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{{Short description|Class of nature spirits in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious mythologies}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| deity_of =
| image = [[File:Didarganj Yakshi statue in the Bihar Museum.jpg|170px]]
| caption = [[Didarganj Yakshi]]<br />3rd century BCE – 2nd century CE<ref>Huntington, John C. and Susan L. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060904160524/http://huntington.wmc.ohio-state.edu/public/index.cfm?fuseaction=showThisDetail&ObjectID=3809 The Huntington Archive]. Ohio State University, accessed 30 August 2011.</ref><ref>''A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century'' by Upinder Singh, Pearson Education India, 2008 [https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA364]</ref> [[Patna Museum]], [[Patna]]
| texts =
| planet =
| parents =
| affiliation = [[Devi]]
| Devanagari = यक्षिणी
}}
[[File:Bhutesvara Yakshis Mathura reliefs 2nd century CE front.jpg|thumb|The [[Bhutesvara Yakshis]], [[Mathura]], 2nd century CE.]]

'''''Yakshinis''''' or '''''yakshis''''' (यक्षिणी {{lang-sa|yakṣiṇī}} or ''yakṣī''; {{lang-pi|yakkhiṇī}} or ''yakkhī'') are a class of female [[nature spirit]]s in [[Hinduism|Hindu]], [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], and [[Jainism|Jain]] religious mythologies that are different from [[deva (Hinduism)|deva]]s and [[asuras]] (classes of power-seeking beings), and [[gandharva]]s or [[apsara]]s (celestial nymphs). Yakshinis and their male counterparts, the [[yaksha]]s, are one of the many [[paranormal]] beings associated with the centuries-old [[sacred groves of India]]. Yakshis are also found in the traditional legends of [[Northeast India|Northeastern Indian]] tribes, ancient legends of [[Kerala]], and in the folktales of [[Kashmiri Muslims]]. [[Sikhism]] also mentions yakshas in its sacred texts.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last1=Bhairav|first1=J. Furcifer|title=Ghosts, Monsters, and Demons of India|last2=Khanna|first2=Rakesh|publisher=Blaft Publications Pvt. Ltd.|year=2021|isbn=9789380636474|location=India|pages=418–421|language=English}}</ref>

The well behaved and benign ones are worshipped as [[tutelary deities|tutelaries]],<ref name="britannica.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/yaksha|title=Yaksha | Hindu mythology}}</ref> they are the attendees of [[Kubera]], the treasurer of the gods, and also the Hindu god of [[wealth]] who ruled [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] kingdom of [[Alaka]]. There are also malign and mischievous yakshinis with [[poltergeist]]-like behaviours,<ref name="britannica.com"/> that can haunt and curse humans according to [[Folklore of India|Indian folklore]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.shivashakti.com/yaksh.htm|title=Yakshinis and Chetakas|last=Magee|first=Mike|date=2006|website=Shiva Shakti Mandalam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318103442/http://shivashakti.com/yaksh.htm|archive-date=18 March 2009|url-status=live|access-date=March 2, 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The [[ashoka tree]] is closely associated with yakshinis. The young girl at the foot of the tree is an ancient motif indicating fertility on the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name=":1" /> One of the recurring elements in [[Indian art]], often found as gatekeepers in ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, is a yakshini with her foot on the trunk and her hands holding the branch of a stylized flowering ashoka or, less frequently, other tree with flowers or fruits.

==Yakshinis in Buddhism==
[[File:SungaYaksa.JPG|thumb|upright|Yakshi under a flowering asoka tree. [[Shunga Empire|Shunga]], 2nd-1st century BC, India]]
The three sites of [[Bharhut]], [[Sanchi]], and [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], have yielded huge numbers of Yakshi figures, most commonly on the railing pillars of [[stupa]]s. These show a clear development and progression that establishes certain characteristics of the Yakshi figure such as her nudity, smiling face and evident (often exaggerated) secondary sexual characteristics that lead to their association with [[fertility]]. The yakshi is usually shown with her hand touching a tree branch, in a sinuous ''[[tribhanga]]'' pose, thus some authors hold that the young girl at the foot of the tree is based on an ancient [[tree deity]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization|last=Zimmer|first=Heinrich Robert|publisher=Princeton University Press|year=1972|isbn=978-81-208-0751-8|editor-last=Campbell|editor-first=Joseph|location=Delhi|author-link=Heinrich Zimmer}}</ref>

