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Difference between revisions of "Yakshini"

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[[File:SungaYaksa.JPG|thumb|250px|]]
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[[File:SungaYaksa.JPG|thumb|250px|Yakshi under a flowering asoka tree. {{Wiki|Sunga}}, 2nd-1st century BC, India]]
<poem>
 
Yakshinis ([[Sanskrit]]: याक्षिणि, also called yaksinis or yaksis and yakkhini in [[Pali]]) are [[mythical]] [[beings]] of [[Hindu]], [[Buddhist]], and [[Jain]] [[mythology]].
 
  
Description
 
  
A [[yakshini]] is the {{Wiki|female}} counterpart of the male [[yaksha]], and they both attend to [[Kubera]], the [[Hindu]] [[god of wealth]] who rules in the [[mythical]] [[Himalayan]] kingdom of Alaka. They both look after [[treasure]] [[hidden]] in the [[earth]] and resemble that of 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 [[mantras]] 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 [[Indian]] folklore.
 
  
The list of thirty-six yakshinis given in the Uddamareshvara [[Tantra]] is as follows:
 
  
    Vichitra (The [[Lovely]] One)
 
    Vibhrama (Amorous One)
 
    Hamsi (Swan)
 
    Bhishani (Terrifying),
 
    Janaranjika (Delighting Men)
 
    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]])
 
[[File:Reserve_bank_of_India_Headquarters.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
    Malini ([[Flower]] Girl)
 
    Shatapatrika (100 Flowers)
 
    Sulochana ([[Lovely]] Eyed)
 
    Shobha
 
    Kapalini (Skull Girl)
 
    Varayakshini
 
    Nati (Actress)
 
    Kameshvari
 
    Unknown
 
    Unknown
 
    Manohara (Fascinating)
 
    Pramoda (Fragrant)
 
    Anuragini (Very [[Passionate]])
 
    Nakhakeshi
 
    Bhamini
 
    Padmini
 
    Svarnavati
 
    Ratipriya (Fond of [[Love]])
 
  
Early figures
 
  
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) 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]].
+
[[Yakshinis]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[याक्षिणि]], also called [[yaksinis]] or [[yaksis]] and [[yakkhini]] in [[Pali]]) are [[mythical]] [[beings]] of [[Hindu]], [[Buddhist]], and [[Jain]] [[mythology]].
[[File:Ellora_cave34_001.jpg‎|thumb|250px|]]
 
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 {{Wiki|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 stylization.
 
  
Some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the [[tree]] is based on an ancient fertility [[symbol]] of the [[Indian]] Subcontinent. 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.
+
==Description==
  
The [[sal]] [[tree]] (Shorea robusta) is often confused with the [[ashoka]] [[tree]] (Saraca indica) in the ancient {{Wiki|literature}} of the [[Indian]] Subcontinent.  The position of the Salabhanjika is also related to the position of {{Wiki|Queen}} [[Māyā]] of [[Sakya]] when she gave [[birth]] to [[Gautama Buddha]] under an [[asoka]] [[tree]] in a garden in [[Lumbini]], while [[grasping]] its branch.  
+
A [[yakshini]] is the {{Wiki|female}} counterpart of the {{Wiki|male}} [[yaksha]], and they both attend to [[Kubera]], the [[Hindu]] [[god of wealth]] who {{Wiki|rules}} in the [[mythical]] [[Himalayan]] {{Wiki|kingdom}} of [[Alaka]]. They both look after [[treasure]] hidden in the [[earth]] and resemble that of {{Wiki|fairies}}. [[Yakshinis]] are often depicted as [[beautiful]] and voluptuous, with wide hips, narrow waists, broad shoulders, and exaggerated, spherical breasts. In the
  
Yakshis in [[Jainism]]
+
[[Uddamareshvara]] [[Tantra]], thirty-six [[yakshinis]] are described, [[including]] their [[mantras]] 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 {{Wiki|benevolent}}, there are also [[yakshinis]] with [[malevolent]] [[characteristics]] in [[Indian]] {{Wiki|folklore}}.
  
