ਜਮ ਮਾਰਗ ਪੰਥੁ ਨ ਸੁਝਈ ਉਝੜੁ ਅੰਧ ਗੁਬਾਰੋਵਾ ॥
ਨਾ ਜਲੁ ਲੇਫ ਤੁਲਾਈਆ ਨਾ ਭੋਜਨ ਪਰਕਾਰੋਵਾ ॥
The path of death (Jam Maarag) is dark and dismal; the way cannot be seen.
There is no water, no quilt or mattress, and no food there.
In this age of Kalyug, people are drifting away from the fundamental principles of Dharam. The inclination toward sinful actions has become deeply ingrained, and many take pleasure in wrongdoing without realizing that they will eventually face the consequences of their deeds.
Just as worldly governments create laws to maintain peace and order and punish those who violate them, Sri Akal Purakh, the True Supreme Authority, has also established divine laws. Those who go against these laws are also held accountable. Since worldly laws are visible and enforceable, people fear breaking them. However, because divine laws are not seen with the eyes, many remain unaware and fearless in committing wrongful acts. Yet, just as worldly laws exist, the divine laws of the Almighty are far greater in truth and justice.
Those deeply engrossed in sinful actions refuse to listen or accept that Dharamraj’s authority will hold them accountable and punish them for their misdeeds. Atheists deny the existence of Dharamraj, as those who do not believe in the Almighty would naturally reject Dharamraj as well. However, what is truly surprising is that some Sikhs, including even certain scholars, also dismiss the existence of Dharamraj and his court.
Gurbani clearly affirms the existence of Dharamraj. Many Gursikhs deeply immersed in Naam Simran have written about Dharamraj’s court based on their spiritual experiences. Even some ordinary individuals have caught glimpses of Dharamraj’s messengers and the realms of hell. Yet, despite these testimonies, many still struggle to fully believe in Dharamraj and the afterlife.
It is incomprehensible that worldly governments establish laws and enforce them through police, courts, and prisons to maintain order, yet the divine authority of the Almighty would have no system to uphold and enforce its own laws.
Now, let’s reflect on some verses from Gurbani, which will make it clear who Dharamraj is and confirm his existence.
This Pauri not only affirms the existence of Dharamraj but also confirms the reality of hell as a place where sinners face their punishment.
Many argue that Guru Sahib mentioned Dharamraj to instill fear in us. However, the important point to consider is whether Guru Sahib would have used falsehoods to guide us. The answer is no. Gurbani clearly states that Dharamraj is a divine power created by the Almighty Akal Purakh.
Have a look at this verse:
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਹੈ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਕੀਆ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਸੇਵਕ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥
This makes it clear that Dharamraj is created by Waheguru and does not come near the servants of the Lord, meaning he does not trouble them.
From our reflections thus far, it is evident that the concept of Dharamraj, as described in Gurbani, was established by Akal Purakh to keep account of the deeds of all beings.
Now, let’s reflect on other aspects of Dharamraj. Dharamraj has been entrusted by Akal Purakh with the responsibility to uphold and contemplate true Dharma. Those who are attached to Maya (worldly desires) fall under Dharamraj’s rule. Their actions, laden with sins, belong to Dharamraj’s realm.
On the other hand, the Gursikhs who meditate on Akal Purakh are blessed with the treasure of virtues, with Waheguru residing within their hearts. Dharamraj serves them, and these Gursikhs are adorned by the Satguru, who uplifts and guides them.
This highlights the distinction between those caught in worldly attachments and those devoted to Waheguru, illustrating how Dharamraj operates in different contexts. It shows that while Dharamraj exercises power over those entangled in worldly desires and sins, he serves those who are devoted to Akal Purakh.
