Chakreshvari Mata – The Guardian Yakshini of Rishabhanatha

Chakreshvari Mata is one of the most revered Yakshinis in Jainism, often worshipped alongside Ambika and Padmavati Mata. She is the attendant deity (Shaasan Devi) of Lord Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), the first Tirthankara of Jainism. Considered a symbol of divine strength and protection, she holds an important place in the hearts of devotees, especially the Sarawagi Jain community.

Who is Chakreshvari Mata?

Chakreshvari Mata is a celestial guardian (Yakshini) assigned to serve and protect Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara. She is believed to guide devotees in overcoming obstacles, protecting them from negative forces, and helping them on the spiritual path. While she is highly venerated, she is not a Tirthankara herself but a divine protector and helper.

Iconography and Representation

Chakreshvari Mata is depicted in striking and majestic forms:

• Complexion: Golden, symbolizing purity and radiance.
  

• Arms: Usually shown with eight arms, though some depictions show four or twelve.
  

• Attributes: One hand always holds a chakra (wheel), representing her name.
  

• Vehicle: She rides the Garuda, a symbol of power, fearlessness, and protection.
  

• Other Names: She is also called Apraticakra (without a disc) and Chakra-ishvari (Goddess of Wheels).
  

Religious Significance

• Chakreshvari Mata serves as the Shaasan Devi of Lord Rishabhanatha, ensuring the protection of his followers.
  

• She is invoked during rituals, prayers, and vows to seek her blessings for strength, courage, and prosperity.
  

• Her worship is especially prevalent in the Sarawagi Jain community, where she is honored as their kuldevi (family deity).
  

Connections and Influence

• • In Jainism: She is revered as a Yakshini with a strong role in guiding devotees toward discipline and righteousness.
    

  • In Hindu traditions: Some depictions of Chakreshvari Mata overlap with Hindu iconography, where she shares attributes with goddesses riding Garuda or holding the chakra, showing the cultural interlink between the two traditions.
    

Hidden Fact

🔎 Hidden Fact: In some Jain temple traditions, it is believed that before every major Jain pilgrimage (like Shatrunjay or Sammed Shikharji), devotees unknowingly receive Chakreshvari Mata’s invisible “wheel of protection” around them. This unseen shield is said to keep away accidents, obstacles, and negative energies during the journey — a secret faith carried quietly through generations of Sarawagi families