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Are yakshas exclusively malevolent nature spirits confined solely to Hindu mythology?
Answer: False
This assertion is inaccurate. Yakshas are recognized across Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, and their nature is not exclusively malevolent, often exhibiting a dual personality as benevolent spirits or more capricious entities.
Did yaksha worship entirely supplant the older Vedic sacrificial rituals in India?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. Yaksha worship coexisted with Vedic practices, indicating a syncretic development in religious traditions rather than a complete replacement.
Are yakshas consistently portrayed as benevolent beings across all South and Southeast Asian mythologies?
Answer: False
This is false. Yakshas exhibit a dual nature, appearing as both benevolent spirits and more capricious or darker entities depending on the context and tradition.
In later Indian traditions, were yakshas believed to function as stewards of the earth and its hidden treasures?
Answer: True
Yes, in later Indian traditions, yakshas were often regarded as stewards of the earth and the treasures concealed within it.
Are yakshas exclusively associated with terrestrial elements such as trees and forests, and not with water?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. Yakshas are associated with various natural elements, including water, fertility, trees, and forests.
What is the primary nature of yakshas as described within Asian mythologies?
Answer: A class of nature spirits, often benevolent but sometimes capricious.
Yakshas are primarily characterized as a class of nature spirits, often benevolent but capable of being capricious or even malevolent, associated with various natural elements and realms.
According to the provided textual material, which of the following religions does not mention yakshas?
Answer: Zoroastrianism
The provided text does not indicate any mention of yakshas within Zoroastrianism, while they are present in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions.
Based on the source material, what potential role did yakshas fulfill in early Indian society?
Answer: Tutelary deities for specific locations like cities or wells.
Yakshas may have originally served as tutelary deities for specific locations such as cities, districts, lakes, or wells.
What was the relationship between yaksha worship and established Vedic practices?
Answer: It coexisted with Vedic sacrifices, indicating a blend of practices.
Yaksha worship coexisted with the priest-conducted sacrifices characteristic of the Vedic period, indicating a syncretic development where popular practices integrated with established religious systems.
Which statement accurately characterizes the dual personality often attributed to yakshas?
Answer: They can be inoffensive nature spirits or darker entities that haunt wilderness.
Yakshas possess a dual nature, manifesting as either inoffensive nature spirits or darker entities that inhabit wilderness areas and pose threats.
What are the primary natural elements with which yakshas are associated?
Answer: Water, fertility, trees, and forests
Yakshas are intrinsically connected with elements such as water, fertility, trees, forests, treasures, and wilderness.
Does the Hindu dialogue 'Yaksha Prashna' feature a yaksha testing Yudhishthira's knowledge through a series of riddles?
Answer: True
Yes, the 'Yaksha Prashna' involves a yaksha, identified as a tutelary spirit of a lake, who poses questions to Yudhishthira.
Is Kubera's typical vehicle depicted as a lion?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. Kubera's traditional vehicle is the mongoose.
Who is identified as the king of the yakshas, prominently associated with wealth and prosperity?
Answer: Kubera
Kubera is identified as the king of the yakshas and is widely associated with wealth and prosperity across Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
Within the narrative of the 'Yaksha Prashna,' what role does the yaksha fulfill?
Answer: A tutelary spirit of a lake who challenges Yudhishthira.
In the 'Yaksha Prashna,' the yaksha acts as a tutelary spirit of a lake who challenges Yudhishthira with a series of questions.
Which of the following descriptions accurately reflects the typical artistic representation of Kubera?
Answer: Plump body, adorned with jewels, carrying a money-pot and club.
Kubera is typically depicted with a plump physique, adorned with jewels, and often carrying a money-pot and a club. His vehicle is commonly the mongoose.
In Buddhist texts, is Kubera, the king of the yakshas, primarily associated with destruction and warfare?
Answer: False
This statement is false. In Buddhist traditions, Kubera (or Vaiśravaṇa) is typically associated with wealth, protection, and the northern quarter, rather than destruction and warfare.
Does the Mahamayuri Sutra enumerate yakshas invoked for the protection of the Buddhist Dharma?
Answer: True
Yes, the Mahamayuri Sutra contains lists of yakshas who are invoked to safeguard the Buddhist Dharma.
Are the Twelve Heavenly Generals in Buddhism primarily associated with the protection of Kubera, the god of wealth?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. The Twelve Heavenly Generals are associated with protecting Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha, not Kubera.
Does the Buddhist text Mahamayuri Sutra primarily delve into the philosophical dimensions of yaksha existence?
Answer: False
No, the Mahamayuri Sutra is primarily concerned with listing yakshas invoked for the protection of the Buddhist Dharma, rather than focusing on philosophical aspects.
In Buddhist literature, are yakshas sometimes depicted as having attained that form through rebirth resulting from past human transgressions?
