Jainism teaches about the importance of protecting the six kāyas (छः काय) or six types of living beings, which are categorized based on the number of senses they possess. The “rakshak” (protectors) here refers to the practices, deities, or rituals believed to offer protection to these beings, or sometimes to the vows (vratas) taken to avoid harm to them.

The six kāyas are:

1. Prithvikaya (Earth-bodied beings)
2. Apkaya (Water-bodied beings)
3. Teukaya (Fire-bodied beings)
4. Vayukaya (Air-bodied beings)
5. Vanaspatikaya (Plant-bodied beings)
6. Trasa-kaya (Mobile beings, i.e., beings with two to five senses such as insects, animals, humans)

Protection of these beings is mainly ensured through the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence), which is the foremost vow in Jainism. The true protectors (“rakshak”) of the six kāyas are:

• Ahimsa Vrata (Vow of non-violence): The most important and primary protector, as it prevents harm to all living beings.
• Samayik and Pratikraman: Regular practices of equanimity and repentance help Jains remain aware of their actions and prevent harm to all six kāyas.
• Jain Deities such as Chakeshwari Devi and Padmavati Devi are often invoked for protection, but primarily in the context of spiritual safety rather than specifically protecting kāyas.

Summary: In Jainism, the main “rakshak” (protector) of the six kāyas is the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence), along with the vows and rituals that reinforce this principle. There is no specific individual or deity solely assigned as the “rakshak” of the six kāyas; rather, it is every Jain's duty to protect them through right conduct.