Ravana was known for his unyielding pride and penchant for challenging those he deemed superior. One day, he encountered the wise sage Narada, who mentioned that the people on earth were tormented by the thought of going to Yama, the god of death, after their time on earth was over. Intrigued and defiant, Ravana decided to confront Yama himself.
Ravana ventured into hell through the eastern gate, where he
witnessed scenes that contrasted starkly with the tales of torment he had
heard. Here, he saw the pious and truthful souls being venerated. Those who had
generously donated cows to brahmans in their previous lives were now
luxuriating in pools of milk and butter. Individuals who had offered shelter to
the homeless were resting on golden cots. Devotees of Vishnu were being treated
with the highest respect and care.
Encouraged, Ravana moved on to explore the western and
northern gates. In these regions too, he saw souls being treated with great
benevolence and comfort, their virtuous deeds in their past lives earning them
favorable treatment in the afterlife.
Finally, Ravana proceeded towards the southern gate, where
the atmosphere took a sinister turn. This area was shrouded in darkness, and
Ravana was confronted with horrifying scenes of suffering. He saw people being
drowned in vats of oil and others being mercilessly whipped. The anguished
cries for help resonated deeply with Ravana. For the first time, he felt the
weight of his own sins and was profoundly affected by the suffering he
witnessed.
The stark contrast between the treatment of the virtuous and
the sinful left a deep impression on Ravana, highlighting the consequences of
one's actions and the inevitability of karma.