Significance of God of Death
Synonyms: Death, Kali, Yama, Angel of death
In Dutch: God van de dood; In Finnish: Kuoleman jumala; In Spanish: Dios de la muerte
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'God of Death'
The God of Death in Hinduism primarily refers to Yama, the deity overseeing souls’ fates after physical demise. He embodies mortality's fearsome aspects, guiding souls in the afterlife while enforcing consequences for their earthly actions.
From: Agni Purana
(1) The god of death is referenced in relation to Yama, who is invoked to control the fate of adversaries, further emphasizing a connection to themes of power and mortality.[1] (2) A description of Rama’s prowess with his bow as perceived by Marica.[2] (3) The deity responsible for guiding souls to their afterlife destinations, including hells, depending on their actions during life.[3] (4) Yama, the deity presiding over death and the afterlife.[4] (5) A deity encompassing aspects of death, represented with terms such as Dharmaraja and Antaka.[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Refers to Yama, who is the deity presiding over death and the afterlife, whom Arjuna sought in his quest.[6] (2) A metaphor used to describe Hiranyakashipu's relentless pursuit of Vishnu.[7] (3) Refers to Yama, the deity representing death and the underworld, who also participates in the battle.[8] (4) A metaphor used to describe the enraged elephant, indicating its immense power and ferocity.[9] (5) The deity invited for sacrifices, essentially preventing death while present.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A powerful entity that is said to avoid those who come to worship at the Linga on their destined death day, providing them with a chance to escape death.[11] (2) Reference to Yama, the deity in charge of death and the afterlife.[12] (3) Kala, representing an inescapable force associated with death that further emphasizes the fearsome nature of the Pandavas' warriors.[13] (4) Refers to Yama, the deity overseeing the afterlife and the cycle of death and rebirth.[14] (5) The divine figure, Yama, who appears to Kapila after she fulfills her vow.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Yama, who presented a beautiful staff to the Goddess symbolizing control over life.[16] (2) A metaphorical reference to the seriousness of Vishvamitra's anger, likening his demeanor to the fearsome aspect of the God responsible for death.[17] (3) An allegorical figure, comparing Vritrasura's might to the power of death itself.[18] (4) Refers to Yama, portrayed as the deity who oversees the end of life.[19] (5) Yama, the deity who takes Satyavana's soul after his death.[20]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A metaphorical force driving the actions of the minister, symbolizing inevitable consequences stemming from immoral actions.[21] (2) Represents Yama, the deity responsible for the death and afterlife, referenced in the context of spiritual cycles.[22] (3) A metaphor describing Rama's fearsome demeanor and destructive capabilities in the wake of his vengeance, likening him to a divine force of annihilation.[23] (4) Mrityu, who has no access to the sacred mount Amarakantaka.[24]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A figure that embodies fear, appearing with open mouth and frightful mien, symbolizing the imminent threat of destruction.[25] (2) Refers to Yama, the figure associated with death, used metaphorically to express the severity of the son's demise.[26] (3) A reference to Yama, the deity associated with death, emphasizing Rama's formidable nature.[27]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A deity who oversees the realms of death and determines the fates of souls after their physical demise.[28] (2) The personification of death, who reacts to the hymn recited by Markandeya.[29] (3) The chosen bridegroom of Vijaya, who represents an irrevocable decree of fate as per the text.[30]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A divine figure feared by the titans, imputed to Hanuman due to his overwhelming force in the narrative.[31] (2) A reference to Yama, this phrase emphasizes Kumbhakama's monstrous reputation as beings associate him with death and destruction.[32]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A reference to the formidable nature of Aniruddha when he emerges to fight, likening him to a powerful deity associated with mortality.[33] (2) Yama, who along with his attendant deities, pays homage at the southern gate of Gokarna.[34]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The deity associated with death, against whom the rite is performed as a form of remedy.[35] (2) A reference to Jalandhara's resemblance, suggesting a fearsome and powerful nature.[36]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Refers to Yama, the deity responsible for ruling over the cycle of life and death, mentioned in the context of a king seeking to resuscitate the deceased.[37] (2) Symbolically represented by the syllable Mo (Kala), signifying time and mortality.[38]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Mrityu, the deity introduced in the story, responsible for enforcing the consequences of sin through punishment.[39]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Yamaraja, the deity responsible for judging the souls of the departed and determining their next destination based on their deeds.[40]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Kala, the deity representing death, who observes Destiny's dance and symbolizes the inevitability of demise.[41]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Yama, who the parents lamented took their son away prematurely.[42]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) Refers to Antaka, an Astra representing death and the end of life.[43]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Dharmaraja, who appears to take Satyavana’s soul but is eventually persuaded by Savitri's virtuous speech.[44]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A metaphorical reference to the fowler who poses a threat to the birds.[45]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A metaphorical figure representing destruction, who becomes particularly active in certain regions during adverse planetary alignments.[46]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The entity responsible for administering Punishment in the afterlife, particularly in hell.[47]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) A personification of death that inspires fear regarding the choices of warriors.[48]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Yama, a deity representing death, whose influence invokes feelings of both reverence and terror.[49]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) Yama, in Hindu mythology, is recognized as the god of death, controlling lives and leading devotees to the paths of their ancestors.[50]
The concept of God of Death in local and regional sources
The "God of Death" represents Dharmarao, symbolizing mortality, and connects to Karmabai's loss, the Marudgan's deception, and Yamadharma's role in reviving the dead, illustrating death's inevitability and the interplay of life and mortality.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A divine entity that the child managed to deceive, allowing him to evade death momentarily.[51] (2) Yamadharma, who was commanded by the Lord of Pandhari to bring life back to the dead body.[52] (3) Refers to the force that eventually took away Karmabai's child, highlighting the inevitability of death.[53] (4) Dharmarao, symbolizing mortality and the inevitable aspect of life, who is acknowledged to return home on the second day of the bright half of the month of Magh.[54]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A neutral force that ends all existence, bringing peace at the termination of life's struggles.[55]