Shloka 38
Svapnādhāya (Dream-Chapter): Causes, Forms, Nourishment, and Liberation of Pretas
अहं पर्युषितो नाम एष सूचीमुखस्तथा / शीघ्रगो रोघ (ह) कश्चैव पञ्चमो लेखकः स्मतृतः
ahaṃ paryuṣito nāma eṣa sūcīmukhastathā / śīghrago rogha (ha) kaścaiva pañcamo lekhakaḥ smatṛtaḥ
“I am called Paryuṣita; this one is likewise named Sūcīmukha. Another is Śīghraga, and also Rogha(ha). These are remembered as the fifth class of Yama’s scribes, the keepers of the record.”
A lekhaka (scribe) in Yama’s domain, speaking in the narrative to identify himself and other record-keepers
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Karma is meticulously recorded; consequences are administered through Yama’s order.
Vedantic Theme: Rta/niyati operating through karma; the jiva’s accountability under dharma.
Application: Cultivate ethical vigilance and truthful living, remembering that actions and intentions are ‘written’ and bear fruit.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Type: sabha/adhikarana (court/office)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: descriptions of Yamadutas/lekhakas and the accounting of deeds (nearby 2.22 context)
FAQs
This verse highlights that specific beings function as karmic record-keepers in Yama’s realm, emphasizing that actions are accounted for and become the basis for post-death judgment.
By naming Yama’s scribes, the verse situates the soul’s journey within an administrative order—after death, one’s deeds are reviewed through recorded accounts before consequences are assigned.
Live with accountability: treat actions, speech, and intentions as consequential, and align daily conduct with dharma—truthfulness, restraint, and compassion—since deeds are portrayed as ‘recorded’ in the moral order.