Yama
यम • Yama
"The Restrainer; Twin (first mortal to die, twin of Yami)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
Attributes & Weapons
- Danda (Staff of Justice) (Right hand) - Punishment; authority; control
- Pasha (Noose) (Left hand) - Binding souls; capturing life
- Gada (Mace) - Enforcement of dharma
- Sword - Cutting the thread of life
Distinctive Features
- Dark/green complexion
- Red clothes or garments
- Crown of the underworld king
- Stern, judicial expression
- Rides a buffalo
- Accompanied by Chitragupta (record keeper)
Family & Relations
| Origin | Son of Surya (Sun) and Sanjna; twin of Yami; first mortal to die |
| Father | Surya (Sun god) |
| Mother | Sanjna (Consciousness) |
| Consort | Dhumorna or Shyamala |
| Children | Yudhishthira (spiritual son in Mahabharata) |
| Siblings | Shani (Saturn), Manu, Ashwins (in some versions) |
Mythology & Stories
Son of Surya (Sun) and Sanjna; twin of Yami; first mortal to die
Yama ensures that all beings face the consequences of their karma. He is not evil but the cosmic principle of justice and mortality. He teaches that death is not an end but a transition.
First Mortal to Die
Yama was the first human to die and discover the path to the afterlife. He became the lord of that realm, guiding all who follow. His twin sister Yami grieved, and from her grief night was born.
Source: Rigveda, Puranas
Nachiketa's Questions
Young Nachiketa came to Yama's abode and waited three nights. Impressed, Yama offered three boons. Nachiketa's third question about the nature of death led to Yama teaching profound truths about the Self and immortality.
Source: Kathopanishad
Savitri and Satyavan
When Yama came to take Satyavan's soul, his wife Savitri followed, debating with Yama. Impressed by her devotion and wisdom, Yama returned Satyavan's life - the only time he was defeated.
Source: Mahabharata
Markandeya's Devotion
When Yama came for sixteen-year-old Markandeya, the boy clung to a Shiva Linga. Shiva emerged and kicked Yama, saving Markandeya and making him immortal. Yama was later revived.
Source: Shiva Purana
Worship & Mantras
Mantras
Om Suryaputraya Vidmahe Mahakalaya Dhimahi Tanno Yama Prachodayat
Om Yamaya Namah
Om Dakshinadikpati Yamaya Namah
Related but to Shiva for overcoming death
Offerings
- Til (sesame)
- Black items
- Dakshina (gifts to Brahmins)
Occasions
- Shraddha ceremonies (ancestor worship)
- Yamadwitiya (Bhai Dooj)
- During eclipses
- For protection from untimely death
Temples
Yama Temple
Near Manikarnika Ghat, Varanasi
Few dedicated temples exist; worshipped in Dikpala sets
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: God of death, dharma, and cosmic justice; guardian of ancestors
- Death is not punishment but cosmic order
- All actions have consequences (karma)
- Dharma ultimately prevails
- Death is the great equalizer - all must face Yama