In [[Jainism]], there are twenty-four yakshis, including Chakreshvari, Ambika, and Padmavati, who are frequently represented in [[Jain]] [[temples]]. The names according to Tiloyapannatti (or Pratishthasarasangraha) and Abhidhanachintamani are:
+
The list of thirty-six [[yakshinis]] given in the [[Uddamareshvara]] [[Tantra]] is as follows:
 +
[[File:Reserve_bank_of_India_Headquarters.jpg|thumb|250px|{{Wiki|Reserve Bank of India}} headquarters, Delhi entrance with a Yakshini sculpture(c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through {{Wiki|agriculture}}"]]
  
    Chakreshvari
+
# [[Vichitra]] (The Lovely One)
    Rohini, Ajitbala
+
# [[Vibhrama]] (Amorous One)
    [[Prajnapti]], Duritari
+
# [[Hamsi]] ({{Wiki|Swan}})
    Vajrashrankhala, [[Kali]]
+
# [[Bhishani]] ({{Wiki|Terrifying}}),
    Vajrankusha, Mahakali
+
# [[Janaranjika]] (Delighting Men)
    Manovega, Shyama
+
# [[Vishala]] (Large Eyed)
    [[Kali]], Shanta
+
# [[Madana]] ([[Lustful]])
    Jwalamalini, [[Bhrikuti]]
+
# [[Ghanta]] ([[Bell]])
    Mahakali, Sutaraka
+
# [[Kalakarni]] ({{Wiki|Ears}} Adorned with Kalas)
    Manavi, [[Ashoka]]
+
# [[Mahabhaya]] (Greatly {{Wiki|Fearful}})
    Gauri, Manavi
+
# [[Mahendri]] (Greatly {{Wiki|Powerful}})
    {{Wiki|Gandhari}}, [[Chanda]]
+
# [[Shankhini]] ([[Conch]] Girl)
    Vairoti, Vidita
+
# [[Chandri]] ({{Wiki|Moon}} Girl)
    Anantamati, Ankusha
+
# [[Shmashana]] ([[Cremation Ground Girl]])
    Manasi, Kandarpa
+
# [[Vatayakshini]], [[Mekhala]] ([[Love]] Girdle)
    Mahamansi, Nirvani
+
# [[Vikala]], {{Wiki|Lakshmi}} ([[Wealth]])
    Jaya, [[Bala]]  
+
# [[Malini]] ([[Flower Girl]])
    Taradevi, Dharini
+
# [[Shatapatrika]] (100 [[Flowers]])
    [[Vijaya]], Dharanpriya
+
# [[Sulochana]] (Lovely Eyed)
    Aparajita, Nardatta
+
# [[Shobha]]
    Bahurupini, {{Wiki|Gandhari}}
+
# [[Kapalini]] ([[Skull]] Girl)
    Ambika or Kushmandini
+
# [[Varayakshini]]
    Padmavati
+
# [[Nati]] (Actress)
    Siddhayika
+
# [[Kameshvari]]
 +
# Unknown
 +
# Unknown
 +
# [[Manohara]] (Fascinating)
 +
# [[Pramoda]] (Fragrant)
 +
# [[Anuragini]] (Very [[Passionate]])
 +
# [[Nakhakeshi]]
 +
# [[Bhamini]]
 +
# [[Padmini]]
 +
# Svarnavati
 +
# Ratipriya (Fond of [[Love]])
  
In {{Wiki|South India}}, Yakshis are not considered benevolent [[beings]]. They are reputed to waylay men with their beauty and drink their blood.
 
  
One of the most famous legendary stories of Yakshis in {{Wiki|Kerala}} is that of Kalliyankattu Neeli, a powerful demoness who was finally stopped by the legendary {{Wiki|Christian}} priest Kadamattathu Kathanar. The Yakshi theme is [[the subject]] of popular {{Wiki|Kerala}} tales, like the legend of the Yakshi of Trivandrum, as well as of certain movies in modern Malayalam cinema.
+
==Early figures==
  
Mangalathu Chiruthevi
 
  
Another lesser known Yakshi is Mangalathu Chiruthevi also known as Kanjirottu Yakshi. She was born into a Padamangalathu Nair tharavad by name Mangalathu at Kanjiracode in South Travancore. She was a ravishingly [[beautiful]] courtesan who had an intimate relationship with Kunju Thampi, the rival of Marthanda Varma of Travancore.
+
The three sites of [[Bharhut]], [[Sanchi]], and {{Wiki|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]],  
  
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. Chiruthevi enjoyed torturing Kunjuraman physically and [[mentally]]. A predatory sadist, she derived immense [[pleasure]] from humiliating him, spanking him, making him carry unbearably heavy [[objects]], burning his feet with [[hot]] [[metal]] rods and strangling him. She did everything possible to separate him from his wife.
+
smiling face and evident (often exaggerated) {{Wiki|feminine}} charms that lead to their association with {{Wiki|fertility}}. The [[yakshi]] is usually shown with her hand {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|ancient}} [[tree]] [[deity]].  
  
