Yamadharma Raja Worshipped Surya Here - The Significance of Yamaditya in Kashi

The Sun God, revered as the visible form of divinity, is traditionally worshipped for health, prosperity, knowledge and success. Kashi, or Varanasi, the renowned city of liberation, is home to several sacred temples and pilgrimage sites, including the twelve Aditya shrines dedicated to different forms of the Sun God. Yamaditya is one of these revered shrines. The traditional saying ‘Arogyam Bhaskaradicchet’ associates the worship of Surya with health and well-being. The sacred significance of Yamaditya is also mentioned in the Kashi Khanda attributed to the poet Srinatha.

According to the temple legend, Yamadharma Raja, the son of Surya, installed and worshipped an image of the Sun God in Kashi as an act of repentance after an error committed by his attendants. Since the Aditya was worshipped by Yamadharma Raja, he came to be known as Yamaditya. The shrine is traditionally associated with the area near Sankata Devi Temple close to Scindia Ghat. Yamadharma Raja is also believed to have installed a Shiva lingam known as Yameshwara Swamy. Devotees believe that offering prayers to Yamaditya and Yameshwara can help dispel fear of death and Yamabadhā, and lead to spiritual liberation. A Tuesday coinciding with Chaturdashi is considered particularly significant, with devotees traditionally taking a holy dip in the Ganga before worshipping Yamaditya.