
  • Keśāntā
  • Anila
  • Manoharā
  • Manovatī
  • Kusumavatī
  • Kusumapuravāsinī
  • Pingalā
  • Vīramatī
  • Vīrā
  • Suvīrā
  • Sughorā
  • Ghorā
  • Ghorāvatī
  • Surāsundari
  • Surasā
  • Guhyottamārī
  • Vaṭavāsinī
  • Aśokā
  • Andhārasunarī
  • Ālokasunarī
  • Prabhāvatī
  • Atiśayavatī
  • Rūpavatī
  • Surūpā
  • Asitā
  • Saumyā
  • Kāṇā
  • Menā
  • Nandinī
  • Upanandinī
  • Lokāntarā
  • Kuvaṇṇā (Pali)
  • Cetiyā (Pali)
  • Piyaṅkaramātā (Pali)
  • Punabbasumātā (Pali)
  • Bhesakalā (Pali)

In Hinduism

[edit]

In the Uddamareshvara Tantra, thirty-six yakshinis are described, including their mantras and ritual prescriptions. A similar list of yakshas and yakshinis are given in the Tantraraja Tantra, where it says that these beings are givers of whatever is desired. They are the guardians of the treasure hidden in the earth.They can be Sattvik, Rajas or Tamas in nature. [citation needed]

36 Yakshinis

[edit]
A Yakshin, 10th century, Mathura, India. Guimet Museum.

The sadhak can take yakshini as mother, sister or wife before commencing it. Proper mantra dikshaa from guru can speed up the mantra siddhi. They can be invoked with mantra "Om hreem shreem nityadravae mada (yakshini name) shreem hreem". The list of thirty six yakshinis given in the Uddamareshvara Tantra is as follows, along with some of the associated legends:[5]

  1. Vichitra (The Lovely One)
  2. Vibhrama (Amorous One)
  3. Hamsi (The one with Swan)
  4. Bhishani (The Terrifying)
  5. Janaranjika (One who is charming)
  6. Vishala (Large Eyed)
  7. Madana (Lustful)
  8. Ghanta (Bell)
  9. Kalakarni (Ears Adorned with Kalas)
  10. Mahabhaya (Greatly Fearful)
  11. Mahendri (Greatly Powerful)
  12. Shankhini (Conch Girl )
  13. Chandri (Moon Girl)
  14. Shmashana (Cremation Ground Girl )
  15. Vatayakshini
  16. Mekhala (Love Girdle)
  17. Vikala
  18. Lakshmi (Wealth)
  19. Malini (Flower Girl )
  20. Shatapatrika (100 Flowers )
  21. Sulochana (Lovely Eyed)
  22. Shobha
  23. Kapalini (Skull Girl)
  24. Varayakshini
  25. Nati (Actress)
  26. Kameshvari
  27. Dhana yakshini
  28. Karnapisachi
  29. Manohara (Fascinating)
  30. Pramoda (Fragrant)
  31. Anuragini (Very Passionate)
  32. Nakhakeshi: She gives fruit on Siddhi.
  33. Bhamini
  34. Padmini
  35. Svarnavati:
  36. Ratipriya (Fond of Love)

In Jainism

[edit]
An image of Jain goddess Ambika in Cave 34 of the Ellora Caves
An image of Jain goddess Chakreshvari, c. 10th century, Mathura Museum
Padmavati, 10th century, Metropolitan Museum of Art

In Jainism, there are twenty-five yakshis, including Panchanguli, Chakreshvari, Ambika, and Padmavati, who are frequently represented in Jain temples.[10] Each is regarded as the guardian goddess of one of the present tirthankar Shri Simandhar Swami and twenty-four Jain tirthankara. The names according to Tiloyapannatti (or Pratishthasarasangraha) and Abhidhanachintamani are:

  • Panchanguli
  • Chakreshvari
  • Rohini, Ajitbala
  • Prajnapti, Duritari
  • Vajrashrankhala, Kali
  • Vajrankusha, Mahakali
  • Manovega, Shyama
  • Kali, Shanta
  • Jwalamalini, Mahajwala
  • Mahakali, Sutaraka
  • Manavi, Ashoka
  • Gauri, Manavi
  • Gandhari, Chanda
  • Vairoti, Vidita
  • Anantamati, Ankusha
  • Manasi, Kandarpa
  • Mahamansi, Nirvani
  • Jaya, Bala
  • Taradevi, Dharini
  • Vijaya, Dharanpriya
  • Aparajita, Nardatta
  • Bahurupini, Gandhari
  • Ambika or Kushmandini
  • Padmavati
  • Siddhayika

Legendary yakshis of south India

[edit]
The Besnagar Yakshi, 3rd–1st century BC.

