7 sins committed by humans and their punishments in Garuda Purana

It is often said that if you wish to improve in life or want someone else to walk on the right path, just make them read the Garuda Purana. Why? Because in the Garuda Purana is an explanation, or ‘varnan’ about everything that happens to a human being in the afterlife. Be it the fruits of their Karma or the punishments of their sin, everything is mentioned in the Garuda Purana. In fact, there are about 28 types of hells and punishments mentioned in the text for different sins, and here we mention 7 of them, of the most common sins that humans commit.

It is said that people who play with the feelings of one another, betray someone else’s trust, or cheat and steal from others are bound to go to Tamisram, a place where they are whipped and beaten up by the men of Yamaraj till they repent their sins. It is said that in Tamisram, the souls are tied and whipped and are denied rest or relief, and this is done to mimic the stress and tension they gave to the people they stole from.

Another common sin for which people will be tried by the men of Yamaraj is stealing. Stealing someone else’s wealth, property, resources, money, or anything material that would have helped in their personal gain will make the sinner go to ‘Rauravam’. In Rauravam, the person is said to be punished by serpent-like men who can also take the faces of the people who they cheated on.

Hinduism does not encourage people to eat meat. In fact, many saints and gurus advise against eating animals as they are said to ignite ‘Tamsic’ behaviours in humans. And thus, it is said that people who kill and eat animals in their life on Earth will be sent to ‘Kumbhipakam’, a hell where they will be punished just like they punished the innocent animals. The sinners are boiled in hot oil like they treated the animals.

Another sin for which humans will be sent to a hell named ‘Kalasutram’ is disrespect and being prone to uncontrollable anger. It is believed that if you have disrespected your elders who have fulfilled their duties and you use harsh words or impulsive actions against them, you will be sent to Kalasutram.It is said that Kalasutram is an extremely hot place where the sinner is made to run around in scorching heat over and over again.

If you are someone or know someone who does not help people in need even when they have the resources to, Andhakupam is believed to be the place for them. It is said that Andhakupam is hell for people who misuse their power, do not help others, and fail in their responsibilities as a citizen. In the Andhkup they are then tormented by wild animals, insects, and reptiles that continuously attack them.

Visasanam is the afterlife for people who are consumed with envy and pride and look down upon people who do not earn the same place in society as they have. This place is for people who berate and disrespect others, especially those who are not as well off as them, and cause them humiliation. In Visasanam, the sinner is beaten and tortured by Yama’s attendants.

People who steal, rob, and deceive others to get their possessions and riches are believed to be condemned to Sarameyasanam. This hell is also for people who do not fulfil their social duties and are a disrespect to society at large. It is said that in Sarameyasanam, the sinner is attacked by hungry, violent dogs and their flesh is torn off their body again and again by these beasts.