The Savithri Upakhyana

 

 

The Savithri Upakhyana  

Here is a rough translation of the Sanskrit equivalent.

Narada said:

1. "O Lord, I have heard the story of Tulasi which is like nectar. Now, I wish to hear the story of Savitri. Please explain it to me."

2. "I have heard that she was born long ago. Who first worshipped her, and by whom was she honored? Tell me, who was the goddess worshipped by?"

---

Narayan said:

3. "Savitri was first worshipped by Brahma, the mother of the Vedas, by the great sage and the gods. Later, she was worshipped by the wise sages and other beings."

4. "Then, Ashwapati (the king of Madra), worshipped her. Afterward, the four varnas (castes) also revered her with devotion."

5. "Narada asked: Who was Ashwapati, O Brahman, and how was he worshipped? He is indeed worthy of being revered by all. Please explain Savitri’s significance."

---

Narayan said:

6. "Ashwapati was a great king from the Madra region, known for his valor. He was a destroyer of his enemies and a protector of his friends."

7. "His wife, Malati, was known for her righteousness, and she was said to be as beautiful as the goddess Lakshmi."

8. "Following the teachings of Sage Vasishtha, Malati performed worship with great devotion to Savitri."

9. "But despite her efforts, she could not see Savitri directly. She left her home in great distress, and the king, seeing her sorrow, consoled her and sent her on a pilgrimage."

10. "She performed austerities there for a hundred years without seeing Savitri, yet her devotion remained firm."

---

Narayan continued:

11. "At this time, Ashwapati, hearing a divine voice from the sky, was informed of Savitri's grace. This voice instructed that by chanting the Gayatri mantra a million times, all sins would be removed."

12. "Ashwapati, with great devotion, followed this instruction and performed austerities. After some time, he heard a voice declaring that by worshipping Savitri, one could erase sins accumulated over many lifetimes."

13. "At that moment, the sage Parashara arrived at the place. The king greeted him, and the sage shared more wisdom about the power of the Gayatri mantra and how it could purify the soul."

14. "Parashara explained that by chanting the Gayatri mantra in a specific way, one could purify oneself from all sins accumulated in this life and the previous ones. This mantra had the power to liberate the soul and bring eternal peace."

---

Instructions on Worship:

15. "By chanting the Gayatri mantra, whether it be for a hundred or a thousand times, sins of the past can be removed. The more one chants, the greater the purification."

16. "The Gayatri mantra can cleanse one from the effects of previous lifetimes and purify one's mind and heart. Even the most severe sins can be destroyed through this sacred chanting."

17. "One must perform this worship with a proper ritual—installing sacred items, offering incense, flowers, and other articles while reciting the mantra."

18. "By doing so, one will be freed from all the wrongdoings and will receive divine blessings. This is the key to salvation."

---

Parashara's Instructions to Ashwapati:

19. "The worship should be performed with specific offerings: incense, flowers, water, and fragrant oils. The devotee should perform this worship with a pure heart, free from distractions."

20. "One should sit in the proper posture, face the direction of the Sun, and recite the Gayatri mantra while performing the worship with devotion and concentration."

1. Lord Narayana said:

Having praised him, the horseman (Ashvapati), after offering due worship, saw there the goddess, shining like a thousand suns.

2. The goddess, with a pleasing smile, spoke to him:

"O King, I know well what is in your heart. Whatever your desires may be, I will fulfill all of them. I will give you everything, including a righteous daughter."

3. Savitri said:

"O King, I know what your heart desires. The righteous daughter that you desire, I will certainly bless you with. You desire a son, and in due course, a son will be born to you."

4. Having said this, the great goddess Savitri went to the Brahmaloka.

The King then went to his own home, and there his daughter was born.

5. The daughter born of the King’s wealth became known as Savitri.

She was named by the horseman as 'Savitri', and she grew in beauty and grace like the goddess Lakshmi.

6. With time, Savitri grew into a maiden of extraordinary beauty,

her youth and beauty enhanced every day like the waxing moon.

7. She chose a husband.

She desired to marry a righteous, virtuous man, one who was endowed with numerous good qualities.

8. The King gave her to this man.

She was adorned with jewels and ornaments and left her home with him.

9. After many years passed, King Satyavan, the virtuous one,

went to the forest to gather wood, as ordered by his father.

10. At that time, Savitri went with him.

After some time, by the will of the divine, Satyavan fell and died under a tree.

11. Yama (the god of death), having bound Satyavan’s life force,

carried it to his realm. Savitri, seeing this, followed him, intent on rescuing her husband.

12. Yama, seeing her following him, said to her:

"O blessed lady, why are you following me? I am taking away your husband’s soul. Please return to your home and live happily."

13. Yama said further:

"O Savitri, why are you leaving your physical form and following me? If you wish to join your husband in the afterlife, leave your body behind and follow him."

14. Yama continued:

"Mortal beings cannot carry the body (composed of the five elements) with them. The body is perishable, and it belongs to the realm of decay."

15. The time has come for your husband.

His karma has been completed. He is destined for the abode of Yama.

16. It is karma that creates life.

Karma is also the cause of death. Happiness, sorrow, fear, and grief are all governed by one's actions.

17. By one’s actions, a person becomes a Brahmin, a Kshatriya, or even a Shudra.

Karma leads to liberation (moksha) or bondage (rebirth). By their actions, beings attain different forms of existence.

18. Karma determines one’s nature:

whether a person is a deity, a human, an animal, or a demon, all are determined by their karma.

19. Karma also determines whether one is born into happiness or suffering.

It brings all kinds of experiences, including health, disease, wealth, poverty, and more.

20. It is through karma that one may rise to the divine realms.

Karma can elevate one to the heavens, or it can send one to the lower realms.

21. Karma determines one’s birth in various realms:

whether in the celestial realms of gods, in the underworld, or among other creatures.

22. It is karma that leads one to the heavenly planes like those of Indra, Surya, Chandra, Agni, and Varuna.

23. Karma may also lead one to the abode of Kubera, Shiva, or Vishnu.

Through one’s actions, a being may reach various divine realms or even the realm of Brahman.

24. Karma leads beings to various destinations.

One may ascend to the realm of the stars, to the plane of righteousness, or even to the supreme divine realm.

25. Karma leads to different outcomes:

The soul can go to heaven or hell, to the world of ancestors, to the realms of the gods, and so on.

26. The results of karma lead to various states:

The soul can become a demon, a yaksha, a rakshasa, a ghost, a serpent, or any other type of being.

27. Karma also influences the individual's health and beauty:

It can make one healthy or sick, beautiful or ugly, intelligent or foolish.

28. By performing virtuous deeds, one attains a higher birth,

while sinful actions result in a lower birth or a more painful existence.

29. Those who perform good actions can go to the divine realms,

while those who perform evil deeds are sent to lower realms.

30. Karma can lead to liberation (moksha).

By good deeds, one attains bliss, eternal life, and ultimately reaches the realms of Vishnu or the highest planes.

31. Karma shapes one's life and its duration:

It determines how long a being will live, whether they will live long or short, and the manner of their passing.

32. Karma creates the birth and death cycle:

Through karma, beings are born, live, and die, continuing the endless cycle of life and death.

33. O Savitri, I have now explained to you everything about karma.

Whatever you wish, go and live as you desire, with your husband, or as you deem fit.

1. Lord Narayana said:

After hearing Yama’s words, Savitri, the devoted wife, praised him with great devotion and spoke to him in a sweet and composed manner.

2. Savitri said:

"O Yama, what is the nature of karma? What is the distinction between good and bad karma for humans? What is the cause of actions that bring liberation? And how do the virtuous live their lives?"

3. Savitri continued:

"Who is the seed of karma? Who gives the results of actions? What kind of karma creates various outcomes? What is its cause, and who determines its fruits?"

4. She asked further:

"Who enjoys the results of karma? Who is detached from them? What is the soul's relationship with the body? Who is the true doer of actions?"

5. Savitri asked:

"What is the difference between the mind, intellect, and prana? What is the role of the senses, and what are the qualities of the gods and goddesses who control them?"

6. Savitri said:

"Who is the enjoyer and the enjoyer’s controller? Who is the giver of liberation, and what is the essence of the soul and the Supreme Spirit (Paramatma)? Please explain this to me."

---

7. Yama replied:

"The actions prescribed by the Vedas are those that lead to the highest auspiciousness, while those that are against the Vedas lead to inauspicious results. Thus, actions that follow Vedic principles are the source of blessings."

8. Yama continued:

"Selfless devotion to Vishnu, without any material desire, purifies the soul. The actions that create liberation are those performed by saints who are devoted to Lord Hari (Vishnu)."

9. Yama said:

"The true devotee of Lord Hari, by their devotion, becomes free from the cycle of birth, death, old age, disease, and fear. Such a devotee attains liberation in the true sense."

10. Yama continued:

"Freedom (Mukti) has two types: one is liberation in the form of Nirvana, which is the union with the divine essence; the other is liberation through devotion, which is attained by devotees of Lord Hari."

