|
|
|
Yama is one who restrains, who curbs, who
controls. He was the first of men to die and to depart to the
celestial world. He is the god of the dead and so the spirits of
the departed dwell with him. He has two very fierce dogs, with
four eyes and wide nostrils, which guard the path of the
departed souls leading to Yama's kingdom.
In the mythological literature he is described as the god of
death and the judge, Dharmaraja, meting out re-wards and
punishments to the souls of the dead brought to him. In this he
is ably assisted by Citragupta, the recorder.
He is the ruler of the southern quarter, is green in colour,
wears red garments, has a mighty mace and noose, and rides a
he-buffalo.
|
|