Direction
South (Dakshina Disha)
Vedic deity · mantra tradition
Yama
Lord of Justice, Dharma, and Controller of Ancestral Realms (Pitru Loka)
Essence
Direction, symbols, and spiritual significance
Symbol / weapon
Danda (mace/staff of justice), scroll of karma, and black dog companions
Significance
Central during Pitru Paksha and ancestral rites, ensuring souls find their righteous path and karmic balance.
Description
Yama is the deity of absolute justice and righteousness. Often misunderstood purely as a figure of death, he is fundamentally the guardian of moral order and the leader who oversees ancestral transitions.
Mantra
Chant with reverence
ॐ धर्मराजाय नमः॥
Om Dharmarajaya Namah
Salutations to Lord Yama, the king of righteousness and justice.
By Veda
- atharvaveda: 1
- rigveda: 2
- yajurveda: 1
Philosophy & themes
- agni_kindling
- ancestors
- harmony
- healing
- invocation
- solar_light
- soma_nectar
- yajna