What Happens After Death? Garuda Purana Explained

What Happens After Death – According to the Garuda Purana

The Garuda Purana is one of the eighteen major Puranas in Hinduism. It is highly revered among Vaishnavites (devotees of Lord Vishnu) and deals in detail with the concepts of life after death, karma, the journey of the soul, and the cycle of rebirth. The Pret Khanda (section) of the Garuda Purana especially focuses on what happens after death.

State of the Soul at the Time of Death

• • When a person is nearing death, Yama’s messengers (Yamadutas) come to escort the soul.
  • If the person is virtuous and has performed good deeds, divine messengers (beautiful, radiant beings) arrive to peacefully take the soul.
  • If the person is sinful, terrifying Yamadutas arrive and drag the soul out painfully and forcefully.

Journey of the Soul to Yamaloka (17-day journey)

• • After death, the soul begins a subtle 17-day journey towards Yamaloka.
  • The soul must cross rivers, mountains, forests, and 16 terrifying places representing sins and karmic obstacles.
  • Each day, the soul experiences suffering or relief based on its karmas.
  • If proper rites are not performed, the soul may wander or even become a restless spirit (preta).

Importance of Pind Daan and Shraddha Rituals

• • To aid the soul in its journey and to bring peace, family members must perform Pind Daan and Shraddha for 13 days.
  • Especially important are the rituals on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th days.
  • If these are not performed, the soul may remain stuck or become a ghost.

Chitragupta and the Karmic Ledger

• • Upon reaching Yamaloka, the soul is presented before Chitragupta, the divine accountant.
  • He reads out all the good and bad deeds the person has done.
  • Based on this record, Yamraj decides the fate of the soul – Heaven (Swarga) or Hell (Naraka).

Heaven and Hell

• • Those who did righteous deeds are sent to Swarga, where they enjoy celestial pleasures.
  • Those who sinned are sent to various Narakas (Hells) described in Garuda Purana, including:
    • Tamisra – for liars
    • Maharaurava – for those who deceive others
    • Raurava – for cruelty and violence
    • Kumbhipaka – for killing Brahmins
  • Each hell has its own specific tortures – boiling oil, being eaten by animals, walking on thorns, etc.

Rebirth (Punarjanma)

• • After serving time in heaven or hell, the soul is reborn based on remaining karmas.
  • If good deeds outweigh bad ones, the soul may be born into a noble family, as a human or even a divine being.
  • If bad deeds dominate, the soul is born into lower forms such as animals, insects, or even plants.

Moksha (Liberation)

• • A person who follows dharma, avoids sin, chants God’s name, and leads a righteous life may attain Moksha.
  • Moksha is liberation from the cycle of birth and death, where the soul merges with the Supreme Divine.

Conclusion

The Garuda Purana teaches us that death is not the end, but the beginning of another journey. Our karma (deeds) determines our path – whether we go to heaven, hell, or attain liberation. Therefore, it’s essential to lead a life of truth, compassion, and devotion to God.

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