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਨੋ ਹੁਕਮੁ ਹੈ ਬਹਿ ਸਚਾ ਧਰਮੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿ ॥
ਦੂਜੈ ਭਾਇ ਦੁਸਟੁ ਆਤਮਾ ਓਹੁ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ॥
ਅਧਿਆਤਮੀ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਤਾਸੁ ਮਨਿ ਜਪਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਮੁਰਾਰਿ ॥
ਤਿਨ ਕੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਕਰੈ ਧੰਨੁ ਸਵਾਰਣਹਾਰੁ ॥੨॥
Those who consume and wear what is provided by Waheguru but refuse to acknowledge or thank Him will eventually encounter the messengers of Dharamraj. These messengers, who have been awaiting their time, will be ready to punish them when their moment arrives. As soon as the final moment of such ungrateful sinners comes, the messengers will approach and meet them.
In Gurbani, Bhagat Trilochan Ji shares that while he was immersed in bhagti, he had a vision of the court of Dharamraj. There, he witnessed the powerful messengers of Dharamraj punishing souls, dragging them by their hands, and administering fearsome punishments.
ਆਜੁ ਮੇਰੈ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੁ ਭਇਆ ਹੈ ਪੇਖੀਅਲੇ ਧਰਮਰਾਓ ॥
ਤਹ ਕਰ ਦਲ ਕਰਨਿ ਮਹਾਬਲੀ ਤਿਨ ਆਗਲੜੈ ਮੈ ਰਹਣੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੪॥
Bhagat Ji says that after witnessing Dharamraj with his own eyes, he gained complete certainty in his mind. There, the powerful messengers of death (Jamdoots) mercilessly crush beings with their hands, and no one can stand against them.
It is in our best interest to trust the testimony of the Bhagats, who have experienced these realities firsthand. Bhagat Trilochan Ji has witnessed the existence of Dharamraj for our benefit, so we may understand and heed this truth.
Some people wonder how the Jamdoots can punish them when their physical body is left behind and either cremated or buried. What they don’t understand is that it is not the physical body (Sthool Shareer) that the Jamdoots take – they take the Sukhsham Shareer (subtle body), which carries all the impressions of one’s actions. It is this Sukhsham Shareer that has to go through all the pain, suffering, and punishment in Dharamraj’s court.
ਜਉ ਜਮੁ ਆਇ ਕੇਸ ਗਹਿ ਪਟਕੈ ਤਾ ਦਿਨ ਕਿਛੁ ਨ ਬਸਾਹਿਗਾ ॥
When the Messenger of Death (Jamdoot) comes and grabs you by the hair, and knocks you down, on that day, you shall be powerless.
Gurbani contains numerous verses that reference Dharamraj, confirming both his existence and that of his fearsome messengers (Jamdoots), who extract the soul from the body and escort it to the court of Dharamraj.
Many Gursikhs have mentioned Dharamraj’s court in their writings and discourses, including Bhai Sahib Bhai Randhir Singh Ji, Sodhi Harbhajan Singh Ji, Subedar Baghel Singh Ji, Sant Gurbachan Singh Ji Bhindranwale, Baba Nand Singh Ji, and others.
They describe how individuals who hold high status, wealth, or power in this world often become arrogant. When the Jamdoots (messengers of Dharamraj) come to extract their soul from the body, these individuals attempt to resist. However, their strength proves useless against the Jamdoots, and their resistance only leads to harsher punishment.
ਸਾਚੀ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੋਲੈ ਕੂੜੁ ॥ ਸਿਰੁ ਹਾਥ ਪਛੋੜੈ ਅੰਧਾ ਮੂੜੁ ॥੨॥
ਰੋਗ ਬਿਆਪੇ ਕਰਦੇ ਪਾਪ ॥ ਅਦਲੀ ਹੋਇ ਬੈਠਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਆਪਿ ॥੩॥
Even in the divine court, those who attempt to lie ultimately regret their actions deeply. Sins bring suffering, and diseases begin to affect the sinner. In Dharamraj’s court, Dharamraj serves as the judge, but it is Waheguru who delivers justice through him.
