In Jain cosmology, Gomukha is the guardian god or Yaksha (attendant deity) of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara.[1][2]

Gomukha
Gomukha
Gomukha, c. 8th century, Gurjara-Pratihara

Legacy

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Worship

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Gomukha along with Dharanendra is the most popular yaksha in Jainism.[3][4][5]

Iconography

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According to Jain tradition, Gomukha is depicted as two or four armed yaksha riding on an elephant.[6] As the name suggests, gomukha has the head of a bull.[7][8] Gomukha carries a goad in left hand and noose in left. In other two lower arms gomukha carries varada and conch.[9] The yaksha-yakshi pair sculptures of Gomukha-Chakreshwari are one of the most favoured along with Ambika-Sarvanubhuti and Dharanendra-Padmavati.[10] The image of Gomukha yaksha in Ellora caves is noteworthy.[11]

See also

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References

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Citation

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  1. ^ Bruhn 1969, p. 26.
  2. ^ Shah 1995, p. 18.
  3. ^ Campbell 1884, p. 117.
  4. ^ Kelting 2009, p. 240.
  5. ^ Pereira 1977, p. 29.
  6. ^ Shah 1987, p. 117.
  7. ^ Pereira 1977, p. 42.
  8. ^ Bruhn 1969, p. 24.
  9. ^ Shah 1987, p. 227.
  10. ^ Tiwari 1989, p. 13.
  11. ^ Pereira 1977, p. 61.

Source

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