As Rath Yatra 2025 begins in Puri, the legend of the mysterious third step at Jagannath Temple—believed to house the god of death, Yamraj—continues to intrigue pilgrims and scholars alike.
Puri, Odisha | June 27, 2025 — As lakhs gather in the temple town of Puri to witness the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, age-old customs and sacred stories re-emerge in the public consciousness. Among these, one of the most intriguing traditions revolves around a specific architectural element of the revered Jagannath Temple — the third step at its entrance, known as ‘Yamashila’.
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The Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dhams of Hinduism and a timeless symbol of devotion, is known not only for its religious importance but also for the spiritual mysteries enshrined within its ancient walls.
The Mystery of Yamashila
To enter the sanctum, devotees climb 22 steps, each imbued with sacred significance. But the third step from the bottom carries an exceptional—and somewhat ominous—legend. Known as Yamashila, it is believed to be the abode of Yamraj, the Hindu god of death.
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According to temple lore, Yamraj once approached Lord Jagannath with a concern: the Lord’s divine grace was allowing too many souls to escape the cycle of death, leaving Yamlok empty. In response, Lord Jagannath assigned him to reside on the third step, declaring:
“He who steps on this stair after seeing me shall be freed of sins, but shall come to your abode.”
Since that moment, devotees have carefully avoided stepping directly on Yamashila—especially after receiving darshan. Many either skip the step entirely or touch it respectfully, acknowledging its deep spiritual resonance.
How Devotees Recognize It
To help pilgrims honor this tradition, temple authorities have marked the Yamashila step with black stone, distinct from the other 21 steps. The visual cue ensures that both locals and visitors can participate in this ancient practice with awareness and devotion.
As the Rath Yatra unfolds in divine splendor, stories like that of Yamashila remind us of the powerful blend of mythology, faith, and sacred architecture that define India’s spiritual landscape.
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Jagannath Temple, Yamashila step, Rath Yatra 2025, Puri temple secrets, Hindu mythology, Char Dham, Odisha temples, Yamraj and Jagannath, Indian temple legends, temple rituals India