Answer: True
Yes, Buddhist literature occasionally portrays yakshas as beings reborn into that state due to sins committed during their previous human lives.
In Buddhist traditions, who is considered the equivalent deity to Kubera?
Answer: Vaiśravaṇa
In Buddhism, Kubera is equated with the deity Vaiśravaṇa.
Within Buddhist literature, what is the reason cited for the depiction of some yakshas as ugly ogres?
Answer: They have been reborn into that form due to past sins.
The depiction of some yakshas as ugly ogres in Buddhist literature stems from the belief that they have undergone rebirth into such forms due to sins committed during their previous human lives.
What is the primary significance of the Mahamayuri Sutra in relation to yakshas?
Answer: It lists yakshas invoked for the protection of the Buddhist Dharma.
The Mahamayuri Sutra is significant for listing numerous yakshas residing in ancient Indian cities who are invoked for the protection of the Buddhist Dharma.
In Buddhist traditions, which specific figure are the Twelve Heavenly Generals primarily associated with guarding?
Answer: Bhaiṣajyaguru (The Medicine Buddha)
The Twelve Heavenly Generals are specifically associated with the guardianship of Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha.
Within Jainism, do yakshas primarily function as attendants to figures such as the Buddha?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. In Jainism, yakshas and yakshinis serve as guardian deities associated with the Jinas (Tirthankaras), not as attendants to figures like the Buddha, who belongs to the Buddhist tradition.
Are Yakshinis, the female counterparts of yakshas, never depicted as guardian deities within Jainism?
Answer: False
This is false. Yakshinis are indeed depicted as guardian deities in Jainism, often accompanying yakshas around the images of Jinas.
Does the Digambara Terapanth movement actively advocate for the worship of yakshas and yakshinis within Jainism?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. The Digambara Terapanth movement is known for its opposition to the worship of yakshas and yakshinis.
In Jain iconography, is the yaksha typically positioned to the left of the Jina image, with the yakshini to the right?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. Conventionally, the yaksha is placed to the right of the Jina image, and the yakshini to the left.
What is the primary role attributed to yakshas and yakshinis within the Jain religious framework?
Answer: They serve as guardian deities around Jina images.
In Jainism, yakshas and yakshinis function as guardian deities, typically positioned around the cult images of the Jinas (Tirthankaras).
Which specific yakshas and yakshinis achieved notable popularity in Jainism between the 10th and 13th centuries, prompting the construction of dedicated temples?
Answer: Manibhadra, Purnabadra, Chakreshvari, Ambika, Padmavati, and Jwalamalini
Manibhadra and Purnabadra yakshas, along with the yakshinis Chakreshvari, Ambika, Padmavati, and Jwalamalini, gained significant popularity during this period, leading to the erection of independent temples dedicated to them.
In Jain iconography, how are yakshas and yakshinis typically positioned in relation to Jina images?
Answer: The yaksha is usually on the right, and the yakshini on the left.
Conventionally, the yaksha is positioned to the right of the Jina image, and the yakshini is positioned to the left.
Are monumental yaksha sculptures from the Maurya Empire considered the earliest known examples of monumental stone art in India?
Answer: True
This is accurate. The monumental yaksha sculptures from the Maurya Empire period (circa 3rd-1st century BCE) are indeed recognized as the earliest significant examples of monumental stone art in India.
In Nepalese architecture, did yakshas exclusively serve as decorative elements devoid of functional purpose?
Answer: False
This is inaccurate. Yakshas in Nepalese architecture, particularly during the Licchavi era, functioned architecturally as caryatids, supporting building structures, often beneath fountain spouts.
Are yakshas in Thai temple art commonly portrayed as small, delicate nature spirits?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. In Thai temple art, yakshas are typically depicted as imposing guardian figures, often at temple gates, rather than small, delicate spirits.
Is the Mudgarpani Yaksha sculpture, dated approximately to 100 BCE, recognized for holding a specific type of mace?
Answer: True
Yes, the Mudgarpani Yaksha sculpture, dated to around 100 BCE, is noted for holding a 'mudgar' mace.
Does the Sanchi Yaksha couple image depict the male figure holding a lotus bud and posed in a distinctive style?
Answer: True
Yes, the Sanchi Yaksha couple image shows the male figure holding a lotus bud, posed in a style often referred to as 'shalabhanjika'.
Is the Dvarapala Yaksha from Pitalkhora sculpted from marble and housed in the National Museum, Delhi?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. The Dvarapala Yaksha from Pitalkhora is made of basalt and is housed in the Prince of Wales Museum (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya).
Does the Vidisha Yaksha sculpture date to the 11th century CE?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. The Vidisha Yaksha sculpture dates to the 2nd century BCE.
