Dharm Raj - A concept that got distorted

          Dharm Raj - A concept that got distorted over time

Today, when we hear the word “Dharm Raj” (also known as Yamraj), we often picture a fearsome figure—a large, intimidating man with horns on his head riding a buffalo. 

His job, we believe, is to pull out the soul from the body and escort it to the “other world,” where he checks the record of one’s deeds and decides whether the soul goes to heaven or is thrown into hell.* 

However, the original concept of Dharm Raj may have been quite different during the early Vedantic period. 

The Upanishads depict Dharm Raj not as a fearsome being, but as a wise, kind, and deeply benevolent figure. 

He is described as a man of great learning and knowledge - a person of utmost calm, compassion, and wisdom.

The term Dharmaraj may have been used to describe a Sadguru – a teacher of true Dharma who taught disciples the essence of truth.

The literal meaning of Dharm Raj is “the king of Dharma” or “supreme authority” of Dharma. And who could be better suited to this term than a Sat-Guru? 

This title can rightly be given to the Guru. Though the popular concept and his image may have changed today, his basic function remains the same.

The role of Dharm Raj, or the Guru, was (and is) to lead the mind or consciousness away from this mortal world of pain and suffering toward the “other world” of eternal peace and bliss.

The beautiful story of the Kathopanishad presents Dharm Raj in this light—as a wise, compassionate, and noble teacher.

The story goes like this: 

When the young prince Nachiketa’s father, in a fit of rage, angrily said he would send him to Dharmaraj or Yamaraj, Nachiketa set out to meet Dharmaraj.

After a long and arduous journey, he arrived at Dharmaraj’s palace, only to learn that the Dharm Raj was away and would return in three days. 

Nachiketa sat on the doorsteps and waited patiently without any food or water.

When Dharmaraja returned, he saw a tired, pale-faced young man sitting on the steps. He got angry when he learned the boy had been waiting there for three days and was not offered any food or water. 

He asked his family and household attendants why the guest was not offered proper hospitality. He reminded them that every guest, regardless of age or status, must be welcomed and served like God. He ordered them to bring food and water for the young visitor immediately.

Then, turning to Nachiketa, he personally apologized and asked about the purpose of his visit. And as compensation for the neglect, he offered to grant Nachiketa three boons—one for each night he had waited patiently.

For his first boon, Nachiketa asked that his father not be angry with him upon his return.

For the second boon, he asked for a long life of contentment and joy - free from suffering, grief, and fear.

Both boons were immediately granted. 

In fact, this is what most people want – material and emotional happiness - wealth, and peace of mind.

But Nachiketa, even at a young age, had realized that such worldly happiness is fleeting - that earthly pleasures are not permanent—they are ephemeral.

So, for his third boon, he asked for the highest Gyana —the knowledge of the Self, the Atman — its origin, nature, and ultimate destiny.

With this third request, the profound teachings of the Kathopanishad begin.

Dharm Raj imparts to Nachiketa the supreme knowledge (Gyana) of Atman and Brahman—the Self and the Supreme Reality.

Through this wisdom, Nachiketa overcame death and attained moksha—liberation.

Now, does this image of Dharm Raj seem like the image of a fearsome, terrifying man with horns? 

Clearly not. 

Nachiketa wasn’t frightened when he saw Dharmraj. 

He was not scared of being in his presence and spoke to him without fear or hesitation.

This makes it clear that the god of death, Dharmaraj or Yamaraj, was not a fearsome horned man as is often depicted in pictures.

So, how and when did this original image of Dharm Raj become distorted?

Perhaps the transformation began with the influence of Greek, Judaic-Christian, and Islamic ideas on Indian culture. The current portrayal of Dharm Raj or Yamraj—as a dark, fearsome figure—resembles the Christian devil or the Islamic Satan far more than the humble and gentle Guru of the Upanishads.

However, another question also arises in my mind:

Should we wait in fear for a fearsome Dharmaraj who will appear at the end of life?

Or should we also, like Nachiketa, seek out a compassionate, kind, humble, and loving Dharm Raj—a real personal Satguru—who can lead our consciousness toward that 'other world' of eternal peace and bliss?

                   " Rajan Sachdeva "

Note:

* This notion of checking each individual's deeds at the end of their life and sending the soul to heaven or hell is not an ancient Hindu - Sanatan, Sankhya, or Vedanta ideology. It's a Judeo-Christian-Islamic thought that gradually entered into Hindu and Sikh ideology over time.