Which Hindu god is the god of death?

Yama is the Hindu god of death.

In early Vedic tradition, Yama was described as the first mortal to die. Because he discovered the path to the realm of the departed, he became its ruler and judge. Later Hindu texts connect him with dharma, justice, punishment, and the destinations of souls after death.

Yama is often called Dharmaraja, meaning “King of Dharma,” and is counted among the lokapalas, guardians of the cosmic directions. He traditionally protects the south. Artistic depictions commonly show him riding a buffalo and carrying a noose, mace, or staff. Two four-eyed dogs are said to guard the road to his realm.

A common mix-up is identifying Shiva as the god of death because Shiva is associated with destruction. Shiva’s destructive power is cosmic transformation, while Yama specifically presides over death, judgment, and the departed. Yama also appears in Buddhist and East Asian traditions, where his role developed into that of a ruler or judge of the underworld.