In previous Chapter I have written about the importance of the 13 critical days after death. Now, in this part we will read about the Various Hells and Punishments given to the dead in hell(s).
Well, After the decision has been taken by Yama, for which hell the dead will be thrown into. The dead is sent to that particular dreadful hell.
I must mention here that there are 84,00,000 of hells, out of which the following 21 are dreadful among the most dreadful.
The names of these hells are :
1. Tamisra - Darkness
2. Lauhashanku - Iron spears
3. Maharauravashalmali - Very terrible silk Cotton tree.
4. Raurava - Terrible
5. Kalasutraka - Blossoming
6. Putimrittika - Stinking Clay
7. Sanghata - The thread of death
8. Lohitoda - Iron weights
9. Savisha - Poisonous
10. Sampratapana - Burning
11. Mahaniraya - The great exit
12. Kaka - Crows
13. Ulu - Owls
14. Sanjivana - Living together
15. Mahapathin - The great path
16. Avichi - Waveless
17. Andhatamishra - Besetting Darkness
18. Kumbhipaka - Based like a pot
19. Sampratapana - Burning
20. Tapana - Hot
21. Kudmala - Accumulation
The sinful fools, who fall into these experience the various torments of these hells till ages.
*The torments and punishments described in the Garuda Purana are so terrifying that if you read this book in young age, you will even stop killing a mosquito*
One example of such a torment is here :
The very sinful man who sets fire to a house, a village or wood is captured by the messengers of Yama and baked in pits of fire.
When his limbs are burnt with fire, he begs for shady place, and then is led by the messengers into a forest of sword-like leaves.
When his limbs are cut by its leaves, sharp as swords, then the messengers say, " Ah, Ha ! Sleep comfortably in this cool shade."
When efflicted with thirst, he begs for water to drink, then the messeners give him boiling oil to drink.
Then they say, "Drink this liquid and eat this food." As soon as he drinks it, he falls down, burning inside.
Getting up again somwhow, he wails piteously. Powerless and breathless, he is unable even to speak.
The Garuda Purana contains a huge quantum of such Punishments and torments which a sinful soul has to go through.
In the next Chapter I will be writing about 'Re-birth'.
