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

See also

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


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