In course of [[time]], Govindan and Kunjuraman became bosom friends. Govindan often felt pity for his friend but could not assert himself. Chiruthevi was not quite comfortable with the growing fondness of her brother for her lover. But she did not act.
+
[[File:Ellora_cave34_001.jpg‎|thumb|250px|An image of {{Wiki|Jain}} goddess {{Wiki|Ambika}} in Cave 34 of the {{Wiki|Ellora Caves}}]]
 +
The [[ashoka]] [[tree]] is closely associated with the [[yakshini]] [[mythological]] [[beings]]. One of the recurring [[elements]] in [[Indian]] [[art]], often
  
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.
+
found at gates of [[Buddhist]] and {{Wiki|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 stylization.
  
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 approached Mangalathu Govindan for advice. 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 surrender (saranagati) to [[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]]. Both the parties agreed and the compromise worked.
+
Some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the [[tree]] is based on an {{Wiki|ancient}} {{Wiki|fertility}} [[symbol]] of the [[Indian]] Subcontinent. [[Yakshis]] were important in early [[Buddhist]] monuments as a decorative [[element]] and are found in many {{Wiki|ancient}} [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|archaeological}} sites. They became [[Salabhanjikas]] ([[sal]] [[tree]] maidens) with the passing of the centuries, a standard decorative [[element]] of both [[Indian]] {{Wiki|sculpture}} and [[Indian]] [[temple]] [[architecture]].  
  
A year later, the Yakshi was installed at a [[Temple]] which later came to be owned by Kanjiracottu Valiaveedu. The [[Temple]] does not [[exist]] anymore.
+
The [[sal tree]] ([[Shorea robusta]]) is often confused with the [[ashoka]] [[tree]] (Saraca indica) in the {{Wiki|ancient}} {{Wiki|literature}} of the [[Indian]] Subcontinent. The position of the [[Salabhanjika]] is also related to the position of {{Wiki|Queen}} [[Māyā]] of [[Sakya]] when she gave [[birth]] to [[Gautama Buddha]] under an [[asoka]] [[tree]] in a [[garden]] in [[Lumbini]], while [[grasping]] its branch.  
  
Sundara Lakshmi, an accomplished dancer and wife of HH Swathi Thirunal {{Wiki|Rama}} Varma, was an ardent devotee of Kanjirottu Yakshi Amma.
+
==[[Yakshis]] in [[Jainism]]==
  
After surrendering to [[Lord]] Narasimha of Thekkedom, the Yakshi is now believed to be in the {{Wiki|Mahabharata}} Konathu Kallara of Sri Padmanabhaswamy [[Temple]]. The enchanting and ferocious [[forms]] of this Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of Sri Padmanabha's [[shrine]].
+
In [[Jainism]], there are twenty-four [[yakshis]], [[including]] [[Chakreshvari]], [[Ambika]], and [[Padmavati]], who are frequently represented in [[Jain]] [[temples]]. The names according to [[Tiloyapannatti]] (or [[Pratishthasarasangraha]]) and [[Abhidhanachintamani]] are:
Reserve Bank of [[India]] headquarters, Delhi entrance with a [[Yakshini]] sculpture(c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture".  
+
 
In popular culture
+
# [[Chakreshvari]]
 +
# [[Rohini]], [[Ajitbala]]
 +
# [[Prajnapti]], Duritari
 +
# [[Vajrashrankhala]], [[Kali]]
 +
# [[Vajrankusha]], [[Mahakali]]
 +
# [[Manovega]], [[Shyama]]
 +
# [[Kali]], Shanta
 +
# [[Jwalamalini]], [[Bhrikuti]]
 +
# [[Mahakali]], [[Sutaraka]]
 +
# [[Manavi]], [[Ashoka]]
 +
# [[Gauri]], [[Manavi]]
 +
# {{Wiki|Gandhari}}, [[Chanda]]
 +
# [[Vairoti]], [[Vidita]]
 +
# [[Anantamati]], [[Ankusha]]
 +
# [[Manasi]], [[Kandarpa]]
 +
# [[Mahamansi]], [[Nirvani]]
 +
# [[Jaya]], [[Bala]]
 +
# [[Taradevi]], [[Dharini]]
 +
# [[Vijaya]], [[Dharanpriya]]
 +
# [[Aparajita]], [[Nardatta]]
 +
# [[Bahurupini]], {{Wiki|Gandhari}}
 +
# [[Ambika]] or [[Kushmandini]]
 +
# [[Padmavati]]
 +
# [[Siddhayika]]
 +
 
