The History of Phaya Yommarat, the Judge of Human Souls Phaya Yommarat is a deity who appears in the beliefs of many cultures, with numerous stories and legends associated with him. According to traditional Indian religious mythology, Yama, later known as Yommarat, is the son of the Sun God and Lady Saranya. His original name was Yama. He is the god of death who rules the realm of the dead and the underworld, with the duty of judging souls fairly and assigning the consequences of karma to both humans and other living beings. The judgments of Phaya Yommarat determine the severity of each soul’s deeds, deciding whether it must undergo the consequences of its karma in hell or ascend to heaven. Phaya Yommarat is traditionally depicted carrying two divine weapons: the Yama Noose, used to seize souls, and the Yama Staff, which possesses the power to bring death to all living beings.
Some legends state that Phaya Yommarat was the first human being to die on earth. Having experienced the realm after death, he became the ruler and guardian of all souls. Another legend tells that Phaya Yommarat was once born as the king of Kosambi in the kingdom of Vaisali, who was deeply devoted to warfare. Before his death, he prayed to be reborn as the ruler of hell, and after passing away, he was reborn as Phaya Yommarat.
In Theravāda Buddhism, it is believed that Phaya Yommarat was born as a celestial deity in the Cātummahārājika Heaven, under the authority of Dhatarattha, one of the Four Great Heavenly Kings. In this tradition, Phaya Yommarat is not only the name of a deity but also an official title. It includes 32 Yama Lords who preside over the Great Hells, 320 Yama Lords who govern the Yamaloka Hells, and 1 Chief Yama Lord who presides over Yamaloka. Altogether, there are 353 Yama Lords.