The Mythology of Yama: Understanding the God of Death

Yama: The God of Death

Yama is here – The God of Death

• There are certain rules that everyone must adhere to, regardless of their status, whether they are extraordinary individuals or ordinary people. According to the laws of creation, not only humans but even deities are bound by these rules, which they must follow. This is why even Lord Ram and Lord Krishna had to be born and eventually die. In this singular life, every individual strives to fulfill numerous dreams and desires. Life passes amidst these aspirations and the hustle, often causing us to forget that death will one day knock on our door.


• It is noteworthy that Yama, the deity of death, is recognized as the guardian of the southern direction in Hindu mythology. According to ancient texts, Yama was the first being to experience death. Based on this precedence, Lord Shiva appointed him as the ruler of the deceased.


• At the time of death, it is believed that Yama's messengers arrive on Earth to escort the soul to the gates of heaven or hell, where the soul is held accountable for its actions. Based on the good and bad deeds, the soul is judged accordingly.


• In Yamalok, Yama decides the fate of souls based on their actions. Ancient scriptures suggest that Yama promised one of his devotees, Amrit, that he would notify everyone before their death, allowing them to complete any unfinished business.

The Fascinating Tale of Yama and Amrit

• Once upon a time, there lived a man named Amrit by the banks of the Yamuna. He devoted himself to worshiping Yama day and night, constantly haunted by the fear of death. To keep death at bay, he sought friendship with Yama.


• Impressed by Amrit's devotion, Yama appeared before him. Amrit wished to ask for immortality, but Yama explained that everyone born must eventually die. This is an eternal truth; no one can escape death. Amrit, grateful for Yama's presence, requested that if death could not be avoided, he at least be informed when it was near, so he could make arrangements for his family.


• Yama agreed to inform Amrit before his death, on the condition that Amrit would prepare to leave the world as soon as he received the signal. After this, Yama vanished. Years passed, and Amrit, reassured by Yama's promise, abandoned his austerities and began living a life of luxury, no longer fearing death. Gradually, his hair turned white.


• As time went on, his teeth fell out, and his eyesight weakened. Yet, he received no message from Yama. More years passed, and he became bedridden, his body paralyzed. Still, he silently thanked his friend Yama for not sending any message about his death.

1. First Message - Hair turning white.


2. Second Message - Teeth falling out.


3. Third Message - Deterioration of senses.


4. Fourth Message - Stooping posture.

• One day, he was astonished to see Yama's messengers nearby. Distressed, he searched for a letter from Yama but found none. Upon reaching Yamalok, he saw Yama smiling and accused him of betrayal.


• Amrit exclaimed, 'You deceived me! You promised to inform me before my death, yet I received no message. Aren't you ashamed of betraying your friend?'


• Yama replied humbly, 'I sent you four messages, but your greed and indulgent lifestyle blinded you. You foolishly thought I would send you a written note. Your physical changes were my messages, and time was my messenger. The first sign was when your hair turned white. The second was when your teeth fell out. The third was when you lost your sight, and the fourth was when your body ceased to function. Yet, you failed to recognize any of these signs.'