Significance of Yaksha
Synonyms: Spirit, Demigod, Celestial being, Supernatural entity, Guardian, Nature spirit, Deity
In German: Yaksha; In Spanish: Yaksha; In Swedish: Yaksha; In Malay: Yaksha; In French: Yaksha; In Dutch: Jaksha; In Finnish: Jaksha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Yaksha'
Yaksha in Buddhism refers to powerful supernatural beings associated with protection, nature, and fertility, playing varying roles from guardians to punitive demons, influencing spiritual practices and karmic law within Buddhist mythology.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Nature spirits that help guard the Trayastrimsha's palace along with other beings.[1] (2) A type of being mentioned in the context of debates on their rightful place within the gati.[2] (3) A celestial being or spirit, referred to by the bhikshu when speaking to the goddess.[3] (4) Supernatural beings involved in the lore of Kalandaka, aiding in the recovery of the field originally given to heretics.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Supernatural beings who held up sunshades for the Exalted One, characterized as both powerful and brilliant.[5] (2) A powerful supernatural being or spirit that is often associated with nature and can symbolize obstacles to be overcome in spiritual practice.[6]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A ghostly being characterized by speed and courage, with Guan Yin appearing as one to help those wanting to transcend their ghostly fate.[7]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Spiritual beings involved in the enforcement of karmic punishments in the hell realms, often depicted as fearsome.[8]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Wicked demons in hell that inflict punishments on sinners with various tools, contributing to their suffering.[9]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Supernatural beings in Buddhist mythology, often associated with protection and fertility.[10]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Supernatural beings that Mitrayogin subdued after they threatened the lives of local townspeople.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Yaksha'
In Hinduism, Yakshas are supernatural beings connected with wealth, nature, and fertility, often serving Kuvera. They represent material distractions and possess a semi-divine status, appearing in folklore and temple art as guardians of treasures and nature.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A spirit encountered by the brothers, representing supernatural forces that bestow knowledge and power.[12] (2) A celestial being associated with Madanamanjari and helps in determining her fate.[13] (3) A supernatural being who imparts wisdom and a mantra to Somadatta, significantly impacting his fortune.[14] (4) A spiritual being associated with nature, featured in the context of a temple where misbehavior leads to strict societal punishments.[15] (5) Supernatural beings whom Madanamancuka must make offerings to following her abduction.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The word refers to a specific group or type of being, indicating the presence of a particular entity within the environment.[17] (2) Yakshas sport near the Milky Sea, where heavenly nymphs are also located.[18] (3) The Yakshas are mentioned as roaming the lovely hill alongside the Gandharvas, indicating their presence in the same environment.[19] (4) A type of nature spirit or guardian in Hindu mythology, also included in the list of formidable beings.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Supernatural beings who faced the onslaught of the Rakshasas, described as being overwhelmed and scattered despite their valour.[21]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Mythological beings often depicted as spirits or illusions, representing the distractions of the world.[22]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Supernatural beings born from Brahma's disturbed mind, indicating the continued unfolding of creation.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Supernatural beings known for their strength and courage, who faced Garuda but were defeated.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Divine beings who assisted in protecting the she-buffalo and cremating Rambha.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Supernatural beings in mythology who serve the sun by managing its reins or assisting in its chariot.[26]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A term referring to an adorable entity or spirit that is the subject of inquiry.[27] (2) A character in the text who engages in conversation with Vayu, asking about his identity.[28] (3) The manifestation of Brahman that was initially misunderstood by some Devas, including Nasikya Vayu and Agni.[29] (4) A divine being that Brahman manifested as, to teach the self-conceited beings.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Supernatural beings that are part of the creation stemming from apana within the text.[31]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A semi-pious spirit and follower of Kuvera, representing material wealth.[32] (2) A supernatural being that the Supreme Brahman appeared as to illustrate the limitation of the demigods' understanding of divine power.[33]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Supernatural beings or spirits that serve the yaksa-king Kuvera.[34]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A name included in the list, highlighting its value among the suhrits.[35]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Attendants of the gods, categorized as divine beings.[36] (2) Followers of Kuvera, known for their connection to wealth and nature.[37]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Supernatural beings associated with water and fertility, represented in Chola artwork as contorted figures in temple statuary.[38]
Jain concept of 'Yaksha'
Yaksha in Jainism represents supernatural beings linked to nature, wealth, and virtue, serving various roles, including guardians of prosperity, heavenly soldiers, and divine supporters, reflecting their multifaceted importance in spiritual and earthly realms.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Divine beings wielding chauris who stood by the Master, adding to the prestige of his entrance.[39] (2) Nature spirits involved in gambling and drinking, contributing to the lively ambiance.[40] (3) Celestial beings serving as soldiers for the cakra during conquest.[41] (4) Supernatural beings or spirits, two of whom (Purnabhadra and Manibhadra) will command the army of Mahapadma.[42] (5) A supernatural being or forest-divinity that provides assistance to Aryaputra by sprinkling cool water on him.[43]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Spiritual beings that reside in heavenly realms, known for their virtues and ability to enjoy divine pleasures, while remaining bound by their past merits.[44] (2) Mythical beings or spirits associated with a prosperous and blissful existence in the afterlife, reached by virtuous individuals.[45] (3) A supernatural being who becomes the supporter of Bala, possessing Bhadra to teach her a lesson about respect.[46]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) This entity has lords Purnabhadra and Manibhadra.[47] (2) A subclass of peripatetic deva that is known to possess unique qualities and significances.[48]
The concept of Yaksha in local and regional sources
Yaksha is depicted as a male celestial being in emotional turmoil, central in Kalidasa's 'Meghaduta,' yearning to send a message to his beloved Yakshi, embodying themes of love, longing, and separation.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is the central figure in the poem, who experiences emotions and sends a message, with the timing of his actions, particularly when he saw the cloud and sent the message, becoming a subject of debate and interpretation.[49] (2) The protagonist of Megha Dooth, who is banished by King Kubera and yearns to send a message to his wife.[50] (3) A male celestial being who experiences deep emotional turmoil due to a curse that separates him from his beloved Yakshi.[51] (4) A character in the Meghaduta, representing an individual in longing and separation from his beloved.[52] (5) A celestial being in Kalidasa's 'Meghaduta' who expresses deep emotions of love and longing for his beloved.[53]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Yaksha is a being in the form of a crane who questioned Yudhishthira about his brothers.[54]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Spirit beings believed to guard treasures in Kapisha.[55]