Yadu (Yadav), the clan to which Lord Krishna belonged.

Yama, in Indian mythology, the Lord of Death; the Hindu god to whom a soul is called to judgment after death, similar to the Christians' St. Peter at the Golden Gates of Heaven. The Vedas describe Yama as the first man who died, blazing the path of mortality down which all men have since followed. He thereupon became the guardian ruler of the resting-place of the dead. He is majestic in appearance: green, with red eyes and red garments, carrying a mace often ornamented with a skull and a noose, and rides a buffalo. His two dogs guard the entrance to his kingdom, and the crow and the pigeon act as his messengers. When a soul departs the body, it must cross the river of the dead, past Yama's fierce, hounds to reach the god. The journey is said to take some four hours and forty minutes, therefore cremation of the body must wait that long to ensure a trouble-free journey for the soul. Yama also entered Buddhist mythology, in Tibet, China, and Japan, where he occupies a similar but minor role as guardian of the abode of the dead.

Yati Kukkadeshwar, a legendary saint. See CHITTORGARH, FORT.

Yoga, a Hindu theory or practice of abstract meditation undertaken to take the soul towards, or into union with, the Supreme Spirit.

Yogi Nirbhaynath, a legendary saint. See CHITTORGARH, FORT.

Yogis (jauguis), ascetics, specifically Nath Saive ascetics of a mixed community, followers of the Yoga doctrine.

Yograj (Yuvraj), Rawal, twenty-fifth ruler of Mewar (r. 1051-1068); succeeded Rawal KEERTI VERMA; ruled for seventeen years from AHAR. Very little is known of his reign. His son and heir, VAIRATH, succeeded him. See also MEWAR'S LOST GENERATIONS.

Yuvraj, another title for the heir-apparent who is given administrative powers by his father during his father's lifetime (wife: Yuvrani). See also BAOJI RAJ.

Yuvraj, Rawal: see YOGRAJ, RAWAL.

Yuvrani, the wife of a Hindu heir-apparent (Yuvraj).