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Yamaduta – Messenger of Yama at the Time of Death in Hindu Religion - Yamadutas

Yamadutas are messengers of Yama, the god of death in Hindu religion. It is believed that they arrive at the time of death of an individual on earth. Yamaduta follow orders and directions of Yama. They arrive to convey messages of Yama to mortals and to take them to his kingdom based on their deeds on earth.

When the time of an individual ends on earth, Yama sends one of his messengers to earth to take the individual to Yamaloka.


Details about Yamadutas, especially their features and weapons are mentioned in the Padma Purana.

Yamadutas are depicted with a rope and mace or club. Their faces are deformed. They have long teeth and their faces are like burning charcoal. They have huge figures. Their eyes burn like fire.

Crow is also referred as Yamaduta as it carries the food offered by relatives to dead ancestors.

Yamadutas are described in detail in Padma Purana (Kriya Yoga, Chap 6).

"Who are you, with rope and club in your hands? Your faces are deformed. Your teeth are long and fearful. Your faces are like burning charcoal. All of you are most mighty and your eyes are burning like fire. In spite of that, your conditions seem to be deplorable"

Yamadutas replied - "We are all the obedient servants of Yama. We always obey his orders. O learned one!