Chitragupta

Chitragupta is a celestial being in Hindu dharma who serves as the divine accountant and keeper of karma records. According to the Garuda Purana, he was created by Brahma from his own body (chitra meaning 'picture' and gupta meaning 'secret') to record the deeds of all souls. He is the assistant of Yama, the god of death, and maintains a detailed ledger of every individual's actions, thoughts, and words. This record determines the soul's fate after death, including the nature of rebirth or the experience of heaven or hell. The Yama Samhita elaborates on his role as the chief scribe of Yama's court, where he presents the account of each soul before Yama for judgment.

Iconographically, Chitragupta is depicted as dark-complexioned, holding a pen and ink pot in two hands, a sword in another, and seated at a desk with a ledger. The sword symbolizes his authority to punish the wicked, while the pen and ink represent his meticulous recording. His mount is not specified in scriptures, but he is often shown seated. Chitragupta is especially venerated by the Kayastha community, who regard him as their patron deity and trace their lineage to him. In the Skanda Purana, it is mentioned that Chitragupta was appointed by Brahma to oversee the karmic accounts of all beings.

He is also associated with the festival of Citragupta Puja, observed on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartika, when devotees worship their account books and seek his blessings for prosperity and justice. In Hindu cosmology, Chitragupta plays a crucial role in the cycle of samsara, ensuring that karma is accurately accounted and that divine justice is served. His worship is primarily concentrated in North India, especially among the Kayastha community, but he is also revered in some parts of South India. The mantra 'Om Citraguptāya Namaḥ' is chanted to invoke his grace. Chitragupta's presence underscores the Hindu belief in a moral universe where every action is recorded and recompensed.

Dark-complexioned, holding pen, ink pot, and sword. Seated at a desk with records of human deeds.