Yama in Hindu religion and Pluto in Roman mythology are both associated with the afterlife, but they have several similarities and differences.
Hindu God Yama and Roman God Pluto Similarities:
Gods of the Underworld: Both Yama and Pluto are considered
gods of the underworld or the afterlife in their respective religions. They
rule over the realm of the dead.
Judges of the Dead: Yama and Pluto are often depicted as
judges of the dead. They determine the fate of souls after death, deciding
whether they will be rewarded or punished based on their actions in life.
Chthonic Deities: They are chthonic deities, which means
they are connected to the earth and the subterranean world. Their realms are
located underground, symbolizing the transition from life to death.
Hindu God Yama and Roman God Pluto Differences:
Cultural Origin: Yama, also known as Yamraj, is a Hindu
deity and is a prominent figure in Hindu scriptures, while Pluto is a Roman
deity and is part of Roman mythology. This distinction reflects their cultural
and religious contexts.
Appearance and Attributes: Yama is often depicted with a black,
green or red complexion, holding a mace and a noose. He is sometimes portrayed
as riding a buffalo. Pluto, on the other hand, is usually depicted as a bearded
figure with a dark, stern countenance. He holds a key, signifying his control
over the gates to the underworld.
Worship and Role: Yama is sometimes worshiped in Hinduism as
a god of justice, dharma, and the afterlife. He plays a role in the cycle of
reincarnation, and his decisions impact a soul's future incarnations. Pluto, on
the other hand, is not typically worshiped in Roman religion, and his role is
more focused on the administration of the underworld. There are specific festivals associated with Yama observed especially during Diwali like the Yamadeepdaan etc.
Mythological Stories: Yama is associated with various
stories and legends in Hindu religion, such as the tale of Savitri and
Satyavan. Pluto's myths, in contrast, are less developed in Roman mythology. The
famous Katha Upanishad in Hinduism contains the immortal teaching by Yama to
young Nachiketa. It unravels the secrets of death and liberation.
Name and Origin: The name "Pluto" is derived from
the Greek god Hades, who is the closest equivalent to Pluto in Greek mythology.
Pluto's Roman counterpart was often conflated with the Greek Hades, but they
were not entirely identical in character and attributes. Yama means law or
rule. He is intelligent and full of wisdom.
In summary, while Yama and Pluto share some similarities as rulers of the underworld and judges of the dead, they belong to distinct mythological traditions, have different attributes and roles, and are revered differently in their respective cultures.