11. Yama added:

"Devotees of Lord Hari desire devotion as the ultimate form of liberation, while others may seek liberation in the form of Nirvana, a state of complete absorption."

12. Yama said:

"Karma, being the seed of all actions, constantly produces fruits, good or bad, depending on its nature. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, is beyond the material world and governs these karmic cycles."

13. Yama explained further:

"The soul enjoys the fruits of karma, but it remains unaffected by the karma itself. The soul is detached, and it is the body that is subject to the effects of karma."

14. Yama continued:

"The soul is reflected in the physical body, which is composed of the five elements and is perishable by nature. The soul is eternal, but the body is temporary."

15. Yama stated:

"The five elements of nature—earth, air, fire, water, and ether—are the foundation of the material world, created by the Supreme Lord, and they act as the agents of creation."

16. Yama continued:

"The doer of actions, the enjoyer, and the one who always sustains the body (the soul) are responsible for all worldly experiences, whether they are pleasure, pain, liberation, or bondage."

17. Yama said:

"Knowledge of the good and bad qualities of various things is the seed of all distinctions. This knowledge, in its various forms, creates the division between good and bad."

18. Yama continued:

"Discerning intellect is a form of wisdom, and it can guide one’s path in life. The senses (hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch) also have distinct roles in shaping the life of a being."

19. Yama said:

"Prana (life force) and mind, along with the five elements, are the motivating factors for all actions. They are the source of everything—good and bad—and they control the body."

20. Yama explained:

"The organs of perception and action (like the eyes, ears, skin, and tongue) are all parts of the material body. These physical components are controlled by divine forces."

21. Yama further explained:

"Desires, which arise from the senses, are either pleasant or unpleasant, bringing either joy or sorrow. The forces of desire act like enemies, creating attachments and distractions in life."

22. Yama said:

"The sun, wind, earth, and all deities in the universe sustain life and the body. They are the creators of the material world and keep it in balance."

23. Yama declared:

"Beyond all the material creation, the Supreme Brahman, who is the cause of all causes, is Lord Krishna. He is the source of everything, and He is eternal, without form or attributes."

24. Yama concluded:

"All the knowledge I have shared with you, O Savitri, is based on the sacred texts. By this wisdom, one can achieve true peace and liberation."

---

25. Savitri said:

"O Yama, if I leave my husband and follow you, I will never be able to be without him. If I leave him, where will I go? Please explain the way out."

26. Savitri continued:

"How is the soul reborn? By whose karma does it enter different wombs? What karma leads one to heaven or hell, and what kind of actions can lead to liberation?"

27. Savitri asked:

"By whose karma does a person become a healthy or sick individual? By whose actions is one long-lived or short-lived?"

28. Savitri further asked:

"By what karma does someone become blind, lame, or deformed? What actions lead to misfortune or happiness?"

29. Savitri inquired:

"By what karma does a person become foolish or wise, fall into sin, or perform virtuous deeds? How does karma affect our lives?"

30. Savitri asked:

"What actions bring one to liberation? What deeds give rise to divine qualities such as Brahminhood, asceticism, and freedom from worldly desires?"

31. Savitri questioned:

"How does karma lead to the supreme realms like Vaikuntha, Goloka, or the eternal spiritual world? What actions cause someone to fall into hell or reach the highest state of bliss?"

32. Savitri concluded:

"What is the number of different kinds of hells, and what kind of suffering does one endure there? What types of karmic actions lead to hell or heaven?"

---

33. Yama’s Final Response:

"Whatever questions you have, Savitri, I have explained them all. Now, you can understand the nature of karma, liberation, and the soul. Go now, and may you live in peace, for you have understood the truth."

Narayan said:
Hearing the words of Savitri, Yama was filled with amazement and he smiled, beginning to explain the karmic consequences that affect living beings. (1)

Yama’s Speech

Yama said:
O young girl, now twelve years of age, you possess knowledge that is far beyond that of ordinary beings, which is comparable to the supreme wisdom of the yogis and the enlightened ones. (2)

Through the grace of Savitri, you have attained the Savitri power and have completed great penance in the past. (3)

Just as Lakshmi resides in the bosom of Lord Vishnu, and as Parvati is inseparable from Lord Shiva,
Just as Radha is the beloved of Lord Krishna, you, Savitri, are the embodiment of Brahma’s supreme power. (4)

You are as auspicious as the goddess of Dharma, as multifaceted as the intellect, and as revered as Arundhati, Vasishtha’s wife, and as noble as Aditi, the mother of the gods. (5)

You are comparable to Shachi, the consort of Indra, and Rohini, who is the companion of the moon.
You are the personification of love, like Rati, the consort of Kama, and you possess the qualities of Swaha, the goddess of fire sacrifices. (6)

You are the embodiment of all auspiciousness, similar to the powers of Varuna in his sacrifices and the strength of Kartikeya’s divine army. (7)

O highly auspicious one, you are a true devotee and blessed with good fortune. Therefore, I offer you the boon that you desire, along with everything you wish for. I will certainly fulfill all your wishes. (9)

Savitri’s Response

Savitri said:
By speaking the truth, my sons will multiply a hundredfold.
This is the boon I seek from you, O great one. (10)

I wish that my father and my father-in-law will have a hundred sons, and that the kingdom may come to me as well. (11)

At the end of my life, I wish to depart for the abode of Hari. After my life of a hundred thousand years, may I be granted this blessing, O Supreme Lord. (12)

I am keen to hear the details of how actions and karmic consequences unfold, as well as how the universe extends and contracts. Please explain this to me. (13)

Yama’s Further Explanation

Yama replied:
In the future, O pious one, your life will be filled with immense fortune. I will explain the workings of karmic consequences to you.
Human beings, by their good and bad actions, experience the results in various worlds. (15)

Beings, whether gods, demons, or humans, all undergo the fruits of their past deeds. In this world, the fortunate ones receive happiness, while the sinful are subjected to suffering. (16)

Good and bad actions bring their respective consequences. Through virtuous actions, beings ascend to higher realms, and through sinful actions, they descend into hell. (18)

Actions that are devoid of karma lead to liberation, which can be achieved by devotion to Krishna, the Supreme Soul. (19)

Specific Actions and Their Consequences

Yama continues to describe how actions affect various beings. He explains that those who follow the path of devotion to Vishnu will reach his divine realm, called Vaikuntha, while those who are devoted to other gods may go to their respective realms, but they will return to Earth after their time there ends. (28-37)

Those who live righteous lives, with devotion to their chosen deity, will find their way to divine realms, while those who stray from their dharma will be reborn in earthly realms. (39)

Different Kinds of Charity

Yama further explains the benefits of charity and selfless actions. Donating land, water, food, and other resources to the righteous and to Brahmins yields spiritual benefits. (44-49)

Acts of devotion, like giving food and shelter to devotees or making offerings in temples, can elevate the soul to heavenly realms, where the individual enjoys the fruits of their virtuous deeds for many years. (50-52)

Finally, Yama concludes that individuals who perform righteous deeds, give in charity, and live a life of virtue will eventually attain liberation. Conversely, those who neglect their dharma or act immorally will face the consequences of their actions in future births. (67-70)

Savitrī said:

1. O Yama! Please explain to me about the different types of donations that lead to the attainment of heavenly realms and divine rewards. I wish to understand the nature of these donations, as they are known to purify the soul and lead to divine rewards.

Yama replied:
2. He who offers food to a Brahmin in the land of Bharata (India), even if it is a small quantity, will be exalted in the realm of Indra and will enjoy great merit there.

3. There is no greater donation than the offering of food. It is not dependent on the recipient's qualifications or the time when it is given.

4. Even if one gives a seat to a Brahmin or a deity, they will be exalted in the land of Agni (the fire god) for thousands of years.

5. He who gives a divine cow, endowed with milk, to a Brahmin, will attain the highest realms of Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu).

6. A donation made in the sacred lands of Lord Vishnu (Narayana Kshetra) yields a hundred times the merit of donations made in ordinary places, and four times the merit of donations made on holy days.

7. Whoever offers a cow to a Brahmin with devotion in Bharata will be exalted in the moon's realm for thousands of years.

8. He who gives a donation of any kind to a Brahmin on both sides (to both the giver and the recipient) will be exalted in Vaikuntha and receive innumerable rewards.

9. One who donates the sacred Shaligrama stone along with suitable garments to a Brahmin will be exalted in Vaikuntha, as long as the sun and the moon continue to shine.

10. One who offers a fine umbrella to a Brahmin will enjoy the reward for thousands of years in the realm of Varuna (the god of water).

11. He who donates a pair of sandals to a Brahmin will be exalted in the realm of Vayu (the wind god) for thousands of years.

12. One who gives a divine, beautiful, and comfortable bed to a Brahmin will enjoy heavenly rewards in the moon's realm, as long as the sun and the moon continue to shine.

13. He who gives a lamp to a Brahmin or a deity will live in Brahmaloka (the abode of Lord Brahma) during the entire Manvantara (the duration of one era).

14. By the merit of offering such donations, one will attain a divine human body in their next birth and will never go to Yamaloka (the abode of Yama, the god of death).

