Yamadeepdaan Pooja Importance – Yamadeep Date in 2025 – How To Perform Yama Deepam During Diwali

Yamadeepdaan, also known as Yama Deepam, Yam Deep Puja and Yam Deep Daan, is the first day of Diwali celebrations in North India and Gujarat. Dhanteras is also observed on the day. Diyas (lamps) are lit all night and these lamps are dedicated to Yama or Yamraj, the god of death.Yam Deep Puja 2025 date is October 18. In some regions, lamps are lit for the ancestors and floated down a river or pond on the day.

Story of Yamadeepdaan Pooja

Legend has it that a 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. A girl agreed to marry the unlucky prince knowing his ill fate.

The young bride was confident of her spiritual wealth and decided to save the prince. On the fourth night, after their marriage, she refused to let him sleep.

She collected all her jewellery, ornaments, and also the gold and silver coins in the palace and placed them in a heap at the entrance of door. Then she lit innumerable Diyas (lamps) all over the palace. To keep her husband awake, she narrated tales and sang songs.

At the stroke of midnight, Lord Yama, the God of Death, reached the palace in the guise of a snake. But Yamraj’s eyes were blinded by the dazzle of the Diyas. This prevented him from entering the room where the young bride and prince was sitting.

When the attempts to enter the room failed, Lord Yama hid near the ornaments and coins, thinking that the prince might come there to look at the valuables. But the clever young bride did not allow the prince to venture out and soon sun appeared and Lord Yama returned disappointed.

This incident is celebrated as Yamadeepdaan on Dhanteras day. The tradition of burning lamps through the night on the day is dedicated to Lord Yama.

🪔How To Perform Yamadeepdaan Pooja

Lamps made of wheat flour are lighted with gingelly oil are placed outside the house, facing southwards (direction of Yama), in the evening. Normally a lamp is never allowed to be kept facing southwards. But on this day, it is an exception and the light is facing the south direction only.

This pooja is dedicated to Lord Yama, the god of death, and is performed to ward off untimely death and bring peace and prosperity to the household.

Here’s a detailed explanation of how to perform Yamadeepdaan Pooja, along with symbolism, meaning, and additional insights into the ritual:

Timing

Day: Dhanteras (13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik – trayodashi tithi should be present during the pradosh period)
Time: After sunset, during Pradosh Kaal, which typically starts around 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (the cue is setting sun) (check local timings)

Preparation

Wheat Flour Diyas (Lamps):
- Traditionally, small diyas are made from freshly kneaded wheat flour. Usually the diyas number in 13.
- This symbolizes sustenance and the cycle of life and death.
Gingelly (Sesame) Oil:
- Use gingelly oil (also known as sesame oil) for lighting the diyas.
- Sesame oil is considered sacred and purifying, often associated with removing doshas (faults) and protecting against negative energies.
Wicks:
Other Items:
- A small plate or holder to keep the diya.
- Flowers, turmeric, kumkum, rice grains (akshata), incense, and camphor (optional).
- Prepare a simple offering (naivedya), like jaggery or a sweet.

Pooja Procedure

Clean the area outside your house, especially near the main entrance or southern wall.
Make the lamp from wheat flour, fill it with gingelly oil, and place a wick in it.
Place the lamp facing southward, which is normally avoided, as the south is the direction of death and associated with Yama.
Light the lamp, and place it outside the home, preferably on the southern side, or near the Tulsi plant or entrance.
Offer prayers to Lord Yama with folded hands:

“Mrityuna Pashahastena Kaalena Bhayavahinā |

Trayodashyām Deepa Dānam Tasya Pāpam Nivārayet”

(Meaning: Offering a lamp on Trayodashi to the one who carries a noose and brings fear (Yama), removes all sins.)
Offer flowers and akshata (rice mixed with turmeric) while praying for protection of all family members.
Let the lamp burn through the night, symbolizing protection from untimely death and guiding the departed souls.

Symbolism and Deeper Meaning

Why South Direction?

South is the direction ruled by Yama, the god of death.
Normally, no sacred items or lamps are placed facing south as it is considered inauspicious.
But on Dhanteras evening, lighting the lamp in the south direction is an act of reverence, not defiance.
It shows submission to divine order and seeking mercy and protection from untimely death.

Wheat Flour Lamps

The use of wheat flour reflects impermanence of life, as the body too is made of the earth and returns to it.
It also symbolizes nourishment, the cycle of birth and death, and humility.

Gingelly (Sesame) Oil

Gingelly oil is used in rituals to ward off evil and appease ancestors.
It is considered sattvic and cleansing, aiding in the removal of karma and negativity.

Why Worship Yama?

While Yama is the god of death, he is not feared but respected for his justice and righteousness.
Worshipping Yama is believed to protect from untimely death, accidents, and major life misfortunes.
It is also an act of gratefulness for life and acknowledging death as part of the cosmic cycle.

Benefits of Yamadeepdaan

Removes fear of death and negativity.
Brings peace to ancestors and those who’ve passed.
Protects the family from untimely death, illness, and bad omens.
Ensures prosperity, good health, and spiritual well-being.

Yamadeepdaan is a spiritually powerful ritual that goes beyond superstition. It reminds us of mortality, the importance of light over darkness, and the necessity to honor natural forces — even those we fear. By offering light to the Lord of Death, we embrace life with awareness, gratitude, and devotion.