Yam Deep Daan-Why is Yamadipadan performed

In Hindu mythological texts, Yama is described as the God of death. Yama is also called as Yamraj and Dharmaraja. The description of Yama is also found in detail in the Vedas. Yamraj rides the buffalo, known as Mahish. He is the God of death for all beings. He keeps a record of all the good and bad deeds of all beings. Yamraj is also said to be the Lord of the south direction, Dikpal.

Recite these names on Yamay Deepdan

Reciting the several names of Yama Dev at the time of Yamaya Deepdan is considered very auspicious. The main names of Yamaraja are as follows - Dharmaraja, Mrityu, Yama, Antak, Vaivasvat, Kaal, Sarvabhutakshya, Oudhubbar, Daghan, Neel, Chitragupta, Parmeshthi, Chitra and Vrokodar. He is worshiped by these names.

Yamay Deepdan Mythological Tale

There is a legend on Yama Deepdan which has been doing the rounds since ancient times. This story is related to Hansraj and Hemraj. The story goes like this - in ancient times there used to be a king. The name of that king was Hansraj. Once Raja Hansraj goes hunting with his soldiers. In search of a prey, the king ends up far ahead and gets separated from his soldiers.

While wandering in the forest, he sets out on an unknown route. He reaches the border of another state. This state was ruled by King Hemraj. Hemraj's soldiers capture Hansraj on the border and take him to their king. Hemraj does not punish Hansraj and rather offers his respects. There is a very festive mood in Hemraj’s kingdom as he was blessed with a son on that day itself. Hemraj decides to name the son Ratna. Hemraj requests Hansraj to stay until the celebration of the Chatti festival. Hansraj obeys the king and attends the Chatti.

All rituals come to an end of the Chatti of the child. An astrologer is called to predict the future of the child. As per that astrologer the child will be very bright, however, there will be a deep impact on his lifeline. The astrologer predicts the death of the child on the fourth day after marriage. This prediction saddens King Hemraj intensely.

Hansraj consoles Hemraj and tells him to not worry. He suggests making an underground palace for the prince. King Hemraj follows Hansraj’s advice. Slowly and steadily the prince grows up. One day King Hansraj's daughter reaches that place and sees the prince. The princess falls in love with the prince immediately. They go ahead and get married. When the parents are told about the marriage they inform the couple of the astrologer's prediction.

As predicted Yamdoot reaches to take away the prince on the fourth day of marriage. The Yamdoot too feels sad about separating the couple but remains helpless. The married woman mourns a lot. She begs him not to take her husband. The Yamdoot pities the wife and tells her that if she lights a lamp for Yamadev, then her husband can be protected. She follows the advice and lights a lamp in the south direction praying for her husband's survival.

As the princess performs the Yama Deepdaan the Yamdoot leaves without that prince. Yamraj questions the Yamdoot on the reason as to why he came empty handed. The Yamdoot then narrates the entire incident to Yamraj. Yamraj himself goes to visit the couple. Yamraj’s heart too melts when he sees the commitment of the princess and the Deepdaan. He blesses the newlyweds and frees the prince. From then on, donating a lamp for Yama brings an end to the fear of premature death and blesses the devotee with a long life.

In some places, the story differs a bit. The other side of the story is that the Yamdoot takes away the prince. The Yamdoot narrates the entire incident to Yamraj. The Yamraj also feels sad by the loss of the princess. He however does not give in and says that what has to be done should be done. As an alternative to prevent premature death he suggests a remedy. He says all those who, a person should observe a fast on the Teres, Chaturdashi and Yamadvatiya of Kartik Krishna Paksha and take a bath in Yamuna. One should worship Yama and perform Deepdaan. On doing so a person will be freed from the fear of premature death forever.

Yamay Deepdan Puja

The Skandpurana says - "Yamadipam Bahurdadyadapamrityurvinsyati", which means Premature death can be prevented by placing a lamp for Yamdev outside the house every evening. One can appease Suryaputra Yam by Deepdan and so prevent premature death. When Yamraj is worshipped throughout the year by Deepdaan all the troubles go away. A lamp should be lit during Pradoshkal for Yama Devta.

The lamp that is to be used for Yama Deepdaan should be made of flour. It should be big. Two long cotton strands should be placed inside the lamp in such a manner that the strands come out on four sides. This helps in lighting the lamp on four sides. The lamp should be filled with mustard or sesame oil. Along with this, black sesame seeds should also be added to the lamp.

During the Pradosh period, the lamp should be worshiped with Roli, Akshat and flowers. Outside the main door of the house, a heap of wheat or Kheel should be made. The lamp should then be placed on it. The Lamp should be lit facing the south direction. After this, one should do a Namaskar in the south direction while reciting the words Yamamdevya Namah.

Yamay Deepdan Importance

Yama Deepdan and Puja are done for good health and protection from premature death. According to a mythological belief one can get freedom by lighting a lamp for Yama. Yama has been worshipped since ancient times. One is also believed to attain physical beauty by worshiping Yama Dev. The body too remains healthy and good as a result of Yama worship and fast. To worship Yama Dev, decorate a plate and light a Chaumukha lamp in it. Light sixteen small lamps and after that Yama Dev should be worshiped with Roli Kheer, jaggery, flowers etc. At the time of Yamayan Deepdan, lamps should be lit at the main door of the house or any residence, building etc. and also inside the premises.