Mrityu

Lady of Death

ORIGIN:

India

In one myth, Brahma is responsible for creating the world. Creation multiplied all by itself and Earth became terribly overcrowded. Contemplating Creation, Brahma scowled. Mrityu, dressed in red, emerged from that scowl.

Mrityu literally means “death.” She did not wish to be the goddess of death. When she learned her function, she began to weep—her tears became diseases. Mrityu was so distressed, she wept even more, and then she ran away. She hid in a lotus flower. She hid in the depths of the sea. Wherever she hid, Brahma found her. He patiently explained the importance of her function:

• Without death, the wheel of life cannot turn.

• Without death, there is no rebirth or Reincarnation.

Mrityu lives within the crematorium and within cremation grounds. Those visiting these places must perform purification rituals when leaving to ensure that Mrityu doesn’t follow them home. Unlike Yama, Mrityu doesn’t only deliver death strictly on schedule. She also strikes when she feels like it or when angered; thus it is extremely important to keep her propitiated.

Mrityu has the power to overturn the decrees of fate.

SEE ALSO:

Yama

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.