According to the Garuda Purana, what punishments await those who commit certain sins?
The Garuda Purana is a prominent Purana associated with the Vaishnava tradition. In the Sanatana Dharma, it is considered to offer guidance regarding liberation after death. Therefore, listening to the Garuda Purana is prescribed in the Hindu faith after death. The presiding deity of this Purana is Lord Vishnu. It describes various auspicious actions, including rituals, charity, penance, pilgrimages, and so on, highlighting their worldly and transcendental benefits, encouraging all to engage in virtuous deeds through devotion, knowledge, sacrifice, righteousness, and selfless action. The Garuda Purana also elucidates right and wrong actions, detailing the punishments individuals face after death based on their deeds.
It is believed that those who steal others' wealth are bound by the messengers of Yama (the god of death) with ropes and severely beaten in hell until they lose consciousness, and upon regaining awareness, they are beaten again.
Individuals who disrespect, humiliate, or ostracize their elders are subjected to humiliation in hell or thrown into the fires of hell, where they are not permitted to escape until their skin is burnt.
Those who unjustly kill innocent animals for their own selfish gain face severe punishment in hell. Such sinners are placed in a large pot filled with hot oil.
People who take advantage of others' circumstances, remaining with them until they gain from their money, are beaten with hot iron rods in hell.
Those who deprive others of their happiness for their own pleasure, seizing their wealth, are thrown into a well filled with snakes.
Those who cheat on their spouses and engage in physical relationships with others are considered as animals in hell and thrown into a well filled with excrement.
Individuals who misuse their positions of power to torment, oppress, or harass innocent people are thrown into a well inhabited by dangerous animals and snakes.
