Gajasimha
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.
Gajasimha sculpture, Museum of Cham Sculpture, Danang, Vietnam
Gallery
Ivory throne leg, Eastern Ganga dynasty
Architectural motif, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
Lintel detail from Prasat Prei Kmeng, Siem Reab, Cambodia
Door painting, Wat Arun, Thailand
Statue, Ministry of Defence, Thailand
Royal crematorium of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand
In heraldry
Royal arms of Cambodia
Coat of arms of Siam
Coat of arms of the Thai 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard
Seal of the Minister of Defence, Siam
Emblem of the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gajasimha. |
- Bane, Theresa (2016). Encyclopedia of beasts and monsters in myth, legend and folklore. McFarland. p. 132. ISBN 9780786495054.
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