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trikadrukebhiḥ patati ṣaḻa urvīrekamidbr̥hata | triṣṭubgāyatrī chandāṁsi sarvā tā yama āhitā || 16 (Rig. Veda. 10.14).

trikadrukebhiḥ patati ṣaḻa urvīrekamidbr̥hata | triṣṭubgāyatrī chandāṁsi sarvā tā yama āhitā || 16 (Rig. Veda. 10.14).

'''Brief Summary''' :  This is a sukta in honor of Yama. We honor Yama, Vivasvan's son, who gathers all men together, and shows them a place to stay. He travels above and shows the path to many. Men may chose their own path to their ancestors (based on their deeds). Along with the Angirasas, Atharvans, Bhrigus, Yama is invited to have Soma. All the meters Tristub, Gayatri are contained in Yama. Mantra 8 and 9 in this sukta explain that Yamaloka is an abode for the ancestors, where they are given a place to rest with light and water.   

'''Brief Summary''' '''of the Sukta:''' This is a sukta in honor of Yama. We honor Yama, Vivasvan's son, who gathers all men together, and shows them a place to stay. He travels above and shows the path to many. Men may chose their own path to their ancestors (based on their deeds). Along with the Angirasas, Atharvans, Bhrigus, Yama is invited to have Soma. All the meters Tristub, Gayatri are contained in Yama. Mantra 8 and 9 in this sukta explain that Yamaloka is an abode for the ancestors, where they are given a place to rest with light and water.   

Therefore, it should not be hastily construed that Yamaloka is the land of suffering alone. This larger understanding as explained in the Vedas demolishes the common notions prevalent among people, that Yamaloka is an infernal place. However it should be emphasized that Naraka does exist and Yamadeva oversees the activities there.   

Therefore, it should not be hastily construed that Yamaloka is the land of suffering alone. This larger understanding as explained in the Vedas demolishes the common notions prevalent among people, that Yamaloka is an infernal place. However it should be emphasized that Naraka does exist and Yamadeva oversees the activities there.   

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

== Yama in Mahabharata ==

== Yama in Mahabharata ==

Yudhishthira once requested Bhishmacharya to describe the greatness in giving gifts, sesame or til seeds, of lighting lamps and giving Vastra or clothes. Bhishmaacharya in this context recited the narrative of the conversation that took place in ancient times between a Brahmana called Sarmi and Yama.  

Yudhishthira once requested Bhishmacharya to describe the greatness in giving gifts, sesame or til seeds, of lighting lamps and giving Vastra or clothes. Bhishmaacharya in this context recited the narrative of the conversation that took place in ancient times between a Brahmana called Sarmi and Yama (Mahabharata Aanushasana parva Chapter 68).  

In the country lying between the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, at the foot of the hills of Yamuna, in a town called Parnasala, there were a number of eminent scholars. In this places lived a well learned Brahmana called Sarmi. One day, Kaala or Yama's messengers were instructed to bring one of the two persons who were named Sarmi. The did the very reverse of what Yama had been bidden them to do. Attacking that person, he brought him who had been forbidden by Yama to be brought. Possessed of great energy, Yama rose up at the sight of the Brahmana and worshipped him duly. The king of the dead then commanded his messenger, saying, 'Let this one be taken back, and let the other one be brought to me.' When the great judge of the dead said these words, that Brahmana addressed him and said, 'I have completed my study of the Vedas and am no longer attached to the world. Whatever period may yet remain of my mortal existence, I wish to pass, dwelling even here, O thou of unfading glory! 1

In the country lying between the rivers Ganga and Yamuna, at the foot of the hills of Yamuna, in a town called Parnasala, there were a number of eminent scholars. In this places lived a well learned Brahmana called Sarmi. One day, Kaala or Yama's messengers were instructed to bring one of the two persons who were named Sarmi. The did the very reverse of what Yama had been bidden them to do. Yama rose up at the sight of the Brahmana and worshipped him duly. He then commanded his messenger, that he should be taken back saying, 'Let this one be taken back, and let the other one be brought to me.' When the great judge of the dead said these words, that Brahmana addressed him and said, 'I have completed my study of the Vedas and am no longer attached to the world. Whatever period may yet remain of my mortal existence, I wish to spend the balance of my life dwelling here."

