Yama (यम)

Yama is revered as the deity associated with death, moral order and the judgment of the deceased. Themes of mortality, justice, ethical consequence and the afterlife are central to the way devotees, storytellers and temple traditions understand this figure. Recognisable attributes can include buffalo, staff, noose and judicial imagery. Readers may also know the deity by names such as Dharmaraja. Interpretations are not identical across India, and older texts, regional traditions and modern devotional practice may emphasise different aspects. A strong reference entry should therefore present the main tradition first, label regional variants clearly, and connect the mythology to symbols, festivals, temples and respectful worship practices that readers are likely to search for today.