NARAKA (HELL) If after many austerities one is inflated with ego, he transmigrates repeatedly in Hell and Heaven. (Gauri Sukhmani M. 5, p. 278) The world deals in three modes, it transmigrates repeatedly in Hell and Heaven. (Asa M. 5, p. 389) A Shakta falls and suffers in eighty-four hells. (Maru M. l, p. 1028) There are many sufferings in horrible hell, which is the abode of ungrateful people. (Var Gauri M. 4, Sbalok M. 5, p. 315) Those who remember the Lord, they do not go to hell. (Majh M. 5, p. 132) In Hindu literature twenty-eight different divisions of hell have been enumerated.
Manu has enumerated twenty-one hells. It is situated below Patala and is a region of darkness, fear and terror. Its divisions are described, with the particular crime punished in them. Though the Sikh Scripture måkes the mention of Naraka of Hinduism and Dozakha of Islam, it presents its own interpretation of as many hells, as the births of transmigration. See : Dozakha.
References :
1. Kohli,Surindar Singh ed,Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib 1993
In Hindu mythology, Naraka refers to the concept of hell or the realm of punishment for souls who have committed sinful actions during their earthly life. It is governed by Yama, the god of death and justice, who ensures that the punishment fits the nature of the sin. Naraka is not viewed as an eternal state but rather as a temporary place of atonement, after which souls are reborn based on their karma.
The idea of Naraka is described in various Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas, including vivid depictions of different types of Narakas, each designated for specific kinds of sins. For instance:
- Raurava – For those who caused harm to others for personal gain.
- Kumbhipaka – For individuals who inflicted harm on animals or others.
- Tamisra – For betrayers or deceivers.
Each type of Naraka has its own unique punishments, meant to purify the soul and serve as a lesson for future lifetimes. Unlike some other religious traditions, the Hindu concept of Naraka is cyclical and tied to the law of karma and rebirth, rather than being a permanent state of damnation.
The descriptions of Naraka are often symbolic, aiming to encourage ethical living and self-reflection.
