The 28 Narakas (Hells) in Garuda Purana
The Garuda Purana describes 28 Narakas (hells) where souls who commit sinful actions (Paap) undergo karmic punishment before their next birth. These hells are ruled by Lord Yama (the god of death) and his assistants, the Yamadootas.
Each Naraka is a punishment realm where sinners atone for their wrongdoings based on their karma. After suffering, the soul is reborn into a new life according to its deeds.
1. The 28 Narakas and Their Punishments
🔥 Each Naraka is assigned for a specific sin and has a corresponding punishment.
| Naraka (Hell Name) |
Sins Committed |
Punishment Given |
| Tamisra |
Deception, greed, and stealing others’ wealth |
Soul is beaten in complete darkness and starved |
| Andhatamisra |
Betrayal, corruption, and harming others |
Soul suffers extreme darkness and mental torture |
| Raurava |
Torturing animals or humans for pleasure |
Soul is attacked by terrifying serpents |
| Maharaurava |
Killing or eating animals without need |
Soul is torn apart by fiery beasts |
| Kumbhipaka |
Cooking animals alive or harming them cruelly |
Soul is boiled in burning oil |
| Kalasutra |
Disrespecting elders, teachers, and wise people |
Soul is forced to walk on burning iron roads |
| Asipatravana |
Destroying religion, scriptures, and spreading false teachings |
Soul is whipped by thorny sword-like leaves |
| Shukaramukha |
Abusing power, mistreating the weak, corruption |
Soul is crushed between mountains and torn apart |
| Andhakupa |
Ignoring spiritual duties, being ungrateful |
Soul is attacked by wild animals and snakes |
| Krimibhojana |
Exploiting nature, polluting rivers, deforestation |
Soul is eaten alive by worms and insects |
| Sandamsa |
Engaging in adultery, cheating spouses |
Soul’s body is cut with red-hot iron claws |
| Taptasurmi |
Harassing women, abusing others sexually |
Soul is forced to embrace burning iron figures |
| Vajrakantaka-shalmali |
Leading an immoral life, engaging in deceit |
Soul is thrown onto thorn-covered burning trees |
| Vaitarani |
Leaders and rulers who misuse power |
Soul is drowned in a river of blood and filth |
| Puyodaka |
Destroying temples, religious places |
Soul is submerged in a well filled with pus and waste |
| Pranarodhana |
Harming innocent beings or mass killing |
Soul is pierced and tortured with spears |
| Visashana |
Engaging in mass destruction and evil acts |
Soul is continuously burned in an eternal fire |
| Lalabhaksha |
Corrupt judges, false witnesses, betrayers |
Soul is fed molten iron instead of food |
| Sarameyadana |
Unjust punishment of the innocent |
Soul is attacked and eaten by wild dogs |
| Avici |
Arrogance, extreme selfishness, and cruelty |
Soul is thrown into a pit of fire without escape |
| Ayahpana |
Alcoholism, addiction, and intoxication |
Soul is forced to drink molten iron |
| Ksarakardama |
Breaking vows, breaking promises |
Soul is drowned in boiling mud |
| Raksogana-bhojana |
Cannibalism, extreme cruelty |
Soul is fed to demons who consume them alive |
| Shonitapana |
Bloodshed, violence, and war crimes |
Soul is forced to drink boiling blood |
| Sucimukha |
Misusing wealth, not helping the poor |
Soul is pierced with burning needles |
| Udaka-kunda |
Committing sins in the name of religion |
Soul is thrown into a boiling water pit |
| Sulaprota |
Causing division, inciting hatred |
Soul is impaled on sharp iron stakes |
🔥 Each sinner experiences intense suffering before being reborn based on their karma.
2. Who Goes to Naraka?
According to Garuda Purana, people who:
❌ Lie, steal, and deceive
❌ Harm innocent beings, kill animals, or engage in cruelty
❌ Commit violence, adultery, or abuse power
❌ Are greedy, corrupt, and misuse wealth
❌ Disrespect parents, teachers, and sacred scriptures
❌ Pollute nature and destroy religious places
💀 Their souls are taken by Yamadootas to Naraka after death.
3. How Long Does a Soul Stay in Naraka?
The duration of suffering depends on the severity of sins.
- Some stay for a few years or centuries before rebirth.
- Severe sinners stay for thousands of years until their karma is purified.
- Extreme sinners (who commit great atrocities) may be reborn as animals, insects, or suffer as ghosts.
🔥 After punishment, souls are reborn based on their karma.
4. How to Avoid Naraka?
The Garuda Purana suggests ways to escape hellish suffering:
✅ Follow Dharma – Speak the truth, live righteously, and do good deeds.
✅ Perform Charity (Dana) – Give food, clothes, and help the poor.
✅ Practice Ahimsa (Non-Violence) – Avoid harming others and animals.
✅ Chant Mantras & Meditate – Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Vishnu Sahasranama.
✅ Do Pind Daan (ancestral offerings) – Helps free ancestors from suffering.
✅ Seek Forgiveness & Repent (Prayaschitta) – Fasting, pilgrimage, and selfless service purify sins.
🌿 Living a righteous and selfless life ensures liberation (Moksha) instead of Naraka.
5. Ultimate Goal: Attaining Moksha
Instead of experiencing Naraka, one should aim for Moksha (liberation).
- Devotion to Vishnu, Shiva, or Divine Energy leads to Vaikuntha or Kailasha.
- Good karma and pure actions elevate the soul to higher realms.
- Living ethically and performing righteous acts (Punya) guarantees a noble rebirth.
🕉 Final Teaching from Garuda Purana:
"One who follows Dharma never suffers Naraka. Truth, charity, and devotion lead to liberation."
Conclusion
🔥 The 28 Narakas in Garuda Purana serve as a warning against sinful actions.
🌿 Each hell corresponds to a specific sin, ensuring that karma is balanced.
⚡ To avoid Naraka, one must live a righteous life, follow Dharma, and engage in good deeds.
🕉 Moksha (liberation) is the ultimate goal, achieved through truth, charity, and devotion.
Would you like specific guidance on how to purify past karma and ensure a good afterlife? 😊
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