Lord Vishnu knew that his avatara, the extension of his being, Sri Rama, had fulfilled his duties on earth, and wanted to return to his abode. He sent Devarshi Narada to call Dharmaraja, the god of death, also called Yama. Dharmaraja came and bowed to Lord Vishnu, ready to obey his command. Lord Vishnu told him that Sri Rama has completed his worldly duties. He asked Dharmaraja to bring him to his abode. Dharmaraja was caught between two problems. He could not disobey the command of Lord Vishnu. At the same time he thought, ‘Sri Rama is the embodiment of the noblest human qualities and right conduct. How can I simply walk up to him and tell him that his time on earth is over?’ But Dharmaraja knew that whatever is born must die. He had to do this sometime. So, he decided to go to Ayodhya.
Dharmaraja Receives Instructions
