197 - Yama and his associates

The sage’s son (Nachiketas) said:

1-2. There is a hundred-tiered gateway in the north, ten yojanas in breadth and double that in length, with a fort on the sides, shining prominently and so tall as to appear as a scraping the sky.

3. It is highly lustrous and provided with several contrivances. This is the entrance for gods, sages and others (of their category) who do good and virtuous deeds.

4. There is another gateway (on the east), white like a heap of autumn clouds. It is the entrance for (ordinary) human beings who have acquired merit.

5-6. Built of iron and highly hot is the gateway in the south, terrific in appearance.

7. The son of the Sun (Yama) has assigned this entrance for all sinners and killers.

8. Made of Udumbara and very much uneven is the gateway in the west.

9. It always glows with fire and is difficult to look at. It is meant for those that do bad and prohibited deeds.

10-11. In that beautiful city, there is a jewelled assembly hall constructed by Yama.

12. Therein is the seat of justice occupied by saints who are truthful and virtuous and free from anger, desire and attachment.

13. That is the assembly where justice is dispensed for the righteous as well as sinful, for good as well as bad, according to the store of result of the actions performed.

14. These judges decide the merit of actions according to Shästra, taking their stand on dharma and without doubt, fear or favour.

15. They consider matters from a universal point of view according to Shästra and their observation.

16. All of them think well on the matter with full restraint and in all seriousness.

17. (The judges are) Manu, Prajäpati, Päräšharya (Vyäsa), Atri, Auddälaki, Äpastamba, Bruhaspati, Shukra, Gautama,

18. Shañkha, Likhita, Añgiras, Bhrugu, Pulastya, Pulaha and other law-givers.

19. Along with Yama they think of the justice to be dispensed. The divine as well as human among them are dispassionate.

20. One among them stands out with kundala (on the ears), añgada (on the wrists) and makuta (on the head) and he is the effulgent Brahmadatta.

21. He is so brilliant in his appearance and speech that he appears like the single embodiment of all the rest.

22. By his side stand the great divine sages steeped in Veda and Vedäñga.

23. They discuss the meaning of Veda, truth and dharma, and also about Chandas and other Shastras.

24. They also discuss Nirukta, the Säman music, alchemy and everything else pertaining to Veda.

25. I saw there in the palace of Dharmaräja sages and manes reciting auspicious stories.

26. Near there, I saw one black in colour, with projecting check, erect hair and uncouth form,

27. With face ugly, canines protruding, full of anger and generating fear, holding a big cane in the left hand.

28. He is the eternal Käla who listens to Dharmaräja whenever ordered to execute punishment. There are others also there to carry out such orders.

29. I saw there a resplendent female form worshipped by’ Yama with celestial sandal and other unguents.

30. She is the destroyer of the worlds and there is nothing beyond her.

31. None has ever suggested any means to go beyond her. The Asuras and even the sages are afraid or her.

32. She is worshipped by gods and demons and also by yogins.

33. It is from her body that the oppressing ailments arise, as also the dreadful discases brought about by time.

34. I then saw the god of death who is full of valour, but cruel and angry.

35. He is full of strength and lustre. Age and death do not affect him,

36. Along with the god of death are many that sing and laugh and excite life.

  37. Some There glow with divine ornaments, chowries and

umbrellas.

38. Some I saw there installed in scats and worshipped. 

39. In many places There I saw serious fevers and severe pains in the form of men and women.

40. There were fierce women, the embodiments of desire and anger, consuming life.

41. The sound of their conversation near Dharmaràja seemed to break the earth.

42. (I saw There) Rakshasas big and small who cat flesh, some having both feet, but some single-footed, some with three feet, some with many feet;

43. Some with both hands, but some with a single hand, some with three hands and some with many hands; so too some with small ears, and some with ears as big as elephants.

44. Some people were wearing many kinds of ornaments like keyüra and mukuta.

45. Some had garlands and some anklets. Some were holding axe, some mace, some disc, some trident.

46. Some had spear, some javelin, some bow, some sword and some club.

47. Some were holding curd in hand, some sandal, some varieties of food and some clothes.

48. Some were holding incense and some different kinds of garments. 

49. There were palanquins and various vehicles to which were yoked horses, elephants and swans.

50. There were šharabhas, bulls, elephants, peacocks, cranes, chakraväkas and horses. I saw all this. But there were fearful things also.

51. While some were well dressed, some were shabbily dressed. Some wore fresh silk and while some wore torn cloth. Some spoke well while others were dumb. Some were out to kill others.

52. Some were tawny and some black. Some were for dharma and some for fame. These Were in attendance on Yama.

53. So if the Brahmin performs the sacrifices, he will not have any disappointment.

54. Those who deserve honour should be duly honoured. When they get pleased, all good results.