Why Is the Third Step of Jagannath Puri Avoided? Revealing the Link to Yamaraj

The Jagannath Temple, a revered site among the four Dhams, brims with enigmatic tales. Known as the Vaikunth on Earth, Jagannathpuri holds many secrets. Among these is a curious prohibition: stepping on the temple's third step is strictly forbidden. Why does this rule exist? What beliefs fuel this tradition?

Nestled in the coastal city of Puri in Odisha, the Jagannath Temple stands as a revered sanctuary dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Shri Krishna. Known as Jagannathpuri, this sacred city forms one of the four cardinal Hindu pilgrimage sites, along with Badrinath, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. The temple is steeped in numerous beliefs and mysteries, captivating devotees and scholars alike. Astonishing phenomena continue to occur here, eluding even scientific explanation. Among these enigmas is the secret of the temple's stairs, a mystery known to only a few.

According to the Puranas, Jagannath Temple is believed to be a celestial realm on earth, known as Vaikunth Dham. Here, Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Krishna, along with his brother Balram and sister Subhadra, resides. It is said that merely viewing Lord Jagannath here can grant all wishes and absolve all sins. While every temple holds its own set of mysteries, the enigma surrounding the third step of Jagannath Temple is particularly intriguing.

Read:-The Unexplained Phenomenon of Lord Jagannath's Chariot Pausing at a Tomb

According to legend, after witnessing the divine presence of Lord Jagannath, people began to experience freedom from their sins. Observing this, Yamraj, the deity of death, approached Lord Jagannath and said, “O Lord, you have provided a simple means for liberation from sins. By merely seeing you, people are cleansed, and no one is coming to Yamaloka.” In response, Lord Jagannath instructed Yamraj to take his place on the third step at the temple’s main entrance, which would henceforth be known as Yam Shila. He declared that anyone stepping on this particular step after having the sacred darshan would have their virtues (Punya) nullified and be destined for Yamaloka.

The Yamshila is located on the third step from the bottom as one enters through the temple's main gate. Devotees are advised to avoid stepping on this specific step while leaving the temple after darshan, as it is marked by its distinct black color, contrasting with the rest of the steps. With a total of 22 steps at the Jagannath Puri temple, caution is advised—stepping on the third step from the bottom could nullify the merits (Punya) gained from the sacred darshan.

However, this is not the only legend associated with the Yamashila. Another tale suggests that as devotees ascend towards Lord Jagannath, stepping on the third stair, known as Yamashila, purifies them of all their misdeeds, allowing them to approach Lord Jagannath with a clear heart and mind. Conversely, if they step on the Yamashila while leaving the temple, they will lose all the merits they have accumulated during their visit.

Read:-The Story Of Lord Jagannath and Krishna’s Heart

Regardless of the numerous stories, myths, and legends surrounding the third stair of the temple, it remains a bustling center of devotion throughout the year, except when Lord Jagannath and his siblings are unwell. During the Jagannath Yatra, especially, thousands of devotees gather to touch the Rath (chariot) just once in their lifetime, seeking the divine merit of accompanying Lord Jagannath and his siblings to the Gundicha Temple.