As the scriptures declare, the results of one’s actions unfailingly follow the nature of the deeds themselves, according to the sacred prescriptions. Those who guide these matters consider the welfare of all beings, deliberating with wisdom and care. All are governed well, and together they reflect upon every aspect with diligence. Among those present are the venerable sages: Atri, Raudrālaki, the mighty Āpastamba, Śaṅkha, Likhita, Aṅgirā, and Bhṛgu, joined by Yama himself. Together, they weigh the appropriate measures for each soul. Yama, endowed with great austerity, stands adorned with earrings and armlets, his brilliance and commanding speech making him difficult to gaze upon. At his side are exalted, divine sages—speakers of Brahman—who are deeply learned in the meaning of the Vedas and steadfast in truth and righteousness. Their wisdom shines forth, enriched by their mastery of etymology, disputation, and the chanting of Sāman hymns. In that realm, sages and revered ancestors gather as well, their presence a testament to the gravity of the place. Beside Yama stands a figure dark in complexion, with great jaws, holding a distinguished staff in his left hand. For the sake of instruction, this being receives repeated guidance from Dharmarāja. Others, too, are present, each intent upon their own duties. There is a woman honored by Yama, anointed with divine, fragrant unguents. The wise declare that beyond this, no further means need be undertaken. Both Asuras and Devas, as well as powerful yogis, are present. From her limbs arise diseases, born of affliction, which endowed with manliness, go forth to trouble all the worlds. These afflictions, of great strength and brilliance, are themselves free from old age and death. The atmosphere is alive with singers and laughers, awakeners of all living beings. Radiant in their splendor, they glitter with the beauty of divine ornaments. Elsewhere, seats are covered with various kinds of cloth, and many men are gathered, enduring torments of great severity. Women, driven by desire and anger, appear in countless forms, their loud tumultuous cries resounding on every side. There are ghouls, fiends, and flesh-eating demons, some with one arm, some with two, three, or many arms. Yet among them are men adorned with every kind of splendor, wearing garlands, their feet bound, and decorated with all sorts of ornaments. Some hold spears and javelins, others are armed with bows and are difficult to approach. Still others stand ready, holding curds or fragrant substances in their hands, and some bear various kinds of incense, clothed in auspicious garments. Some travel in vehicles drawn by horses and elephants, others by swans, and yet others have steeds in the form of peacocks, cranes, and chakravaka birds. The people are diverse: some bright, some dirty, some in worn-out clothes, others in new silk. Among them are those with cat-like, glassy, and black complexions, and even the figure of Kali. These beings are the forerunners in that realm, heralds of the great-souled Death.