法苑珠林 7.36

7.36

如問地獄經及淨度三昧經云。總括地獄有一百三十四界。先述獄主名字處所。閻羅王者。昔為毘沙國王。與維陀始生王共戰。兵力不敵。因立誓願為地獄主。臣佐十八人領百萬之眾。頭有角耳皆悉忿懟。同立誓曰。後當奉助治此罪人。毘沙王者今閻羅王是。十八大臣者今諸小王是。百萬之眾諸阿傍是。

As stated in the Sūtra on Inquiring about the Hells and the Sūtra on the Samādhi of Pure Deliverance: 'Overall, the hells encompass one hundred and thirty-four realms.' First, the names and places of the hell masters are described. King Yama was formerly the king of Vaiśālī. He waged war against King Vaideha, but his military forces were no match. Thereupon, he made a vow wishing to become the lord of the hells. His eighteen ministers commanded a host of one million; their heads had horns and ears, and all were filled with fury. Together they made the vow: 'Later we shall assist in punishing these sinners.' The former king of Vaiśālī is the present King Yama; the eighteen great ministers are the present minor kings; and the host of one million are the present wardens (apāṅgas).