Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 15:19 IST
One of the most intriguing legends of Jagannath Temple is about its third step, believed to be linked to Yamraj, the lord of death. Devotees avoid stepping on it out of respect
Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the Jagannath Temple to seek blessings and take part in the iconic Rath Yatra. (News18 Hindi)
The temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri is one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in India. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit this sacred destination to seek blessings and participate in its grandest celebration, the iconic Rath Yatra. Steeped in centuries of tradition, the temple not only holds immense spiritual and cultural value, but is also shrouded in fascinating mysteries and age-old beliefs.
Among the many legends associated with the temple, one of the most well-known is the story surrounding its third step. Why is this step considered so significant, and what is its connection to Yamraj, the god of death? Here are some of the temple’s most intriguing facts and enduring legends.
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Significance Of Temple
Lord Jagannath, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped here along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. The Jagannath Temple is one of the four sacred Dhams, and it’s said that just visiting it can wash away all sins.
The Third Step And Yamraj
The temple has 22 steps, but one in particular, the third step from the bottom, is treated with deep reverence. This step is known as Yam Shila.
According to legend, Yamraj once visited Lord Jagannath and expressed concern that no soul was reaching his realm, Yamaloka, as all sins were forgiven at Puri. Lord Jagannath then declared the third step of the temple as Yamraj’s place. He said that any devotee stepping on this stair would still be purified, but would eventually have to visit Yamaloka.
Since then, devotees avoid stepping on the third step. It is a symbolic gesture of respect towards Yamraj. This tradition continues even today.
Heart of God
It is believed that after Lord Krishna’s earthly departure, his body merged with the five elements, but his heart remained intact. This heart is said to be placed inside the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath. While the idol is changed every 12 years, the mysterious ‘living’ element inside is never replaced. Some even believe it continues to beat.
The Vanishing Sound of the Sea
When standing at the temple’s main entrance (Singhdwar), one can clearly hear the roar of the sea. However, the moment you step inside, the sound mysteriously disappears. This phenomenon remains unexplained, and it happens to everyone, not just occasionally.
The Flag That Defies Wind
The temple flag flies in the direction opposite to the wind. It defies the laws of nature, and no scientific reason has fully explained it. A belief also exists that if the temple flag is ever not changed for a single day, the temple would shut down for 18 years. Devotees say the flag absorbs negative energy, so it is changed daily to preserve sanctity.
The Reverse Cooking Order
The temple’s kitchen is one of the largest in the world. Food is cooked in seven earthen pots stacked one over the other. Strangely, the topmost pot cooks first, and the bottom one last, completely reversing the natural heat pattern. This happens daily, and the reason remains a mystery.
The Sudarshan Chakra and the Invisible Shadow
The temple’s Sudarshan Chakra is a fascinating wonder. No matter where you stand around the temple, it appears to be facing you. Despite the temple’s massive height, it casts no shadow on the ground—a fact that even science struggles to explain.
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Location :Puri, India, India
First Published:News lifestyle Rath Yatra 2025: Why Devotees Avoid The Third Step Of The Jagannath Temple | 6 Facts