Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c32.44

v2.c32.44

It is difficult to decide whether the Yakkhas, who are the aborigines of Ceylon (Laṅkā), were considered human or non-human. Kuveṇī, one of their princesses, and her maid, can both assume different forms, but Vijaya marries Kuveṇī and has two children by her.³⁷ The Yakkhas are invisible, and Vijaya is able to kill them only with the help of Kuveṇī³⁸; but their clothes are found fit for Vijaya and his followers to wear.³⁹ Again, Cetiyā (q.v.) could make herself invisible and assume the form of a mare, but Paṇḍukābhaya lived with her for four years and she gave him counsel in battle. Later, when he held festivities, he had the Yakkha Cittarāja on the throne beside him.⁴⁰ In all probability these Yakkhas were originally considered as humans, but later came to be confused with non-humans. Their chief cities were Laṅkāpura and Sirīsavatthu.