15. Whoever offers a gift of an elephant to a Brahmin in Bharata will be exalted to the realm of Indra and will enjoy the bliss of sitting on half of Indra's throne for the entire duration of their stay in that realm.

16. Those who donate horses to Brahmins will enjoy immense joy in the realm of Varuna, lasting as long as Indra's reign lasts.

17. Whoever offers a beautiful, well-decorated palanquin to a Brahmin will be exalted in the realm of Vishnu during a complete Manvantara.

18. One who donates a fan made of white chamara (yak-tail) to a Brahmin will enjoy thousands of years of joy in the realm of Vayu.

19. He who donates grains and cereals to a Brahmin will enjoy eternal merit in Vishnuloka (the abode of Lord Vishnu).

20. Through the merit of donating grains, the donor will attain a beautiful and long-lasting human body, full of happiness, and will join Vaikuntha, the divine abode.

21. He who recites the names of Lord Hari continuously in Bharata will live long, and death will never come to him.

22. One who arranges a swing for Lord Hari in Bharata, especially during the full moon night of the Shravana month, will be freed from the bondage of death and attain liberation.

23. He who enjoys bliss in this life through worship of Lord Vishnu will, without fail, reside in the Vishnu temple in the afterlife.

24. He who gives sesame seeds to a Brahmin in Bharata will attain a reward equal to that of donating the same amount of sesame seeds in the realm of Vishnu.

25. He who donates copper vessels to a Brahmin in Bharata will receive double the reward in Vishnuloka, as he is engaged in the service of the divine.

26. By donating a well-decorated, adorned, and beloved wife to a Brahmin, the donor will be exalted in the moon’s realm.

27. Such a person will enjoy a divine life with celestial nymphs and will reach the realm of Gandharvas, where he will live in joy for thousands of years.

28. After spending a thousand lifetimes with such a wife, the donor will attain a virtuous and prosperous life, full of beauty, fortune, and joy.

29. One who donates a fruitful tree to a Brahmin in Bharata will be exalted to the realm of Indra and will attain countless years of happiness.

30. By this merit, the donor will be reborn in a family of noble and respected lineage, becoming a wealthy, prosperous, and intelligent individual.

31. One who donates a fruit-bearing tree to a Brahmin in Bharata will enjoy celestial bliss in the Indraloka for a lifetime and continue their journey to higher realms.

32. In the next life, the donor will obtain a son of the highest quality, along with a fruit-bearing tree and eternal fame.

33. He who offers a vast house, full of wealth and joy, to a Brahmin in Bharata will be rewarded with wealth and prosperity in the Kubera Loka (the abode of wealth).

34. One who offers agricultural land and crops to a Brahmin with devotion will be exalted to Vaikuntha for a hundred Manvantaras.

35. He who offers a prosperous farm and fertile land to a Brahmin will be reborn with immense wealth in Vaikuntha and will never be forsaken.

36. A donor who provides grain, water, and fruitful trees to a Brahmin will receive divine rewards and enter the abode of Vishnu.

37. The donor will be reborn as a rich farmer and will attain a permanent state of wealth and prosperity.

38. One who donates a village with prosperous families to a Brahmin will gain the highest heavenly rewards and will be exalted in Vaikuntha.

39. He will never be abandoned by the earth, nor will he lose his land, wealth, or posterity, attaining permanent joy and prosperity.

40. A person who donates a prosperous city in Bharata with fertile soil and numerous blessings will be exalted in Vaikuntha for countless lifetimes.

41. One who donates a large city with blessings of peace and prosperity, along with many resources, will attain the highest position in Vaikuntha and live in supreme happiness.

42. The person who donates a prosperous city, well-maintained and with a rich population, will become a ruler, ruling over the entire Bharata.

43. Such a person will be a great king in the next life, ruling over many cities and enjoying eternal bliss.

51. Those who give the seven continents, and who constantly serve all sacred places,
Performing all forms of penance and fasting,
And giving all types of charity—such souls are indeed blessed by the supreme lord Vishnu.

52. There is no return for those who are not devoted to Hari,
No such return exists for those who do not surrender to the Supreme Being.

53. The Vaishnavas, who are devoted to Lord Vishnu, witness the eternal forms and experience the eternal bliss in Goloka and Vaikuntha.

54. Those who abandon the human form and worship Vishnu with full devotion,
They attain divine forms free from birth, death, and old age.

55. Attaining the form of Vishnu and performing his worship,
They witness Goloka, where infinite souls merge with the Divine.

56. Gods and sages may perish, but devotees of Krishna do not perish;
They are freed from birth, death, and aging, being eternal and divine.

57. Whoever donates a sacred Tulsi plant during Kartika month,
Receiving the merit of sixty thousand years, they find eternal happiness in the temple of Hari.

58. They will attain the highest devotion to Vishnu,
Enjoy long life, and live happily on earth.

59. Whoever gives ghee lamps to Lord Hari in Kartika month,
They gain the merit of one full year's worship and attain the divine.

60. They will be blessed with wealth, wisdom, and brilliance like the Sun and the Moon.
They will gain Vishnu’s grace, remaining steadfast and righteous.

61. Whoever bathes in the Ganges during the Magha month, at sunrise,
Will gain eternal happiness in the temple of Hari for sixty thousand years.

62. Those who bathe at Prayag at the time of the Magha full moon,
Gain the same merit, residing in Vaikuntha until the end of the eon.

63. The same merit applies to those who chant Vishnu's mantras,
Leaving their human bodies, they travel to the realm of Hari.

64. There is no return from Vaikuntha for those who attain the Divine,
Having performed Hari's service with devotion, they remain there forever.

65. Those who serve as devotees of Hari,
And perform eternal worship through daily bath and offerings,
Their service is blessed with divine fruit.

66. Their life will be pure, and their land blessed by the touch of their feet,
They will be filled with joy in Vaikuntha, as long as the Sun and Moon shine.

67. Those who attain the highest devotion through continuous service to Vishnu,
And serve with great love and purity, attain all merits and divine realms.

68. Those who meditate on Vishnu’s sacred name and deeds,
Will gain wisdom, pure knowledge, and a blessed family on earth.

69. Whoever donates water and incense,
Will find the same merit in Vaikuntha, and live there joyously for ages.

70. Those who follow the vow of Kartika, giving with love and devotion,
Will attain Vaikuntha and live there, enjoying a blessed life forever.

71. Whoever offers sandalwood during the month of Vaishakha,
And the fragrance of devotion, will be blessed by Vishnu’s temple.

72. Whoever offers devotion and charity during the sacred month of Vaishakha,
Will attain the divine realm and enjoy eternal bliss.

73. Those who fast and worship during Krishna Janmashtami,
Are absolved of sins from past births, achieving salvation.

74. Whoever follows the vow of Krishna worship,
Will be blessed with devotion and love for Krishna, reaching the divine realm.

75. Those who worship Lord Shiva on Shivaratri,
Will find eternal joy in Lord Shiva's temple for seven eons.

76. Whoever offers Bilva leaves to Shiva on Shivaratri,
Will attain the divine result of worship, along with great blessings.

77. Whoever offers devotion to Shiva and celebrates the festival with respect,
Will gain spiritual wisdom and wealth, as well as a blessed family.

78. During Chaitra or Magha months, whoever worships Lord Shiva,
Will have their desires fulfilled and enjoy a life of prosperity.

79. Whoever fasts during the eleventh day of the lunar cycle (Ekadashi),
Will find the same eternal bliss in the land of Vishnu.

80. Whoever worships Lord Rama on Rama Navami in Bharat,
Will find joy in Vishnu’s temple for seven eons.

81. By performing the duty of conquering the senses,
Such a person will become a righteous soul on earth.

82. Worshiping with respect and devotion on Sharadiya Mahapuja,
Will bring divine favor from gods, leading to eternal happiness.

83. Through dance, music, and offering various divine items,
A person will find fulfillment and grace from Lord Shiva.

84. Whoever follows the path of devotion and wisdom will achieve eternal life,
Attaining wealth, family, and spiritual guidance.

85. Those who honor Lord Vishnu with sincerity and commitment will find success,
Living as kings and attaining divinity.

86. Whoever worships Lakshmi on Bhadra Shukla Ashtami will gain divine blessings,
And remain devoted to Vishnu forever, attaining supreme bliss.

87. Worshiping Lord Krishna during the Kartika Purnima and Rasa Mandala,
Will bring eternal joy, devotion, and divine association with the lord.

88. Whoever performs this devotion, giving offerings to Krishna,
Will be blessed with grace and devotion to the divine.

89. By worshiping Krishna during the Rasa Mandala,
They will achieve eternal happiness and reach the highest realm of bliss.

90. In Goloka, one will experience eternal joy,
And upon returning to Bharat, they will attain devotion to Vishnu and live in bliss.

91. Those who strengthen their devotion step by step will find eternal happiness,
And upon leaving the physical form, they will return to the divine realm.

92. Those who receive Krishna's form and join him as his companions,
Will never fall from the path of bliss, attaining immortality.

