This is a place where souls of the elect undergo final purification from personal fault before entering heaven. Do not confuse the punishment of the damned souls.
Have you ever asked yourself why the living pray for the dead before burying them?
Read:
Heb.12:10,
1Peter 3:19-20,
1Cor.3:14-15,
Mat.12:32,
2Maccabees 12:40-45,
Rev.21:27.
...liveth...