Yakshis were important in early [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] monuments as a decorative element and are found in many ancient Buddhist archaeological sites. They became [[Salabhanjika]]s ([[sal tree]] maidens) with the passing of the centuries, a standard decorative element of both [[Sculpture in India|Indian sculpture]] and [[Architecture of India|Indian temple architecture]].<ref name="ReferenceA">Hans Wolfgang Schumann (1986), ''Buddhistische Bilderwelt: Ein ikonographisches Handbuch des Mahayana- und Tantrayana-Buddhismus.'' Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. {{ISBN|3-424-00897-4}}, {{ISBN|978-3-424-00897-5}}</ref>

The sal tree ''(Shorea robusta)'' is often confused with the ashoka tree ''(Saraca indica)'' in the ancient literature of the Indian Subcontinent.<ref>Eckard Schleberger (1986), ''Die indische Götterwelt. Gestalt, Ausdruck und Sinnbild.'' Eugen Diederichs Verlag. Cologne. {{ISBN|3-424-00898-2}}, {{ISBN|978-3-424-00898-2}}</ref> The position of the Salabhanjika is also related to the position of [[Queen Māyā of Sakya]] when she gave birth to Gautama [[Buddha]] under an asoka tree in a garden in [[Lumbini]], while grasping its branch.<ref name="ReferenceA" />

=== List of yakshini found in Buddhist literature ===
Below is a nonexhaustive list of yakshinis found in Buddhist literature:<ref>{{cite book|last1=Misra|first1=Ram Nath|url=http://ignca.gov.in/Asi_data/69855.pdf|title=Yaksha Cult and Iconography|date=1981|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal}}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Hariti|Hārītī]]
*Ālikā
*Vendā
*Anopamā
*Vimalaprabhā
*Śrī
*Śankhinī
*Meghā
*Timisikā
*Prabhāvatī
*Bhīmā
*Haritā
*Mahādevī
*Nālī
*Udaryā
*Kuntī
*Sulocanā
*Śubhru
*Susvarā
*Sumatī
*Vasumatī
*Citrākṣī
*Pūrnasniṣā
*Guhykā
*Suguhyakā
*Mekhalā
*Sumekhalā
*Padmocchā
*Abhayā
*Jayā
*Vijayā
*Revatikā
*Keśinī
*Keśāntā
*Anila
*Manoharā
*Manovatī
*Kusumavatī
*Kusumapuravāsinī
*Pingalā
*Vīramatī
*Vīrā
*Suvīrā
*Sughorā
*Ghorā
*Ghorāvatī
*Surāsundari
*Surasā
*Guhyottamārī
*Vaṭavāsinī
*Aśokā
*Andhārasunarī
*Ālokasunarī
*Prabhāvatī
*Atiśayavatī
*Rūpavatī
*Surūpā
*Asitā
*Saumyā
*Kāṇā
*Menā
*Nandinī
*Upanandinī
*Lokāntarā
*Kuvaṇṇā ([[Pali]])
*Cetiyā ([[Pali]])
*Piyaṅkaramātā ([[Pali]])
*Punabbasumātā ([[Pali]])
*Bhesakalā ([[Pali]]){{div col end}}

==Yakshinis in Hinduism==
In the ''Uddamareshvara Tantra'', thirty-six yakshinis are described, including their [[mantra]]s and [[ritual]] prescriptions. A similar list of yakshas and yakshinis are given in the ''Tantraraja Tantra'', where it says that these beings are givers of whatever is desired. They are the guardians of the [[treasure]] hidden in the [[earth]].They can be [[Sattvik]], [[Rajas]] or [[Tamas (philosophy)|Tamas]] in nature. {{Citation needed|date=April 2017}}