93. Whoever observes Ekadashi, and offers devotion to Lord Vishnu,
Will attain eternal bliss, devoid of death or decay.

94. Whoever worships the Sun during the solar transit of the week,
Will gain blessings and eternal happiness in the land of Vishnu.

95. The one who worships the Goddess Savitri on the Jyestha Ekadashi,
Will attain supreme knowledge and blessings from Brahma's realm.

96. Those who worship Lord Shiva during the Magha month or Makar Sankranti,
Will be blessed with wealth, knowledge, and eternal joy.

97. Whoever worships the Sun during the Solar eclipse,
Will gain divine blessings and spiritual wisdom.

98. Whoever prays with devotion during the Kartika month,
Will attain eternal joy in the realm of Vishnu.

99. Whoever worships Savitri on the 14th day of the waxing moon in Jyestha month,
Will attain the highest merit in Brahmaloka, for seven eons.

100. Returning to the Earth, that person will be blessed with long life,
With wealth, wisdom, and all other spiritual attainments.

101. Whoever worships Saraswati on the 5th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) in Magha month,
Giving sixteen kinds of offerings with full devotion,
Will enjoy the merit of residing in Vaikuntha until the end of Brahma's day,
And upon rebirth, will be a great poet and scholar.

102. One who donates gold, cows, and other such precious items to Brahmanas,
Will continue their devotional service on earth until their last breath,
And will be blessed with happiness and divine wisdom.

103. Whoever gives food and offerings to Brahmanas,
And follows Vishnu's worship with love,
Will be blessed with material wealth and spiritual prosperity.

104. Offering grains and worshipping with devotion,
Will help the person attain spiritual elevation and enjoy life with happiness,
Having sons and daughters, and gaining knowledge and wisdom.

105. Whoever offers delicious food to Brahmanas,
According to the prescribed rules of charity,
Will find eternal joy and wealth,
And live a long life with wisdom and grace.

106. Whoever speaks or gives the names of Hari (Lord Vishnu),
Will attain merit for the entire eon in the Vishnu Loka.

107. By worshiping Lord Vishnu's name, that person will attain the highest devotion,
Gaining the grace of Vishnu and never falling back into the cycle of rebirth.

108. If one chants the sacred name of Narayana in his holy abode,
It is said that one gains the merit of millions of actions.

109. By chanting Lord Vishnu’s name, even a million times, in Narayana's land,
All sins are eradicated, and that soul becomes free from rebirth.

110. By gaining Vishnu's form and associating with him,
There is no more rebirth, and they live forever in Vaikuntha,
Experiencing supreme bliss.

111. One who worships Lord Shiva regularly,
And offers worship at the Shiva Linga,
Will travel to Lord Shiva’s realm after death.

112. The one who offers the sacred Bilva leaves in Lord Shiva’s temple,
And worships with devotion,
Will enjoy the fruits of life until they reach Brahmaloka,
And enjoy the blessings of the divine.

113. A person who worships Lord Shiva by offering Bilva leaves,
Will be blessed with kingdom, wealth, and prosperity on Earth.

114. By offering prayers to Lord Vishnu in his temple,
Such a person gains divine merit for one hundred years,
And after rebirth, attains devotion to Vishnu.

115. Performing tapas (austerities) and observing various vows,
Will bring spiritual merit that elevates one to Vaikuntha,
For as long as the eons last.

116. After taking the merit, one attains rebirth in a royal family,
And ultimately gains liberation, never to be born again.

117. Whoever bathes in all the holy rivers and performs circumambulation,
Will attain the state of Nirvana, never to be born again.

118. A person who performs Ashvamedha sacrifice in the holy places of Bharat,
Will attain the merit of living in Indra’s heaven.

119. The one who performs Rajasuya sacrifice will gain fourfold merit,
Achieving divine blessings and eternal life,
Living with his family in happiness.

120. Whoever performs Ashvamedha or Gomeda sacrifices,
Will attain great results, including good children and prosperity.

121. Whoever performs sacrifices and offerings to the Brahmanas,
Will receive results similar to those of Ashvamedha,
And live a righteous, long life.

122. By performing the Padma Yajna (Lotus Yajna),
A person will attain heavenly blessings and eternal peace.

123. The one who performs the Vishwadeva Yajna will achieve prosperity,
And the king will be victorious in the divine realm.

124. Whoever performs the Rajasuya sacrifice will attain high status,
And ultimately, after gaining royal prosperity, will reach heaven.

125. Vishnu’s Yajna is the highest and best of all sacrifices,
Bringing prosperity and blessings from Brahma and the deities.

126. There was discord between Daksha and Shankar,
Which was resolved when Lord Shiva broke Daksha's Yajna and started the Vishnu Yajna.

127. Lord Vishnu established the Vishnu Yajna after Daksha’s defeat,
And this Yajna was very beneficial, bringing divine bliss.

128. Kashyapa, Shesha, Kardama, and the self-born Manu,
Along with their sons, performed this great Yajna.

129. Those who perform the Rajasuya sacrifice will achieve success,
And enjoy prosperity and divine blessings from the gods.

130. Of all Yajnas, Vishnu Yajna is the highest,
And is the one that yields the most fruit, ensuring liberation and divine bliss.

131. One who lives many eons and attains liberation while still alive,
Becomes a divine being, similar to Vishnu, in wisdom and radiance.

132. Just as Vishnu is the king of the gods, and Shiva is the king of the Vaishnavas,
Just as the Vedas are the highest of scriptures, and Brahmanas are the highest among ascetics,
Just as the Ganga is the most sacred of rivers, and Vaishnavas are the holiest among devotees,
Just as the Tulasi is the best of flowers, and Ekadashi is the most auspicious of vows,
Just as the Moon is the most brilliant of stars, and Garuda is the most noble among birds,
Just as the Earth is the foundation of all living beings,
Just as the mind is the most restless of the senses,
Just as Brahma is the creator of all beings, and the Prajapatis are the rulers of creation,
So too, in all things, Vishnu’s worship is the highest and most revered.

133. Just as Vrindavana is the best of forests, and Bharata is the best of lands,
Just as Lakshmi is the highest of wealth and Saraswati the best among scholars,
Just as Durga is the source of good fortune, and Radha is the embodiment of auspiciousness,
So too, Vishnu’s worship is the supreme among all sacrifices.

134. By performing an Ashvamedha sacrifice, one can attain the position of Indra,
And by performing a thousand sacrifices, one can attain the divine abode of Vishnu.

135. Bathing in all holy rivers, performing all types of Yajnas,
And fulfilling all vows and austerities will lead to the attainment of all desired fruits.

136. Chanting the four Vedas, performing circumambulations of sacred places,
Will lead to the highest merit, and the ultimate goal of liberation is achieved by the worship of Krishna.

137. The worship of Krishna through singing his glories, chanting his name, offering his sacred foot-water,
And through meditation, all these lead to the highest realization and liberation.

138. In the Puranas, Vedas, and all histories,
It is stated that the worship of Krishna’s lotus feet is the highest form of devotion.

139. The description of Krishna, his meditation, his name, his qualities,
His hymns, remembrance, worship, and chanting — all lead to spiritual liberation.

140. Consuming the water that has bathed Krishna’s feet, eating his offerings,
Performing these daily acts, and thus attaining liberation — all these actions are highly revered.

141. In all the scriptures, from the Puranas to the Vedas,
It is stated that the ultimate goal of all human beings is the worship of Krishna’s lotus feet.

142. Therefore, I have explained all that pertains to the actions and their results,
Which lead to the highest spiritual truth and ultimate fulfillment.

143. Worship Krishna, the Supreme Brahman, the formless one beyond nature,
Accept him as your Lord and go to your divine abode of eternal happiness.

144. Thus, I have explained all of this to you, the results of all actions,
Which lead to the ultimate and highest truth, providing the ultimate liberation for all beings.

Shri Narayana spoke:

1. After hearing the glories of Hari, Savitri, with tear-filled eyes and trembling voice, spoke to Yama.
2. Savitri said:
"O Yama, the recitation of Hari’s name is the supreme cause of salvation for one’s family.
It is the destroyer of birth, death, and old age for those who listen to it, and for those who speak it."
3. "It is the highest among all acts of charity, vows, austerities, and yoga.
The chanting of the holy name of Hari is the greatest service, as it leads to liberation."
4. "No action or deed, whether it be liberation or immortality, or the attainment of all perfections,
can surpass the worship of Lord Krishna. He alone is the ultimate goal."
5. "How can I serve Lord Krishna, the Supreme Being beyond nature, O wise and learned one,
who is beyond the reach of the mind and senses?"
6. "The results of good and bad deeds are well known to all,
but please explain to me the nature of those results, O learned one."
7. After speaking thus, Savitri, the devoted wife, humbly addressed the Dharma Raja (Yama) with a prayer based on the scriptures.

