Gather close, O seekers of truth, and listen as the tale unfolds from the sacred Varaha Purana. There are those who, having abandoned the path of service, bear the outward marks of sanctity yet engage in wicked deeds. Some sell temples, sacrificial grounds, and holy places, profaning what is sacred. Others, men who falsely wear nails or hair, deceive by their appearance. There are those who, out of ignorance, neglect their vows or are expelled from their spiritual order. Among men, some are quarrelsome, argumentative, harsh—indeed, the lowest of the low. Both women and men, regardless of their station, go to a certain place after death. "Hear this, O pure ones," the sage says. "I shall describe these places to you, O best of the twice-born." Having listened to his words, all the ascetics, filled with wonder, approached the wise Naciketa. They implored him, "Tell us everything as you have seen it, O best among the wise. What is the true nature of that Time by which all things are set in motion?" Naciketa replied, "He restrains Time, and in the world of Brahma, he is its master. In that realm, O ascetics, there is no destruction of the body. One must return to his side again and again. Those who do not go there are those who practice charity and study the Vedas." The ascetics pressed further, "O Brahmin, what is Raurava like? What is the form of Kūṭaśālmalī? What do the souls do there? What do they practice?" Naciketa explained, "Those who are perfumed with these faults do not attain firmness. Though they should understand, they do not comprehend the highest virtues. Not knowing the supreme, they delight in illusion. Tell us, dear one, since you have seen it directly." Thus concludes the chapter describing the sins in the realm of Yama within the cycle of samsara. Now begins the description of the city of Dharma-raja. Having heard the questions of the sages with purified minds, Naciketa spoke: "The breadth of the city is a thousand yojanas, and its length is twice that. This city of the lord of the departed is surrounded by a boundary twice as large. It is crowded with mansions and palatial buildings, adorned with grand towers. The residences are as beautiful as the peaks of Kailāsa. Lovely reservoirs, lotus ponds, and lakes grace the city." Men and women fill the place, and elephants and horses bustle throughout. The excellent city of the king teems with all living beings. In some places, people sing and laugh; in others, they are afflicted with sorrow. Some dance, some stand, and some are confined in bondage. Creatures, both gross and subtle, appear according to their own actions. Naciketa confessed, "My limbs weaken, and my mind grows bewildered. Yet I will speak as I have seen and heard. The city is seen, yet not seen, crowded with various trees. Clear, cool, and fragrant water flows everywhere. The foremost river shines, destroying all sins. Immortals play there, engaging repeatedly in water games. Kinnaris with bent bodies and sweet singing, along with serpents, are present. Thousands of divine women are always there. Elsewhere, groves of trees bear flowers and fruits without cease." Such is the wondrous city of Dharma-raja, as experienced and described by the sage Naciketa.