經律異相 49.4

49.4

As for King Yama: formerly he was the king of the country of Vaiśālī. Because he fought in battle against King *Weituoshi*, and his military strength was no match, he thereupon made a vow, wishing to become the lord of the hells. His eighteen ministers, commanding a host of one million, all had horns on their heads and were filled with resentment; they made a joint vow, saying, "In the future, we shall assist in punishing these sinners." King Vaiśālī is the present Yama; the eighteen men are the minor kings; the host of one million are the ox-headed wardens. They are subordinate to the Heavenly King Vaiśravaṇa of the north. (Extracted from the *Sūtra on Inquiring about the Hells*; the *Jingdu sanmei jing* says that he governs a total of one hundred and thirty-four hells.)