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How To Worship Yama In Hinduism - A Comprehensive Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Yama in Hinduism

Yama, the Hindu god of death, is revered as the deity who presides over dharma (righteousness) and justice in the afterlife. Worshipping Yama is believed to help individuals lead a righteous life and prepare for spiritual liberation. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform Yama Puja, focusing on eco-friendly, traditional practices.


Importance of Worshipping Yama

Worshipping Yama is believed to:

  • Bring longevity, good health, and protection from premature death.
  • Encourage righteousness and justice in life.
  • Alleviate the fear of death, offering peace of mind regarding the afterlife.
  • Facilitate the atonement of sins, promoting spiritual liberation (moksha).

1. Cleanliness and Preparation

Cleanliness is paramount when preparing for any Hindu puja.

  • Personal Hygiene: Take a bath before starting the puja. Ensure your clothes and body are clean.
  • Altar Preparation: Clean the puja area or altar where the deity’s image or idol will be placed. The surroundings should be tidy and free from distractions.

2. Time of Worship

  • Ideal Day: Yama is particularly worshipped during the month of Kartik (October-November), especially on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali).
  • Best Time: Early morning (preferably during Brahma Muhurta, 4:00 am to 6:00 am) or late evening is ideal for worshipping Yama.

3. What to Wear

  • Clothing: Traditionally, white or yellow clothes are considered auspicious for puja as these colors symbolize purity and devotion. Avoid black as it’s considered inauspicious.
  • Eco-friendly Fabric: Use cotton or natural fibers that are sustainably produced and avoid synthetic materials.

4. Puja Items Required (Eco-friendly)

When performing Yama Puja, use eco-friendly items to avoid harm to the environment. Here are the traditional items you need:

  1. Yama Idol/Image – Made from natural clay or wood.
  2. Earthen Diya (Lamp) – Made of clay, with cotton wicks and sesame oil or ghee.
  3. Flowers – Use fresh flowers such as marigolds or jasmine (biodegradable and organic if possible).
  4. Fruits and Prasad – Organic fruits like bananas, coconuts, and jaggery-based sweets.
  5. Tulsi Leaves – Sacred in Hindu rituals.
  6. Natural Incense Sticks – Made from sandalwood or natural oils.
  7. Camphor – Use natural camphor for aarti (offering of light).
  8. Organic Turmeric and Kumkum – For applying tilak (forehead mark).
  9. Betel Leaves & Areca Nut – Symbolize respect and devotion.
  10. Panchamrit – A mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar (use organic and ethically sourced ingredients).
  11. Gangajal (Holy Water) – Prefer water sourced sustainably or from a local body of water.

5. Steps for Performing Yama Puja

The process of worshipping Yama is simple but must be done with sincerity and devotion.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Setting the Altar:

    • Place the idol or image of Yama on a clean altar.
    • Arrange the puja items such as flowers, fruits, water, and panchamrit in front of the idol.
  2. Lighting the Lamp:

    • Light the earthen diya (lamp) and incense sticks. The diya should be filled with pure ghee or sesame oil.
  3. Invoking Yama:

    • Offer flowers, and chant the following mantra to invoke Yama’s presence:
    Om Yamaya Namah
    • You can chant this 11 or 21 times.
  4. Offering Prayers and Puja:

    • Sprinkle a few drops of Gangajal over the altar and yourself.
    • Offer turmeric, kumkum, and flowers at the feet of Yama’s idol.
    • Offer panchamrit and fruits as a symbol of devotion.
    • Offer betel leaves and nuts.
  5. Aarti (Offering Light):

    • Light camphor and perform aarti, circling it in a clockwise direction in front of Yama’s image while chanting:
    Om Yamaya Dharmarajaya Namah
    • Sing a simple aarti or devotional song dedicated to Yama.
  6. Offering Prasad:

    • Distribute the fruits and sweets as prasad to family members or others present after concluding the puja.

6. Prasad (Offerings to Yama)

  • Jaggery Sweets (Gur-based): Prepare simple sweets like jaggery laddoos or halwa using organic ingredients.
  • Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, and seasonal fruits.
  • Panchamrit: Offer the panchamrit (mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar) as it is considered pure and auspicious.

7. Mantras for Worshipping Yama

Chanting specific mantras helps in invoking Yama’s blessings:

  1. Yama Gayatri Mantra:

    Om Surya Putraya Vidmahe, Mahakalaya Dhimahi, Tanno Yamah Prachodayat.
    • Translation: "We meditate on Yama, the son of the Sun. May he inspire and guide us."
  2. Yama Mantra for Protection:

    Om Yamaya Dharmarajaya Mrityave Cha Antakaya Cha Vaivasvataya Kalaya Sarvabhutakshayaya Cha Audumbaraya Dadhnaya Nilaya Parameshtine Vrikodaraya Chitraya Chitraguptaya Vai Namah.

8. Concluding the Puja

  • Closing Prayers: Bow down before the image of Yama, thanking him for his protection and blessings.
  • Distribute Prasad: Offer the prasad to those who participated in the puja and to others around you.

9. What to Do With Puja Leftover Items

Ensure that all leftover items are disposed of in an eco-friendly manner:

  • Flowers & Biodegradable Items: These can be composted or immersed in running water (preferably a natural body of water) in a respectful and non-polluting way.
  • Ashes of Camphor and Incense Sticks: Can be used as natural fertilizers or mixed into the soil in gardens.
  • Water Used for Puja: Pour it onto plants or trees to avoid wastage.

10. Benefits of Worshipping Yama

  • Protection from untimely death and accidents.
  • Spiritual purification and peace of mind.
  • Reduced fear of death, bringing mental clarity and courage.
  • Guidance towards righteousness and leading a moral life.
  • Family well-being and protection from harmful energies.


Yama Puja is a profound way to connect with the natural cycle of life and death in Hinduism, seeking blessings for a righteous and peaceful life. By using eco-friendly and traditional materials, you honor the earth and practice sustainability, while also showing reverence to Yama, the Dharmaraja (king of righteousness). The simplicity and mindfulness of the puja help in fostering a deeper connection with the spiritual world, ensuring harmony and balance.