Yama (deity)
Yama is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, recognized as the god of death and judgment. He is considered the progenitor of the human race alongside his twin sister Yami. As the Lord of Ancestors, Yama presides over the realm of the dead, where he is tasked with maintaining the karmic order by evaluating the deeds of souls. Depicted variably as green or black and often dressed in red, he rides a black buffalo and wields a noose and a mace, symbolizing his role as both judge and enforcer of Dharma. Yama's meticulous accountant, Chitragupta, assists him in keeping track of souls' actions.
In folklore, Yama's character is sometimes portrayed as being outsmarted by clever mortals, as seen in the tale of Savitri, who negotiates her husband's return from death. While there are few temples dedicated exclusively to Yama, he is often represented in temples honoring deities like Vishnu. The festival of Yama Dwitheeya, celebrated shortly after Diwali, highlights his significance in familial bonds. Although not as central in popular culture as other deities, Yama has made appearances in films, showcasing his unique role within Hindu cosmology.
Subject Terms
Yama (deity)
Symbols: Black buffalo; book of accounts; mace; wheel of life
Country: India
Mother: Saranya
Father: Surya
Siblings: Yami; Manu
Children: Duhsvapna; Amrta
Yama is the Hindu god of death and judgment, and along with his twin sister Yami is considered the progenitor of the human race. Yami suggested that they have children together, but Yama refused, as it would be incest. And so Yama died childless, becoming the first to enter Pitrloka, the land of the dead, and became the Lord of the Ancestors. He also rules over the land of the dead, where he is their king and judge.
He is the son of the sun god Surya and his consort Saranya (also called Sanjana) and is shown as being either green or black, dressed at times in red garments, riding a black buffalo and holding a book of accounts or a noose in his hand, with which he fetters souls to the world till their karmic debts are paid. At times a terrifying deity, he also carries a mace, signifying that he’s Dharma, the lord of order, dispassionately handing down judgments. Karmic law states that each soul must experience the repercussions of all that soul’s actions. Yama is the one who must uphold this law.
The god maintains a detailed account of the deeds and misdeeds of all souls with the help of his meticulous accountant Chitragupta. When the time comes, Yama objectively examines a soul’s past deeds, and if the soul is found wanting and has debts to be repaid, then Yama ties him to the world and the soul is reborn. But if there are no debts to be paid, then the soul is let go and liberated from rebirth. In this way, Yama is also a god of destiny.
His two dogs, Syama and Sabala, who have four eyes and wide nostrils, often accompany Yama. They also guard the path to Yama’s kingdom and are his messengers among mortals. The god is called by many names, including Dharmaraja (Lord of Dharma), Pitripati (Lord of Fathers), Mrytu (Death), Antaka (He Who Ends Life), Samana (The Leveller), Samavurti (The Impartial Judge), Dandadhara (He Who Carries the Rod/The Punisher), Kritanta (The Finisher), Kala (Time), and Shraddhadeva (God of Funeral Ceremonies).
In Mythology
In Hindu mythology, clever, determined humans could sometimes outwit gods and their fate, and Yama’s case is no different. Savitri, a princess and an only child, was in love with Satyavan. But her father refused the marriage, as Satyavan was a prince who had been driven out of his kingdom and lived in poverty. Satyavan was also destined to die within a year of marriage but Savitri married him anyway. At the appointed time, Yama appeared and threw the noose and took the life out of Satyavan. Savitri, not one to give up, followed Yama to get her husband back. She followed him all the way to the land of the dead, where an exasperated Yama, wanting her to return to the land of the living, offered her three boons, which could be anything except her husband’s life. So Savitri first asked that she get a brother so that her father had an heir. She then asked that her father-in-law regain his throne. And, lastly, she asked to become the mother of Satyavan’s children. Yama agreed to all three and proceed to complete his journey. But Savitri still followed him. Yama turned and asked Savitri why she was not returning to the land of the living as promised. Savitri then tells him that it’s not possible to become the mother of Satyavan’s children because he was dead, so she would have to follow her husband’s soul to the land of the dead. Yama realized he has been outsmarted and had to bring Satyavan back to life.
Origins & Cults
As the god of death, there are very few temples dedicated to Yama. However, his image or symbols or small shrines are often found in temples dedicated to Vishnu, as Yama is considered a form of the great god. Some temples also have water tanks on their premises dedicated to Yama. It is believed that a dip in this tank will get rid of or reduce the fear of death.
Yama Dwitheeya is a popular festival celebrated on the second day after the festival of Diwali and commemorates the day Yama went to visit his sister. Yama also promised his sister that those who prayed on that day would become free from the fear of death. The festival, also known as Bhai Dooj, celebrates the bond between brother and sister. People flock to the Sri Laxminarasimha Swamy Devasthanam in Dharmapuri on this day as the famous temple also houses a shrine for Yama. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy Godavari River, situated nearby, before offering prayers at the temple. Many believe that by praying and offering obeisance at this temple they will be relieved of suffering and escape the punishments of hell.
In Popular Culture
Indian gods and goddess often have entire TV shows and movies dedicated to their lives and stories. Yama, however, doesn’t seem to be that popular, though he does make cameo appearances in a few films. Yama does have a prominent role in the 1995 Bollywood comedy Taqdeerwala. The plot revolves around Yama and Chitragupta losing a book of prophecy called Bhavishya Vani. The book falls on a man’s house and he uses it to improve his family’s lot in life and prevent loved ones from dying. Meanwhile Yama and Chitragupta have been given thirty days to find the book or else they will lose their divine powers and be forced to live as mortals. So ensues a hilarious tussle between Yama and the man for the book.
Bibliography
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