Verse 16.16

Verse 16.16: “Distraught by manifold designs; enveloped in snares of infatuation; intent upon the gratification of desires: they fall into loathsome Hell. (364)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

They (Demoniacal persons) rave fancifully at random, in the way do the sick in delirious fever. They find themselves in the whirlwind of hope owing to the acquisition (in them) of the dust of ignorance, with the result that they keep on whirling round and round in the (supportless) cavity in the form of designs. Then they build castles in the air in regard to innumerable desires, in the way there arise innumerable clouds in the sky in the month of Ashadha (July), or in the way there is the uninterrupted continuity of waves in the sea. Then there is formed in the being a thick cluster of creepers in the form of desires and the being is mutilated in the way the lotuses are when dragged over thorny bushes, or is broken to bits, Oh Arjuna, like an earthen pot dashing against a rock. In such a state the infatuation in their (men of demonical Estate) hearts goes on increasing, as does the intensity of darkness as night advances. The greater the infatuation, the greater the liking for the enjoyment of the senseobjects, and associated with sense-objects invariably abide sins, and when the sins get strengthened and crowd together, one experiences Hell-life even in the world of mortals.

Therefore, Oh Good Talent (Arjuna), the Demoniacs that harbour wicked desires come to dwell in the locality where abound, trees with sharp-edged leaves like swords, mountains of Khadir (khādira—agaciacatachus [acacia catechu?]) live charcoal, and rushing (boisterous) seas of boiling oil; where there exist a graduated series of agonies as also ever new sorts of tortures (arranged) by the God of Death-Yama. Into such a dreadful Hell they fall. Although born in this world and destined to the select region of Hell, yet even they are seen taking to sacrifices in an infatuated state. Ordinarily, these sacrifices and other rites by themselves, are (all in order) as they should be as enjoined; yet they prove fruitless, Oh Dhananjaya, performed as they are by them (demoniacs) like dramatic performances (of actors) on a stage, or like a prostitute living under the protection of her lover, but parading as a loyal wife and remaining content in the delusive glory of her Saubhagya (saubhāgya—wifehood of a living husband).