---

Savitri continued:

8. "In the past, the Sun God (Bhaskara) worshiped Lord Dharma at Pushkara.
By that devotion, he attained a son, the great Yama. I bow to him."
9. "I bow to him who has equanimity towards all living beings,
who is the witness to everything, and who is the protector of all souls."
10. "I bow to him who is the creator and destroyer of the world,
whose actions depend on the time and the deeds of living beings."
11. "I bow to him who holds the rod of punishment,
which purifies the wicked and destroys all their sins."
12. "I bow to him who controls the cycle of life and death,
whose time is irrefutable and inevitable."
13. "I bow to him who is a Vaishnava, a great ascetic,
a conqueror of the senses, and the dispenser of the results of actions."
14. "I bow to him who is the well-wisher of all, the friend of the virtuous,
and the giver of torment to the sinful, the one who dispels all suffering."
15. "I bow to him who is born in the family of Brahma,
whose brilliance is like the fire of creation, and who is the ultimate form of Brahman."

---

Savitri continued:

16. After speaking thus, Savitri bowed to Yama, the great sage.
Yama, the lord of death, then spoke to her, explaining the fruit of the actions.
17. "Whoever recites this prayer to Yama every morning, upon rising,
will be freed from fear of death and liberated from all sins."
18. "Even a great sinner, if he recites this prayer daily with devotion,
will be purified by me, and I will certainly grant him a divine body."

Shri Narayana spoke:

1. Yama, having given the Vishnu mantra and following all the proper rituals,
spoke about the results of bad actions and explained them to the son of the Sun God (Yama).
2. Yama said:
"I will explain to you the results of good and bad actions that are heard in different ways.
Now listen as I narrate the consequences of sinful actions in detail."
3. "The soul of a person who performs righteous deeds attains heaven,
but the soul of one who performs sinful deeds enters hell, with various kinds of suffering."
4. "In hell, there are numerous kinds of punishments,
which vary based on the scriptures and the nature of sins committed by individuals."
5. "There are deep and vast pits that are filled with immense suffering,
terrifying and harsh for the souls to endure. O child, they are extremely dreadful and vile."
6. "There are sixty-six different hells, and I will tell you their names,
which are widely known in the sacred texts."

---

The Names of the Hellish Realms:

7. "The Hell of Fire, the Hell of Heat, the Hell of Patience,
the Terrifying Hell, the Hell of Urine, and the Hell of Mucus, all these are unbearable."
8. "The Hell of Worms, the Hell of Impurities, the Hell of Poisons,
the Hell of Semen, and the Hell of Blood, they are all vile."
9. "The Hell of the Body’s Excretions, the Hell of the Ears,
the Hell of the Bones, the Hell of the Nails, and the Hell of Flesh are extremely difficult to endure."
10. "The Hell of Hair, the Hell of the Teeth,
the Hell of the Head, and the Hell of Great Pain are full of suffering."
11. "The Hell of Sharp Thorns, the Hell of Poison, and the Hell of Inauspiciousness,
all are dreadful, as they burn and torment the soul."
12. "The Hell of Burning Oil, the Hell of Teeth,
the Hell of Worms, the Hell of Snakes, and the Hell of Destruction, all of these are terrible."
13. "The Hell of Mosquitoes, the Hell of Stings,
the Terrible Hell of Poisonous Serpents, and the Hell of Scorpions are all filled with agony."
14. "The Hell of Arrows, the Hell of Spears,
the Hell of Swords, and the Fierce Hell of Blows are all highly painful."
15. "The Hell of Stones, the Hell of Blazing Stones,
the Hell of Sharp Stones, and the Hell of Lava are burning and intense in their torture."
16. "The Hell of Redness, the Hell of Ashes,
the Hell of Dust, and the Hell of Lightning are full of unbearable pain."
17. "The Hell of Fire and Smoke,
the Hell of the Sun's Heat, the Razor-sharp Hell, and the Hell of the Bitter-Tongued, they all cause immense suffering."
18. "The Hell of the Crow's Mouth,
the Hell of the Snake's Mouth, the Hell of the Elephant's Tusk, and the Hell of the Cow's Mouth are all horrifying."
19. "The Hell of the Torture of Time,
the Hell of the Rope, the Hell of the Whirlpool, and the Hell of Terrors are even more dreadful."
20. "The Hell of Chains, the Hell of Torment,
the Hell of Beheading, the Hell of Heat, and the Hell of Demons are all impossible to escape from."

---

Details about the Nature of the Hells:

21. "These hells are all guarded by fierce servants of Yama,
who hold weapons such as clubs, spears, ropes, and other terrifying instruments of torture."
22. "These punishing beings are merciless, fierce, and filled with anger,
they have burning red eyes and exhibit intense energy, and they are not afraid to torment."
23. "They are accompanied by servants who have no compassion,
who cause suffering without hesitation, and who are fiercely glowing with energy."
24. "These are the results of one's own actions.
Those who are committed to evil deeds suffer eternal consequences."
25. "The worshippers of Lord Shiva, the followers of the goddess Shakti,
those devoted to the Sun God, and those who follow other deities will face their own specific hells."
26. "The followers of other doctrines, or those who have no devotion to God,
will also face the consequences of their actions, suffering accordingly in hell."
27. "These are the descriptions of the hellish realms and the punishments that await sinful souls.
Now listen to me, and understand their nature well."

Yama spoke:

1. "The yogi who is devoted to Lord Hari, pure, a siddha, and observes his vows,
The ascetic and celibate, such a person does not go to hell."
2. "A person who speaks harsh words, insults relatives, or behaves cruelly,
Such a person is burned by the hellish fire and enters the Fire Hell."
3. "A person who commits cruelty to others, causing great pain,
Is burned in the hellish fire for a period of one hundred years, and in the end, takes birth as an animal in the next life."
4. "If someone neglects to feed a Brahmin who is thirsty and disturbed,
Such a person will enter the hell of burning coal."
5. "There, standing in the fire for a period of one hundred years,
The person will be reborn as a bird in their next seven lives."
6. "One who mixes his food with urine on Sundays or during Shraddha ceremonies,
Will enter the hell of urine for seven lives."
7. "One who gives away food, whether his own or someone else's,
Forgets the Lord and engages in selfish actions, will enter the hell of foul food."
8. "One who offers food to a Brahmin and also to others with the wrong intention,
Will enter the hell of burning fat for sixty thousand years."
9. "After sixty thousand years, that person is reborn as an insect and will suffer again,
And in the next life, they will endure the same agony."
10. "If someone creates an artificial pond and releases an animal into it,
Or if one abandons a pond or lake due to a sinful nature, they will enter the hell of urine."
11. "Such a person, having suffered for countless years,
Will be born as a cow in their seventh birth in Bharat."
12. "A person who eats food alone, or consumes it when impure,
Will enter the hell of mucus, and suffer for one hundred years."
13. "Having suffered for one hundred years, that person, after death,
Will be reborn as a leper in the next seven lives."
14. "If a person does not properly nourish his parents, teachers, wife, children, or dependents,
Such a person will enter the hell of burning coal."
15. "Having suffered for one thousand years, that person will be reborn as a beggar,
And in the next life, they will be reborn as a dog or pig."
16. "One who rejects an innocent guest,
His ancestors and deities will not accept his offerings, and he will go to the hell of impurities."
17. "Such a person, after enduring torment, will enter the hell of foulness,
And experience suffering from burning, and enter the hell of excrement."
18. "One who insults the deities and performs acts of extreme greed,
Will be cast into the hell of eternal torment and suffering."
19. "A person who gives wealth to a brahmin but does not do so with purity of mind,
Will enter the hell of corrupted actions and will stay there for one hundred years."
20. "After that, they will be born as a Chandala (an untouchable) for three lives,
And in their final life, they will purify themselves and attain liberation."
21. "If a person causes pain or torment to women or men,
They will fall into the hell of semen and undergo suffering for one hundred years."
22. "For one hundred years, they will be subjected to the torment of animal birth,
And in the next life, they will be reborn as a worm or other low creature."
23. "If a person strikes a Brahmin or causes harm through violent means,
He will fall into the hell of blood and suffer there for one hundred years."
24. "After suffering, they will be reborn as an ill person in their next life,
And in the following lives, their suffering will continue until they are finally purified."
25. "One who laughs or mocks others, or speaks derisively about sacred things,
Will dwell in the hell of tears for one hundred years."
26. "After this period, they will be reborn as a Chandala,
And in their final life, they will achieve purity and spiritual upliftment."
27. "If a person has an impure heart and constantly commits misdeeds,
They will enter the hell of impure bodies and suffer for ten years."
28. "After this, they will enter the hell of cruel actions,
And after three births in this condition, they will eventually be purified."
29. "A person who mocks others, making fun of their deafness or blindness,
Will dwell in the hell of the ears for one hundred years."
30. "Such a person will then be reborn as a poor and unfortunate soul,
And in the next life, they will live with a severely handicapped body."
31. "If a person kills an innocent living being for their own selfish gain,
They will be reborn as an animal, such as a fish or a rabbit, for seven lives."
32. "After suffering for seven lives in these forms,
They will finally achieve purity and liberation."
33. "If a person abuses women, or engages in cruel actions,
They will fall into the hell of meat for the rest of their lives."
34. "For a period of one hundred years, they will live as an animal,
Suffering in the hell of flesh, and continue suffering until their final birth."
35. "If a person mistreats his daughter or engages in immoral actions,
They will enter the hell of flesh for one hundred years."
36. "After that, they will be born as a pig or dog,
And their cycle of suffering will continue in their next lives."
37. "A person who commits sinful actions, violating vows, fasting, or sacred observances,
Will be subjected to the torment of the hells for the duration of their misdeeds."
38. "Such a person will be tormented and punished by the servants of Yama,
Suffering for many lifetimes until they have atoned for their sins."
39. "A person who worships idols or other deities with pure devotion,
Will enter the hell of hair and be burned for many years until purification."
40. "Such a person will suffer in the hell of burning hair,
And after their suffering is complete, they will attain liberation."

