Hear now a vivid account of the destinies that await those who transgress the sacred order, as described in the venerable scriptures. Those who, in disrespect, touch with their feet their wives, elders, or revered teachers are cast into the dreadful Raurava hell, where flames rise up to their knees, consuming them in terrible agony. For these souls, blazing balls of heated iron are thrust into their mouths—an astonishing and fearsome sight to behold. There are others, too, who, instead of restraining themselves, utter slander or mock those who have sinned. The servants of Dharmarāja, the lord of justice, pierce these slanderers in their ears as punishment. Those who cruelly break or destroy wells, ponds, and reservoirs—the sources of life and sustenance—are seized by the fierce servants of Yama and cut with sharp, dreadful knives. Their torment does not end there: crows tear out their intestines from the anus, a punishment as horrifying as it is just. In times of famine or confusion, such sinners are thrown among food meant for dogs, denied even the basic dignity of sustenance. Some are tormented by mechanical devices, struck and beaten relentlessly by the servants of Yama. They are crushed in stone mills and dried out by desiccators, left emaciated, their palates and lips parched and dry. In this pitiful state, they are cast into pits swarming with scorpions. As if that suffering were not enough, they are forced to embrace the Śālmalī tree, its spikes heated by fire, searing their flesh. The teacher of such souls must bear the burden of carrying a heavy stone upon his head. All are hurled into filth and urine, immersed in a foul stench mixed with pus. In their madness and despair, the foolish among them devour each other’s flesh. There are those who, in utter ignorance, eat offerings from a miscarriage or consume worms and ants. Both the officiating priest and the sacrificer who partake in such acts become gross insects in their next existence, suffering unspeakable degradation. They are thrown to ravenous wolves in hell, torn apart without mercy. Likewise, those who steal cows or land, those who kill cows, women, or children, those who sell the sacred Soma or the Vedas, and those who give false testimony—all these dwell in the vast and terrible Raurava hell. For a long time, they remain in the blinding darkness of Andhatamisra and then wander in the forest of sword-leaves, their every step fraught with pain. A precipitous abyss opens for those who have committed such evil deeds. Thus, the fate of the ungrateful and those reviled by the world has been described in order. Just as Ananta is foremost among great serpents, and the earth is chief among all beings; just as the cultivated field is the best of lands, and the broad waters are supreme among sacred fords; as the abode of Brahmā is preeminent among worlds, and truth is the highest among all acts prescribed by dharma; as the Sumbha lineage is foremost among ascetics, and revelation is supreme among scriptures; just as Manu is foremost among law codes, and the new and full moon are the most sacred of lunar days, and giving at the solstices is most meritorious; as you, O listener, are among the best of Rākṣasas, and the bond is chief among the tied Nāgas; among flowers, the jasmine is supreme; among cities, Kāñcī is preeminent; among women, Rambhā stands above all; and among the weary, the householder is foremost; among fruits, the mango is the best; among buds, the ashoka; and among all medicinal herbs, pathyā is supreme; among white substances, milk is most excellent, just as cotton is the finest of coverings; among vegetables, kākamācī is chief, and among flavors, salt stands out; among trees, the banyan is foremost, just as Śiva is the highest among the wise; and among fortresses and fierce places, Vaitaraṇī, the lord of night-dwellers, is the most powerful in causing the downfall of kings. Know this as well: for the destroyer of friends, there is no atonement. Even after billions of years, such sin remains, unwashed and unremoved. Now, let the great sages describe the wondrous structure of Jambūdvīpa. This vast land is divided into nine regions, each immense in extent, and it is said to grant the fruits of heaven and liberation to those who dwell there.