Worship of Yama Dev is performed for righteousness, justice, longevity, and liberation from sins. Yama Deva is regarded as the god of death and the protector of Dharma. Worship of Yama with devotion and sincere faith brings moral discipline, freedom from fear, and spiritual peace in life.
Preparation
Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes
Clean the place of worship thoroughly
Place an image or symbol of Yama Dev on a clean altar
Sit facing the south direction
Keep the mind calm and focused
Required Items (Samagri)
Image or symbol of Yama Dev
Black sesame seeds
Mustard oil
Lamp (diya)
Flowers
Incense sticks (agarbatti)
Kumkum
Turmeric
Sandalwood
Rice (akshat)
Fruits
Sweets
Water vessel
Sankalp (Resolution)
Sit calmly and take a vow to perform the puja
Pray for longevity, righteousness, and protection of the family
Seek liberation from sins and guidance on the path of Dharma from Yama Dev
Meditation (Dhyana)
Close your eyes and remember Yama Dev
Meditate on his just, radiant, and powerful form
Focus the mind on mantra chanting for some time
Invocation (Avahan)
Invite Yama Dev to accept the worship
Chant 'Om Yamaya Namah' 11 or 21 times
Seat & Welcome (Asana & Padya)
Offer flowers symbolically as a seat
Offer clean water as a gesture of welcome
Bathing Ritual (Snan)
Offer clean water over the image or symbol
Optionally perform Panchamrit bath and purify again with water
Decoration (Alankar)
Apply kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood
Offer flowers and rice grains
Naivedya (Offering of Food)
Offer fruits and sweets
Pray to accept the offering with devotion
Incense & Lamp
Light incense sticks
Light a mustard oil lamp
Mantra Chanting
Chant 'Om Dharmarajaya Namah'
Repeat the mantra 108 times if possible
Aarti
Sing the aarti of Yama Dev
Circulate the lamp in a circular motion with devotion
Circumambulation (Pradakshina)
Walk around the altar 1 or 3 times
Salutation (Pranam)
Bow down to Yama Dev and seek blessings
Pray for righteousness, longevity, and freedom from fear
Prasad Distribution
Distribute fruits and sweets as prasad
Important Guidelines
Worship of Yama Dev is considered especially auspicious on Yama Dvitiya, Dhanteras, and during Diwali. The south direction and mustard oil lamp hold special significance. Truthfulness, discipline, and devotion are essential during the worship.