Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 11
Yamarāja Instructs the Yamadūtas: Supreme Authority, Mahājanas, and the Glory of the Holy Name
श्रीबादरायणिरुवाच इति देव: स आपृष्ट: प्रजासंयमनो यम: । प्रीत: स्वदूतान्प्रत्याह स्मरन् पादाम्बुजं हरे: ॥ ११ ॥
śrī-bādarāyaṇir uvāca iti devaḥ sa āpṛṣṭaḥ prajā-saṁyamano yamaḥ prītaḥ sva-dūtān pratyāha smaran pādāmbujaṁ hareḥ
圣舒迦提婆·高斯瓦弥说：如此被问时，众生的制御者阎摩罗阇因从使者口中听闻那罗延的圣名而大为欢喜；他忆念主哈利的莲花足，遂开始作答。
Śrīla Yamarāja, the supreme controller of the living entities in terms of their pious and impious activities, was very pleased with his servants because they had chanted the holy name of Nārāyaṇa in his dominion. Yamarāja has to deal with men who are all sinful and who can hardly understand Nārāyaṇa. Consequently when his order carriers uttered the name of Nārāyaṇa, he was extremely pleased, for he also is a Vaiṣṇava.
FAQs
This verse shows Yamarāja himself remembering the lotus feet of Hari before speaking, indicating that the ultimate authority and refuge—even in matters of punishment and justice—is the Supreme Lord, and remembrance of Hari is spiritually paramount.
The Yamadūtas questioned Yamarāja about dharma and who is truly punishable; pleased by their inquiry, Yamarāja responded while remembering Hari, preparing to clarify the higher principles governing karma and devotion.
Before making decisions—especially about right and wrong—pause to remember God through prayer or the holy name; it steadies the mind, aligns actions with dharma, and nurtures devotion rather than fear.