Chitragupta Puja: the Puranic story of how Chitragupta was born to assist Yamraj

Chitragupta Puja is celebrated every year on Bhai Dooj. Worship of Lord Chitragupta holds special importance in Hinduism. According to religious belief, Chitragupta is the deity who keeps an account of every person's sins and merits. According to the Vedic almanac, Chitragupta Puja fell on November 11 this year.

It is believed that Lord Chitragupta maintains the record of human deeds, and that a person's fortune is decided on the basis of that record. The question is how Lord Chitragupta was born. The story told in the Puranas is explained here.

How was Lord Chitragupta born?

According to the legend, when Brahma created the universe and all living beings, a major question arose of how to maintain order and balance in creation. To keep the cycle of birth and death running properly, Brahma created Yamraj. He entrusted Yamraj with the responsibility of giving beings the fruit of their deeds according to dharma and keeping balance in creation.

As time passed, creation expanded and the number of beings kept growing. It became gradually harder for Yamraj alone to keep an account of everyone. Yamraj then asked Brahma for a capable assistant. On hearing Yamraj's plea, Brahma went into meditation and penance. From his penance, a radiant being named Lord Chitragupta was born.

According to the legend, Lord Chitragupta has been Yamraj's chief assistant ever since. He keeps the complete record of people's births and deaths, as well as their sins and merits. This story of Lord Chitragupta's birth is narrated in the Brahmavaivarta Purana, the Padma Purana and the Garuda Purana.

What does Lord Chitragupta look like?

Lord Chitragupta's form is considered highly radiant and divine. His face shows gravity, justice and a calm glow. He is worshipped in a four-armed form. In his hands he holds a pen, an inkpot and the ledger of deeds. He wears royal attire. On his head is a grand gold crown, in his ears are ear ornaments, and around his neck is a necklace of divine gems.