Bhai Dooj Vrat Katha

According to the Skanda Purana, worshipping Lord Yama on this day is believed to free devotees from the fear of untimely death. For this reason, Bhai Dooj is also known as Yama Dwitiya. It is believed that brothers and sisters who celebrate this festival with devotion are blessed with longevity, happiness, prosperity, and abundance. The festival commemorates the day when Lord Yama visited his sister, Goddess Yamuna.

The Legend of Bhai Dooj

According to Hindu mythology, Surya Deva (the Sun God) and his wife Chhaya were blessed with two children—Yama and Yamuna.

Over time, Chhaya found it difficult to bear the intense radiance of the Sun God and moved to the northern regions. Yama and Yamuna accompanied their mother. As they grew older, Yama established Yamaloka, the realm of justice and death, while Yamuna came to reside in Goloka. Although they lived apart, the bond between the brother and sister remained strong.

Yamuna frequently invited her brother to her home for a meal, but Yama was always occupied with his divine responsibilities and had to decline her invitations.

Finally, on the Dwitiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik, Yamuna once again invited Yama to her home and lovingly requested that he promise to visit. This time, Lord Yama accepted.

On his way to meet his sister, Lord Yama is believed to have released the souls suffering in Naraka (hell) as an act of compassion.

When Yamuna saw her brother arrive, she welcomed him with immense joy. She performed his tilak, offered prayers for his well-being, and served him a delicious feast prepared with love and devotion.

Deeply moved by his sister's affection and hospitality, Lord Yama asked her to request a boon.

Yamuna prayed that every year, on the Shukla Dwitiya of Kartik, Lord Yama should visit her. She further requested that any sister who lovingly applies a tilak to her brother on this day and prays for his well-being should be blessed with protection from the fear of untimely death.

Pleased with her selfless wish, Lord Yama granted her request by saying "Tathastu" (So be it) and blessed that those who observe Bhai Dooj with devotion would receive long life, prosperity, happiness, and freedom from the fear of premature death.

After granting the boon, Lord Yama returned to Yamaloka.

Since then, the tradition of celebrating Bhai Dooj has continued in Hindu culture as a beautiful festival honoring the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, symbolizing love, protection, blessings, and lifelong companionship.