 +
==[[Yakshis]] in {{Wiki|Kerala}}==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
In {{Wiki|South India}}, [[Yakshis]] are not considered {{Wiki|benevolent}} [[beings]]. They are reputed to waylay men with their [[beauty]] and drink their {{Wiki|blood}}.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===[[Kalliyankattu Neeli]]===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
One of the most famous legendary stories of [[Yakshis]] in {{Wiki|Kerala}} is that of [[Kalliyankattu Neeli]], a {{Wiki|powerful}} {{Wiki|demoness}} who was finally stopped by the legendary {{Wiki|Christian}} [[priest]] [[Kadamattathu Kathanar]]. The [[Yakshi]] theme is the [[subject]] of popular {{Wiki|Kerala}} tales, like the legend of the [[Yakshi]] of [[Trivandrum]], as well as of certain movies in {{Wiki|modern}} [[Malayalam]] {{Wiki|cinema}}.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===[[Mangalathu Chiruthevi]]===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Another [[lesser]] known [[Yakshi]] is [[Mangalathu Chiruthevi]] also known as [[Kanjirottu]] [[Yakshi]]. She was born into a Padamangalathu Nair tharavad by [[name]] [[Mangalathu]] at [[Kanjiracode]] in {{Wiki|South}} [[Travancore]]. She was a ravishingly [[beautiful]] {{Wiki|courtesan}} who had an intimate relationship with [[Kunju Thampi]], the rival of [[Marthanda Varma]] of [[Travancore]].
 +
 +
[[Mangalathu Chiruthevi]] was infatuated with one of her servants, [[Kunjuraman]]. [[Kunjuraman]], a [[Pondan Nai]]r (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. [[Chiruthevi]] enjoyed torturing [[Kunjuraman]] {{Wiki|physically}} and [[mentally]]. A predatory {{Wiki|sadist}}, she derived immense [[pleasure]] from humiliating him, spanking him, making him carry unbearably heavy [[objects]], burning his feet with [[hot]] metal rods and strangling him. She did everything possible to separate him from his wife.
 +
 
 +
In course of [[time]], [[Govindan]] and [[Kunjuraman]] became bosom friends. [[Govindan]] often felt [[pity]] for his [[friend]] but could not assert himself. [[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 {{Wiki|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]] approached
 +
 
 +
[[Mangalathu]] [[Govindan]] for advice. [[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 surrender ([[saranagati]]) to [[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]]. Both the parties agreed and the compromise worked.
 +
 
 +
A year later, the [[Yakshi]] was installed at a [[Temple]] which later came to be owned by [[Kanjiracottu Valiaveed]]u. The [[Temple]] does not [[exist]] anymore.
 +
 
 +
[[Sundara]] [[Lakshmi]], an accomplished dancer and wife of HH [[Swathi Thiruna]]l {{Wiki|Rama}} [[Varma]], was an ardent [[devotee]] of [[Kanjirottu]] [[Yakshi]] [[Amma]].
 +
 
 +
After surrendering to [[Lord]] [[Narasimha]] of Thekkedom, the [[Yakshi]] is now believed to be in the {{Wiki|Mahabharata}} Konathu Kallara of {{Wiki|Sri}} Padmanabhaswamy [[Temple]]. The enchanting and ferocious [[forms]] of this [[Yakshi]] are painted on the south-west part of {{Wiki|Sri}} Padmanabha's [[shrine]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Reserve Bank of [[India]] headquarters, {{Wiki|Delhi}} entrance with a [[Yakshini]] sculpture(c. 1960) depicting "{{Wiki|Prosperity}} through {{Wiki|agriculture}}".  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==In popular {{Wiki|culture}}==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
In Christopher Pike’s {{Wiki|novel}} The Last Vampire, a [[yakshini]] is an extremely {{Wiki|powerful}} and [[evil]] [[demon]] that led to the creation of the vampires around 3000 B.C. in what is now present-day {{Wiki|Rajasthan}}, [[India]]. A [[yakshini]] was summoned by an [[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 {{Wiki|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 [[Aryan]] boy who is the first {{Wiki|vampire}}.
  
In Christopher Pike’s novel The Last Vampire, a [[yakshini]] is an extremely powerful and [[evil]] [[demon]] that led to the creation of the vampires around 3000 B.C. in what is now present-day Rajasthan, [[India]]. A [[yakshini]] was summoned by an 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 [[Aryan]] boy who is the first vampire.
 
</poem>
 
 
{{W}}
 
{{W}}
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
+
 
[[Category:Buddhist Cosmology]]
+
[[Category:Yaksa‎]]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 23 June 2024

Yakshi under a flowering asoka tree. Sunga, 2nd-1st century BC, India




Yakshinis (Sanskrit: याक्षिणि, also called yaksinis or yaksis and yakkhini in Pali) are mythical beings of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology.

