Yakshini is a term used in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology to describe a class of nature spirits or supernatural beings. They are often depicted as beautiful women, but can also take on the form of animals or even trees. Yakshinis are generally considered benevolent and are associated with fertility, wealth, and protection.
In Hindu mythology, Yakshinis are frequently depicted as attendants or companions of Kubera, the god of wealth. They are said to be able to grant wishes and bestow riches upon those who please them. In Buddhist and Jain mythology, Yakshinis are often associated with trees and other natural features, and are believed to have the power to protect these places from harm.
Overall, Yakshinis play an important role in the mythology and folklore of South Asia, and continue to be revered and worshipped by many people today. Whether they are seen as powerful protectors of nature or as benevolent bestowers of wealth and good fortune, Yakshinis remain an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Mythological Origins
Yakshini is a class of female nature spirits that are found in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies. These spirits are different from devas and asuras, which are classes of power-seeking beings, and gandharvas or apsaras, which are celestial nymphs.
Hindu Texts
In Hindu mythology, Yakshinis are said to be the companions of Kubera, the god of wealth and the ruler of the mythical Himalayan kingdom of Alaka. They are believed to be the guardians of hidden treasures in the earth and resemble fairies. According to the Hindu texts, Yakshinis are benevolent spirits who can be invoked for protection, wealth, and good fortune.
Regional Legends
In regional legends, Yakshinis are often associated with trees, mountains, rock mounds, rivers, and oceans. They are believed to inhabit these natural elements and are considered to be protectors of the environment. In some regions, Yakshinis are also associated with fertility and are believed to bless couples with children.
Overall, Yakshinis are an important part of Indian mythology and continue to be revered by many people in India and other parts of South Asia.
Characteristics and Iconography
Physical Descriptions
Yakshinis are female nature spirits that are often depicted as beautiful and voluptuous figures. They are usually shown with nude upper bodies, wearing necklaces, bangles, and anklets. Their lower torsos and waists are decorated with clothing and more jewelry. Some sculptures depict them with a prominent belly. Yakshinis are known to be benevolent, but can also be mischievous or capricious.
Symbols and Attributes
Yakshinis are associated with natural phenomena of growth and life, especially with water, fertility, trees, the forest, treasure, and wilderness. They are often depicted holding a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Other symbols include a conch shell, which represents the sound of creation, and a chakra, which represents the wheel of life. Yakshinis are also associated with wealth and prosperity, and are sometimes shown holding a pot of gold or other treasure.
In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies, yakshinis are different from devas and asuras, who are classes of power-seeking beings, and gandharvas or apsaras, who are celestial nymphs. Despite their supernatural powers, yakshinis are often depicted as approachable and friendly, and are sometimes worshipped as household deities.
Types of Yakshinis
Canonical List
In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythologies, Yakshinis are a class of female nature spirits. There are 32 types of Yakshinis, as per Mantramahavarnam. These Yakshinis are believed to be different from devas and asuras, and gandharvas or apsaras. Some of the notable Yakshinis from the canonical list include:
- Chakrika Yakshini
- Varayakshini
- Rati Yakshini
- Kameshwari Yakshini
- Vashini Yakshini
- Kshudhakari Yakshini
- Uchhishthachandalini Yakshini
Folklore Variants
Apart from the canonical list, there are many folklore variants of Yakshinis. These folklore variants are often depicted as beautiful and voluptuous, with wide hips, narrow waists, broad shoulders, and exaggerated, spherical breasts. Some of the folklore variants of Yakshinis include:
- Vibhrama Yakshini (Amorous One)
- Hamsi Yakshini (Swan)
- Bhishani Yakshini (Terrifying)
- Janaranjika Yakshini (Delighting Men)
- Vishala Yakshini (Large Eyed)
- Madana Yakshini (Lustful)
- Ghanta Yakshini (Bell)
- Kalakarni Yakshini (Ears Adorned with Kalas)
- Mahabhaya Yakshini (Greatly Fearful)
- Mahendri Yakshini (Greatly Powerful)
- Shankhini Yakshini (Conch Girl)
- Chandri Yakshini (Moon Girl)
- Shmashana Yakshini (Cremation Ground Girl)
- Vatayakshini Yakshini
- Mekhala Yakshini (Love Girdle)
It is important to note that while some of these folklore variants of Yakshinis may share similar characteristics with the canonical list, they are not officially recognized in Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain mythologies.
