How many days does it take for the soul to reach Yamalok after death? Know what is written in Garun Purana
Garuda Purana: Death is an invariable truth of life, which every person has to accept. In the sacred text Garuda Purana, the journey of the soul after death and the results it gets based on its deeds have been described in detail. It also tells how much time it takes for the soul to reach Yamalok after death and what difficulties it has to face during this journey.
According to Garuda Purana, it takes 47 days for the soul to reach Yamaloka after death. During these days the soul has to pass through many difficult paths, depending on the deeds done in its life.
What happens after death?
According to Garuda Purana, just before death a person loses his voice and receives divine vision. He begins to see the entire world as one, and all his senses gradually become inactive. After death, Yamdoot puts a noose around the neck of the soul and takes it to Yamalok. If the person has committed sins, he is taken through dark and hot paths, suffering tortures.
Soul stays with family for 13 days
After death the soul remains with its family for 13 days. During this time she experiences all the rituals of her funeral and Thirteenth. According to Garuda Purana, Pinda Daan provides energy to the thirteenth soul in its journey to Yamalok. Therefore these rituals are considered important in Hindu religion.
Have to cross Styx River
In the journey to Yamalok, the soul has to cross the river Vaitarani. This river is red in color and flames keep rising in it. If a person has done cow donation or other virtuous deeds in his life, then he can easily cross this river by holding the tail of the cow.
Karmas are accounted for
After crossing the river Vaitarni the soul reaches Yamalok. Here Yamraj gives an account of the deeds of his life. The soul doing good deeds is sent to heaven and the soul doing bad deeds is sent to hell. Garuda Purana teaches that one should always do good deeds in life, because only our deeds remain with us after death and they determine our future.