In the literature and folktales of Kerala, yakshis are generally not considered benevolent. Many folk stories feature murdered women reborn as vengeful yakshis, some of which are listed below. Aside from those mentioned below, yakshis are also featured in Malayatoor Ramakrishnan's 1967 novel Yakshi, which describes their world as having a blue sun, carpets of crimson grass, streams of molten silver, and flowers made of sapphires, emeralds, garnets, and topaz. In the novel, young yakshis fly around on the backs of giant dragonflies. According to Ramakrishnan's novel, adult yakshis are required to enter the land of the living once a year to feed on the blood of human men.[3]

Chempakavally Ammal and Neelapilla Ammal

[edit]

According to a legend from Thekkalai, next to Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, a pair of beautiful sisters named Chempakavally and Neelapilla turned into vengeful yakshis after becoming victims of an honor killing by their father. Since their father killed them to keep them from the clutches of the lustful raja of the region, the sister yakshis tortured and killed everyone in the palace, and their father as well. The two yakshis haunted the place where they were killed until they were placated somewhat by many poojas and rituals and a temple constructed on the site. Idols of the sister yakshis are present inside. The older sister, Chempakavally, eventually transformed into a benevolent deity and traveled to Mount Kailash to worship Lord Shiva, while the younger sister, Neelapilla, remained ferocious. It is said that some of Neelapilla's devotees offer her the fingernail clippings or locks of hair from their enemies, beseeching her to destroy them.[3]

Kalliyankattu Neeli

[edit]

One of the most famous stories of legendary Yakshis of Kerala is that of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a powerful demoness who was fabled to have finally been stopped by the legendary priest Kadamattathu Kathanar. The Yakshi theme is the subject of popular Keralite tales, like the legend of the Yakshi of Trivandrum, as well as of certain movies in modern Malayalam cinema.

Kanjirottu Yakshi

[edit]

Mangalathu Sreedevi or Chiruthevi, also known as Kanjirottu Yakshi is a yakshi from the folklore of Kerala. According to legend, she was born into a Padamangalam Nair tharavad by name Mangalathu at Kanjiracode in South Travancore. She was also known as Chiruthevi. She was a ravishingly beautiful courtesan who had an intimate relationship with Raman Thampi, son of King Rama Varma and rival of Anizhom Thirunal Marthanda Varma.[11] Made arrogant by her beauty and the adoration heaped on her by men, she enjoyed toying with men's lives and driving them to financial ruin.

However, Chiruthevi was truly in love with Kunjuraman, her palanquin-bearer, who was already married and uninterested in her romantically. In frustration, Chiruthevi arranged to have Kunjuraman's wife killed. Kunjuraman finally agreed to sleep with Chiruthevi, but then murdered her to avenge his wife.

Immediately after her death, Chiruthevi was reborn as a yakshi in the village of Kanjirottu, where she magically transformed into a beautiful woman mere moments after her birth. She terrorized men and drank their blood, and continued to harass Kunjuraman. Her frenzy only subsided after she made a deal with her brother Mangalathu Govindan, a close associate of Kunjuraman and a great upāsaka (follower) of Lord Balarama. According to their agreement she would cohabit with Kunjuraman for a year on the condition that she would become a devotee of Narasimha after the year was up.[3][12] The yakshi was installed at a temple which later came to be owned by Kanjiracottu Valiaveedu, though this temple no longer exists.

Reserve Bank of India headquarters, Delhi entrance with a yakshini sculpture (c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture".[13]
Statue of Yakshi by Kanayi Kunjiraman at Malampuzha Dam

Sundara Lakshmi, an accomplished dancer and consort of HH Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, was an ardent devotee of Kanjirottu Yakshi Amma.

The Kanjirottu yakshi is now said to reside in Vault B of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, which supposedly also contains an enormous treasure.[14] The enchanting and ferocious forms of this Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of Sri Padmanabha's shrine. The vault remains unopened due to ongoing legal issues[15] and the legend of the Yakshi, whom some believe will wreak havoc on the world if her prayers to Lord Narasimha within Vault B are disturbed by opening the vault.

Red sandstone 2nd century Kushan empire, mathura region, Dallas Museum of Art.

Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism

[edit]

In China, Taiwan, and Japan yakshni are famous and well-known, such as Hariti, one of the Twenty-Four Protective Deities who are venerated as defenders of the Buddhist dharma in Mahayana Buddhism. The Kishimojin (Hariti) temple in Zoushigaya, Tokyo is dedicated to her.[16][17]

In Thailand, yakshni are known and worshiped as deity guardians in Tai Folk religion and Thai folklore, showing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on Thai culture. Yakshini have spirit houses and shrines devoted to them as Tutelary deities in Thai folk religion. Examples include Nang Phisuea Samudra (ศาลนางผีเสื้อสมุทร), considered the deity guardian of Phisuea Samut Fort, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province, Seang Chan Beach in Mueang Rayong district, and Rayong province;[18][19][20][21][22] Nang Suphanapsron chomtevi (นางสุพรรณอัปสรจอมเทวี), considered the deity guardian of Wat Nang thakian (วัดนางตะเคียน) in Mueang Samut Songkhram district, and Samut Songkhram province;[23][24][25] and Nang Panturat (ศาลนางพันธุรัตน์) from the Sang Thong, considered the deity guardian of Khao Nang Panthurat Forest Park, Khao Yai Sup district, Cha-am district, and Phetchaburi province.[26]

In Myanmar, yakshni are known and worshiped as deity guardians in Myanmar folk religion and Burmese folklore, showing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on Burmese culture. Examples include Popa Medaw, the deity guardian of Popa mountain, and the yakshni deity guardian of the Shwedagon Pagoda.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Huntington, John C. and Susan L. The Huntington Archive. Ohio State University, accessed 30 August 2011.
  2. ^ A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century by Upinder Singh, Pearson Education India, 2008 [1]
  3. ^ a b c d Bhairav, J. Furcifer; Khanna, Rakesh (2021). Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of India. India: Blaft Publications Pvt. Ltd. pp. 418–421. ISBN 9789380636474.
  4. ^ a b "Yaksha | Hindu mythology".
  5. ^ a b Magee, Mike (2006). "Yakshinis and Chetakas". Shiva Shakti Mandalam. Archived from the original on 18 March 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  6. ^ a b Zimmer, Heinrich Robert (1972). Campbell, Joseph (ed.). Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. Delhi: Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-81-208-0751-8.
  7. ^ a b Hans Wolfgang Schumann (1986), Buddhistische Bilderwelt: Ein ikonographisches Handbuch des Mahayana- und Tantrayana-Buddhismus. Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. ISBN 3-424-00897-4, ISBN 978-3-424-00897-5
  8. ^ Eckard Schleberger (1986), Die indische Götterwelt. Gestalt, Ausdruck und Sinnbild. Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. ISBN 3-424-00898-2, ISBN 978-3-424-00898-2
  9. ^ Misra, Ram Nath (1981). Yaksha Cult and Iconography (PDF). Munshiram Manoharlal.
  10. ^ Vasanthan, Aruna. "Jina Sasana Devatas". Tamil Jain. Archived from the original on 27 October 2009. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  11. ^ Kaimal, Kesava. 'Thekkan Thiruvithamkurile Yakshikal'. Srinidhi Publications, 2002.
  12. ^ Nair, Balasankaran. 'Kanjirottu Yakshi'. Sastha Books, 2001.
  13. ^ "Anecdote 3: Of Art, Central Banks, and Philistines". Reserve Bank of India. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
  14. ^ Bayi, Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi. 'Sree Padmanabhasamy Temple' (Third Edition). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2013.
  15. ^ Krishnan, Murali (2020). "Supreme Court upholds royals' rights on Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple". Hindustan Times.
  16. ^ "Zōshigaya Kishimojin – Ikebukuro's Deity of Childcare & Childbirth".
  17. ^ "Kishimojin Temple - Tokyo". 17 September 2019.
  18. ^ "เหนือฟ้าใต้บาดาล : ศาลนางผีเสื้อสมุทร พลังศรัทธาที่มีแต่รัก". 24 November 2019.
  19. ^ "ชม 'ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร' หนึ่งในปราการต้านศึก ร.ศ.112".
  20. ^ "ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร (เกาะ) สมุทรปราการ สถานที่ทางประวัติศาสตร์ ป้อมปืน".
  21. ^ "[CR] เที่ยวไปกินไป by laser @ สมุทรปราการ : 1 อำเภอพระสมุทรเจดีย์ : 1 พระสมุทรเจดีย์".
  22. ^ "ขนลุก'บ๊วย และ อ.เรนนี่'พามาสัมผัสความศักดิ์สิทธิ์ ณ ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร". September 2022.
  23. ^ ""ยักษ์แม่ใหญ่" จมใต้น้ำ 100 ปี ขึ้นมาให้โชคลาภ วัดนางตะเคียน". 29 May 2022.
  24. ^ "กราบขอพร "ยักษ์แม่ใหญ่" พระนางสุวรรณอัปสรจอมเทวี วัดนางตะเคียน จ.สมุทรสงคราม".
  25. ^ "แม่ยักษ์ใหญ่ อายุร้อยปี วัดนางตะเคียน แห่งลุ่มน้ำแม่กลอง". 21 April 2022.
  26. ^ "ตามรอยวรรณคดีสังข์ทองที่ "วนอุทยานเขานางพันธุรัต" UNSEEN New Series ของเมืองไทย". 14 November 2021.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Yaksha.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Yakshini&oldid=1262181031"