“Taishan Fujun” and “Yamaraja” ——the world after death from "Nether " to "Niraja"

Abstract

In traditional Chinese thought, the concept of world after death was already present with the idea of 'retribution for good and evil'（善恶报应）.  During the Han dynasties, the belief in Taishan Fujun（泰山府君） as the lord of the Underworld. The legend of " Ghosts to be under the management of TaiShan " （泰山治鬼）was replaced by " Naraka " after Buddhism was introduced to China. The influence of Buddhism has led to the prevalence of the notion that "people must be judged after death" and "cruel post-mortem punishment"，The ruler of the world after death is replaced by the "Yama", the indigenous concept of the world after death, was gradually replaced by Naraka.