yaksha

(noun)

A spirit that watches over the treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots.

Related Terms

Examples of yaksha in the following topics:

  • Jain Sculpture

    • Popular themes and icons in Jain art include the Tirthankaras (Jain saviors, or human beings who achieved the ultimate spiritual salvation and served as role models for society), yakshas and yakshinis (supernatural male and female guardian deities), and holy symbols such as the lotus and the swastika, which symbolized peace and well-being.

  • Thai Buddhist Architecture

    • Temples may also be decorated with sculptures and paintings of other mythical beings from Hindu and Buddhist iconography, including the many-armed gods Vishnu and Shiva, the elephant god Ganesh, the naga or serpent deity, and the ghost-banishing giant Yaksha.

  • Jain Illustrated Manuscripts

    • Common themes in Jain painting and illustrated manuscript, similar to other forms of Jain art, include the Tirthankaras (Jain saviors, or human beings who achieved the ultimate spiritual salvation and served as role models for society), yakshas and yakshinis (supernatural male and female guardian deities), and holy symbols such as the lotus and the swastika, which symbolized peace and well-being.