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