===36 Yakshinis===
[[File:Yaksi.JPG|thumb|upright|A Yakshin, 10th century, [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], [[India]]. [[Guimet Museum]].]]
The sadhak can take yakshini as mother, sister or wife before commencing it. Proper mantra dikshaa from guru can speed up the mantra siddhi. They can be invoked with mantra "Om hreem shreem nityadravae mada (yakshini name) shreem hreem". The list of thirty six yakshinis given in the ''Uddamareshvara Tantra'' is as follows, along with some of the associated legends:<ref name=":0" />
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
# Vichitra (The Lovely One)
# Vibhrama (Amorous One): She is a [[Tamas (philosophy)|tamas]] yakshini and should be worshipped naked by lighting camphor, ghee, and her mantra should be recited 20,000 times. Her mantra should be written with dust from Cremation Ground. After that 20,000 times [[havan]] need to be performed with cow ghee.
# Hamsi (The one with Swan)
# Bhishani (The Terrifying)
# Janaranjika (Pleasuring Men)
# Vishala (Large Eyed)
# Madana (Lustful)
# Ghanta (Bell)
# Kalakarni (Ears Adorned with Kalas): Recite her mantra 10000 times with blade of grass. She gives a shakti.
# Mahabhaya (Greatly Fearful)
# Mahendri (Greatly Powerful): Gives the person the ability to fly. One obtains Patala Siddhi.
# Shankhini (Conch Girl ): Fulfilment of any desire.
# Chandri (Moon Girl):
# Shmashana (Cremation Ground Girl ): She is a [[Tamas (philosophy)|Tamas]] yakshini.
# Vatayakshini: She resides in the banyan tree.
# Mekhala (Love Girdle): She gives magical unguent which when smeared subjugated women. The sadhak has to go to madhuka tree in blossom on 14th day of lunar cycle and must chant her mantra. "Om Drim hum madanamekalayai madanavidhambanayai namah svaha".
# Vikala
# Lakshmi (Wealth)
# Malini (Flower Girl )
# Shatapatrika (100 Flowers )
# Sulochana (Lovely Eyed)
# Shobha
# Kapalini (Skull Girl)
# Varayakshini: She bestows boons to sadhak.
# Nati (Actress):
# Kameshvari: She gives gems,clothes and secrets of alchemy to the sadhak.
# Dhana yakshini: She is used to provide knowledge on past,present.She is a [[sattva]] yakshini.She also provide riches to the sadhak.The sadhak should climb and sit on banyan tree and chant 10000 times "Om Aim hreem shreem dhana kuru kuru swaha" during daytime.
# Karnapisachi: She is a [[Tamas (philosophy)|tamas]] yakshini.She is used by aghori to know about past and present life of person by whispering in ear of person who has attained siddhi.It is mentioned that sadhak should leave this Siddhi else the karnapisachi takes soul of sadhak for serving it for 1000 years.Her mantra is "Om arvinde swaha" which needs to be chanted 10000 times within 21 days.
# Manohara (Fascinating)
# Pramoda (Fragrant): For one month rise at midnight and pronounce the mantra for 1000 times. "Om hrim pramodyai swaha".
# Anuragini (Very Passionate)
# Nakhakeshi: She gives fruit on Siddhi.
# Bhamini: She gives an wonderful unguent which smeared alludes women and helps find treasure. Recite her mantra at the time of an of eclipse. "Om hrim yakshini bhamini ratipriye swaha".
# Padmini: She is mentioned in (35).
# Svarnavati: She gives Anjana Siddhi.
# Ratipriya (Fond of Love): She is a [[Satva]] yakshini.Her image should be drawn in yellow silk cloth with beautiful women Adorned with jewels and worshipped with ghee lamp,one unbroken nutmeg.She should be invoked with mantra "Om hrim ratipriya swaha" or "Om agacchh ratipriye swaha" each night(from 11.30 am to 3.30 am)till the yakshini manifests. During the time of sadhana,the sadhak should not eat Non veg, betel leaves. It is not suitable for married men.

{{div col end}}

==Yakshinis in Jainism==
{{multiple image | perrow = 2
| image1 = Ellora cave34 001.jpg
| width1 = 175
| height1 = 130
| caption1 = An image of [[Jain]] goddess [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] in Cave 34 of the [[Ellora Caves]]
| image2 = Jain Goddess Chakreshwari - Kankali Mound - Circa 10th Century CE - ACCN 00-D-6 - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-23 5387.JPG
| width2 = 170
| caption2 = An image of [[Jain]] goddess [[Chakreshvari]], c. 10th century, Mathura Museum
| image3 = MET - Padmavati Idol (1).jpg
| width3 = 175
| height3 = 130
| caption3 = [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]], 10th century, [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]
| image4 =
| width4 = 175
| height4 = 130
| caption4 = [[Jwalamalini]], 17th century, [[Ackland Art Museum]]
}}

