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Jaina Iconography
inscriptions. The Yakṣas are, in Indian tradition, regarded as the presiding spirits over wealth and therefore it is easy to see why Jainas who represent a mercantile class specially endeared themselves to this cult and appropriated them especially among the class of their Dhundhi-devas or highest divinities.
In the foregoing chapter, we have had occasion, in connection with the individual Tirthamkaras, of making mention of the Yakṣas by names but a description of their general character was not outlined. 'A Yakṣa is a devotee of the Tirthankaras',1 so defines a Jaina liturgical text. According to the Jaina belief, Indra appoints one Yakṣa and Yakṣi to serve, as attendants of each Tirthankara. The Yakṣa would be on his right side and Yakṣiņi on his left. Thus, they also came to be called SasanaDevata or attendant spirits. According to Hemacandra, a Yakṣa originates from the particular religious spirit of a Jina.2 Hence, we can take, in all strong probability, that the Yakṣa was the leader of the disciples and Yakṣini was the first female convert. Truth of this statement can also be supported by the fact that just like the disciples of the Buddha in his image, the Yakṣa and the Yakṣini occupy the corner of the pedestal on which the Tirthankara figure is seated. In later development, the Yakṣa cult obtained greater veneration among the Jainas, hence we find detached independent images of the Yakṣas among the ancient ruins. In this connection, we should bear in mind that the Yakṣas are traditionally known as demi-gods of riches, Kuvera, their leader, being the supreme deity of treasures. The question may arise why the Yakṣas play such a prominent role in the Jaina Pantheon and why they became associates of the Tirthamkaras. It may again be conjectured and probably
यक्षा भक्तिदक्षास्तीर्थकृतामिमे ।
Cf. या पाति शासन जैनं सद्यः प्रत्यूहनाशिनी । साभिप्रेतसमृद्ध्यर्थं भूयात् शासनदेवता ।।
Pratistha-kalpa, p. 13.
A Yaksa is always spoken of as “तत्तीर्थजन्मा", "तत्तीर्थभूः " ततश्च तीर्थे तत्रैवोत्पन्नः।” तीर्थे " तत्र समुत्पन्ने” etc.. repeatedly in Hemacandra's Trişaṣtisalākāpuruşa-carita. A yoksa is again clearly described as the defender of the Jina's religion. ( यक्षाय श्रीयुगाङ्ग जिनशासनरक्षाकारकाय - Acāra-dinakara) Ramaghata Collection, Benares).
MSS..
