Understanding the 36 Narakas in Garuda Purana: Punishments for Sins

The Garuda Purana outlines the consequences faced by souls after death, detailing 36 Narakas where individuals are punished based on their sins. Each Naraka is designated for specific wrongdoings, inflicting unique tortures. Additionally, the text discusses the cycle of rebirth in 84 lakh yonis, emphasizing the continuous consequences of one's actions. This exploration of Narakas provides insight into the moral framework within Hinduism, illustrating the belief in justice and accountability in the afterlife.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 04:17 IST

Exploring the Concept of Narakas

The Garuda Purana, one of the significant texts in Hinduism, elaborates on the consequences faced by the soul after death, detailing the rewards and punishments based on one's actions during life. According to this scripture, individuals who commit sins are condemned to various Narakas, or hells, after their demise.

There are 36 distinct types of Narakas, each designed to inflict specific tortures corresponding to the sins committed by the soul.

Let’s delve into which sins lead to which Narakas and the respective punishments meted out there.

List of 36 Narakas and Their Punishments

1. तामिस्र नर्क: Those who deceive their spouses or betray their wealth are cast into this dark Naraka.

2. अंधतामिस्र नर्क: Individuals who engage in extramarital affairs suffer from hunger and thirst.

3. रौरव नर्क: Those who torment the innocent are bitten by venomous snakes.

4. महारौरव नर्क: Cannibals are burned in flames.

5. काकोलूक नर्क: Tyrants are pecked by crows and owls.

6. कूटशाल्मली नर्क: Liars are hung on thorny trees.

7. अंधकूप नर्क: Those who are arrogant about their knowledge are thrown into a dark well.

8. अवीची नर्क: Heretics are dropped from burning mountains.

9. तप्तसूर्मि नर्क: Those who commit abortion are pierced with hot needles.

10. संहता नर्क: Land grabbers are torn apart.

11. वत्सनार नर्क: Rapists are punished with heated iron.

12. सुघोर्म नर्क: Wrongdoers are immersed in boiling oil.

13. महापातक नर्क: Those who betray their gurus are eaten by insects.

14. क्रीमिक नर्क: Animal killers are tormented by insects.

15. लोहशंकु नर्क: Murderers of innocents are pierced with iron nails.

16. रक्षकभोजन नर्क: Those who kill with poison are fed poisonous food.

17. शल्मली नर्क: False witnesses are hung on thorny trees.

18. श्र्वभोज्य नर्क: Those who consume others' food are attacked by dogs.

19. सारमेयादन नर्क: Those who commit adultery are devoured by dogs.

20. आसानपान नर्क: Drunkards are forced to drink toxic substances.

21. लालभोजन नर्क: Those who disrespect Brahmin food are given meat.

22. सौचावट नर्क: Those who disregard purity are submerged in excrement.

23. प्रपतन नर्क: Adulterers are thrown off cliffs.

24. वैतरणी नर्क: Those who do not donate are made to cross a filthy river.

25. पयू नर्क: Thieves are thrown into excrement.

26. निर्भक्षण नर्क: Slanderers are split in half.

27. विदीर्ण नर्क: Opponents of religion have their limbs broken.

28. तप्तलोहमय नर्क: Hypocrites are burned in molten iron.

29. संधांश नर्क: Defamers are scratched with nails.

30. कालसूत्र नर्क: Time-wasters are made to walk through fire.

31. सूकरमुख नर्क: Those who insult women are attacked by pigs.

32. अंधतोमिस्र नर्क: Gossipers are tormented in darkness.

33. तप्तकुंभ नर्क: Sinners are placed in boiling cauldrons.

34. खरभोजन नर्क: Those who earn through violence are given thorns to eat.

35. शूलप्रोत नर्क: Wrongdoers are pierced with thorns.

36. प्रभंजन नर्क: Those who take away others' livelihoods are swept away by fierce winds.

Rebirth and the Cycle of 84 Lakh Yoni

The Garuda Purana also explains that humans do not only face the torment of Narakas but are also subjected to the cycle of rebirth in 84 lakh yonis, which include animals, birds, insects, aquatic beings, and plants. These rebirths are considered another form of punishment for the soul.