Yaksha and Yaksi in Jainsim

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, protection, fertility, and victory over adversity.

  A 3rd-century BC dancing terracotta figurine, depicts a Jain yakshi, was discovered at Bhir Mound, Taxila, establishing more proof that Jain literature is correct about existance/belief in Yaksha & Yaksi.  

#TirthankaraYaksha & YakshiRole / Key StoryAdditional NotesPhotos
1Rishabhanatha (Adinatha)Gomukha & ChakreshvariChakreshvari protects dharma and removes obstacles; Gomukha guards the first TirthankaraChakreshvari widely worshipped for success and protection


2Ajitanatha
Mahayaksha & RohiniRohini associated with prosperity and protectionLess prominent in popular worship




3SambhavanathaTrimukha & PrajnaptiPrajnapti grants wisdom and learningKnown in tantric Jain traditions

4AbhinandananathaYaksheshvara & VajrashrunkhalaProtects doctrine and devoteesSectarian name variations

5SumatinathaTumburu & MahakaliMahakali invoked for protection from dangersStrong folk influence

6PadmaprabhuKusuma & ShyamaShyama grants peace and stabilityAlso called Achyuta

7SuparshvanathaMatanga & KaliKali removes fear and misfortuneLocal cult worship

Elora cave 32, Matanga

8ChandraprabhuShyama & JwalamaliniJwalamalini wards off evil forcesPopular in Digambara tradition. 
Jwalamalini Kalpa was composed by Jain Acharya Indranandi in 939 AD



9SuvidhinathaAjita & MahakaliBestows success and securityNames vary by sect

10ShitalanathaBrahma & ManaviManavi grants family welfareIconography stable



Among the three Jain temples at Harapanahalli, Karnataka, one is a Brahma Yaksha temple, where the kayotsarga (meditative) form of Brahma Yaksha is the presiding Deity. Harapanahalli is located 127 kms southwest of Bellary.


11ShreyansanathaIshvara & GauriGauri associated with purity and protectionSimilar to Hindu forms

12VasupujyaKumara & GandhariGandhari grants strength and patienceMinor independent worship




13VimalanathaShanmukha & VairotiVairoti protects from calamitiesLinked with snake symbolism

14AnantanathaPatala & AnantamatiAnantamati grants stabilityRarely worshipped alone

15DharmanathaKinnara & ManasiManasi blesses with harmonyArtistic importance

16ShantinathaGaruda & MahamanasiProtects from disturbancesMahamanasi widely known

17KunthunathaGandharva & Bala (Vijaya)Bala symbolizes strengthLimited cult following

18AranathaKendra & DharaniDharani ensures protection and fertilityEarth-goddess traits

19MallinathaKubera & AparajitaKubera grants wealthShared with Hindu tradition

20MunisuvrataVaruna & Naradatta (Bahurupini)Naradatta grants successPopular in Shvetambara

21NaminathaBhrikuti & Gandhari (Chandmudi)    Gandhari protects from illnessRegional importance

22NeminathaSarvanubhuti (Gomedha) & AmbikaAmbika rewarded for feeding monks; grants fertility and protection

Ambika is very popular, lots of ancient statues found 		One of the most popular Yakshis

Bihar Ambika 600AD
23ParshvanathaDharanendra & PadmavatiDharanendra shelters Parshvanatha from storm demon MeghmaliMost famous Yaksha-Yakshi pair

24MahaviraMatanga & SiddhayikaSiddhayika aids devotees and removes obstaclesMajor focus of worship


Matanga Yaksha (prosperity) on an elephant under a banyan; Siddhaika Yakshini (fertility) under a mango tree. c. 850 AD.


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