Yama is a significant figure in Hinduism, known as the god of death and the lord of the underworld. He embodies the principles of justice and morality, overseeing the cycle of life and death. Yama is often depicted riding a buffalo and carrying a noose, signifying his role in guiding souls to their afterlife destinations. He emphasizes the importance of living virtuously, as one's actions determine their fate after death. Yama also serves as a reminder of the inevitability of mortality, making him an integral aspect of Hindu beliefs surrounding rebirth and karma.