The ''gajasimha'' or ''gajasiha'' (from sa, gaja+siṃha, script=Latn / pi, gaja+sīha, script=Latn) is a mythical hybrid animal in

Hindu mythology Hindu mythology is the body of myths and literature attributed to, and espoused by, the adherents of the Hindu religion, found in Hindu texts such as the Vedic literature, epics like ''Mahabharata'' and ''Ramayana'', the Puranas, and ...

, 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 Cambodia (; also Kampuchea ; km, កម្ពុជា, UNGEGN: ), officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, spanning an area of , bordered by Thailand ...

and

Thailand Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is b ...

. In Siam (pre-modern Thailand), the ''gajasimha'' served as the symbol of the ''

kalahom Chatusadom or Catustambha ( th, จตุสดมภ์ , literally "Four Pillars" from Sanskrit ''Catur'' "Four" + ''Stambha'' "Pillars") was the Thai system of central executive governance during the Ayutthaya Kingdom, Thonburi Kingdom and Rat ...

'', one of the king's two chief chancellors. It appears as a

supporter In heraldry, supporters, sometimes referred to as ''attendants'', are figures or objects usually placed on either side of the shield and depicted holding it up. Early forms of supporters are found in medieval seals. However, unlike the coro ...

in the

coat of arms of Siam The national emblem of Thailand ( th, ตราแผ่นดินของไทย) is called the ' ( RTGS transcription: Phra Khrut Pha; "Garuda as the vehicle" (of Vishnu)). The Garuda was officially adopted as the national emblem by Vajir ...

, in use from 1873 to 1910, and the

royal arms of Cambodia The royal arms of Cambodia is the symbol of the Cambodian monarchy. They have existed in some form close to the one depicted since the establishment of the independent Cambodia (1953–1970), Kingdom of Cambodia in Independence Day of Cambo ...

, officially adopted in 1993.

Gallery

File:Throne leg depicting gajasimha, Ganga dynasty, 13th century, India, ivory - Freer Gallery of Art - DSC05225.JPG, Ivory throne leg,

Eastern Ganga dynasty The Eastern Ganga dynasty also known as Purba Gangas, Rudhi Gangas or Prachya Gangas were a large medieval era Indian royal dynasty that reigned from Kalinga from as early as the 5th century to the mid 20th century. Eastern Gangas ruled much of ...

File:Sculpture of Gajasimha, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India.jpg, Architectural motif,

Gwalior Fort The Gwalior Fort commonly known as the ''Gwāliiyar Qila'', is a hill fort near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The fort has existed at least since the 10th century, and the inscriptions and monuments found within what is now the fort campus in ...

, Madhya Pradesh, India File:Gajasimha-1.jpg, Lintel detail from Prasat Prei Kmeng, Siem Reab, Cambodia File:Bkkwarundoor0205a.jpg, Door painting, Wat Arun, Thailand File:Gajasiha statue at Ministry of Defence Photographed by Trisorn Triboon.jpg, Statue,

Ministry of Defence {{unsourced, date=February 2021 A ministry of defence or defense (see spelling differences), also known as a department of defence or defense, is an often-used name for the part of a government responsible for matters of defence, found in state ...

, Thailand File:IMG 9092 Royal Crematorium King Rama9 Photographed by Trisorn Triboon.jpg, Royal crematorium of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand

In heraldry

File:Royal arms of Cambodia.svg, Royal arms of Cambodia File:Coat of arms of Siam.svg, Coat of arms of Siam File:Emblem of the 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Own Bodyguard.svg, Coat of arms of the Thai 1st Infantry Regiment, King's Close Bodyguard File:Lanchakon - 027.jpg, Seal of the Minister of Defence, Siam File:Seal of the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand.svg, Emblem of the Office of the Prime Minister of Thailand

References

Hindu legendary creatures Mythological hybrids Heraldic beasts Cambodian legendary creatures Thai legendary creatures {{heraldry-stub

Gallery

In heraldry

See also

References