Yama
Indian mythology · deity · death, justice, the ancestors
The first mortal to die, who thereby became lord of the dead and judge of souls, keeping accounts of every deed. Also called Dharma, righteousness itself, and in that aspect, father of Yudhishthira.
Stories
Savitri and the Lord of Death
Savitri marries Satyavan knowing he has one year to live, and when Yama carries off his soul she simply follows. Pleased by her wisdom, the god grants boon after boon, anything but the life he carries, until one careful wish, children by her husband, forces Death himself to hand it back.
Markandeya and the Noose of Death
Destined to die at sixteen, the boy sage Markandeya embraces the linga as Yama's noose falls. Shiva bursts from the stone and turns Death back with his trident, granting the boy eternal sixteen; even Yama's ledger has one entry struck through.