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

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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 Reap, 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

See also

• List of legendary creatures in Hindu mythology
• Yali (mythology)