Most people know Phaya Yommarat (King Yama) as the dark deity who rules the underworld. Whether you’re deeply spiritual or just curious, Nai Mu — the spiritual guru from God’s City and Ticy City — invites everyone to a special event: the celebration of the new celestial palace of Somdet Phaya Yommarat at Wat Chai Sitthawat in Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani, on May 9, 2025.
The festivities, including traditional performances, will continue through May 11.
Don’t miss Nai Mu’s captivating storytelling about Phaya Yommarat — always a perfect mix of fun and fascinating knowledge!
You’ll also get to admire the stunning, golden statue of Somdet Phaya Yommarat in his angelic form — truly breathtaking!
The Origins of Somdet Phaya Yommarat at Wat Chai Sitthawat
Originally, worshippers at the temple paid respect to Phaya Yommarat at the old celestial shrine, which was relocated from Tiwanon Road. Interestingly, this Phaya Yommarat isn’t the Yama from Indian beliefs or Buddhist mythology, but a Thai figure believed to have lived during the reign of King Rama V.
According to spiritual lore, this “Yom” once served as a royal astrologer for Queen Sunanda Kumariratana (the queen who tragically drowned). During a royal boat trip on the Chao Phraya River, the vessel capsized. Yom managed to cling to a log with a monkey, drifting until they reached a banyan tree near today’s Royal Thai Army Ordnance Department grounds — where he eventually passed away.
Years later, in 1971, Yom’s spirit is said to have possessed Sergeant Major Boonsom Yaemsai, an officer at the Ordnance Department. After spiritual consultations, it was decided to build a shrine for Phaya Yommarat to protect and bless the area’s people.
On November 19, 1976, the first shrine was established near Tiwanon Road. It was a small wooden structure where the spirit was formally invited to reside.
However, in 1997, a car accident destroyed the shrine. The military community rebuilt it within the Army Ordnance grounds under the leadership of Colonel Bamroe Dyodying. The new shrine, completed in just 112 days, was funded by donations totaling 255,084 baht and officially consecrated on July 27, 1997.
Chant for Worshipping Phaya Yommarat (Recite 3 times)
Patometang Parachivinang Sukhato Jutti
Chitametang Nibbanang Sukhato Jutti
All of this history connects the journey of Phaya Yommarat from Tiwanon Road to Wat Chai Sitthawat today!
Who Is King Yama?
In many temples, statues of King Yama serve as reminders of the consequences of good and bad deeds. He’s considered one of the most feared divine figures because he oversees judgment after death.
In truth, “Yamaraj” is a position — the deity of death and the afterlife.
He is known by many names across cultures: Yamaraj, Phra Kal, Maccuraj, Dhammaraj, Mrityu (in Hindu tradition), Ngiam Lor Ong (in Chinese), Israfil (in Islamic belief), Hades (in Greek mythology), Orcus (Roman mythology), and more. Even in Japan and Tibet, similar gods exist.
In the beginning, Yama wasn’t a judge of the dead. He was the first mortal to die and naturally became the guide for others to the next world.
In Hindu beliefs, crossing the “Putta River” in the afterlife requires having a son to continue the family line. Without one, you couldn’t cross — which is why traditional Hindu life emphasizes having a son before withdrawing from worldly life at an older age.
Over time, Yama’s role expanded: he became the record keeper of death and the judge who sent souls to either heaven or hell based on their deeds.
He is said to have a twin sister named Yami (associated with the Yamuna River), who watches over deceased women, while Yama watches over men.
One legend even tells of Yama once being a king of Vaisali. After fierce battles, he vowed to become Lord of the Underworld along with his 18 generals and 80,000 soldiers — and after death, that wish came true.
Yet, even Yama wasn’t free from karma. As a consequence of killing in battles, he was fated to suffer — with a demon pouring molten copper into his mouth every 24 hours until his karmic debts are repaid!
Next week, Nai Mu will share even more fascinating stories about King Yama at other temples. Stay tuned!
Story by Nai Mu
