Discovery of Yaksha, a Multifaceted Indian Spirit
We designate by the name “Yaksha” a family of spirits from South Asian culture.
Generally associated with nature and considered benevolent, Yakshas keep treasures hidden in the earth, under the roots of trees and at the bottom of rivers.
According to some religions, honoring them can be the source of great blessings.
Be careful, however, as we will see, these spirits often have another, somewhat darker side...
Contents :
Definition of the term “yaksha”
Definition of the term “Yaksha”
As we have just told you, a Yaksha is a type of spirit from Indian mythology whose main role is to guard treasures.
Although they can be fun and kind towards men, Yakshas are playful to the point where they can hurt us just for fun.
There are a whole bunch of Indian tales and legends that explain to us how a child was kidnapped by a Yaksha, how a woman was attacked by another, or how the harvest of villages was stolen.
We even find stories in which Yakshas transform into “bhuta” (kind of ghosts) to haunt the roads and devour careless travelers who wander there alone at night.
Let us remember, however, that others tell us of great treasures discovered, of illnesses cured or even of peace found between friends!
Yes, Indian mythology can sometimes be complex, and the Yakshas are no exception to the rule.
Most of the time, they will have to be considered as dual beings, sometimes good and sometimes bad.
Yakshas and Yakshinis
Like many things in our world, the concept of Yaksha has a female counterpart: the Yakshinis.
Considered as the servants of the goddess Kubera (a Hindu deity linked to fortune and success), the Yaksinis ultimately have little to do with the spirits that we have just described to you.
While a Yaksha will generally be a formidable warrior with a stocky build and an imposing appearance, a Yaksini will rather be depicted as a magnificent young woman with a harmonious face, silky hair and pronounced hips.
Furthermore, while the first will more generally have a role of protector (especially of treasures), the second will serve as a guide or as a servant.
The place of these spirits in Jainism
The Yakshas are therefore creatures of Indian culture.
As such, they are found in most religions present in the country, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.
There is, however, one where these beings occupy a more important place than in the others: Jainism.
A doctrine aimed at spiritual enlightenment through the application of major philosophical principles (such as that of non-violence, or that of purification), around ten million across the world declare themselves followers of Jainism.
In short, in this religion, the Yakshas are seen as powerful guardians who protect men, particularly from other demons.
Lucky statues are thus erected in temples and placed in altars to honor them.
In certain regions of India, entire villages may worship a particular Yaksha as the community's patron deity.
In short, for Jains more than for others, these spirits are of capital importance.
Popular figures from Thai folklore
If there is another region of the world where the figure of the Yaksha is also important, it is Thailand.
For the Thais, however, we will not speak here of benevolent spirits capable of helping men, but rather of powerful ogres, yes, but a little stupid who can attack you without the slightest reason.
However, this did not prevent the Yakshas from becoming the protectors, the lucky spirits of certain Buddhist temples, the entrance to which their statues have symbolically guarded for centuries.
The other major area where we can find the concept of Yaksha is in children's stories.
Like the ogres of folklore from our regions, the Yakshas terrorize Thai children before they go to bed.
