Jainism

In Jainism, Yakshas and Yakshis are semi-divine guardian deities who serve the 24 Tirthankaras, the enlightened teachers of the faith. Known collectively as shasan-devatas (protective attendants of the doctrine), Yakshas are male and Yakshis are female counterparts. They belong to the Vyantara class of heavenly beings and are believed to have been appointed by Indra to protect the Tirthankaras and their followers. In temple iconography, they stand beside each Tirthankaras—Yaksha on the right, Yakshi on the left—symbolizing balanced guardianship. Though Jainism is fundamentally non-theistic and emphasizes self-discipline for liberation, Yakshas and Yakshis are revered as benevolent helpers who grant protection, prosperity, and well-being. Their origins lie in ancient nature-spirit traditions that were absorbed into Jain practice, enriching its art and devotional life. Famous figures such as Dharanendra and Padmavati, Ambika, Gomukha, and Chakreshvari embody ideals of gratitude, prote...

Approximate Date Idol/Sculpture Location Description/Deity c. 2500 BCE Harappa Nude Male Torso Harappa, Indus Valley (now Pakistan) Proto-Jain; a nude male figure in kayotsarga posture, linked to early Jain iconography of Tirthankaras. 3rd century BCE Lohanipur Torso Near Patna (ancient Pataliputra), Bihar, India Polished sandstone nude male torso, interpreted as a Jain Tirthankara (Rishabhanatha); one of the earliest confirmed Jain sculptures. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE Chausa Hoard Bronzes Chausa, Bihar, India Collection of 18 Jain bronze sculptures, including Tirthankaras like Rishabhanatha/Adinatha in kayotsarga posture; among the oldest Jain bronzes. 2nd century BCE - 1st century BCE Kalinga Jina Idol (mentioned in Hathigumpha Inscription) Originally from Kalinga (Odisha), recovered by King Kharavela Idol of a Tirthankara (possibly Rishabhanatha), taken by Nanda kings and recovered; early evidence of Jain idols in Odisha region. 1st century BCE - 1st century CE Ayagapata Pla...

Seal B-1-8000 Seal B1-8000: Fish = represents Aranath, 18th tirthankara of Jainsim Chakra = represents 6 kalas in Kal-chakra of Jain philosophy then 6 pegs separate & 4 circle around fish, representing "fish is in 4th kala" & attained Moksha 2 pegs left out as 2 remaining 4 pegs around fish can also be interpreted as "Human, Animal, Heaven Hell" of Jain philosophy as well Animal is cross breed of: Antilope = its 2 horned antelope = Shantinath = 16th tirthankara Bull = representing Rishabdev (1st tirthankara) Goat = Kunthunath = 17th tirthankara Kalpavriksha = Shital nath = 12th tirthankara  Rhinoceros =  Shreyansanath = 11th tirthankar Buffalo = Vasupujya = 12th tirthankara Trident  = represent Yakasha (who protects a temple or presence of Tirthankara)