Yamaraja’s Explanation

Chapter 3

Sukadeva Goswami then narrated the illuminating dialogue between Yamaraja and his messengers.

Baffled by the entire incident, the Yamadutas sought clarification from their leader and questioned whether Yamaraja had any higher authority above him who was overseeing universal judgment. Yamaraja explained that beyond himself, and indeed all demigods, is the one Supreme Lord. Real dharma, which is established by that Supreme Lord and embodied by the great devotees (mahajanas), is to render pure devotional service, which begins with chanting.

Chanting the holy names surpasses all ritualistic ceremonies and can elevate even the most sinful personalities. Thus, Yamaraja directed his messengers to only summon those who, absorbed in materialistic life, never utter the holy names of the Lord. The Yamadutas thus discovered what Ajamila’s saving grace was. Yamaraja begged pardon from the Lord for having mistakenly approached Ajamila, and the Yamadutas thus learnt a valuable lesson.