Kolkata: In Hinduism, the relationship of husband and wife is considered a sacred and unbreakable bond, where both live life with respect and love with each other. But in ancient texts like Garuda Purana, Manusmriti and Mahabharata, some such things are recorded as warnings, which a husband should never do with his wife. According to these texts, there are five things that are called Mahapaap and force the husband to suffer the tortures of hell after death. Let us understand these warnings and know why the scriptures are so strict.

1. Physical and mental torture: Punishment of Raurabh Hell

It is clearly written in the seventh chapter of Garuda Purana that the husband who gives physical or mental pain to his wife gets a place in ‘Raurabh Hell’ after death. In this hell, a terrible snake named ‘Ruru’ bites the sinner repeatedly. Manusmriti also warns, “Whoever torments his wife, his next life is full of misery.” This is not just a spiritual punishment, but such behaviour is also considered unacceptable in society. This rule of the scriptures strictly disapproves of violence in relationships.

2. Infidelity: Torture of being tormented in boiling oil

Verse 10 of the Garuda Purana states that a husband who has relations with another woman while his wife is alive is put in the ‘Kumbhinipaak Naraka’. There, the messengers of death torture the soul in boiling oil. According to religious scholars, this is the punishment for infidelity, which hurts the sanctity of the husband-wife relationship. This rule considers infidelity not only a sin but also a cause of severe punishment for the soul.

3. Insult: Suffering in both life and afterlife

The Mahabharata’s Anushasana Parva (Chapter 88) mentions that a husband who disrespects his wife is deprived of happiness even after death. Manu Smriti says, “The life of a person who oppresses women is like hell.” According to the scriptures, humiliation not only shakes the foundation of a relationship but also signals moral degradation. This warning underlines the importance of respect.

4. Ignoring feelings: Spiritual and material loss

The scriptures also consider ignoring the feelings of a wife as a grave sin. A husband who does not show affection and compassion to his wife, his life becomes painful both on material and spiritual levels. This neglect disturbs the balance of the relationship and leads to punishment in the afterlife. This message of the scriptures emphasizes the need for emotional bonding.

5. Violation of rights: Poverty and punishment of hell

According to Manu Smriti, a husband who violates the rights of his wife—whether it is property or honor—has to suffer poverty and the torture of hell for many births. This injustice not only brings unrest in this life but also leads to severe punishment in the afterlife. This rule advocates justice towards women.

Purpose of strictness of scriptures
Religious scholar Pandit Ramanand Sharma explains, “The relationship of husband and wife is a divine gift. Desecrating it disturbs the balance of life. These rules of the scriptures are not to scare, but to maintain peace and morality in the society.” He says that these warnings are a means to show people the right path, so that love and respect remain in relationships.
Relevance in modern life
These rules hold their importance even in today’s era. Lack of love, trust and respect in relationships causes breakdown. This teaching of the scriptures can also be a guide for modern couples. Psychologist Dr. Rita Sinha says, “This view of the scriptures is applicable even today. Imbalance in the relationship increases mental and emotional problems.” This message has become more relevant with time.
Final message
These teachings of Garuda Purana, Manusmriti and Mahabharata are both a warning and guidance for husbands. Injustice towards the wife not only causes punishment in the afterlife, but also brings unrest in this life. The message of the scriptures is clear—sanctity and respect for relationships is the key to a happy life. Do you also take this warning seriously? This thought is in the mind of every person who is reading this news.