In [[Jainism]], there are twenty-five yakshis, including Panchanguli, [[Chakreshvari]], [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]], and [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]], who are frequently represented in Jain temples.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/tamiljain/sasandevs/index.html|title=Jina Sasana Devatas|last=Vasanthan|first=Aruna|website=Tamil Jain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027084400/http://www.geocities.com/tamiljain/sasandevs/index.html|archive-date=27 October 2009 |access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref> Each is regarded as the guardian goddess of one of the present tirthankar Shri [[Simandhara|Simandhar]] Swami and twenty-four Jain ''[[tirthankara]]''. The names according to [[Tiloyapannatti]] (or Pratishthasarasangraha) and Abhidhanachintamani are:

* Panchanguli
*[[Chakreshvari]]
* Rohini, Ajitbala
* Prajnapti, Duritari
* Vajrashrankhala, [[Kālī|Kali]]
* Vajrankusha, [[Mahakali]]
* Manovega, Shyama
* Kali, [[Shantadurga|Shanta]]
* [[Jwalamalini]], Mahajwala
* Mahakali, Sutaraka
* Manavi, Ashoka
* Gauri, Manavi
* Gandhari, [[Chanda (monster)|Chanda]]
* Vairoti, Vidita
* Anantamati, Ankusha
* Manasi, [[Kamadeva|Kandarpa]]
* Mahamansi, Nirvani
* [[Jaya-Vijaya|Jaya]], [[Bala Tripurasundari|Bala]]
* Taradevi, Dharini
* [[Jaya-Vijaya|Vijaya]], Dharanpriya
* Aparajita, Nardatta
* Bahurupini, Gandhari
* [[Ambika (Jainism)|Ambika]] or Kushmandini
* [[Padmavati (Jainism)|Padmavati]]
* Siddhayika

==Legendary Yakshis of South India==
[[File:Besnagar Yakshi.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Besnagar]] Yakshi, 3rd-1st century BC.]]
In the literature and folktales of Kerala, Yakshis are generally not considered benevolent. Many folk stories feature murdered women reborn as vengeful yakshis, some of which are listed below. Aside from those mentioned below, yakshis are also featured in [[Malayattoor Ramakrishnan|Malayatoor Ramakrishnan]]'s 1967 novel ''Yakshi'', which describes their world as having a blue sun, carpets of crimson grass, streams of molten silver, and flowers made of sapphires, emeralds, garnets, and topaz. In the novel, young yakshis fly around on the backs of giant dragonflies. According to Ramakrishnan's novel, adult yakshis are required to enter the land of the living once a year to feed on the blood of human men.<ref name=":2" />

=== Chempakavally Ammal and Neelapilla Ammal ===
According to a legend from Thekkalai, next to [[Nagercoil]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], a pair of beautiful sisters named Chempakavally and Neelapilla turned into vengeful yakshis after becoming victims of an honor killing by their father. Since their father killed them to keep them from the clutches of the lustful [[raja]] of the region, the sister yakshis tortured and killed everyone in the palace, and their father as well. The two yakshis haunted the place where they were killed until they were placated somewhat by many poojas and rituals the construction of a temple on the site. Idols of the sister yakshis are present inside. The older sister, Chempakavally, eventually transformed into a benevolent deity and traveled to [[Mount Kailash]] to worship [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]], while the younger sister, Neelapilla, remained ferocious. It is said that some of Neelapilla's devotees offer her the fingernail clippings or locks of hair from their enemies, beseeching her to destroy them.<ref name=":2" />

===Kalliyankattu Neeli===
One of the most famous stories of legendary Yakshis of Kerala is that of [[Kalliyankattu Neeli yakshi|Kalliyankattu Neeli]], a powerful demoness who was fabled to have finally been stopped by the legendary priest [[Kadamattathu Kathanar]]. The Yakshi theme is the subject of popular Keralite tales, like the legend of the Yakshi of [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]], as well as of certain [[Film|movies]] in modern [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]].

===[[Kanjirottu Yakshi]]===
Mangalathu Sreedevi or Chiruthevi, also known as [[Kanjirottu Yakshi]] is a yakshi from the folklore of Kerala. According to legend, she was born into a [[Padamangalam Nair]] tharavad by name Mangalathu at Kanjiracode in [[Travancore|South Travancore]]. She was also known as Chiruthevi. She was a ravishingly beautiful courtesan who had an intimate relationship with Raman Thampi, son of King [[Rama Varma of Venad|Rama Varma]] and rival of [[Marthanda Varma|Anizhom Thirunal Marthanda Varma]].<ref>Kaimal, Kesava. 'Thekkan Thiruvithamkurile Yakshikal'. Srinidhi Publications, 2002.</ref> Made arrogant by her beauty and the adoration heaped on her by men, she enjoyed toying with men's lives and driving them to financial ruin.

