Krishna Meets Yama Story

Lord Yamaraj is the Hindu god of death who plays a vital role in maintaining the balance between the cycle of life and death. Lord Yama was the son of Lord Surya and Sanjana. He became the destroyer of the creatures as a result of a curse. When Lord Surya came to visit Sanjana, she closed her eyes because she couldn’t bear the glare of the sun rays. This angered Surya and he cursed her that her son would grow up to be the destroyer.Lord Yama also had a twin sister named Yami, who later on became the river Yamuna. He is believed to have a majestic appearance with dark skin and red garments. He carries a noose and a mace and rides a buffalo. It is believed that the mace is the part of the sun and he uses it along with the noose to capture the soul of the living. This is why Lord Yama is also known as Pasi, meaning, the noose carrier. Apart from this, Yama also carries a danda which is a stick used as a weapon to punish.

The Vedas describe Yama as a cheerful king of the dead, not as a punisher of sins but one who weighs the good and bad deeds of the dead and determines their recompense.

Yama

How Did Krishna Meet Yama?

Vasudeva put Shri Krishna and Balarama under the guidance of Sandip Muni. When their training was complete, it was time to ask for Gurudakshina (the offering made by a student to the teacher). Sandip Muni wanted to ask for something extraordinary and so he consulted his wife who asked for their drowned son’s return.

On hearing their teacher’s request Krishna and Balarama set out for the ocean. On reaching, they enquired the sea god. He said that a demon named Panchajana had devoured the child.

Krishna immediately plunged into the water to find the demon and defeat him. He tore open the belly of Panchajana but did not find the child.

Krishna then dragged Panchajana’s body to the residence of Lord Yama. He was happy to receive Krishna and return back Sandip Muni’s child to him.

When Sandip Muni saw his son, he was truly amazed by Krishna’s devotion and blessed him.

Krishna and Balrama

Note to Parents

Mythology influences the religious, cultural, and social life of an individual. Reading short stories based on Indian mythology inculcates morals and values among kids, which in turn stimulates their curiosity and unlocks their imagination. It teaches how to distinguish good from bad and when such stories are read at home, it creates a positive environment to learn and grow.

Conclusion

Krishna was a true devotee of his teachers. Even when Sandip Muni asked for a task that was nearly impossible, Krishna did not hesitate once. He put all his efforts into bringing back his teacher’s son even though he had to visit Lord Yama. This shows his homage towards elders.