Jinamanjari 1996 04 No 13

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

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Even though the earliest textual and physical example only mention the yaksi Ambika and the yaksa Sravanabhuti accompanying Jinas, by the end of the Gupta period many more of these minor deities became incorporated into Jainism as each of the twenty-four tirthankaras is recongnized as being attended by at least two.8 Eventually, these deities become ideal models for the Jain laity as exemplary supporter and protectors of the monks on their quest for nirvana. This protective function is perhaps best represented in the actions not of a yaksa but, rather, by the naga king, Dharanendra, who shielded the meditating Parsvanatha from worldly distractions so he could work undisturbed towards attaining liberation.
These minor deities provided a crucial connection to the lay community and were recognized as being able to reward those who followed the Jain teachings. 9 The tangibility and receptiveness of these deities contrasted with the total absence of the transcendent Jinas who were removed from interaction with human concerns. If, however, a Jain performed worship and gave with a selfless desire to emulate the example of the tirthankaras, the attendant deities would become pleased and were known to reward devout worshippers. This dynamic in which the more one gives up the more one is rewarded, provided he or she has good intentions, allowed Jainism to compete with the wish-granting deities of Hinduism while staying true to its ideals.
Soon, an entire pantheon of these minor deities was in place with Purnabhadra, Manibhadra and the other thirteen yaksa chiefs in charge. Interestingly, at the close of the Gupta period there seems to have been a fervent upsurge in the popularity of these figures as is suggested by the fact that most of these deities' names do not appear in older texts or inscriptions. 10 In fact, this dramatic proliferation of local deities also seems to have effected the roles taken by some members of the monastic community. One text mentions that the yaksas worship and obey those who practice celibacy while
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