Yaksha Sculptures

By Xah Lee. Date:
Geant Grand Palais
image source Grand Palace , Bangkok, Thailand.

Yaksha (Sanskrit यक्ष yakṣa, Odia-ଯକ୍ଷ, Pali yakkha) are a broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, but sometimes mischievous and sexually aggressive or capricious caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots.

They appear in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, as well as ancient and medieval era temples of South Asia and Southeast Asia as guardian deities.

The feminine form of the word is yakṣī or Yakshini (yakṣiṇī).

[2017-05-27 Wikipedia Yaksha]

Yaksha Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand 32991
[image source flickr.com, by Andy Wright]
SanchiBracketFigure
Nymph of Sanchi 75566
“Yakshi, bracket on the torana of the east gate, Sanchi Stupa 1 (Great Stupa). Ist century BC. - Ist century AC.” image source
Yakshi from Sanghol
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Yakshi from Sanghol 1
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Ellora cave34 001
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P1070486
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Banteay Srei Kala
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Plaosan Temple Guardian
[image source 2011-07-09 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Plaosan_Temple_Guardian.jpg ]
CunninghamBharhut
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