During which historical period were the first known monumental stone sculptures in India, frequently identified as yakshas, created?
Answer: Maurya Empire (c. 3rd-1st century BCE)
The Maurya Empire period (circa 3rd-1st century BCE) is recognized for the creation of the earliest known monumental stone sculptures in India, many of which are identified as yakshas.
What specific architectural role did yakshas fulfill in Nepalese structures, particularly during the Licchavi era?
Answer: As caryatids supporting building structures, often under fountain spouts.
During the Licchavi era in Nepal, yakshas served as architectural elements, functioning as caryatids to support parts of buildings, often situated beneath fountain spouts.
Which of the following attributes is NOT commonly associated with Thai ceramic sculptures depicting guardian yakshas?
Answer: A serene, smiling expression
While Thai guardian yakshas often feature big, round eyes, protruding fangs, and a green complexion, a serene, smiling expression is not a typical characteristic.
The Parkham Yaksha and Mudgarpani Yaksha sculptures are noted for their considerable height, typically approximating:
Answer: 2 meters
These monumental yaksha sculptures, such as the Parkham and Mudgarpani examples, typically stand around two meters tall.
What specific function does the yaksha depicted as the Plaosan Temple guardian serve?
Answer: A gate guardian (dvarapala)
The yaksha depicted as the Plaosan Temple guardian serves the function of a gate guardian, known as a 'dvarapala'.
Of what material is the Dvarapala Yaksha sculpture discovered in the Buddhist cave at Pitalkhora composed?
Answer: Basalt
The Dvarapala Yaksha from Pitalkhora is sculpted from basalt.
In the Jataka tales, was the yaksha Silesaloma ultimately defeated and killed by Prince Panchayudha?
Answer: False
This is false. While Prince Panchayudha encountered Silesaloma, the narrative concludes with Silesaloma renouncing violence after being taught the precepts, rather than being killed.
In Kalidasa's 'Meghaduta,' is the yaksha narrator portrayed as a warrior engaged in combat with demons?
Answer: False
No, this is inaccurate. The yaksha narrator in 'Meghaduta' is depicted as a romantic figure longing for his separated beloved.
Does the Mahavamsa poem recount Prince Vijaya's encounter with a yaksha queen named Kuveni?
Answer: True
Yes, the Mahavamsa poem details Prince Vijaya's encounter with Kuveni, a yaksha queen, upon his arrival in Lanka.
Does a Japanese book illustration from 1866 depict a yaksha challenging the Buddha?
Answer: False
No, this illustration depicts a yaksha identified as an incarnation of Kannon delivering a sermon, not challenging the Buddha.
In Kalidasa's 'Meghaduta,' what is the primary characteristic attributed to the yaksha narrator?
Answer: A romantic figure longing for his beloved.
The yaksha narrator in Kalidasa's 'Meghaduta' is primarily characterized as a romantic figure experiencing longing for his separated beloved.
With which figure does the Mahavamsa poem describe Prince Vijaya having an encounter?
Answer: The yaksha queen Kuveni.
The Mahavamsa poem describes Prince Vijaya's encounter with Kuveni, a yaksha queen.
What depiction concerning yakshas is presented in the 1866 Japanese book illustration?
Answer: A yaksha, identified as an incarnation of Kannon, giving a sermon.
The 1866 Japanese book illustration portrays a yaksha, identified as an incarnation of the Bodhisattva Kannon, delivering a sermon to an audience.
Is the feminine designation for 'yaksha' rendered as 'yaksha-woman'?
Answer: False
The correct feminine forms are 'Yakshi' or 'Yakshini', not 'yaksha-woman'.
Does the term 'yaksha' originate from the Pali language?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. The term 'yaksha' originates from Sanskrit. The Pali equivalent is 'Yakkha'.
In Sri Lanka, does the term 'yakshayo' exclusively denote benevolent nature spirits?
Answer: False
This is incorrect. In Sri Lanka, 'yakshayo' can refer to yakshas more broadly, including demonic or malevolent entities, not solely benevolent nature spirits.
What is the correct feminine form of the Sanskrit term 'yaksha'?
Answer: Yakshini
The feminine form of 'yaksha' is 'Yakshi' or 'Yakshini'.
What does the term 'Yagasha,' discovered in an early Brahmi script inscription in Sri Lanka, signify?
Answer: An indication of belonging to or being written by Yakshas.
The term 'Yagasha' in early Brahmi inscriptions from Sri Lanka signifies belonging to or authorship by Yakshas.
What is the precise Sanskrit term for 'yaksha'?
Answer: Yakṣa
The Sanskrit term for yaksha is 'Yakṣa'.
According to the provided source, what is the Pali term for 'yaksha'?
Answer: Yakkha
The Pali term for 'yaksha' is 'Yakkha'.