Once the thirteenth day is over, the soul starts going to Yamaloka, the kingdom of Lord Yama, the god of death and justice. This is not a momentary arrival; it is more like a seventeen-day pilgrimage through different spiritual realms. The Garuda Purana graphically narrates the soul’s journey through sixteen cities, each symbolizing levels of karmic assessment and psychological cleansing. The way is full of trials, pains, and periods of reflection.
By the end of 30 days, the soul reaches the court of Yama. There, it faces the divine judge, who dispenses justice with unbiased judgment. At his side is Chitragupta, the heavenly scribe, who maintains precise records of each person’s deed, good or ill.
If the good karma of the soul overpowers the evil, it is allowed into Swarga, the heavenly worlds, where it basks in pleasure and tranquility gained through righteousness. Yet if the sin of the soul is greater, it is pushed down to Naraka, the hellish worlds, where it purifies itself through agony
