Dharma

Yama · Dharmaraja

The god of righteousness and death, divine father of Yudhishthira and of Vidura.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.

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Mahabharat →Puranic →

Traditional identity

Per tradition, not a genealogical relationship.

Incarnations

Vidura

Introduction

Dharma, also called Yama, is the god of righteousness and of death. In the Mahabharata he is the divine father of Yudhishthira, and Vidura is regarded as his incarnation.

This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.

Yudhishthira

Kunti called on Dharma with the mantra given by Durvasa, and had Yudhishthira. In the Vana Parva, Dharma appears as a Yaksha to test Yudhishthira with questions, and is pleased by his answers.

Vidura

The sage Mandavya cursed Yama to be born as a human because of a childhood punishment. Yama was born as Vidura, the son of Vyasa and a maid.

Sources

Mahabharata, Adi Parva (primary text) — https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm
Mahabharata, Vana Parva (primary text) — https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.