Those described as beasts of prey are the diseases. The huge woman living in the forest, is identified by the wise with Decrepitude which destroys complexion and beauty. The pit is the body of embodied creatures.
ये च ते कथिता व्याला व्याधयस्ते प्रकीर्तिताः। या सा नारी बृहत्काया अध्यतिष्ठत तत्र वै॥ तामाहुस्तु जरां प्राज्ञा रूपवर्णविनाशिनीम्। यस्तत्र कूपो नृपते स तु देहः शरीरिणाम्॥