Yama spoke:

41. "At the end of their suffering, the person who offends Lord Vishnu,
Will enter the womb of a woman from the Yavani (foreign) race.
After suffering for a hundred years, they will be purified and attain their family lineage again."

42. "A person who does not offer pindas (funeral offerings) to his ancestors
And neglects to honor them,
Will dwell in the hell of bones for one lifetime, suffering greatly."

43. "After that, he will be reborn in a low, degraded state,
Suffering great poverty, and for seven lifetimes,
He will remain poor, but will eventually be purified and gain righteousness."

44. "The fool who serves a woman who is not his wife,
And engages in immoral activities,
Will dwell in the hell of burning copper for one hundred years."

45. "One who eats food prepared by others, or food not offered to the Lord,
Will enter the hell of heated iron and endure suffering for one hundred years."

46. "He who performs sinful acts with a woman,
Will be reborn in the low birth of an untouchable,
And after seven lives of suffering, he will attain purity."

47. "A person who touches holy offerings meant for deities with impure hands,
Will endure the agony of the hell of heated iron for one hundred years."

48. "If a person eats food prepared by a Sudra,
He will dwell in the hell of burning wine for one hundred years.
Afterward, he will be born as a Sudra for seven lifetimes."

49. "One who does not offer food to a Brahmin on the proper days,
Will suffer in the hell of foul food for the remainder of his life."

50. "A woman who speaks harsh words and insults her husband constantly,
Will dwell in the hell of sharp thorns for a long period,
And be tormented by Yama's servants for thousands of years."

51. "If someone beats their own servants or causes harm to others,
They will be punished by Yama’s servants for four yugas (ages).
After this, they will be reborn as a noble for seven lives, but remain pure."

52. "One who kills living beings with poison or cruelty,
Will dwell in the hell of poison for a thousand years."

53. "After that, he will be reborn as a murderer,
And suffer from diseases for seven lives.
In the final life, he will be purified and attain righteousness."

54. "One who strikes a bull or bull-carrying cart,
Or harms a beast,
Will suffer in the hell of boiling oil for four yugas,
And will later be born as a bull for one hundred years."

55. "A person who kills or harms animals with their teeth or nails,
Will be reborn in the hell of iron and fire for ten thousand years."

56. "One who kills a creature by striking it with a sharp object,
Such as a sword or spear,
Will dwell in the hell of sharp objects for many years."

57. "After suffering in the hell of sharp objects,
Such a person will be reborn as a tortured, afflicted soul,
And remain in misery until they attain purification."

58. "A Brahmin who consumes impure food or eats fish,
Without offering it to Lord Vishnu,
Will enter the hell of worms and suffer there for many years."

59. "After enduring torment in the hell of worms,
They will be reborn as a low-born person for three lives,
And later attain purity and liberation."

60. "A Brahmin who participates in a Sudra’s rituals or eats food offered to Sudras,
Will enter the hell of foulness,
And remain there until purified."

61. "One who causes injury to an innocent being,
Will be beaten by the servants of Yama and dwell in the hell of agony."

62. "After suffering for many ages,
Such a person will be reborn as a Sudra for seven lifetimes,
And, after enduring great hardships, will be purified."

63. "A person who kills small creatures such as mice, or other pests,
Will enter the hell of worms and insects for a long period,
Until they are purified and reborn as a human."

64. "If one kills a snake,
They will be swallowed and tortured in the hell of snakes for a thousand years,
And later be reborn as a snake in the world."

65. "One who kills small creatures,
Such as insects or rodents,
Will dwell in the hell of being consumed by snakes,
And suffer until purification."

66. "One who neglects their duties and harms small creatures,
Will be reborn as a lowly insect or creature,
And remain so until purification."

67. "A person who commits such misdeeds will be chained,
And dragged through hell by Yama’s servants,
Until their soul is purified."

68. "The one who kills small creatures or harms others,
Will be reborn as a lowly being,
And in their final life, they will be purified."

69. "A fool who indulges in sweet honey or kills bees to consume their honey,
Will enter the hell of poison for a long period."

70. "After being tormented by poison,
They will be reborn as a bee in their next life,
And, after suffering, attain purity."

Yama spoke:

71. "He who inflicts punishment on the innocent,
Or causes harm to a Brahmin,
Will enter the hell of sharp-edged, thunderbolt-like creatures,
And dwell there with insects, enduring misery."

72. "He will dwell in that hell for many years,
Tormented day and night by the creatures of that realm.
Finally, after enduring all this, he will be purified and attain human form again."

73. "The king who, driven by greed, punishes his subjects unjustly,
Will enter a hell full of scorpions,
And dwell there for one lifetime, suffering continuously."

74. "After suffering in that hell, he will be born as a scorpion for seven lifetimes,
And after that, he will be born as a maimed, diseased human."

75. "A Brahmin who, in ignorance, carries weapons
Or who runs from the battlefield,
And one who neglects to perform his evening prayers or who is devoid of devotion to Lord Vishnu,
Will suffer in the hell of arrows, struck by them endlessly."

76. "Such a person will endure the pain of the arrows for a long period,
And after that, purified by the punishment, will attain a human form again."

77. "He who imprisons people in dark prisons,
Causing their suffering due to his negligence,
Will go to the hell of a great, fiery globe
And remain there until purification."

78. "In that hell, the individual will be scorched by boiling water,
And tormented by fierce creatures with sharp teeth.
He will suffer for countless years."

79. "The person punished by these creatures will remain in the hell of the globe,
And after the suffering, they will be reborn as a lowly servant,
But will eventually attain purity and return to human form."

80. "He who kills crocodiles or harms the creatures in ponds,
Will go to the hell of crocodiles,
And dwell there for one lifetime,
After which, he will be reborn as a crocodile."

81. "After suffering in the hell of crocodiles,
He will be reborn as an aquatic creature in rivers,
And be purified by suffering before being reborn as a human."

82. "One who gazes upon the breasts, thighs, or other body parts of a woman
With lustful desires,
Or indulges in lustful acts in holy places in Bharat (India),
Will go to the hell of crows."

83. "In that hell, the person will be blinded by crows
And dwell there for a long period,
Eventually being reborn as a lowly human in three lifetimes."

84. "Such a person will be born poor and cruel,
A sinner for seven lifetimes.
In Bharat, they will work as a goldsmith or in trade for a living."

85. "A thief who steals copper or iron in Bharat,
Will go to the hell of thunderbolts,
And remain there for countless years."

86. "There, the person will be tormented by thunderbolt-like creatures,
And after being struck by them,
Will attain purification and rebirth in human form."

87. "A thief who steals the offerings of the gods,
Or who robs holy places of sacred items,
Will dwell in the hell of sharp stones for an entire lifetime."

88. "Such a person will be burned by fiery thunderbolts,
And after being tormented by them,
They will be purified and reborn as a human again."

89. "A thief who steals silver, gold, or jewels,
Will go to the hell of burning stones,
And remain there until purified."

90. "After suffering for many years,
Such a person will be reborn as a crane or a swan,
And later as a white bird,
For several lifetimes."

91. "After enduring that life,
They will be reborn as a diseased human,
Suffering for seven lifetimes,
And later attain purification and righteousness."

92. "One who robs sacred vessels or idols of the gods,
Will dwell in the hell of sharp stones,
And remain there until purified."

93. "After suffering in the hell of stones,
Such a person will be reborn as a horse in Bharat for seven lifetimes,
And after that, they will suffer from foot diseases
Before being purified and reborn as a human."

94. "One who eats the food of a prostitute,
Or engages in forbidden sexual acts,
Will go to the hell of red-hot coals for one lifetime."

95. "There, the person will be punished by Yama's servants,
And after suffering, they will attain purity
And be reborn as a human."

96. "One who serves a foreigner or consumes food made by an impure person,
Will go to the hell of burning mosquitoes,
And remain there until purified."

97. "After suffering in that hell,
They will be reborn as a black animal,
And after three lifetimes as a sheep or a snake,
They will attain purity and return to human form."

98. "Such a person will later be reborn as a tree,
And eventually, after suffering, will attain human birth and righteousness."

99. "One who robs grains, vegetables, or betel leaves meant for the gods,
Or steals things like seats and beds,
Will go to the hell of ground powder."

100. "In that hell, they will be tormented by Yama’s servants for one hundred years,
After which, they will be born as a chicken or rooster in three lifetimes,
Suffering in those forms until purification."

Yama spoke:

101. "One who harms a Brahmin and inflicts suffering,
Will be reborn as a human, suffering from diseases,
Without a lineage, impoverished, and with a short lifespan.
After suffering, they will be purified and reborn."

102. "A person who steals from Brahmins,
Taking their wealth,
Will go to the hell of the wheel,
And stay there for a hundred years, tormented by punishment."

103. "After that, such a person will be reborn as an oil-presser
For three lifetimes,
Suffering from diseases, without a family,
And then purified, they will regain a human birth."

104. "One who deceives his relatives or insults Brahmins,
Will go to the hell of thunderbolts,
And dwell there for a full yuga (age),
Enduring endless suffering."

105. "After that, they will be born with crooked limbs,
Maimed for seven lifetimes,
Impoverished, without a family or a wife,
And then purified and reborn as a human."

106. "A Brahmin who eats the flesh of a tortoise,
Will dwell in the hell of tortoises for a hundred years,
Eating tortoise flesh, suffering constantly."

107. "After enduring this for a hundred years,
They will be reborn as a tortoise,
Then as a pig for three lifetimes,
And finally as a cat or a peacock for another three lifetimes."

108. "One who steals butter, oil, or other offerings for the gods,
Will go to the hell of flames,
And suffer there as a burning mass for a hundred years."

109. "After suffering for a hundred years,
They will be reborn as a fish,
And later as a mouse for seven lifetimes,
Before attaining purification and becoming human again."

110. "A person who robs fragrant oils, sacred plants, or other sacred items in Bharat (India),
Will go to the hell of bad smells,
And there, they will suffer the perpetual foulness of the place,
Until purification."

111. "After dwelling there, they will be reborn as a fragrant being
For seven lifetimes,
Before attaining a human birth again,
Purified and free of sin."

112. "A person who commits sins with strength, violence,
Or harms others with a cruel heart,
By committing acts of killing,
Will go to the hell of burning stakes."

113. "There, they will be punished,
As if their body were always burning in oil,
Suffering day and night for a long period."

114. "After their sin has been burned off,
Their body will be purified,
But for seven lifetimes, they will be tormented."

115. "A person who does not provide food,
And causes others to suffer by their refusal to feed,
Will be struck by Yama’s servants,
And dwell in the hell for sixty thousand years."

116. "After that, they will be reborn as a poor, disease-stricken human,
Without family, and suffering from the pains of life."

117. "Then, after their sins have been purified,
They will be reborn in a good family,
With the ability to perform righteous deeds."

118. "He who kills a living being,
Or takes the life of a human in greed,
Will be reborn as a murderer of men,
For seven lifetimes, suffering greatly."

119. "Such a person will be maimed by the sword,
And wander through their lives in suffering,
Deprived of food, struck by Yama’s servants,
For a hundred years in hell."

120. "A person who harms others by speech,
Or insults Brahmins,
Will suffer in the hell of thorns,
For three yugas."

121. "A person who insults or causes harm to Brahmins,
And engages in evil actions,
Will suffer in the hell of scorpions,
For seven lifetimes, and then as a serpent."

122. "They will experience seven lifetimes in hell,
Suffering from the torment of scorpions and fire,
After which they will be purified and reborn as a human."

123. "One who sets fire to a village or city,
Will suffer for three yugas,
Their body torn apart by sharp blades,
And after suffering, be reborn as a burning mass."

124. "Such a person will endure great agony,
And be reborn as a dog,
For seven lifetimes, constantly suffering."

125. "After this, they will be reborn as a human,
With a severe disease,
And without a family or wife,
They will live in misery for seven lifetimes."

126. "One who insults the gods,
Or the Brahmins,
Will dwell in the hell of sharp thorns for a hundred years,
Before attaining purification."

127. "A person who insults another’s family,
Or harms others with words,
Will go to the hell of lightning,
Suffering intensely."

128. "Such a person will be reborn as a man with a disease,
Suffering from pain and poverty,
And will live through seven lifetimes of suffering."

129. "One who destroys a home,
Or engages in deceit and harm,
Will be reborn as an animal,
Living in pain for three lifetimes."

130. "After causing suffering to others,
Such a person will be reborn as a goat,
For seven lifetimes,
And later as a sheep for three lifetimes."

131. "Such a person will be born as a human again,
But will be plagued with constant diseases,
And will be destitute, without family,
Until they are purified and reborn."

132. "One who steals common goods,
Or commits crimes against animals,
Will be reborn as an extremely diseased person,
Suffering from severe sickness."

133. "He who kills cows, elephants, or horses,
Or harms others by his actions,
Will suffer the agony of elephant tusks,
For three yugas in a hell of great suffering."

134. "After that, they will be reborn as a dog or a pig,
For seven lifetimes,
Before finally being purified and reborn as a human."

135. "One who denies thirsty cows water,
Will go to a hell shaped like a cow’s mouth,
Tortured by hot water and insects."

136. "There, they will suffer from the burning heat,
Until the end of several manvantaras,
Tormented by their actions,
Before being purified."

137. "After that, they will be reborn as a cow,
Suffering for seven lifetimes in this form,
Before being purified and reborn as a human."

138. "A person who kills a cow, a Brahmin,
Or a woman,
And commits such heinous crimes,
Will suffer terribly for many lifetimes."

139. "Such a person will engage in evil acts,
Suffering for a hundred years,
And will be punished by Yama’s servants."

140. "A person who kills cows, Brahmins, or women,
In Bharat (India),
Will endure the consequences of these actions
For multiple lifetimes in hell."

Yama's Speech Continues:

141. "The one who dwells in the hell of Kumbhipaka
Will be continually struck by Yama’s messengers,
Crushed and ground down constantly,
Until the end of the prescribed time."

142. "For a moment, they fall into fire; for another moment, into thorns;
For another, into boiling oil;
Then, they fall into hot stones or molten metal."

143. "Such a person will be reborn as a pig,
For a hundred lifetimes, suffering constantly in the form of a boar,
And then, as a crow, for seven lifetimes."

144. "Afterward, they will be reborn as a serpent for seven lifetimes,
And, after sixty thousand years,
They will be born as a filthy insect."

145. "Afterward, they will be born as a man,
Diseased, impoverished, without a lineage,
Without a wife, and suffering from leprosy."

Savitri's Speech:

146. "O best of the wise,
Tell me the nature of killing a Brahmin, killing a cow, or any grave sin,
And of those who transgress the Vedic rites,
Who fail to perform evening rituals."

147. "Who is the one who does not worship,
Who refuses to honor the sacred sites,
And those who refuse to give alms to Brahmins,
Or deny offerings to the gods?"

148. "Who among the Brahmins is ignorant,
And who among the lowly is engaged in rituals,
Who among them commits sins?
Please tell me."

Yama Answers:

149. "One who performs the worship of Shri Krishna,
Or of the earth, or the form of Shiva,
Or the Sun, or the Sun's gemstone,
And harbors divisive thoughts, is guilty of Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin)."

150. "One who performs worship of his own guru,
Or of his favorite deity,
While harboring thoughts of division,
Is also guilty of Brahma-hatya."

151. "One who does not worship Vishnu,
Nor any of the other gods,
And performs acts of division,
Will also be guilty of Brahma-hatya."

152. "He who does not offer the sacred food to Vishnu,
Or to the feet of the Lord,
Or to other deities who give knowledge,
Is also guilty of Brahma-hatya."

153. "One who worships various forms of the Supreme,
Who is in the form of Krishna,
Who is present in all gods,
Who is the cause of all creation,
Will not be guilty of Brahma-hatya,
Even if they make offerings to different deities."

154. "The Supreme Lord, Vishnu, is the ultimate cause,
Present in all things,
Known as the essence of everything,
He who worships Him will never commit Brahma-hatya."

155. "The one who, by ignorance, performs acts of division,
And worships other deities without understanding,
Is guilty of Brahma-hatya,
For they do not realize the unity of the Supreme."

156. "Those who criticize Vishnu and other deities,
Those who neglect to perform their duties toward the gods,
They are guilty of Brahma-hatya,
For they destroy the essence of righteousness."

157. "The one who insults Hṛṣīkeśa (Vishnu),
The one who speaks ill of His devotees,
Such a person is guilty of Brahma-hatya,
And will continue to suffer as a result."

158. "The one who does not love Shiva or Krishna,
Who does not honor the eternal soul,
Will be guilty of Brahma-hatya,
And will experience suffering in their next lives."

159. "One who does not worship the Supreme Being,
Who criticizes the divine essence in Krishna,
Will be guilty of Brahma-hatya,
For they fail to recognize His true form."

160. "One who criticizes Vishnu’s maya (illusion),
Who does not love Vishnu’s devotees,
Such a person is guilty of Brahma-hatya,
For they deny the essence of all power."