However, Chiruthevi was truly in love with Kunjuraman, her palanquin-bearer, who was already married and uninterested in her romantically. In frustration, Chiruthevi arranged to have Kunjuraman's wife killed. Kunjuraman finally agreed to sleep with Chiruthevi, but then murdered her to avenge his wife.

Immediately after her death, Chiruthevi was reborn as a yakshi in the village of [[Kanjiracodu|Kanjirottu]], where she magically transformed into a beautiful woman mere moments after her birth. She terrorized men and drank their blood, and continued to harass Kunjuraman. Her frenzy only subsided after she made a deal with her brother Mangalathu Govindan, a close associate of Kunjuraman and a great upasaka of Lord [[Balarama]]. According to their agreement she would cohabit with Kunjuraman for a year on the condition that she would become a devotee of [[Narasimha]] after the year was up.<ref name=":2" /><ref name="Nair, Balasankaran 2001">Nair, Balasankaran. 'Kanjirottu Yakshi'. Sastha Books, 2001.</ref> The yakshi was installed at a temple which later came to be owned by Kanjiracottu Valiaveedu, though this temple no longer exists.
[[File:Reserve bank of India Headquarters.jpg|thumb|[[Reserve Bank of India]] headquarters, Delhi entrance with a yakshini sculpture (c. 1960) depicting "Prosperity through agriculture".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Commonman/English/History/Scripts/anecdote3.aspx|title=Anecdote 3: Of Art, Central Banks, and Philistines|website=Reserve Bank of India|access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref>]]
[[File:Malampuzha_Garden_Yakshi_Statue_by_Kanayi_Kunjiraman.JPG|thumb|right|Statue of Yakshi by Kanayi Kunjiraman at [[Malampuzha dam garden|Malampuzha Dam]]]]

Sundara Lakshmi, an accomplished dancer and consort of HH [[Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma]], was an ardent devotee of Kanjirottu Yakshi Amma.

The Kanjirottu yakshi is now said to reside in Vault B of [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple|Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kerala]], which supposedly also contains an enormous treasure.<ref>Bayi, Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi. 'Sree Padmanabhasamy Temple' (Third Edition). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 2013.</ref> The enchanting and ferocious forms of this Yakshi are painted on the south-west part of Sri Padmanabha's shrine. The vault remains unopened due to ongoing legal issues<ref>{{Cite news|last=Krishnan|first=Murali|date=2020|title=Supreme Court upholds royals' rights on Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-upholds-royals-rights-on-sri-padmanabhaswamy-temple/story-wJeARrUuJazpfAmgsEiJxI.html}}</ref> and the legend of the Yakshi, whom some believe will wreak havoc on the world if her prayers to Lord Narasimha within Vault B are disturbed by opening the vault.
[[File:Yakshi_Mathura.jpg|thumb|Red sandstone 2nd century Kushan empire, mathura region, Dallas Museum of Art. ]]

==Beyond the Indian subcontinent and Hinduism==

In [[China]], [[Taiwan]], and [[Japan]] yakshni are famous and well-known, such as [[Hariti]], one of the [[Twenty-Four Protective Deities]] who are venerated as defenders of the Buddhist [[dharma]] in [[mahayana|Mahayana Buddhism]]. The Kishimojin (Hariti) temple in [[Zōshigaya|Zoushigaya]], [[Tokyo]] is dedicated to her.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fun-japan.jp/th/articles/11549 | title=Zōshigaya Kishimojin – Ikebukuro's Deity of Childcare & Childbirth }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/kishimojin-temple/60277 | title=Kishimojin Temple - Tokyo | date=17 September 2019 }}</ref>

