Hindu god Yama is known as Dharmaraja for several reasons rooted in Hindu mythology and religious beliefs. Here are the key points that explain why Yama is referred to as Dharmaraja:
Lord of Dharma (Righteousness):
- "Dharmaraja" translates to "King of Dharma." In Hinduism, Dharma represents the moral and ethical duties, laws, and principles that sustain society and the universe. Yama, as the god of death, ensures that these principles are upheld.
- Yama's role is to judge the souls of the deceased based on their actions during their lifetime. He assesses whether individuals have lived according to dharma (righteousness) or adharma (unrighteousness).
Judgement of Souls:
- Upon death, souls are brought before Yama, who evaluates their deeds and determines their fate in the afterlife. This role as the ultimate judge of souls underscores his title as Dharmaraja.
- He maintains the cosmic balance by rewarding virtuous souls with heaven (Swarga) and sending sinful souls to hell (Naraka) for purification and punishment, according to their karma.
Symbol of Justice:
- Yama embodies the principle of justice. In Hindu mythology, he is depicted as a fair and impartial judge who administers justice without bias or favoritism.
- This role as the enforcer of moral order and justice aligns with the concept of dharma, further reinforcing his title as Dharmaraja.
Scriptural References:
- Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, and the Mahabharata, describe Yama's function as the enforcer of dharma and the judge of the dead.
- In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira, one of the Pandava brothers, is often compared to Dharmaraja for his adherence to truth and righteousness, further highlighting the association of the title with the principles of justice and morality.
Role in Maintaining Cosmic Order:
- Yama's judgments are essential for maintaining the cosmic order (Rta) in Hindu cosmology. By ensuring that souls receive appropriate consequences for their actions, he upholds the universal balance and moral law.
- His role as Dharmaraja is integral to the functioning of the universe, ensuring that dharma is preserved and that justice prevails.
In summary, Yama is known as Dharmaraja because he is the divine judge who oversees the moral conduct of souls, administers justice, and upholds the principles of dharma in the cosmos. His role in judging and rewarding or punishing souls based on their deeds makes him the embodiment of righteousness and justice, earning him the revered title of Dharmaraja.