Vedic Mythology c9.s4.3

c9.s4.3

Thus it is implied that Yama is a god. He is, however, not expressly called a god, but only a king (9, 113⁸; 10, 14 passim), who rules the dead (*yamárājñaḥ*: 10, 16⁹). Yama and god Varuṇa are the two kings whom the dead man sees on reaching heaven (10, 14⁷). Throughout one of the hymns devoted to his praise (10, 14) he is associated with the departed fathers, particularly with the Aṅgirases (vv.³·⁵). With them he comes to the sacrifice and is exhilerated (vv. ³·⁴. 15⁸). Later texts (TA. 6, 5²; Āp. ŚS. 16, 6) make mention of the steeds of Yama, which are described as golden-eyed and iron-hoofed. He is a gatherer of the people (10, 14¹), gives the dead man a resting place (10, 14⁹; AV. 18, 2³⁷) and prepares an abode for him (10, 18¹³).