In that realm, the sinful—laden with every fault—wither away, parched and tormented. There, countless others gather, surrounded by fierce, unyielding messengers. These unfortunate souls are struck again and again, mercilessly assailed with swords and spears. Terrifying beings—Kushmandas and Yatudhanas—hang menacingly, their forms dreadful to behold. Tormented by pain, the sufferers scramble desperately up the branches of trees. But there, fearsome Rakshasas, devourers of flesh, attack and slay them. The Rakshasas strike the climbing bodies without hesitation, shrouded in darkness, much as an outcast might consume a rooster rejected by all, or as a man plucks and eats ripe mangoes in the forest. After draining the lifeforce from these souls, the Rakshasas themselves linger in that formidable city. Yet again, those who dwell in the forest, swift of movement, are seized and drained anew. Below, the wicked watch all this unfold in terror. In their anguish, they cry out, “O Lord, protect us, release us!”—their desperate pleas directed at passing men. Some, unable to bear the torment, flee, battered by showers of stones and choking dust. Again and again, they run, only to be caught and struck by the relentless messengers. Amidst this suffering, a pot of water appears—sometimes cool, sometimes scalding—offered in the guise of relief, but never truly satisfying. In their sorrow, some embrace each other and collapse. Yet, among these torments, there are also visions of the most delicious and desirable foods: curds, milk, fruit juices, rice, and sweet porridge; drinks of honey, liquor, and fragrant jasmine rice; beverages made from cow’s milk, all served in beautiful vessels. Garlands, incense, and a variety of delightful fragrances fill the air. Among all these offerings, charming women and bowls filled with fruit are seen, with others holding vessels in their hands. Those who were devoted to giving food in life now provide meals to thousands, and at this time, they arrange for highly capable women to be present. Yet, the messengers—harsh and cruel—kill and laugh, mocking the suffering souls. Those with sinful intentions, who never sought atonement and lived without generosity, receive only shameful housewives, suited to their desires, and are given water, firewood, and whatever food comes easily, nothing more. Those born into extreme poverty, doers of evil deeds, are cast into this fate. But those who remained upright in their actions, especially among the four castes, enjoy gold and prosperity. The steadfast ones rest for a while, surrounded by their followers, and are settled among many beautiful women, enjoying prosperity with single-minded focus. Thus, in the glorious Varaha Purana, the divine scripture, this chapter is known as “The Description of the Forms of the Torments of the Cycle of Samsara.” Yet again, the forms of torment in samsara are described. In that place, the entire earth is covered with illusory thorns. Some souls are seen with their feet, hands, heads, and necks severed. But those who were devoted to righteousness, generous, and handsome, as in their own homes, stand there, always ready to offer cool water and food to those in need. Having performed supreme worship, they wait patiently to serve others who arrive.