"Yama said, 'I cannot ascertain the exact period, ordained by Time, of one's life, and hence, unurged by Time, I cannot allow one to take up one's residence here. I take note of the acts of righteousness (or otherwise) that one does in the world. Do thou, O learned Brahmana of great splendour return immediately to thy abode. 'I ell me what also is in thy mind and what I can do for thee, O thou of unfading glory!'

Yama could not allow the Brahmana's wish to take up residence in Yamaloka. Upon the request of the Brahmana, Yama recites the merits of giving charity and gifts.  

"The Brahmana said, 'Do thou tell me what those acts are by accomplishing which one may earn great merit. O best of all beings, thou art the foremost of authorities (on the subject) even in the three worlds.'

The offering of sesame seeds is a very superior one. One should gift of as much sesame as one can. By gifitng sesame every day, all wishes are fulfilled. The donation of sesame at Sraddhas is applauded.  

"Yama said, 'Do thou hear, O regenerate Rishi, the excellent ordinances regarding gifts. The gift of sesame seeds is a very superior one. It produces everlasting merit. O foremost of regenerate ones, one should make gifts of as much sesame as one can. By making gifts of sesame every day, one is sure to attain the fruition of one's every wish. The gift of sesame at Sraddhas is applauded. Verily the gift of sesame is a very superior one. Do thou make gifts of sesame unto the Brahmanas according to the rites ordained in the scriptures. One should on the day of the full moon of the month of Vaisakha, make gilts of sesame unto the Brahmanas. They should also be made to eat and to touch sesame on every occasion that one can afford. They that are desirous of achieving what is beneficial to them should, with their whole souls, do this in their houses. 2 Without doubt, men should similarly make gifts of water and establish resting places for the distribution of drinking water. 3One should cause tanks and lakes and wells to be excavated. Such acts are rare in the world, O best of regenerate persons! Do thou always make gifts of water. This act is fraught with great merit. O best of regenerate persons, thou shouldst establish resting places along the roads for the distribution of water. After one has eaten, the gift unto one should especially be made of water for drink.'

One should on the day of the full moon of the month of Vaisakha, make gilts of sesame unto the Brahmanas. They should also be made to eat and to touch sesame on every occasion that one can afford. Similarly men should make gifts of water and establish resting places for the distribution of drinking water especially during Vaisakha month. Digging wells, tanks and lakes are acts that are rare in the world and are fraught with great merit. Similarly establishing resting places along the roads, setting up the distribution of water are pious acts that should always be done. Like the gift of water, Yama, from a desire of doing good to the Pitris, applauds the gift of lamps to light dark places. Lighting of lamps benefit the Pitris

 

"Bhishma continued, 'After Yama had said these words unto him, the messenger who had borne him from his abode conveyed him back to it. The Brahmana, on his return, obeyed the instructions he had received. Having thus conveyed him back to his abode the messenger of Yama fetched Sarmin who had really been sought by Yama. Taking Sarmin unto him, he informed his master. Possessed of great energy, the judge of the dead worshipped that righteous Brahmana, and having conversed with him a while dismissed him for being taken back to his abode. Unto him also Yama gave the same instructions. Sarmin, too, coming back into the world of men, did all that Yama had said. Like the gift of water, Yama, from a desire of doing good to the Pitris, applauds the gift of lamps to light dark places.  

 

Hence, the giver of a lamp for lighting a dark place is regarded as benefiting the Pitris. Hence, O best of the Bharatas, one should always give lamps for lighting dark spots. The giving of lamps enhances the visual power of the deities, the Pitris, and one's own self. 1 It has been said, O king, that the gift of gems is a very superior gift. The Brahmana, who, having accepted a gift of gems, sells the same for performing a sacrifice, incurs no fault. The Brahmana, who, having accepted a gift of gems makes a gift of them unto Brahmanas. acquires inexhaustible merit himself and confers inexhaustible merit upon him from whom he had originally received them.

