As King Nimi journeyed through the realms beyond, he came upon a place so foul-smelling that its very air seemed to oppress the soul. Troubled, he addressed the man guiding him, asking, “What is this land, and to which of the gods does it belong? I wish to know.” The servant, leading the way, beckoned him forward, saying, “Come here.” Once more, Nimi, respectful yet anxious, questioned his guide: “By what cause have I, though righteous, come to this misfortune? Born in the land of Videha, I was a true protector of men. I upheld Manu’s ancient rule, making righteousness my chief principle. Never did I abandon battle, nor turn away a guest. How, then, have I come to this exceedingly dreadful hell?” Bowing down, the servant replied humbly, despite his fierce appearance. “O king, I will remind you of a small sin you committed. The offering prescribed at the śrāddha was not given by you. This alone is your sin; there is nothing else at all.” Hearing this, the royal sage Nimi addressed the messenger, “I wish to ask you something; please tell me the truth. Again and again, I see their eyes become like that.” He observed the suffering souls, “They take away their tongues, which are born anew each time. Are these men, whose minds are lost, tormented day and night? For how long will this be? Please tell me exactly.” The servant replied, “I shall explain this to you briefly and truthfully. A person attains merit through meritorious deeds, each in its proper turn. But apart from enjoyment, a human does not experience the fruits of merit or sin. Thus, these great sinners endure punishments day and night. In the states of divinity, humanity, or animal existence, both auspicious and inauspicious results occur. O King, I have explained this to you in summary. Now, let us go elsewhere, as you have seen here just now.” As they moved, the suffering men cried out, and the wind that touched Nimi’s body brought relief to them. All their pain, distress, and torment vanished from their limbs. Hearing these words of gratitude, Nimi addressed the servant of Yama, “What great meritorious act did I perform in the mortal world?” The servant explained, “On the fourteenth day of the month of Ashvina, this is the fruit obtained. The wind that touched your body brought delight to those souls.” Nimi, moved by compassion, declared, “Therefore, O noble-faced one, I shall remain here, unmoving like a pillar. Enjoy pleasures; do not go to the torment reserved for evil deeds. My intention is to bring liberation to suffering creatures. Therefore, I shall not depart until these greatly afflicted ones are relieved. If many who suffer because of me attain happiness, I shall remain.” But the servant urged, “It is indeed necessary to depart from here; therefore, O king, go forth.” At that moment, Dharma, accompanied by Indra, appeared and spoke, “Come, come, O tiger among men; by this much, O lord, it has been accomplished. You should not be angry; listen to my words, O mighty one. I shall lead you to heaven, having been properly worshipped by you.” Yet Nimi, seeing the suffering around him, said, “In hell, O Dharma, people are tormented here by the thousands.” His heart remained steadfast in compassion for those souls, even as the divine powers beckoned him onward.