Yama

Yama on buffalo

Dharma-raja, a form of Yama, presides over a "hell" of punishments for the wicked; bazaar art, c.1960'

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Savitri, Satyavan & Yama by M. V. Dhurandhar 1924

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Guardians of the eight directions 04

Yamantaka, Fear-Striking Vajra, Lord of Death on a water buffalo, Vajrayana Buddhism

Yama is a significant deity in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, known as the god of death. He is responsible for the administration of justice, determining the fate of the deceased, and overseeing the departed souls' journey to the afterlife. Yama is often depicted as a fearsome figure riding a buffalo, holding a lasso or a mace, which he uses to capture and guide the souls to their final destination. His role and depiction vary across different cultures and religious texts but share the common theme of judgment and retribution.

In Hinduism

In Hindu mythology, Yama is considered the first mortal who died and found his way to the afterlife, thus becoming the ruler of the deceased. He is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Rigveda, where he is described as the son of the sun god Surya and the twin brother of Yami, the goddess of life. Yama's abode, Yamaloka, is where souls are judged. In the Mahabharata and the Puranas, his role expands, and he is depicted as a just and compassionate judge who assesses the deeds of the dead and assigns them to appropriate realms based on their karma.

In Buddhism

Yama's role in Buddhism differs significantly across regions. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is known as Shinje, the Lord of Death, and plays a central role in the Tibetan Book of the Dead, where he presides over the judgment of souls. His depiction in Buddhist mythology is more terrifying, often shown with a fierce expression, surrounded by flames, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. However, Yama is not considered a god of death in all Buddhist traditions but rather a symbol of mortality and the moral consequences of one's actions.

In Sikhism

In Sikhism, Yama is mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib, where he is referred to as the "messenger of death" (Jamdoot). Sikhism preaches the concept of a singular God and does not personify death in the form of Yama as prominently as in Hinduism or Buddhism. Instead, Yama is mentioned metaphorically, reminding the faithful of the transient nature of life and the importance of living a righteous life to avoid the cycle of birth and death.

Iconography

Yama's iconography is rich and varies across cultures. He is commonly depicted as dark-skinned, clothed in red, with a stern expression. His vahana (vehicle) is a black buffalo, and he is often shown with a lasso or a mace. In Tibetan Buddhism, Yama can also be seen holding the "Wheel of Life," symbolizing the Buddhist concept of samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Worship and Cultural Significance

Yama is worshipped in various parts of India and in countries with Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Festivals like Pitru Paksha, a period dedicated to performing rites for the deceased ancestors, involve propitiating Yama with offerings. His role as a judge of the dead and a reminder of the moral order makes him an important figure in discussions about ethics, karma, and the afterlife in these religious traditions.

See Also

• Karma
• Afterlife
• Samsara
• Death (personification)