Amidst the gathering, it was observed that women devoted to their husbands, even when beset by suffering, remained unwavering in their austerities. Their steadfastness was praised, and it was declared that among all the gods, only Dharma stood as the foremost upholder of righteousness. At this moment, Vaiśampāyana narrated that Dharma, pleased with the son of Uddālaka, addressed him kindly. Yama, the Lord of Dharma, said, “Speak truthfully; what shall I do for you?” He invited the sage’s son to choose any boon he desired, calling him fortunate and twice-born. The sage’s son replied respectfully, “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.” He requested, “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 and ordered that the truth be spoken to the brāhmaṇa. Quickly, the sage’s son was led by Yama’s messenger and shown everything. Upon seeing him, the noble Yama rose and, reflecting deeply, considered the sage’s son. Speaking with him, the noble one instructed his attendants. Citragupta, Yama’s scribe, explained, “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.” With the boon granted, the brāhmaṇa reflected on his teacher’s teachings. As he desired, he was permitted to see the foremost attendant of the Lord of Dharma. The son of the sage then observed and described what he saw: “While running swiftly, they seize and strike. The mighty ones bind with great strength and burn with intense power. They strike with blows from bamboo rods and with even harsher attacks. Those struck cry out in terrible anguish, but there is no savior for them. Some among them are cooked and burned as fuel for fire. Those of evil nature fall here and there because of their deeds. Some are placed in machines and crushed like sesame seeds.” He witnessed the dreadful river Vaitarani, flowing downward. Some souls were impaled on spikes, seized by messengers by their feet. In the cold, not-warm blood, they were overwhelmed with froth and slime. Unable to cross, they were raised up, distorted and helpless. The sinful ones, filled with every fault, dried up there. Many others, along with numerous messengers, were struck again and again with blows from swords and spears. Kushmandas and Yatudhanas hung terrifyingly nearby. Tormented by pain, the afflicted quickly climbed branches, only to encounter fierce Rakshasas, flesh-eaters, who slew them. The bodies that had climbed were struck without hesitation, shrouded in darkness. Just as an outcast eats a rooster, rejected by others, and as a man eats ripe mango fruit in the forest, so too, after sucking all of them, those beings remained in that excellent city. Then, those dwelling in the forest, endowed with speed, were sucked again. Thus, the sage’s son beheld the realm of Dharma, seeing the consequences of deeds and the workings of justice, and reflected deeply on all he had witnessed.