Project Idea: Yakshas

The yakshas are supernatural characters whom you will meet in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Ravana, in fact, is related to Kubera, King of the Yakshas, as they are half-brothers, both sons of the rishi named Vishrava.

Research Tip: Start with the Wikipedia article about yakshas, and take a look at the article about Kubera. You will find a fantastic comic book about Kubera and Ravana on Reserve in Bizzell (and that link has a detailed plot guide with additional reference links). The most famous yaksha in the Mahabharata is the water-yaksha who tests Yudhishthira and his brothers: Yaksha-Prashna. Another important yaksha is Sthuna, who trades genders with Shikhandin; you can read about that here: Yaksha Kingdom. For yakshas in Indian folktales, see the yaksha stories at the Indian Stories site.

Past Project:

• Tragic Stories of Yakshas