In the sacred Varaha Purana, it is taught that those who are afflicted should always salute and honor the attendants of Death, for they hold a special place in the wheel of Samsara. Thus concludes the chapter describing these attendants, and now begins the account of the true nature of the torments found in worldly existence. Once, Yama, the lord of Dharma, granted me a vision of a single bull—an auspicious sign. He performed my worship precisely as prescribed, observing every detail of the ritual. Pleased and delighted, he invited me to sit upon the seat of honor. Yama’s appearance was exceedingly fierce, his face truly terrifying, and his eyes blood-red. He spoke again and again, his demeanor filling me repeatedly with emotion and awe. In response, I recited a hymn pleasing to him, one that destroys all faults and brings longevity, swiftly removing the effects of time. In my hymn, I offered homage to Yama, the supreme god of the ancestors who stands on four legs. I praised him as the knower of time and deeds, the speaker of truth, and the one firm in his vows. I acknowledged him as the cause of all actions, the lord of past, present, and future beings. I honored him as the wielder of the staff, with deformed eyes and holding a noose; as one of dark complexion, difficult to approach, and in the form of oil; as the receiver of oblations to gods and ancestors, powerful and mighty. I saluted him as he who becomes one-eyed or many-eyed, as Time and Death themselves. Sometimes he appears as a child, sometimes as an old man, sometimes as a fierce one. I declared that he is seen directly, and that without him, nothing is accomplished. Among all recitations, his is supreme; no one else is seen apart from him. I also spoke of those women who, though afflicted by suffering, remain steadfast in austerity and devotion to their husbands. Therefore, among all the gods, Yama alone stands as the foremost upholder of righteousness. Vaiśampāyana then tells us that Dharma was pleased with the son of Uddālaka. Yama addressed him: “Speak truthfully, what shall I do for you? Choose a boon, O fortunate one, whatever blessing you desire, O twice-born.” The sage’s son replied, “If you are indeed a granter of boons, O king, devoted to the welfare of all beings, I wish to see your realm as it truly is. Show me everything, O king, if you are indeed the giver of boons to me. Reveal it, O illustrious one, who cares for all the worlds.” Thus addressed, the mighty Yama instructed his doorkeeper. He ordered that the truth be spoken to this brāhmaṇa. Then, I was quickly led by Yama’s messenger and shown everything. Having seen me, the messenger rose up and, reflecting sincerely, considered me. The noble one spoke with me and instructed his own attendants. Citragupta, Yama’s scribe, declared, “They are devoted, unassailable, always intent on vows. This brāhmaṇa, as ordered by me, shall go to the abode of the departed. He will not experience distress from suffering, nor from heat or cold.” Thus, having received the boon, the brāhmaṇa reflected upon the teachings of his guru. As he desired, he was permitted to see the foremost attendant of the Lord of Dharma. The son of the sage observed: While running swiftly, these attendants seize and strike. Thus unfolds the vision granted by Yama, revealing the nature of his realm and the tireless, devoted attendants who uphold the order of Dharma.