Preparations for the Rath Yatra dedicated to Lord Jagannath are going on in full swing. This festival will be celebrated on 27th June this time, in which the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra will be pulled.
Like last year, this year's Rath Yatra is also going to be grand. While the chariots have been prepared for the Rath Yatra, other preparations are also going on. A large number of devotees participate in the Rath Yatra organized every year, everyone pulls the chariot by participating in the Rath Yatra.
Mysteries associated with Jagannath temple
The Jagannath temple of Puri is not only famous for its religious significance, but many mysteries associated with it also amaze people. The structure of the temple, its traditions and special rules like the tradition of not putting feet on the third step make it even more mysterious.
Devotees are always curious to learn about this mystery, due to which this temple remains a center of faith as well as curiosity. This mystery is believed to be directly related to Yamraj. Let's know in detail.
From a religious and spiritual point of view, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of India. Jagannath Dham is one of the four holy Dhams of Hinduism, Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameshwaram and Jagannath Puri.
It is believed that Lord Shri Hari resides here. Devotees believe that by merely having a darshan of Lord Jagannath in this temple, all the sins of a person are destroyed and he gets salvation. That is why lakhs of devotees from the country and abroad come here for darshan every year.
The darshan of Lord Jagannath is considered extremely sacred and fruitful. The Rath Yatra which comes out in the month of Ashadh is the biggest example of this, in which devotees not only have a darshan of the grand tableau of the Lord, but also wish to get freedom from sins.
Yama Shila
Experts suggest that the Jagannath temple has a total of 22 steps, with the third step holding particular significance, known as 'Yama Shila.' According to mythological tradition, Yamaraj once visited Lord Jagannath.
During this visit, Yamaraj mentioned that anyone who visits this temple would not have to go to Yamaloka. In response, Lord Jagannath honored Yamaraj by designating the third step as a special place, thus naming it Yama Shila.
What is the rule of not setting foot on the third step?
It is said that any devotee who sets foot on this third step after having a darshan of Lord Jagannath, all his sins are definitely washed away, but he has to go to Yamaloka, i.e. the mortal world. Therefore, this rule was made in the temple that no devotee or priest should set foot on the third step.
This rule has been made for the protection of the devotees and the liberation of their soul. This story of connecting the third step to Yamraj increases the sanctity and mystery of the temple. This deepens the faith and belief of the devotees in the temple.
This rule has become a part of not only religious faith but also cultural traditions. Every devotee follows it with respect and follows the rules of the temple.
Prakash Kumar Pandey