161. "One who criticizes the Divine Mother (Māyā),
Who denies her grace and her power,
Will also be guilty of Brahma-hatya,
As they fail to recognize the power in all creation."

162. "The one who does not celebrate the holy days of Krishna Janmashtami,
Rama Navami, or Shivaratri,
Or the Ekadashi, the holy day of the Sun,
Will incur the sin of Brahma-hatya."

163. "Those who neglect to observe the five sacred festivals,
Will incur the sin of Brahma-hatya,
And will be guilty of enormous sin."

164. "One who performs the ritual of purification in sacred waters,
But fails to observe the sacred law of cleanliness,
Will be guilty of Brahma-hatya,
For they fail to honor the true essence of sanctity."

165. "One who neglects to care for his parents,
His elders, his wife, and children,
And fails to protect the helpless,
Is guilty of Brahma-hatya."

166. "One who is ignorant of marriage rites,
Who fails to love his children,
Who is devoid of devotion to Hari,
Is guilty of Brahma-hatya."

167. "One who does not offer food to Vishnu,
And who does not worship Him,
Will incur the sin of Brahma-hatya,
For they have violated the law of purity."

168. "One who prevents others from drinking water or eating,
Especially cows and Brahmins,
Will incur the sin of Brahma-hatya,
And will be reborn in a lower life."

169. "One who strikes a cow or a Brahmin,
Forcing them into violent labor,
Will commit the sin of Brahma-hatya,
And there is no doubt about this."

170. "The one who gives leftover food to cows,
Or makes them labor for his own gain,
Will incur the sin of Brahma-hatya,
For such deeds are sinful and punishable."

Yama's Continued Speech:

171. "The person who sacrifices to a woman in her monthly period,
Or one who eats food prepared by such a person,
Will incur the sin of killing a cow, without any doubt."

172. "One who offers food to fire with their feet,
Or strikes a cow with their feet,
Will attain the sin of killing a cow,
And experience its consequences."

173. "If a person eats food that has been touched by the soft feet of others,
Or sleeps after eating such food,
Or eats it in the morning after the sun rises,
They will certainly incur the sin of killing a cow."

174. "One who eats food prepared by a low-born person (Śūdra)
Or a Brahmin who is an outcast,
Or one who neglects the evening prayers,
Is certain to incur the sin of killing a cow."

175. "One who does not serve his ancestors,
On auspicious days, or offer them food at the proper time,
Or does not serve guests,
Is guilty of killing a cow."

176. "One who behaves with disrespect toward her husband, Krishna,
By harboring ill will or harshly speaking to him,
Is surely guilty of killing a cow."

177. "A person who digs up the path used by cows,
Destroys crops, or causes harm to the land,
Will incur the sin of killing a cow, without a doubt."

178. "One who performs a sacrificial rite or penance
For material gain, or out of ignorance,
Will certainly incur the sin of killing a cow."

179. "The king, the deity, or anyone who harms the cows,
Will bring pain and suffering to themselves,
And will incur the sin of killing a cow."

180. "One who tramples on the lives of other beings
Or disregards the sacred waters,
Or does not offer food, flowers, or fruits to the gods,
Is also guilty of killing a cow."

181. "The one who falsely declares 'there is no eternal truth,'
The liar and deceiver,
And the one who hates the gods,
Will certainly incur the sin of killing a cow."

182. "One who sees the image of a deity or a Brahmin,
But does not offer respect or worship,
Will be guilty of killing a cow."

183. "One who refuses to bless or show grace to a suppliant,
Who does not teach the students their learning,
Will certainly incur the sin of killing a cow."

184. "Killing a cow and killing a Brahmin
Are sins that lead to severe punishment,
As I have explained from the Sun’s mouth;
Would you like to hear more on this, or is this enough?"

Savitri's Response:

185. "In both the material and transcendent realms,
There is no distinction in the results of sinful or virtuous actions.
Tell me, what is the difference between the two?"

Yama's Reply:

186. "In some places, the material world is considered superior,
While in others, the transcendental world is considered supreme.
In some cases, it is the opposite.
Thus, the distinctions can be blurred."

187. "Wherever there is true equality,
According to the teachings of the Vedas,
It is there that a person must practice.
One who destroys this practice is guilty of murder."

188. "Previously, there was a well-known Brahmin,
A teacher of mantras and Vedic knowledge,
He was considered the greatest teacher,
And was worthy of respect."

189. "The father’s authority is a hundred times greater than the mother’s,
And the mother’s authority is likewise great,
But the teacher, the giver of knowledge,
Is to be revered even more, as stated in the Vedas."

190. "The teacher’s wife, the royal wife,
And all respectable women in the family,
As well as the goddess,
Are to be revered with utmost devotion."

191. "A Brahmin of exceptional valor is equal to Lord Shiva,
One who has the qualities of Vishnu,
The king, when he practices righteous rule,
Is the highest among those living in the material world."

192. "The water from the Ganges is equal to all water,
And all Brahmins are equal to Vyasa.
In the presence of the Sun and Moon,
True equality exists everywhere."

193. "One who kills an outcast,
Will earn the same sin as the Brahmin,
And will enter Kumbhipaka,
Where they will endure their karmic consequences."

194. "When a Brahmin serves a low-born woman,
They will incur the sin of killing a cow,
As will the woman,
And they will fall into the hell of Kumbhipaka."

195. "If a Brahmin commits incest with a woman of low caste,
They will incur the sin of killing a cow,
And will experience its severe punishment."

196. "If a low-born man has illicit relations with a Brahmin woman,
They will also incur the sin of killing a cow,
And suffer in Kumbhipaka."

197. "The person who transgresses the laws of the sacred order,
And behaves against the norms of the sacred texts,
Will incur the sin of killing a cow."

198. "If a low-born person enters a Brahmin’s house
And commits acts of impurity,
They will face severe punishment in the next life."

199. "One who eats food prepared by a low-born person,
And offers it to the gods,
Will suffer in the hell of Kumbhipaka."

200. "One who falsely believes they are free of sin
Will be punished in Kumbhipaka."

201. "A Brahmin who drinks alcohol,
Or eats food prepared by an outcast,
Or performs impure actions on Hari’s day,
Will certainly enter Kumbhipaka."

202. "The wife of a teacher, the queen,
The mother of a student,
Their son, daughter, and sisters,
All are to be honored, but the one who dishonors them will suffer."

203. "Similarly, if anyone mistreats their siblings,
Their father’s relatives, or those of their mother’s house,
They will incur the sin of killing a cow."

204. "If a disciple behaves improperly,
With disrespect toward their teacher or parents,
They will be guilty of Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin)
And will be punished accordingly."

205. "A student who insults their teacher’s wife,
Or their own teacher’s daughter,
Will incur the same sin,
As will those who misbehave in the temple."

206. "Anyone who harms their own mother,
Or behaves improperly toward their own teacher,
Is guilty of Brahma-hatya."

207. "They will suffer in Kumbhipaka,
A hell of great suffering, for their severe crimes."

207. "Even a person who is not qualified to perform rituals,
Who is considered untouchable or extremely sinful in the world,
Will go to the terrible hell called Kumbhipaka (the hell for great sinners)."

208. "One who performs an impure Sandhya prayer,
Or one who fails to perform the Sandhya prayers,
Or one who neglects the three Sandhyas,
Such a person, who is negligent in their prayers,
Will be considered a sinful soul."

209. "The person who does not accept or follow the Vaishnava, Shaiva, Shakta, or Ganesha mantras,
Due to arrogance or pride,
Is considered uninitiated and spiritually lost."

210. "One who creates a disturbance to the flow of sacred rituals,
One who disrupts the holy hand-washing or other rites,
Will face severe consequences and punishment,
And will be condemned to hell."

211. "In the sacred places where Lord Narayana resides—such as Kurukshetra,
The feet of Hari (Vishnu),
Varanasi, Badrinath, and the confluence of the Ganga and the ocean,
One must worship these places with full devotion."

212. "Similarly, places like Pushkara, the Bhaskara (Sun) realm,
Prabhasa, Rasamandala, Haridwar, Kedarnath,
And places sanctified by the Moon, like Badrinath,
All these sacred sites should be revered."

213. "At holy places like the banks of the Saraswati River,
In the sacred Vrindavana forest,
Along the Godavari River,
In the Himalayas, and places like Triveni Sangam,
These regions must also be honored."

214. "The one who accepts charity or offerings at these places,
According to his own desires,
Will be a Tirtha-granthi (someone who pollutes holy places),
And will face the punishment of Kumbhipaka."

215. "Similarly, a Shudra (lower caste) who performs rituals,
Or one who accepts offerings as a deity,
Is also considered sinful,
And will suffer the consequences in hell."

216. "A person who is negligent in performing Sandhya prayers,
Or the one who is intoxicated with pride and arrogance,
And does not observe the sacred duties,
Is considered fallen and will be punished in hell."

217. "These sinful individuals, who are guilty of grave offenses,
Will go to Kumbhipaka,
The hell of great torment for the worst sinners."

218. "There are many other hells that await such individuals,
Which I will describe to you in detail."