Yam Shila in Jagannath Temple: A Sacred Stone with Deep Significance
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha stands as one of the major temples in India. The temple is a sacred site where people come to worship but it also holds many secrets and stories. Among its many unique features, one of the most fascinating is the Yam Shila—a special stone on the third step of the temple’s Baisi Pahacha (the twenty-two sacred steps). The stone holds a special place in Hindu beliefs and is believed to have both spiritual and mythological significance.
Baisi Pahacha – The Twenty-Two Sacred Steps
Devotees must ascend twenty-two sacred steps called Baisi Pahacha before entering the Jagannath Temple. The religious importance of these steps exceeds their function as regular staircases. Devotees consider each step to represent a distinct life phase while their ascent functions as a path to spiritual cleansing.
Devotees show their respect by touching or bowing to the steps because they believe the act of stepping on them leads to sin cleansing and receives blessings from Lord Jagannath.
The Third Step – Home to Yam Shila
The third step of the Baisi Pahacha has a black stone, known as the Yam Shila or Yama’s Stone. It is different from the other steps because of its color and smooth texture. This stone is believed to be associated with Yama, the God of Death, and is an important part of the spiritual journey of devotees.
The Story Behind Yam Shila
There is a famous belief about the Yam Shila in Jagannath Temple:
- According to the belief, when one enters the temple, one has to put his foot on the stone to cleanse himself of the past sins before he can have darsan of Lord Jagannath.
- When coming out of the temple, it is believed that the stone takes away the punya (merits) that one has gained from the darshan.
Because of this, devotees tread on the Yam Shila when entering the temple but do not do so when leaving the temple. It is believed that in Jagannath Puri, Yama’s records of sins and virtues can be changed, making this stone very special.
Why is Yam Shila Important?
The Yam Shila in Jagannath Temple stands as more than a simple stone because it represents both spiritual justice and cosmic equilibrium. According to Hindu beliefs life consists of both positive and negative actions and this stone serves as a reminder of this equilibrium.
People begin their Lord Jagannath pilgrimage with spiritual purity by stepping on the stone when they enter. Devotees maintain their temple blessings by refraining from touching the stone when they depart. The practice demonstrates how awareness of actions remains essential for true religious worship.
Historical and Mythological References
The Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana among ancient Hindu texts describe Yam Shila as a stone which Yama uses for his judicial purposes. According to these sacred writings Yama established this stone at the third step to symbolize both the fleeting nature of life and the necessity of spiritual cleanliness.
The presence of Yam Shila in Jagannath Temple reinforces the temple’s role as a place of redemption and divine grace.
Yam Shila and Devotion Today
Devotees consider the Yam Shila in Jagannath Temple as a vital place of worship during their temple visits. The world has undergone changes yet this site continues to maintain its vital importance. Devotees who visit from all parts of the nation maintain the ancient practice of crossing the Yam Shila when entering and staying away from it when exiting.
During your visit to Jagannath Temple make sure to notice the Yam Shila located at the third step on the Baisi Pahacha. The stone represents divine justice together with redemption and faith.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Yam Shila in Jagannath Temple
Yam Shila is a sacred black stone located on the third step of the Baisi Pahacha (twenty-two sacred steps) in the Jagannath Temple, Puri. It is believed to be associated with Yama, the God of Death, and holds great spiritual significance.
Yam Shila is situated on the third step of the Baisi Pahacha, which devotees must ascend before entering the main temple.
According to religious beliefs, stepping on the Yam Shila while entering the temple cleanses a devotee of past sins, allowing them to have a pure darshan of Lord Jagannath.
It is believed that touching the Yam Shila while leaving the temple takes away the spiritual merits (punya) gained from the darshan. To retain their blessings, devotees avoid stepping on the stone when exiting.
Baisi Pahacha, or the twenty-two sacred steps, symbolize different phases of life. Ascending these steps is considered a path to spiritual cleansing and devotion.
Ancient Hindu texts like the Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana describe Yam Shila as a stone used by Yama for judicial purposes. The stone is said to symbolize life’s transient nature and the need for spiritual purification.
Yam Shila serves as a reminder of cosmic equilibrium, representing both the good and bad deeds of an individual. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness in religious practices.
Though there are no elaborate rituals, devotees make sure to step on the Yam Shila while entering the temple and avoid it while leaving as a mark of respect for its spiritual significance.
Devotees generally step on Yam Shila while entering but avoid touching it while leaving. It is advised to follow the traditional practice during a temple visit.
Despite the changing world, Yam Shila continues to hold spiritual importance for devotees. Pilgrims from across India follow the practice of stepping on it upon entry and avoiding it upon exit as an act of devotion and belief.
While visiting, observe the sacred Yam Shila on the third step of Baisi Pahacha. Follow the traditional practice of stepping on it while entering and avoiding it when leaving to honor the temple’s spiritual customs.
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