When a sinner tries to lie or deny their wrongdoings before Dharamraj, he reveals their deeds like a film, making it impossible to escape the truth. Denial only leads to further punishment. Therefore, during divine judgment, one should not resist but humbly accept their mistakes.
In the court of Dharamraj, every sin is accounted for. Sinners must then endure punishment in the various hells (Narak). After completing their suffering, they are reborn into lower life forms in this world.
On the other hand, those who have performed good deeds and lived righteously ascend to higher realms, such as heaven (Swarg). However, once their good deeds (pun) are exhausted, they too must be reborn in this world.
The real issue is that forgetting Waheguru and engaging in sinful actions leads to such severe consequences that the soul (jeev) is separated from Waheguru for a long time. Even performing good deeds without remembering Waheguru does not lead to true liberation.
While performing pun may grant access to Swarg (heaven), once those merits are exhausted, the soul must return to this world to experience its joys and sorrows once again.
Those who forget Waheguru and merely go through life without seeking true salvation will not find the path to liberation. Therefore, in this life, one should avoid sins and cultivate a connection with Naam and Bani.
Those blessed with good fortune develop strong faith upon hearing Gurbani’s teachings about Dharamraj, Jamdoots, and Naraks. This realization leads them to repent for their wrongdoings and turn away from sinful actions.
Many people remain indifferent even after hearing, while some are inspired to change. However, by turning away or refusing to believe in Dharamraj, they cannot escape the consequences. The truth will unfold regardless.
Guru Sahib Ji, in His mercy, provides everyone with the opportunity to live according to Gurbani, guiding them away from sin and towards a life based on Gurmat. This is the true welfare of all. With Guru Sahib’s grace, by connecting ourselves to Naam and Gurbani, and adhering to the Khalsa Rehat (code of conduct), we can make our lives successful and protect ourselves from the consequences of sin and the judgment of Dharamraj.
More References from Gurbani:
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਬ ਲੇਖਾ ਮਾਗੈ ਕਿਆ ਮੁਖੁ ਲੈ ਕੈ ਜਾਹਿਗਾ ॥
ਕਹਤੁ ਕਬੀਰੁ ਸੁਨਹੁ ਰੇ ਸੰਤਹੁ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਤਰਿ ਜਾਂਹਿਗਾ ॥੩॥੧॥
When the Righteous Judge of Dharma calls for your account, what face will you show Him then?
Says Kabir, listen, O Saints: in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, you shall be saved. ||3||1||
(Guru Granth Sahib: Ang 1106)
ਕਿਸੈ ਨ ਬਦੈ ਆਪਿ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੀ ॥
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਤਿਸੁ ਕਰੇ ਖੁਆਰੀ ॥
One who thinks of no one else except his own prideful self – the Righteous Judge of Dharma shall expose his disgrace.
(Guru Granth Sahib: Ang 278)
ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਨੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਸੁਣਿ ਕਹਤਿਆ ਪਾਪ ਨਿਵਾਰੇ ॥
ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ਜਮੁ ਨੇੜਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਮੇਰੇ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਕੇ ਜਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥੬॥
Following the Guru’s Teachings, I have obtained the wealth of the Lord’s Name; hearing it, and chanting it, sins are eradicated.
The Messenger of Death and the Righteous Judge of Dharma do not even approach the beloved servant of my Lord and Master. ||6||
(Guru Granth Sahib: Ang 980)
ਰੇ ਨਰ ਕਾਇ ਪਰ ਗ੍ਰਿਹਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਕੁਚਲ ਕਠੋਰ ਕਾਮਿ ਗਰਧਭ ਤੁਮ ਨਹੀ ਸੁਨਿਓ ਧਰਮ ਰਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
O man, why do you go out to the households of others? You filthy, heartless, lustful donkey! Haven’t you heard of the Righteous Judge of Dharma? ||1||Pause||
(Guru Granth Sahib: Ang 1001)
