Yamaraja
Yama is the God of Dharma, the God of death and the God of the underworld according to Hindu mythology. Yama is referenced in Sikhism, Buddhism and other religions. Yama is found in Indian, Japanese, and Chinese mythologies. Here you will learn more about his origin, significance and other aspects:
Who Is Lord Yama?
Yama is Sanjana and Surya’s son. According to various mythologies, he became the God of death and a destroyer of human beings due to a curse. When Surya came near Sanjana, his wife, because of his immense brightness, had to close her eyes. This angered Surya so much that he cursed that Sanjana’s son would be born as a destroyer.
Sanjana descended to Earth after some time, along with Chhaya, her lord, and their numerous children. Yama, during his growing-up days, felt that Sanjana was partial, and in a fit of anger, he raised his leg. Chhaya was angry with Yama for this and cursed Yama. Because of this curse, one of his legs became infected. Surya helped his son recover, but it still affected his leg.
Surya appointed his son Yama as the King of Death. He is believed to be the guardian of the region of death, the South direction. Unlike the Western mythologies' representations, Yama is the king of justice and abides by the law. So he is called the restrainer.
Depiction of Lord Yama
Yama is shown carrying three weapons: a mace, a noose and a danda. According to beliefs, Mace is a representation of the Sun, and along with it, he uses the noose to trap the souls of the people. He captures the souls of people who should confront death. Yama is called Pasi (noose carrier). He uses the danda (stick) as a weapon to punish the sinners as per sacred texts.
Yama is said to carry the weapons when he travels on his vehicle, the buffalo. He is depicted wearing blue, red, and yellow garments, with a garland of flames around him, and is accompanied by two hounds and four fearsome eyes. He is said to bring the soul of the dead to the underworld. The souls are taken to Yamapura (underworld) by some birds on Yama’s behalf. Apart from the birds and the hounds, Yama has the help of Agni (Fire God) in bringing the soul.
Significance Of Yama
Yama is a Hindu god who is believed to live in Naraka (hell). It is said that Naraka has 21 levels and is the place where the soul goes after death. Here, the soul purification takes place. Based on the sins committed, a person will spend time in hell. Yama, the God of death, plays a major role in Hindu mythology. It is also believed that he is the first to die on earth, and there are legends which say that, as he was the first mortal to die on earth, he was crowned the king of death.
After the soul reaches hell after death, Yama is said to hear the deeds of the person and judge based on their actions on earth.
According to sacred texts, Yama gives three options to a person:
● For those who have done great deeds, a Soma (juice consumed by gods) is given, and they will be permitted to stay in Swarga with the saintly and wise Pitrus. They will have a great life with no problems. There are seven heavens (Swarga) with Savitha, Bhuvas, Maha and Tharus as four of them.
● For those who have done some good deeds, Yama is said to send them to earth again. It is to be noted that the person may not be reborn as a human but may lead another life.
● For those who have committed sins and evil deeds, Yama is said to send them to hell. There are 21 levels, and the level a soul reaches depends on the deeds done.
Conclusion
Yama is mentioned in many ancient texts such as the Vedas. There are many mythical tales and legends in his name. He is believed to be the first mortal person and is a God of great importance in people’s lives. He is a god who is the King of justice, dharma and death.
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