Changes

*'''यमगाथ || Yamagaatha''' : The legend about Yama and Markandeya, a youth of sixteen years age, who prays to Shiva for longevity is well known. When Yama, in arrogance throws his noose around Markandeya who was holding the Shivalinga, Shiva appears and burns Yama to ashes, protecting Markandeya. Consequently, Yama is absent to govern the process of death. Another such age is the Kritayuga when Yama was not there and the earth was overcrowded with living beings. The legend about Savitri, a mahapativrata, following Yamadeva to bring back her husband Satyavaan's life is very well known. Yama and Nachiketa legend reveals that Yama was knowledgeable about brahmavidya and he imparts it to Nachiketa. (Chandogya Upanishad).  

*'''यमगाथ || Yamagaatha''' : The legend about Yama and Markandeya, a youth of sixteen years age, who prays to Shiva for longevity is well known. When Yama, in arrogance throws his noose around Markandeya who was holding the Shivalinga, Shiva appears and burns Yama to ashes, protecting Markandeya. Consequently, Yama is absent to govern the process of death. Another such age is the Kritayuga when Yama was not there and the earth was overcrowded with living beings. The legend about Savitri, a mahapativrata, following Yamadeva to bring back her husband Satyavaan's life is very well known. Yama and Nachiketa legend reveals that Yama was knowledgeable about brahmavidya and he imparts it to Nachiketa. (Chandogya Upanishad).  

== व्युत्पत्तिः|| Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः|| Etymology ==

'''Amarakosha''' defines the following about Yama in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 58 - 59)<ref>[http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/ Amarakosha] (Page no 30)</ref>

'''Amarakosha''' defines the following about Yama in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 58 - 59)<ref>[http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/ Amarakosha] (Page no 30)</ref><blockquote>धर्मराजः पितृपतिः समवर्ती परेतराट् | कृतान्तो यमुनाभ्राता शमनो यमराड् यमः || (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 58)</blockquote><blockquote>कालो दण्डधरः श्राध्ददेवो वैवस्वतोन्तकः | (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 59)</blockquote><blockquote>''dharmarājaḥ pitr̥patiḥ samavartī paretarāṭ | kr̥tānto yamunābhrātā śamano yamarāḍ yamaḥ || (Amara 1. svarga. 58)''</blockquote><blockquote>''kālo daṇḍadharaḥ śrādhdadevo vaivasvatontakaḥ | (Amara 1. svarga. 59)''</blockquote>Yama like other deities has many names, a few are Dharmaraja, Pitrupati, Samavarthi, Paretaraat, Kritaanto, Yamunabhraata, Shamana, Kaala, Dandadhara, Vaivasvata, Antaka among others.  

 

धर्मराजः पितृपतिः समवर्ती परेतराट् | कृतान्तो यमुनाभ्राता शमनो यमराड् यमः || (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 58)

 

कालो दण्डधरः श्राध्ददेवो वैवस्वतोन्तकः | (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 59)

 

Yama like other deities has many names, a few are Dharmaraja, Pitrupati, Samavarthi, Paretaraat, Kritaanto, Yamunabhraata, Shamana, Kaala, Dandadhara, Vaivasvata, Antaka among others.  

Yama’s is described by Yaska in the Nirukta (10.2-20)<ref>[http://vedicreserve.mum.edu/nirukta/nirukta.pdf Nirukta] </ref> as follows, <blockquote>यच्छति उप रमयति जिवितम् सर्वम् भुत ग्रमन् इति यमह || yacchati upa ramayati jivitam sarvam bhuta graman iti yamaha || </blockquote>Because Yama causes death to all the beings he is called as Antaka.  Yama’s main responsibility is to give different destinations according to the vices and virtues of a jiva, therefore he is called as Antaka .

Yama’s is described by Yaska in the Nirukta (10.2-20)<ref>[http://vedicreserve.mum.edu/nirukta/nirukta.pdf Nirukta] </ref> as follows, <blockquote>यच्छति उप रमयति जिवितम् सर्वम् भुत ग्रमन् इति यमह || yacchati upa ramayati jivitam sarvam bhuta graman iti yamaha || </blockquote>Because Yama causes death to all the beings he is called as Antaka.  Yama’s main responsibility is to give different destinations according to the vices and virtues of a jiva, therefore he is called as Antaka .

