In Jain cosmology, Gomukha is the guardian god or Yaksha (attendant deity) of Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara.[1][2]
Gomukha | |
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Gomukha along with Dharanendra is the most popular yaksha in Jainism.[3][4][5]
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]