Jagannatha Rath Yatra 2025: The temple of Lord Jagannath located in Puri is counted among the most ancient and popular religious places in India. Every year lakhs of devotees come here and participate in grand festivals like Rath Yatra. But one special thing related to this temple is always in discussion among the people – not to set foot on the third step of the temple. Why is the third step considered so special? What is its connection with Yamraj? Let us know. Bhopal resident astrologer and Vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma is giving more information on this subject.

Importance and faith of the temple
Lord Jagannath is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Puri's Jagannath temple is considered one of the four Dhams and it is believed that devotees get freedom from sins just by visiting here.

There are a total of 22 steps in this temple, but one of these – the third step from the bottom – has a different rule. Devotees do not set foot on it and cross it with full devotion. This staircase is called "Yam Shila".

1. Relation of Yamraj and the third step

According to the old story, once Yamraj came to Puri to meet Lord Jagannath. He said that after visiting this temple, no person comes to Yamlok, because all his sins are washed away. Hearing this, Lord Jagannath smiled and said, "If this is so, then the third step of this temple should be considered your place."

The Lord decided that the devotee who set foot on this step after the darshan, had his sins erased, but he would have to go to Yamlok. Since then, this third step became a symbol of Yamraj and it came to be called Yam Shila.

Why is it prohibited?

Due to this belief, a rule was made in the temple that after the darshan of the Lord, no person should set foot on this third step. This rule is not only related to religious faith but is also a kind of warning. Giving respect to the third step is considered equal to giving respect to Yamraj. Devotees take it very seriously and take precautions while crossing it.

2. The heart of God is beating in the temple

It is said that when Shri Krishna ended his life on earth, his entire body merged into five elements. But his heart survived. It is believed that this heart is still safe in the wooden idol of Shri Krishna and also beats slowly. This idol is replaced every 12 years, but the 'mysterious element' kept inside is never replaced.

3. Why does the sound of waves stop?

Standing outside the main gate of the temple i.e. Singhdwar, the sound of the sea waves is heard. But as soon as you enter the temple, that sound of waves suddenly disappears. This is not an illusion, but it happens to everyone. To date, no one has been able to understand why this happens.

4. Flag against the wind and fear of 18 years
The flag that flutters on the top of the temple always flies in the opposite direction of the wind. This challenges the natural laws. There is also a belief that if the flag of the temple is not changed someday, the temple will be closed for 18 years. It is believed that the old flag attracts negative energy, so it is changed every day.

5. Reverse order in the kitchen
The kitchen of the Jagannath temple is counted among the biggest kitchens in the world. Here food is cooked in seven earthen pots placed one above the other. But the surprising thing is that the pot placed on the top gets cooked first, then the one below it, and finally the pot placed at the bottom gets cooked. This rule follows every day and no one has been able to understand it till date.

6. Sudarshan Chakra and invisible shadow
Sudarshan Chakra is installed on top of the temple, from whichever direction you look at it, it will seem as if it is looking at you. This chakra looks the same from every angle. Similarly, another mystery is the shadow of the temple's peak. Despite being so high, the shadow of the temple is not visible anywhere on the ground. This thing surprises even science.

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