Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 7
Yamarāja Instructs the Yamadūtas: Supreme Authority, Mahājanas, and the Glory of the Holy Name
अतस्त्वमेको भूतानां सेश्वराणामधीश्वर: । शास्ता दण्डधरो नृणां शुभाशुभविवेचन: ॥ ७ ॥
atas tvam eko bhūtānāṁ seśvarāṇām adhīśvaraḥ śāstā daṇḍa-dharo nṝṇāṁ śubhāśubha-vivecanaḥ
Kaya ang kataas-taasang hukom ay dapat iisa, hindi marami. Ang aming pagkaunawa: ikaw ang kataas-taasang hukom na iyon, na may kapangyarihan maging sa mga deva. Ikaw ang Panginoon ng lahat ng nilalang, na naghihiwalay sa mabuti at masamang gawa ng tao at may hawak ng parusa.
FAQs
This verse states that Yamarāja is the supreme authority over living beings in matters of justice, carrying the rod of punishment and discerning auspicious and inauspicious actions.
After the Yamadūtas were checked by the Viṣṇudūtas in Ajāmila’s case, Yamarāja clarifies his rightful jurisdiction as the judge of karma and instructs his messengers about proper understanding of dharma.
Practice conscious moral discernment—choose actions aligned with dharma, avoid harmful habits, and remember that accountability for one’s deeds is a spiritual principle, not merely a social rule.