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Yama (Sanskrit : यमः) also called as Dharmaraja is the much feared ruler of Kala and Dharma (righteousness), according to Sanatana Dharma principles, after death every deed done by a person are taken into account and the elevation of soul is then decided.  A Jiva's path of travel to higher realms namely Devayana and Pritruyana are dependent on the Karma (deeds) and the knowledge attained by a Jiva or soul, all of which is clearly accounted for in the records maintained by Yama.

Yama (Sanskrit : यमः) also called as Dharmaraja is the much feared ruler of Kala and Dharma (righteousness), according to Sanatana Dharma principles, after death every deed done by a person are taken into account and the elevation of soul is then decided.  A Jiva's path of travel to higher realms namely Devayana and Pitruyana are dependent on the Karma (deeds) and the knowledge attained by a Jiva or soul, the records of which are maintained by Yama.

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Yama though is associated with Dharma, is also feared as the god of death. Following are a few important aspects about Yama as given in various texts.

Yama though is associated with Dharma, is also feared as the god of death. Following are a few important aspects about Yama as given in various texts.

* '''Dikpalaka''' : Yama, the ruler of the 'South' direction is one among the Astadikpalakas as per the Devi bhagavata (Astama skanda). The name of the city ruled by him is Samyamani.  

* '''Dikpalaka''' : Yama, the ruler of the 'South' direction is one among the Astadikpalakas as per the Devi bhagavata (Astama skanda). The name of the city ruled by him is Samyamani.  

* '''Yamadharma''' : Yama is known for his scrupulous impartial administration of justice to all the beings who reach Yamaloka after death. Based on their virtues or vices, he assigns suitable punishments depending on the severity of sins in earthly lives and sends them to Naraka (hell).   

* '''Yamadharma''' : Yama is famed for his impartial administration of justice to all the beings who reach Yamaloka after death. Based on their virtues or vices, he assigns suitable punishments depending on the severity of sins in their earthly lives and '''sends them to Naraka (hell)'''. '''<u>are all sent to naraka</u>'''  

* '''Agrasandhani''' : As a time and book keeper, Yama records the virtuous and sinful acts of men in this book named Agrasandhani, and Chitragupta is his associate in enforcing justice.  

* '''Agrasandhani''' : As a time and book keeper, Yama records the virtuous and sinful acts of men in this book named Agrasandhani, and Chitragupta, his associate ensures the enforcement of justice.  

*'''Yama avataras''' :  Yama was born as Vidura, as he was cursed by Maharshi Animaandavya as seen in Mahabharata. Yudhisthira was the eldest of the Pandavas, who was born to Kunti, after invoking Yamadeva.   

*'''Yama avataras''' :  Yama was born as Vidura, as he was cursed by Maharshi Animaandavya as seen in Mahabharata. Yudhisthira was the eldest of the Pandavas, who was born to Kunti, after invoking Yamadeva.   

*'''Kaakaswaroopa''' :  Yama took the form of a Crow and escaped, when at King Marutta's Maheswara's sattrayaga, he saw Ravanasura. Pleased with crows, he blessed that crows will have the right to eat rice offered to pitrus or ancestors. (as in Uttararamayana)  

*'''Kaakaswaroopa''' :  Yama took the form of a Crow and escaped, when at King Marutta's Maheswara's sattrayaga, he saw Ravanasura. Pleased with crows, he blessed that crows will have the right to eat rice offered to pitrus or ancestors. (as in Uttararamayana)  

*'''Ramaavatara Samaapti''' : At the end of Sri Rama's rule after 11,000 years, upon Brahmadeva's request Yama descends, on earth, in the form of a maharshi, to recall Sri Mahavishnu back to Vaikuntha. Yama visits Sri Rama and in the ensuing events, Lakshmana first enters Sarayu river followed by Sri Rama, thereby leaving the mortal forms.  

*'''Ramaavatara Samaapti''' : At the end of Sri Rama's rule after 11,000 years, upon Brahmadeva's request Yama descends, on earth, in the form of a maharshi, to recall Sri Mahavishnu back to Vaikuntha. Yama visits Sri Rama and in the ensuing events, Lakshmana first enters Sarayu river followed by Sri Rama, thereby leaving the mortal forms.  

*'''Maarkandeya Yamagaatha''' : The legend about Yama and Maarkandeya, a youth of sixteen years age, who prays to Shiva for longevity is well known. When Yama, in arrogance throws his noose around Maarkandeya who was holding the Shivalinga, Shiva appears and burnt Yama to ashes thereby protecting Maarkandeya. At that time there was no Yama to govern the process of death. Similar such age when there was no Yama includes the Kritayuga, when the earth was overcrowded with living beings.  

*'''Maarkandeya 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 Maarkandeya 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.  

*'''Savitri Yamagaatha''' : The legend about Savitri, a mahapativrata, following Yamadeva to bring back her husband Satyavaan's life is very well known.

*'''Savitri Yamagaatha''' : The legend about Savitri, a mahapativrata, following Yamadeva to bring back her husband Satyavaan's life is very well known.

*'''Nachiketa Yamagaatha''' : Yama and Nachiketa legend reveals that Yama was knowlegeable about brahmavidya and he imparts it to Nachiketa. (Chandogya Upanishad).

*'''Nachiketa Yamagaatha''' : Yama and Nachiketa legend reveals that Yama was knowlegeable about brahmavidya and he imparts it to Nachiketa. (Chandogya Upanishad).