Phaya Yommarat (Lord Yama) is a deity who appears in many cultures and among many peoples. He is known by different names depending on the beliefs and traditions of each culture. According to legend, Phaya Yommarat is believed to be the lord of all ghosts and spirits, the overseer of all souls, and the one who possesses the authority to determine the lifespan of human beings. He is also believed to judge where a person will go after death, whether to heaven or to hell. For this reason, those who revere and have faith in this deity regard Phaya Yommarat as the supreme ruler over all Yomabans in the underworld.
Whether one pays respect to Phaya Yommarat, Phra Kanchaisi, Chao Pho Chetkhup, or Suwan-Suwan, the purpose is to remind those who are still living in this world to keep an important principle in mind. That principle is for all human beings to reflect upon their own actions and consider whether their deeds are virtuous, beneficial, or harmful during their lifetime. This is because Phaya Yommarat is believed to be the one who determines whether a person will go to heaven or hell after death. The merits and demerits accumulated during one’s lifetime are regarded as part of his judgment. Every action has its consequences. A person’s destination after death is determined by the actions he or she performed while still alive. Therefore, all people should always be mindful of their actions, for the consequences of those actions will inevitably reveal themselves after death.
In addition, the veneration of Phaya Yommarat is believed to bring important spiritual benefits. It is regarded as a source of auspiciousness, particularly in relation to longevity and recovery from illness. It is also believed to provide protection from various dangers and misfortunes, while preventing ghosts, spirits, demons, and other malevolent beings from causing harm through the protective power of Phaya Yommarat. Because Phaya Yommarat is regarded as the supreme ruler over all the guardians of the underworld, devotees believe that he can grant long life and provide protection from various dangers to those who sincerely revere and place their faith in him. There is also a belief that Phaya Yommarat can grant wealth to those who have faith in him, making them prosperous and wealthy. If he is worshipped properly and one offers prayers with mindfulness while always keeping him in mind in every action, it is believed that he will bring success, happiness, prosperity, and wealth to those who have faith in him and worship him.