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 Himalayan kingdom of Alaka. They both look after treasure hidden in the earth and resemble that of 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 mantras 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 Indian folklore.

The list of thirty-six yakshinis given in the Uddamareshvara Tantra is as follows:

Reserve Bank of India headquarters, Delhi entrance with a Yakshini sculpture(c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture"
  1. Vichitra (The Lovely One)
  2. Vibhrama (Amorous One)
  3. Hamsi (Swan)
  4. Bhishani (Terrifying),
  5. Janaranjika (Delighting Men)
  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, Mekhala (Love Girdle)
  16. Vikala, Lakshmi (Wealth)
  17. Malini (Flower Girl)
  18. Shatapatrika (100 Flowers)
  19. Sulochana (Lovely Eyed)
  20. Shobha
  21. Kapalini (Skull Girl)
  22. Varayakshini
  23. Nati (Actress)
  24. Kameshvari
  25. Unknown
  26. Unknown
  27. Manohara (Fascinating)
  28. Pramoda (Fragrant)
  29. Anuragini (Very Passionate)
  30. Nakhakeshi
  31. Bhamini
  32. Padmini
  33. Svarnavati
  34. Ratipriya (Fond of Love)


Early figures

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) 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.

An image of Jain goddess Ambika in Cave 34 of the Ellora Caves

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 stylization.

Some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the tree is based on an ancient fertility symbol of the Indian Subcontinent. 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.

The sal tree (Shorea robusta) is often confused with the ashoka tree (Saraca indica) in the ancient literature of the Indian Subcontinent. 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.

Yakshis in Jainism

In Jainism, there are twenty-four yakshis, including Chakreshvari, Ambika, and Padmavati, who are frequently represented in Jain temples. The names according to Tiloyapannatti (or Pratishthasarasangraha) and Abhidhanachintamani are:

  1. Chakreshvari
  2. Rohini, Ajitbala
  3. Prajnapti, Duritari
  4. Vajrashrankhala, Kali
  5. Vajrankusha, Mahakali
  6. Manovega, Shyama
  7. Kali, Shanta
  8. Jwalamalini, Bhrikuti
  9. Mahakali, Sutaraka
  10. Manavi, Ashoka
  11. Gauri, Manavi
  12. Gandhari, Chanda
  13. Vairoti, Vidita
  14. Anantamati, Ankusha
  15. Manasi, Kandarpa
  16. Mahamansi, Nirvani
  17. Jaya, Bala
  18. Taradevi, Dharini
  19. Vijaya, Dharanpriya
  20. Aparajita, Nardatta
  21. Bahurupini, Gandhari
  22. Ambika or Kushmandini
  23. Padmavati
  24. Siddhayika

Yakshis in Kerala

In South India, Yakshis are not considered benevolent beings. They are reputed to waylay men with their beauty and drink their blood.


Kalliyankattu Neeli

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 Trivandrum, as well as of certain movies in modern Malayalam cinema.


Mangalathu Chiruthevi

Another lesser known Yakshi is Mangalathu Chiruthevi also known as Kanjirottu Yakshi. She was born into a Padamangalathu Nair tharavad by name Mangalathu at Kanjiracode in South Travancore. She was a ravishingly beautiful courtesan who had an intimate relationship with Kunju Thampi, the rival of Marthanda Varma of Travancore.

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. Chiruthevi enjoyed torturing Kunjuraman physically and mentally. A predatory sadist, she derived immense pleasure from humiliating him, spanking him, making him carry unbearably heavy objects, burning his feet with hot metal rods and strangling him. She did everything possible to separate him from his wife.

In course of time, Govindan and Kunjuraman became bosom friends. Govindan often felt pity for his friend but could not assert himself. 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 approached

Mangalathu Govindan for advice. 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 surrender (saranagati) to 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. Both the parties agreed and the compromise worked.

A year later, the Yakshi was installed at a Temple which later came to be owned by Kanjiracottu Valiaveedu. The Temple does not exist anymore.

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

After surrendering to Lord Narasimha of Thekkedom, the Yakshi is now believed to be in the Mahabharata Konathu Kallara of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The enchanting and ferocious forms of this Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of Sri Padmanabha's shrine.


Reserve Bank of India headquarters, Delhi entrance with a Yakshini sculpture(c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture".


In popular culture

In Christopher Pike’s novel The Last Vampire, a yakshini is an extremely powerful and evil demon that led to the creation of the vampires around 3000 B.C. in what is now present-day Rajasthan, India. A yakshini was summoned by an 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 Aryan boy who is the first vampire.

Source

Wikipedia:Yakshini