Details regarding Hells in Hinduism are found in the Puranas
especially the Garuda Purana. Mahararavam Hell is mainly used to punish those
people who deny the legitimate heirs their inheritance, possess, and enjoy
other’s property without their permission. In the Mahararavam Hell, people are
thrown into the hell the attendants of Yama where they are bitten and squeezed by
fierce snakes.
This concept of heaven and hell in Hindu tradition is based
on Puranas. Such stories and incidents in Puranas are meant to keep human
beings disciplined on earth.
Upanishads state that hell and heaven are on earth and lucky
are those who realize the true self and attain bliss here.