By Swami Harshananda
Yamaloka literally means ‘the world of Yama’.
Yamaloka as per Ṛgveda[edit]
The Ṛgveda[1] gives a brief description of Yamaloka or the world of Yama as a wonderful place full of peace. Yama lives there with his associates who praise him, to the accompaniment of music of the flute.
Yamaloka as per Purāṇas[edit]
According to the purāṇas, Yamaloka is a vast place surrounded by four iron forts, with four main gates. There is a majestic auditorium wherein many great kings of the past assemble.
Yamaloka, General Meaning[edit]
Yamaloka is referred as Naraka or hell. It exists in one part of this world.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore