In the realm beyond, there exist deep caves shrouded in pitch darkness and vast thickets tangled with thorns. The ground is strewn with gravel and clods, and sharp thorns pierce like needles. In some places, wild beasts roar fiercely, while elsewhere, the fever of suffering intensifies. Amidst this harsh landscape, sinners cry out in agony, weeping and wasting away. Driven forward, they are struck from behind by weapons and the weight of scriptures, compelled to move onward. Their burdens are heavy, forged of iron, forcing them to walk with heads bowed in exhaustion. Some carry these loads not only on their backs, but even with their ears, their bodies contorted under the strain. Among them, some are grotesquely swollen, while others have eyes spread wide like umbrellas. Each grieves bitterly, lamenting their deeds—those committed knowingly and those done in ignorance. Yet, for those blessed with great happiness, the path leads to the abode of righteousness. Givers of ghee, honey, and milk, O best of twice-born, are welcomed there. Those who give vegetables, who partake of rice pudding, and lamp-bearers who illuminate all directions with light, also find their way. The one who gives away a city proceeds along the path, praised by the immortals. He who donates land or a house is carried in an aerial chariot, adorned with every wealth. Those who give horses, vehicles, or elephants, O best of twice-born, are honored likewise. The giver of oxen, O foremost of sages, departs riding in a splendid chariot. A man who gives betel leaves goes, delighted, to the abode of Dharma, his soul fully satisfied and honored by the dwellers of heaven. He journeys in great happiness, amidst the foremost twice-born and Brahmins, traveling in a celestial chariot blessed with every enjoyment. Even one who recites the Purāṇas is praised by the best of sages as he proceeds. At the threshold stands Yama, four-faced, bearing the conch, discus, mace, and sword. O best among the wise, the suffering of hell is truly terrifying. He who, having obtained human birth, fails to perform good deeds—who, though gaining impermanent humanity, does not seek the eternal—suffers greatly. The body itself, a source of torment, is defiled by impurities and the like. Among all living beings, those endowed with intelligence are the best. Among Brahmins, the learned are foremost; among the learned, those of firm understanding are supreme. Even among those who speak of Brahman, the one free from possessiveness is said to be the highest. Therefore, by every effort, one should pursue the collection of righteousness. By your own merits, go to my abode, endowed with all enjoyments. Thus, after worshipping Yama, he causes the soul to attain the blessed state. Then, a roar arises, tumultuous like the waters at dissolution, shining darkly like the Anjana mountain. Before them appears a being three yojanas wide, with red eyes and a long nose. Afflicted by the fever of death and other torments, even Chitragupta appears terrifying. He addresses all those sinners, trembling in fear: “O sinners, evil-doers, corrupted by arrogance! With minds blinded by desire, anger, and pride, you once committed sins, exceedingly delighted in your wrongdoing. For the sake of servant, friend, wife, or wealth, you acted wrongly as you wished.” Thus unfolds the fate of souls, each journey shaped by their deeds, and the righteous guided toward blessedness, while the sinful face the consequences of their actions.