In [[Thailand]], yakshni are known and worshiped as deity guardians in [[tai folk religion|Tai Folk religion]] and [[Thai folklore]], showing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on [[Culture of Thailand|Thai culture]]. Yakshini have spirit houses and shrines devoted to them as [[Tutelary deity|Tutelary deities]] in Thai folk religion. Examples include Nang Phisuea Samudra (ศาลนางผีเสื้อสมุทร), considered the deity guardian of Phisuea Samut Fort, [[Phra Samut Chedi district|Phra Samut Chedi District]], [[Samut Prakan province|Samut Prakan Province]], [[Saeng Chan Beach|Seang Chan Beach]] in [[Mueang Rayong district]], and [[Rayong province]];<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thairath.co.th/lifestyle/travel/thaitravel/1710386 | title=เหนือฟ้าใต้บาดาล : ศาลนางผีเสื้อสมุทร พลังศรัทธาที่มีแต่รัก | date=24 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://travel.trueid.net/detail/Edx00kOm2k1d | title=ชม 'ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร' หนึ่งในปราการต้านศึก ร.ศ.112 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ceediz.com/th/travel/samutprakarn/sp/a/%E0%B8%9B%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%9C%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3.1747/ | title=ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร (เกาะ) สมุทรปราการ สถานที่ทางประวัติศาสตร์ ป้อมปืน }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://pantip.com/topic/37110288 | title=[CR] เที่ยวไปกินไป by laser @ สมุทรปราการ : 1 อำเภอพระสมุทรเจดีย์ : 1 พระสมุทรเจดีย์ }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.naewna.com/entertain/677174 | title=ขนลุก'บ๊วย และ อ.เรนนี่'พามาสัมผัสความศักดิ์สิทธิ์ ณ ป้อมผีเสื้อสมุทร | date=September 2022 }}</ref> Nang Suphanapsron chomtevi (นางสุพรรณอัปสรจอมเทวี), considered the deity guardian of Wat Nang thakian (วัดนางตะเคียน) in [[Mueang Samut Songkhram district]], and [[Samut Songkhram province]];<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thairath.co.th/lifestyle/culture/2404407 | title="ยักษ์แม่ใหญ่" จมใต้น้ำ 100 ปี ขึ้นมาให้โชคลาภ วัดนางตะเคียน | date=29 May 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://travel.trueid.net/detail/rzB4yA5k1ym6 | title=กราบขอพร "ยักษ์แม่ใหญ่" พระนางสุวรรณอัปสรจอมเทวี วัดนางตะเคียน จ.สมุทรสงคราม }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://supapitakpong.com/giantess/ | title=แม่ยักษ์ใหญ่ อายุร้อยปี วัดนางตะเคียน แห่งลุ่มน้ำแม่กลอง | date=21 April 2022 }}</ref> and Nang Panturat (ศาลนางพันธุรัตน์) from the [[Sang Thong]], considered the deity guardian of Khao Nang Panthurat Forest Park, Khao Yai Sup district, [[Cha-am district]], and [[Phetchaburi province]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://mgronline.com/travel/detail/9640000112910 | title=ตามรอยวรรณคดีสังข์ทองที่ "วนอุทยานเขานางพันธุรัต" UNSEEN New Series ของเมืองไทย | date=14 November 2021 }}</ref>

In [[Myanmar]], yakshni are known and worshiped as deity guardians in Myanmar folk religion and [[Burmese mythology|Burmese folklore]], showing the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on [[Culture of Myanmar|Burmese culture]]. Examples include [[Popa Medaw]], the [[Nat (spirit)|deity guardian]] of [[Popa Mountain National Park|Popa mountain]], and the yakshni deity guardian of the [[Shwedagon Pagoda]].

==See also==
{{col div|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Apsara]]
*[[Salabhanjika]]
*[[Shitala]]
*[[Nariphon]]
*[[Nymph]]
*[[Fairy]]
*[[Houri]]
*[[Yogini]]
*[[List of tree deities]]
{{colend}}
*[[Succubus]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721181758/http://www.yakshi.in/concept-of-yakshi Concept of Yakshi] (archived 21 July 2011)
*[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9077732 Encyclopædia Britannica — "Yaksha"]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050319130942/http://www.museum.rbi.org.in/yaksh.html RBI Monetary Museum — "Yaksha and Yakshini"]
*[http://kushan.org/essays/women/ideals.htm Ideals of Female Beauty in Ancient India]
*[http://huntingtonarchive.osu.edu/ Huntingdon Archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150406204249/http://huntingtonarchive.osu.edu/ |date=6 April 2015 }}

{{HinduMythology}}

[[Category:Buddhist legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Non-human races in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category:Indian folklore]]
[[Category:Female buddhas and supernatural beings]]
[[Category:Female legendary creatures]]
[[Category:Mythological hematophages]]
[[Category:Yakshas]]
[[Category:Harvest goddesses]]
[[Category:Jainism]]

Yakshini - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article