Yama Deepam 2025: Date, Time and Significance of lighting a diya for Lord Yamaraj

Yama Deepam 2025: Yama Deepam, also known as Yamadeepam, is an ancient and significant Hindu ritual observed on the day of Dhanteras. It is a key part of the five-day Diwali festival d is dedicated to Lord Yama, the god of death. The ritual is performed to seek blessings for the protection and longevity of family members.

Yama Deepam 2025: Date And Time

• In 2025, Yama Deepam will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18.
• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 01:51 PM on October 19, 2025
• Yama Deepam Muhurat: The ideal time to perform the ritual is during the evening's Pradosh Kaal. Auspicious timings for the ritual are typically between 05:48 PM and 07:04 PM.

Yama Deepam 2025: Significance Of The Ritual

The lighting of the Yama Deepam is rooted in the belief that it pleases Lord Yama and protects family members from untimely death. While the main Diwali festival honours wealth and prosperity through Goddess Lakshmi, Yama Deepam is a ritual that focuses on securing health and life, a crucial foundation before inviting material blessings.

The deepam represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and the removal of negative energy from the home. It is a spiritual act of gratitude, acknowledging Lord Yama's role as the guide of departed souls and the guardian of justice.

Yama Deepam 2025: The Legend Behind Yama Deepam

The tradition of Yama Deepam is linked to an ancient story from the Skanda Purana. According to the legend, the 16-year-old son of King Hima was fated to die from a snake bite on the fourth night after his marriage. His young bride, wise and devoted, refused to let fate take her husband.

On the night of the prophesied death, she kept him awake by singing songs and telling stories. She lit countless diyas and laid all her gold and ornaments at the entrance of their chamber. When Lord Yama arrived in the form of a serpent, the sheer brilliance of the lights and gold blinded his eyes. Unable to enter, he waited outside, listening to the young bride's stories until dawn. As the sun rose, he returned peacefully to his abode, having been so pleased with her devotion. From that day on, the ritual of lighting the Yama Deepam began, symbolising a prayer for divine protection and longevity.

Don't Miss: Diwali 2025 Date In USA: Is It On October 20 Or 21, 2025? Check Auspicious Timings Across USA Time Zones

Yama Deepam 2025: How To Perform The Yama Deepam Ritual

The Yama Deepam ritual is simple and can be performed with sincerity and devotion.

• Preparation: Before sunset, clean the main entrance of your home. A small, four-faced diya (lamp) is traditionally used, and it should be filled with mustard oil or sesame oil.
• Placement: The diya must be placed outside the main entrance of the home, facing the south direction. The south is considered sacred to Lord Yama and is his direction.
• Lighting the Lamp: The lamp should be lit during the auspicious evening muhurat (Pradosh Kaal).
• Prayer: As you light the flame, offer a prayer to Lord Yama for the protection and well-being of your family. You can also chant a mantra like ‘Om Yam Devaya Namah.’

Image credits: Freepik

Don't Miss: Diwali Lakshmi Puja 2025: City-Wise Puja Muhurat Timings, Rituals, Bhog, and More

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.