=== पितृपतिः || Pitrupati ===

=== पितृपतिः || Pitrupati ===

Yama is the Adhipati or king of Pitruloka.  This loka is in the middle of the three worlds, bordered by Bhuloka on the southern side and Atalaloka on the upper end. Agnisvattas and other pitrs stay there in meditative trance for securing prosperity to those who come to pitruloka.  The efficacy of performing shraddha karmas, giving tila (gingelly seeds), jala (water), and anna (food) to Brahmana's and other srauta dharmas are overseen by Yama as mentioned in Mahabharata Anushasana Parva (Adhyaya 68)<ref name=":0" /> under the heading तिलजलदीपरत्नादीनां दानमाहात्म्यप्रसङ्गे धर्मराजब्राह्मणयोः संवादः   

Yama is the Adhipati or king of Pitruloka.  This loka is in the middle of the three worlds, bordered by Bhuloka on the southern side and Atalaloka on the upper end. Agnisvattas and other pitrs stay there in meditative trance for securing prosperity to those who come to pitruloka.  The efficacy of performing shraddha karmas, giving tila (gingelly seeds), jala (water), and anna (food) to Brahmana's and other srauta dharmas are overseen by Yama as mentioned in Mahabharata Anushasana Parva (Adhyaya 68)<ref name=":0" /> under the heading तिलजलदीपरत्नादीनां दानमाहात्म्यप्रसङ्गे धर्मराजब्राह्मणयोः संवादः   

== Yama Devataswaroopam ==

== Yama Devataswaroopa ==

=== Birth and Family ===

=== Birth and Family ===

* Yama descended from Mahavishnu in the following order according to Puranic Encyclopedia<ref name=":2">Mani, V. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>: <blockquote>'''''Vishnu - Brahma - Marichi - Kasyapa - Surya - Yama'''''</blockquote>

* Yama descended from Mahavishnu in the following order according to Puranic Encyclopedia<ref name=":2">Mani, V. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>: <blockquote>'''''Vishnu - Brahma - Marichi - Kasyapa - Surya - Yama'''''</blockquote>

* The birth of Yama is described in Vishnu Purana (Part 3, Chap 2)<ref>[http://www.astrojyoti.com/pdfs/DevanagariFiles/VishnuPurana.pdf Vishnu Purana] Page Number 188</ref>. Yama is the son of Surya and Samjna.  Dhoomornyaa is the name of Yama's wife. <blockquote>यथा चन्द्रश्च रोहिण्यामुर्मिलायां[ण्यां '''धूमोर्णया''' '''यथा यमः'''। वरुणश्च यथा गौर्यां यथा चर्ध्यां[र्द्ध्यां] धनेश्वरः॥ 5-117-9 (Mahabharata. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 117, Verse 9).</blockquote>

* The birth of Yama is described in Vishnu Purana (Part 3, Chap 2)<ref>[http://www.astrojyoti.com/pdfs/DevanagariFiles/VishnuPurana.pdf Vishnu Purana] Page Number 188</ref>. Yama is the son of Surya and Samjna.  Dhoomornyaa is the name of Yama's wife. <blockquote>यथा चन्द्रश्च रोहिण्यामुर्मिलायां[ण्यां '''धूमोर्णया''' '''यथा यमः'''। वरुणश्च यथा गौर्यां यथा चर्ध्यां[र्द्ध्यां] धनेश्वरः॥ 5-117-9 (Mahabharata. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 117, Verse 9).</blockquote><blockquote>''yathā candraśca rohiṇyāmurmilāyāṁ[ṇyāṁ dhūmorṇayā yathā yamaḥ। varuṇaśca yathā gauryāṁ yathā cardhyāṁ[rddhyāṁ] dhaneśvaraḥ॥''</blockquote>

* Yama is the brother of Manu, Yami, Sanaischara, Tapati and Manu (another one of same name) and Ashvinikumaras, Revanta and Bhaya.

