[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c7.1674 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.1674 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.1674 - **Language:** English ### [c7.1674](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1674) (10) \*Naraka (Hell).\* There is a world called Pitṛloka in the middle of the three worlds, on their southern side below the earth and above the Atala loka. The Agniṣvāttas and other pitṛs stay there in meditative trance for securing prosperity to those who come to pitṛloka. Yama is the ruler of pitṛloka. Since he is scrupulous in imparting justice, Yama is also called Yamadharma. He administers justice with an even hand to all living beings brought there by his agents, according to their virtues and vices during their earthly lives. He has power to assess the virtues and vices of people and to assign suitable punishments to them, but not to alter the laws or methods of punishment. Sinners are sent to the different Narakas by Yamadharma according to the nature and seriousness of their sins. The Purāṇas refer to twentyeight Narakas in all. They are:— - [Previous: c7.1673](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1673) - [Next: c7.1675](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1675) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1674](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1674) · Pramāṇa