In Jainism, the soul transmigrates through the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) based on its karmas. Upon death, a soul is reborn into one of four main destinies or states of existence, known as the Four Gatis. These four forms of existence are:
- Manushya Gati (Humans): The most desirable state, as it is the only form of existence from which a soul can practice the necessary spiritual discipline to attain ultimate liberation (Moksha).
- Deva Gati (Heavenly beings / Gods): A state of immense pleasure and bliss resulting from good karmas, though it is not permanent.
- Tiryancha Gati (Animals, plants, and micro-organisms): A lower form of life resulting from moderate negative karmas, characterized by limited ability to practice spirituality.
- Naraki Gati (Infernal / Hell beings): A state of immense suffering in hellish realms due to heavy negative karmas.
Yaksha (male demi-gods) and Yakshinis (female demi-gods) are prominent in Jain cosmology, typically serving as attendant guardian deities (Shasan Devatas) to the Tirthankaras. However, they do not constitute one of the four primary Gatis. Instead, they are classified as Vyantar Devas (intermediary or wandering celestial beings), which makes them a sub-category within the broader Deva Gati.
Therefore, Yaksha is not included among the four main forms of existence of life recognized in Jainism.
