Why is ‘Yama Shila’ on the third ladder of Jagannath temple, why do not the devotees do not keep feet

What is the secret of the third step of jagannath temple : One of the four dhams of Hinduism, Jagannathpuri is considered to be Sakshat Baikuntha. This holy abode located in Odisha is the center of faith of millions of devotees. Statues of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are installed here. There are many interesting traditions and secrets associated with this temple, one of which is strictly forbidden not to set foot on the third step of the temple. Have you ever wondered why it is so? Let’s know the mythology behind this secret.
Third ladder of Jagannath Temple: Yama Shila’s place

The Jagannath temple has a total of 22 stairs, which leads to the main gate of the temple. The most important and mysterious of these is the third step. This ladder is separated from the rest of the stairs, black in color, allowing it to be easily identified. Devotees are allowed to set foot on these stairs while entering the temple, but it is strictly prohibited to set foot on this third ladder while returning. It is believed that by doing this all the virtues are washed away.
The legend of Yamraj and Lord Jagannath:

There is an ancient legend behind this mystery. It is said that there came a time when people started getting rid of all the sins of life by just seeing Lord Jagannath. Everyone was free from sins and started going directly to heaven, due to which Yamlok started getting empty. Seeing all this, the god of death Yamraj became worried.
Yamraj directly approached Lord Jagannath and said, “Lord! You have given this very simple way to get rid of sin. You are getting free from people’s sins easily and no Yamlok is coming. What will happen to my world?”
Listening to Yamraj ji, Lord Jagannath smiled and said, “O Yamraj, don’t you worry. You should take your place on the third ladder at the main entrance of the temple. This ladder will be called Yama Shila.”
God further said, “Anyone who will put foot on that Yama rock after seeing me, all his virtues will be washed away and he will have to come to Yamalok.”

Also Read: Why do the idols of Lord Jagannath change every 12 years? Know which wood is made from which wood statues are made

Virtue

According to this legend, while entering the Jagannath temple to visit the Jagannath temple, devotees go up and go up with feet on the stairs. But when they return after darshan, they are especially advised not to set foot on the third ladder i.e. Yama rock from below. It is believed that the devotee who does this, all the virtues of his Jagannath philosophy become zero. That is why devotees cross this ladder very carefully, so that their virtue will be safe.

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