The Ten Yama Kings: King Yama

The Ten Halls of Yama are a system of underworld rulers formed from the blending of Chinese folk Daoism and Buddhism. They consist of ten Kings of Hell, each responsible for a different office in the underworld. Each oversees the judgment and reincarnation of the dead, governing the life, death, fortune, misfortune, sins, and karmic retribution of all underworld spirits. Together, they form the core authority of the underworld.

The First Hall's King Qin Guang governs longevity and death, and conducts the initial judgment of souls. The Second Hall's King Chu Jiang sends those who did evil in life to the Ice Hell. The Third Hall's King Song Di rules the Black Rope Hell, punishing the disobedient and wicked. The Fourth Hall's King Wu Guan oversees the Great Earth Hell, punishing the greedy, corrupt, and deceitful. The Fifth Hall's King Yama is the central judge of major crimes and may reopen cases and revise verdicts. The Sixth Hall's King Bian Cheng rules the City of the Wrongfully Dead, punishing those consumed by resentment and those who take their own lives. The Seventh Hall's King Tai Shan governs the Hot Agony Hell, punishing grave robbers and killers. The Eighth Hall's King Du Shi oversees the Great Clamor Hell, punishing the unfilial and those who instigate lawsuits. The Ninth Hall's King Ping Deng rules the Avici Hell, punishing evildoers and members of heretical sects. The Tenth Hall's King Zhuan Lun governs reincarnation through the Six Paths, assigning each soul a new life according to its sins.

Each of the Ten Kings of Hell has a distinct duty, and their clear hierarchy forms a complete system of judgment and reincarnation in the popular conception of the underworld. It also reflects the worldly belief that good and evil are rewarded and punished.