Gajasimha

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Gajasimha sculpture, Museum of Cham Sculpture, Danang, Vietnam

The gajasimha or gajasiha (from Sanskrit: gaja+siṃha / Pali: gaja+sīha) is a mythical hybrid animal in Hindu mythology, appearing as a sinha or rajasiha (mythical lion) with the head or trunk of an elephant. It is found as a motif in Indian and Sinhalese art,[1] and is used as a heraldic symbol in some Southeast Asian countries, especially Cambodia and Thailand. In Siam (pre-modern Thailand), the gajasimha served as the symbol of the kalahom, one of the king's two chief chancellors. It appears as a supporter in the coat of arms of Siam, in use from 1873 to 1910, and the royal arms of Cambodia, officially adopted in 1993.

Gallery

  • Ivory throne leg, Eastern Ganga dynasty
    Ivory throne leg, Eastern Ganga dynasty
  • Architectural motif, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
    Architectural motif, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Lintel detail from Prasat Prei Kmeng, Siem Reab, Cambodia
    Lintel detail from Prasat Prei Kmeng, Siem Reab, Cambodia
  • Door painting, Wat Arun, Thailand
    Door painting, Wat Arun, Thailand
  • Statue, Ministry of Defence, Thailand
    Statue, Ministry of Defence, Thailand
  • Royal crematorium of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand
    Royal crematorium of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand

In heraldry

See also

References

  1. ^ Bane, Theresa (2016). Encyclopedia of beasts and monsters in myth, legend and folklore. McFarland. p. 132. ISBN 9780786495054.