The son of the sage, filled with reverence, bowed before the mighty Lord of the ancestors and offered his homage: “Salutations to you, O supreme god, who stands firmly upon four legs. You are the knower of time and of all deeds, the speaker of truth, unshakable in your vow. O Lord of past, present, and future beings, you direct the actions of all. Wielder of the staff, with eyes that are deformed, holding the noose—my salutations to you. Of dark complexion, difficult to approach, you appear even in the form of oil; I bow to you. “You are the receiver of all oblations offered to gods and ancestors, O powerful one—my homage to you. Sometimes you are seen with one eye, sometimes with many; you are Time itself, you are Death—my salutations. At times you appear as a child, at times as an old man, and sometimes as a fierce and terrible form—salutations to you. O god, you are seen directly; without you, nothing is accomplished. Among all recitations, yours is the highest; apart from you, no one else is seen. “Those women who, though afflicted by suffering, remain steadfast and devoted to their husbands, are praised for their austerity. Therefore, among all the gods, you alone are the foremost upholder of righteousness.” Hearing these words, Vaiśampāyana relates, Dharma, the Lord of Righteousness, was pleased with the son of Uddālaka. Yama, the god of death, spoke: “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, then I wish to see, O god, your realm as it truly is. Show me everything, O king, if you are truly 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. The strong-armed one commanded that the truth be spoken to this brāhmaṇa. Quickly, Yama’s messenger led the sage’s son and showed him everything. Upon seeing him, the noble Yama rose, considered him thoughtfully, and spoke with him. Then, Yama instructed his own attendants. Citragupta, the divine scribe, declared: “They are devoted, unassailable, always intent on their 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.” Having received this boon, the brāhmaṇa reflected on the thoughts of his teacher. As he desired, he was permitted to see the foremost attendant of the Lord of Dharma. The son of the sage then described what he saw: “While running swiftly, the attendants seize and strike. The mighty ones bind with great strength and burn with intense power. They strike with bamboo rods and with even harsher attacks. The tormented cry out in terrible anguish, but find no savior. Some among them are cooked and burned as fuel for fire; those of evil nature fall here and there, suffering the results of their deeds. Some are placed in machines and crushed like sesame seeds. “Then, the dreadful river Vaitarani arises, flowing downward. Others are impaled on spikes, seized by messengers by their feet. There, in the cold, unclean blood, they are overwhelmed with froth and slime. Unable to cross, they are raised up, their bodies distorted and helpless.” Thus, the son of the sage beheld the realm of Yama, witnessing the consequences of actions and the workings of Dharma’s attendants, as revealed by the god himself.