Jain Journal 1985 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 33

Yaksa in Jaina Agamas
RATNESH KUMAR VARMA
Yaksas originally figuring in the folklore tradition were extensively incorporated in ancient Indian literature. The ancient literature unmistakably hints at the Yaksa statue as popular god with non-Aryan origin. Hillebrandt finds its earliest meaning magician, uncouth being, unseen spiritual enemy etc., then simply a supernatural being of exalted character and finally in the ordinary sense. A.B. Keith in a communication to Coomaraswamy suggested the derivation of the word from the root 'yaj' i.e. to worship. Coomaraswamy thinks that the word as well as concept may be non-Aryan.1
Jaina texts classified Yaksas as Vyantara divinities. Vyantaras are known as wandering spirits. Yaksas as Vyantara divinities have benign as well as malign aspects. As a benign spirit Yaksas bestow happiness upon devotees and fulfill their desires, but as malefic characters they may bring about disaster. The Ācārängasūtra refers Yaksamaha while giving account for Skandamaha, Rudramaha, Nagamaha. The text gives a vivid description of Skandamaha which indicates that Yaksa would have certainly be a popular deity like Skanda, Rudra and others. 2 The Sūtrakrtānga pointed out that hosts of gods, Asuras, Nagas, Yaksas etc. are unable to seduce away a Sramana from the creed of Nirgantha.3
The Sthānăngasūtra describes Yaksa as one of lokapālas of Asurendra Camara.4 The other lokapālas are Soma, Yama, Varuna and Vaisramana. Further, we find reference to Purnabhadra as Yaksendra (Lord of Yaksas) who has four agramahişis. They are Putra, Bahuputra, Uttama, Taraka. The name of Manibhadra Yaksa is also associated with these agramahişis.
The malefic character of Yaksa is clear with the word 'yakşāvistapürusa' (a man possessed by a Yaksa) which is used for a theif or an
* See Coomaraswamy A.K., Yaksas, Part I, Washington, 1928.
Acarangasutra, Part II, Sutra 337. : Sacred Books of the East, Jaina Sutras, ed. by MaxMuller, transl. by H. Jacobi,
Varanasi 1964. • Sthanangasutra, 256. • Sthanangasutra, 273.