Yakshas in Hinduism

Yaksha was worshipped during the Vedic age. They are divine beings that can change form at will. The female counterpart is known as Yakshi. The most famous incident associated with Yaksha occurs in the Mahabharata – all the four Pandava brothers except Yudhishtira are killed by a Yaksha for not answering his questions. Later all are brought to life when Yudhishtira successfully answers all questions.

One of the most important Yakshas in Hindu tradition is Kubera, the god of wealth.

Yakshas live in caves, mountains, forests, trees, water bodies and in cities created by them in sky. They have enormous powers.

Today, Yaksha is a subsidiary deity in many temples in South India.

In villages both Yaksha and Yakshi reside in sacred trees.

Stories of Yaksha are found in the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas.

It must be noted that Yakshi in certain regions in India is equated with the female ghost.