Puranic encyclopaedia
by Vettam Mani | 1975 | 609,556 words | ISBN-10: 0842608222
This page describes the Story of Yaksha included the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani that was translated into English in 1975. The Puranas have for centuries profoundly influenced Indian life and Culture and are defined by their characteristic features (panca-lakshana, literally, ‘the five characteristics of a Purana’).
Story of Yakṣa
General.
A class of Semi-gods. There are chiefly three classes of inhabitants in Heaven:—Devas, Gaṇadevas and Upadevas. Gaṇadevas consist of the 12 Ādityas, 10 Viśvadevas, 8 Vasus, 36 Tuṣitas, 64 Ābhāsvaras, 49 Anilas 220 Mahārājikas, 12 Sādhyas and 11 Rudras.
Among the Upadevas there are 10 subdivisions. They are, Vidyādharas, Apsaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Piśācas, Guhyakas, Siddhas and Bhūtas.
Origin.
There are different views relating to the origin of the Yakṣas. In Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter l we find that the Yakṣas took birth after Brahmā’s birth from "Virāṭ Puruṣa's" aṇḍa. According to a statement in Agni Purāṇa, Chapter 19, Yakṣas and Rākṣasas were born from Munī, the grand daughter of Kaśyapaprajāpati. Thus Yakṣas and Rākṣasas are related as brothers. In Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva, Chapter 66, Verse 7, there is another passage which says that Yakṣas are the progeny of the sage Pulastya.
Other details.
i) Once Śukadeva sang the story of Mahābhārata to the Yakṣas. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapter 1, Verse 108).
(ii) Lakhs of Yakṣas remain in Kubera’s assembly, worshipping him. (Mahābhārata Sabhā Parva, Chapter 10, Verse 18).
(iii) There are Yakṣas in Brahmā’s assembly also. (Mahābhārata Sabhā Parva, Chapter 11, Verse 56).
(iv) Kubera is the King of Yakṣas. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 111, Verse 10).
(v) Bhīmasena once drove away Yakṣas and Rākṣasas. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 16, Verse 57).
(vi) On another occasion, Sunda and Upasunda defeated and persecuted the Yakṣas. (Mahābhārata Vana Parva, Chapter 208, verse 7).