Cultural Significance
Religious Roles
In Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions, Yakshinis are considered to be female nature spirits that are different from devas, asuras, and celestial nymphs. They are known to be peaceful and good supernatural beings that help people in distress. Yakshinis are also believed to represent Trishna, which is the craving for worldly pleasures.
In Hinduism, Yakshinis are worshipped for their ability to bring good fortune, prosperity, and fertility. They are also believed to be protectors of children and pregnant women. In Jainism, Yakshinis are regarded as protectors of the Tirthankaras and are worshipped for their ability to grant boons and fulfill wishes.
Artistic Representations
Yakshinis have been represented in various forms of art throughout history. In ancient Indian art, they were often depicted as beautiful women with voluptuous bodies and elaborate hairstyles. They were also often shown wearing jewelry and holding various objects, such as lotus flowers and conch shells.
Yakshinis have been depicted in various poses, such as standing, sitting, and dancing. They have also been depicted in various forms, such as stone sculptures, paintings, and murals. Yakshini sculptures have been found in various parts of India, including the Didarganj Yakshini, which is a life-sized, monolithic, polished sandstone sculpture of a female figure from the Mauryan period.
Overall, Yakshinis have played an important role in the religious and cultural traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. They have been worshipped for their ability to bring good fortune, prosperity, and fertility, and have been represented in various forms of art throughout history.
Yakshini Worship
Yakshinis are revered as powerful female deities in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythologies. They are often associated with wealth, beauty, and fertility. Yakshini worship involves a variety of rituals and practices that are performed to invoke their blessings and seek their aid in various endeavors.
Rituals and Practices
Yakshini worship involves the use of various mantras, yantras, and other sacred objects. The rituals often involve the use of offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweets. Devotees may also fast or observe other forms of penance as part of their worship.
One common practice is the use of a yantra, which is a geometric diagram used for meditation and concentration. The yantra is believed to represent the deity and is used to focus the worshipper’s energy and attention.
Temples and Sacred Spaces
Yakshini worship is often performed in temples and other sacred spaces. Many temples in India have dedicated shrines to Yakshinis, and these shrines are often adorned with elaborate decorations and offerings.
Some of the most famous Yakshini temples include the Chausath Yogini Temple in Madhya Pradesh and the Yakshini Temple in Chhattisgarh. These temples are believed to be powerful centers of spiritual energy and are visited by thousands of devotees every year.
In addition to temples, Yakshinis are also worshipped in natural settings such as forests, rivers, and mountains. These sacred spaces are believed to be inhabited by the Yakshinis, and are revered as powerful centers of spiritual energy.
Yakshinis in Literature
Ancient Texts
Yakshinis have been a prominent feature in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain literature for centuries. In Hindu mythology, they were considered as nature spirits and were often depicted as guardians of the natural world. The Yaksha and Yakshini were also believed to be the attendants of Lord Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth. In Jainism, Yakshinis were considered as the protectors of Tirthankaras, the spiritual leaders of the religion. In Buddhist literature, Yakshinis were portrayed as demigoddesses, tied to natural phenomena such as mountains, plants, and trees.
Modern Adaptations
In modern literature, Yakshinis have been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and books. In the popular Indian TV show, “Naagin,” Yakshinis were portrayed as shape-shifting serpents with supernatural powers. Similarly, in the Bollywood movie “Pari,” Yakshinis were depicted as demonic beings with a thirst for human blood. In the book “The Palace of Illusions” by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Yakshinis were portrayed as powerful women with magical abilities.
Overall, Yakshinis have been a recurring theme in literature for centuries, and their depiction has evolved over time to fit the needs of different cultures and media.
Yakshinis in Popular Culture
Yakshinis have been a popular subject in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. In Hindu mythology, Yakshinis are considered to be protectors of wealth and fertility, and their depiction in popular culture often reflects these traits.
In the Indian film industry, Yakshinis have been portrayed as seductive and alluring beings, often used as a plot device to tempt male characters. However, recent depictions have shifted towards portraying them as strong and independent characters who fight for what they believe in.
In literature, Yakshinis have been featured in various works, including the Indian epic Mahabharata. They are often portrayed as powerful and mysterious beings, with the ability to grant wishes and bestow blessings upon those who seek their favor.
In popular culture, Yakshinis are also often associated with the occult and supernatural. They are sometimes depicted as malevolent spirits who haunt and torment those who cross their path. However, this portrayal is not entirely accurate, as Yakshinis are considered to be benevolent beings in Hindu mythology.
Overall, Yakshinis have had a significant impact on popular culture, with their depiction often reflecting the values and beliefs of the society in which they are portrayed.