 

== Yama And Crows ==

== Yama And Crows ==

In Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda, there is a story about the crow's right to eat the offering of rice to Pitrus. 

In Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda, there is a legend about the crow's right to eat the offering of rice to Pitrus. 

Once a King named Marutta performed a Mahesvara sattra. Indra and other Gods attended the sattra; hearing about this, Ravana came that way. 

Once a King named Marutta performed a Mahesvara sattra. Indra and other Gods attended the sattra; hearing about this, Ravana came that way. The frightened Gods took the forms of different birds. Indra took the form of peacock. Yama escaped the attention in the form of a crow. Kubera took the form of chameleon. Varuna took the form of a Royal Swan. From that time, Yama was pleased with crows. 

The frightened Gods took the forms of different birds. Indra took the form of peacock. Yama escaped the attention in the form of a crow. Kubera took the form of chameleon. Varuna took the form of a Royal Swan. 

He gave a blessing that in future, when human beings worship the pitrus by offering rice to them, the crows will have the right to eat that rice. Thus the right of the crows to eat offerings of rice, originated from that time. 

== Worship of Yama ==

Yamapanchakas is the period of time starting from Asweyuja Krishna Trayodasi (13th day of the Second half of Asweyuja month) till Kaartika Suddha Tritiya (3rd day of the First half of Kaartika month).  The Day of Narakachaturdashi  falls in between this time. Sacred scripts prescribe that after taking bath on Naraka Chaturdasi day all those who are eligible to offer Pithru tharpana (offerings to ancestors) should give Thila Tharpanam (offering of sesame or gingelly seeds) in the name of Yamadeva (God of Death). This is called Yama Tharpanam, which is done by reciting the following mantras having the 14 names of Yamadharmaraja. 

Yamaaya; Dharmarajaya; Mruthyave; Chaantakayacha;

 

 

|}Yamaaya; Dharmarajaya; Mruthyave; Chaantakayacha;

Vaivaswathaya; Kaalaaya; Sarva Bhootha Kshayayacha;

Vaivaswathaya; Kaalaaya; Sarva Bhootha Kshayayacha;

Audhumbaraya; Dhadnaya; Neelaya; Paramestine;

Audhumbaraya; Dhadnaaya; Neelaya; Paramestine;

Vrukodaraya; Chitraya; Chitraguptayathe Namah

Vrukodaraya; Chitraya; Chitraguptayathe Namah

Facing South, Tharpana should be given with water and black sesame seeds (thila) with Yagnopaveetham in Savya position like Deva Tharpanam (Yama Dharma Raaja being a Demi God) by reciting each name in the above sloka by adding Namah. For eg. Yamaaya Namah–Yamam Tharpayami; Dharmarajaya Namah – Dharmarajam Tharpayami; etc…… It is said and believed that giving Yama tharpana on this day is highly meritorious and one will get relief from suffering in Naraka Loka. 

Facing South,tarpanam should be given with water and black sesame seeds (thila) with Yagnopaveetham in Savya position like in Deva Tharpanam by reciting each name in the above sloka by adding Namah. For eg. Yamaaya Namah–Yamam Tharpayami; Dharmarajaya Namah – Dharmarajam Tharpayami; etc…… It is said and believed that giving Yama tharpana on this day is highly meritorious and one will get relief from suffering in Naraka Loka. 

Scripts like Dharma Sindhu says that this Tharpana should be given by one and all irrespective of the fact whether father is alive or not. In case father is not alive it can be given in Savya/Apasavya position as said above. In case father is alive it should be given with water and rice with Yagnopaveetham in Savya position.

Scriptures like Dharma Sindhu says that this Tharpana should be given by one and all irrespective of the fact whether father is alive or not. In case father is not alive it can be given in Savya/Apasavya position as said above. In case father is alive, it should be given with water and rice with Yagnopaveetham in Savya position.

== References ==

== References ==

# VSP

# VSP

# The Mahabharata, Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Section 68

# The Mahabharata, Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Section 68