* Yama is the brother of Manu, Yami, Sanaischara, Tapati and Manu (another one of same name) and Ashvinikumaras, Revanta and Bhaya.

== Yama in Vedas And Upanishads ==

== Yama in Vedas And Upanishads ==

 Yama, as an upholder of Dharma is seen in the vedic literature as one who is well versed in brahmavidya. The famous conversation of Nachiketa and Yama, Savitri and Yama stand as a testimony to the greatness of Yama's knowledge of the subtle aspects of Vedas.  

 Yama, as an upholder of Dharma is seen in the vedic literature as one who is well versed in brahmavidya. The famous conversation of Nachiketa and Yama, Savitri and Yama stand as a testimony to the greatness of Yama's knowledge of the subtle aspects of Vedas.  

=== Rig Veda ===

=== Rigveda ===

 Among the many devatas, Yamadeva is one of the significant ones, as he represents Kala (time). Along with Indra, Varuna, Agni, and Soma, Yama is also worshiped since Vedic times. Yama is mentioned in many instances in the Rig Veda. <blockquote>"यत्र राजा वैवस्वतो यत्रावरोधनं दिवः | यत्रामूर्यह्वतीरापस्तत्र माममृतं कृधीन्द्रायेन्दो परि स्रव ||" (Rig. Veda. 9.113.8)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/mandal-09-sukta-113/ Mandala 9, Sukta 113])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>"yatra rājā vaivasvato yatrāvarodhanaṁ divaḥ | yatrāmūryahvatīrāpastatra māmamr̥taṁ kr̥dhīndrāyendo pari srava ||" (Rig. Veda. 9.113.8) </blockquote>Meaning : Make me eternal in the realms where King Vivaswaan's son rules. Surya is also called Vivasvaan.<blockquote>"तिस्रो द्यावः सवितुर द्वा उपस्थां एका यमस्य भुवने विराषाट | आणिं न रथ्यममृताधि तस्थुरिह ब्रवीतु य उ तच्चिकेतत् ||" (Rig. Veda. 1.35.6)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-035/ Mandala 1, Sukta 35])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>"tisro dyāvaḥ savitura dvā upasthāṁ ekā yamasya bhuvane virāṣāṭa | āṇiṁ na rathyamamr̥tādhi tasthuriha bravītu ya u tacciketat ||" (Rig. Veda. 1.35.6)</blockquote>Meaning: Two of the three Urdhvalokas (Higher heavens) are controlled by Savitr, and one by Yama.

 Among the many devatas, Yamadeva is one of the significant ones, as he represents Kala (time). Along with Indra, Varuna, Agni, and Soma, Yama is also worshiped since Vedic times. Yama is mentioned in many instances in the Rig Veda. <blockquote>"यत्र राजा वैवस्वतो यत्रावरोधनं दिवः | यत्रामूर्यह्वतीरापस्तत्र माममृतं कृधीन्द्रायेन्दो परि स्रव ||" (Rig. Veda. 9.113.8)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/mandal-09-sukta-113/ Mandala 9, Sukta 113])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>"yatra rājā vaivasvato yatrāvarodhanaṁ divaḥ | yatrāmūryahvatīrāpastatra māmamr̥taṁ kr̥dhīndrāyendo pari srava ||" (Rig. Veda. 9.113.8) </blockquote>Meaning : Make me eternal in the realms where King Vivaswaan's son rules. Surya is also called Vivasvaan.<blockquote>"तिस्रो द्यावः सवितुर द्वा उपस्थां एका यमस्य भुवने विराषाट | आणिं न रथ्यममृताधि तस्थुरिह ब्रवीतु य उ तच्चिकेतत् ||" (Rig. Veda. 1.35.6)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-035/ Mandala 1, Sukta 35])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>"tisro dyāvaḥ savitura dvā upasthāṁ ekā yamasya bhuvane virāṣāṭa | āṇiṁ na rathyamamr̥tādhi tasthuriha bravītu ya u tacciketat ||" (Rig. Veda. 1.35.6)</blockquote>Meaning: Two of the three Urdhvalokas (Higher heavens) are controlled by Savitr, and one by Yama.

