Narakas

Narakas is a term used in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology to denote hells or underworld realms where beings are punished after death for their sins. The word comes from Sanskrit naraka, meaning "hell" or "abyss," with Narakas as its plural form in some translations. In Hindu literature, Naraka describes a network or hierarchy of realms, each with specific punishments corresponding to particular misdeeds. Rulership is commonly attributed to Yama, the god of death, or to his emissaries who oversee sentences and dispatch souls to appropriate Naraka realms. The exact geography and number of Narakas vary across texts; some lists mention a handful, while others describe numerous divisions.

In Buddhist cosmology, Narakas likewise denote grim hell realms within the cycle of samsara. They feature hot and cold divisions, with misdeeds generating suffering that is proportionate to karma. Punishments are described in terms of physical torment, deprivation, and fearsome environments, though the duration of stay is considered temporary, ending with rebirth once karma plays out. The notion of eternal punishment sometimes associated with hell in other traditions is generally avoided in mainstream Buddhist depictions, which emphasize cyclical rebirth and the possibility of liberation.

Historically, Narakas have functioned as ethical didactic tools, illustrating consequences of dharma and adharma and reinforcing moral conduct. They appear in scripture, temple art, and narrative literature, often serving as cautionary exemplars. In modern usage, Narakas can be invoked metaphorically to describe particularly harsh conditions or experiences, reflecting their continued cultural resonance in South Asian religious thought.