Nachiketa’s journey to Yamaloka is described in describes Nachiketa's understanding that the yamaloka is the resting place of his pitris (ancestors). He also heard the playing of the flute (Rig Veda. 10.135.7).  

Nachiketa’s journey to Yamaloka is described in describes Nachiketa's understanding that the yamaloka is the resting place of his pitris (ancestors). He also heard the playing of the flute (Rig Veda. 10.135.7).  

Yama upon Nachiketa's perseverance reveals the eternal secret of the Vedas to him. Even though every living entity has eternal association with Paramatma, an age-old question that bothers many people, is how does Jiva acquire births as different species of lifeforms? Yama discusses the role of Paramatma for jiva as an indwelling Consciousness and its impact on  jiva’s rise and fall.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>"नचिकेतमुपाख्यानं मृत्युप्रोक्तं सनातनम् ||" (Katha. Upan. 3.16)<ref>[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/upanishads/kathopanishad/ Kathopanishad]</ref></blockquote>Meaning'':'' This is Sanaatana (timeless) Nachiketa story told by Mrityu (Yama).     

Yama upon Nachiketa's perseverance reveals the eternal secret of the Vedas to him. Even though every living entity has eternal association with Paramatma, an age-old question that bothers many people, is how does Jiva acquire births as different species of lifeforms? Yama discusses the role of Paramatma for jiva as an indwelling Consciousness and its impact on  jiva’s rise and fall.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>नचिकेतमुपाख्यानं मृत्युप्रोक्तं सनातनम् || (Katha. Upan. 3.16)<ref>[http://vedicheritage.gov.in/upanishads/kathopanishad/ Kathopanishad]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''naciketamupākhyānaṁ mr̥tyuproktaṁ sanātanam ||''</blockquote>Meaning'':'' This is Sanaatana (timeless) Nachiketa story told by Mrityu (Yama).     

In this Upanishad, Yama is referred to, not as a person, but by Antaka, Mrityu, and Vaivasvata. Kathopanishad contains the 'secrets of death'. Yama answers these questions, though some may assume this is the act of destiny or blame the paramatma for pushing jiva into different forms of life, it is the own actions or Karma of the Jiva when in bodily form, that makes a Jiva attain births in different life forms.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>"अङ्गुष्ठमात्रः पुरुषोऽन्तरात्मा सदा जनानां हृदये सन्निविष्टः ||" (Katha. Upan. 6.16)</blockquote>Meaning'':'' In the body, in the hridaya-stana, is seated the thumbsized  Jivatma (Inner Self) which is immortal.         

In this Upanishad, Yama is referred to, not as a person, but by Antaka, Mrityu, and Vaivasvata. Kathopanishad contains the 'secrets of death'. Yama answers these questions, though some may assume this is the act of destiny or blame the paramatma for pushing jiva into different forms of life, it is the own actions or Karma of the Jiva when in bodily form, that makes a Jiva attain births in different life forms.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>अङ्गुष्ठमात्रः पुरुषोऽन्तरात्मा सदा जनानां हृदये सन्निविष्टः || (Katha. Upan. 6.16)</blockquote><blockquote>''aṅguṣṭhamātraḥ puruṣo'ntarātmā sadā janānāṁ hr̥daye sanniviṣṭaḥ ||''</blockquote>Meaning'':'' In the body, in the hridaya-stana, is seated the thumbsized  Jivatma (Inner Self) which is immortal.         

Apart from the above mentioned instances the story of [[Nachiketa (नचिकेताः)|Nachiketa]] and his conversation with Yama is found in Taittriya Brahmana, Varaha Purana and Mahabharata         

Apart from the above mentioned instances the story of [[Nachiketa (नचिकेताः)|Nachiketa]] and his conversation with Yama is found in Taittriya Brahmana, Varaha Purana and Mahabharata