Today in Puri, Odisha, the famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began. Hundreds of thousands of devotees from around the world have come to see the grand chariot procession of the three divine siblings: Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra.
This yearly festival takes place in the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashadh. The ancient Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of Hinduism’s four holy sites (Char Dhams). Inside its walls are many old traditions and secrets. One of the most mysterious is the story behind the third step at the temple’s entrance, called the Yamashila or “Yama’s stone.”
Read more: US Prepares for Spiritual Celebration: Rath Yatra 2025 City-Wise Schedule Released
What Makes the Third Step Special?
To enter the temple, visitors climb 22 steps. The third step from the bottom is different from the rest. According to legend, it is the home of Yamraj, the Hindu god of death.
- The Legend: Yamraj once worried because no souls were coming to his realm after worshipping Lord Jagannath. Lord Jagannath told Yamraj to live on the third step. He said anyone who steps there after seeing him would be forgiven of all sins—but then must go to Yamraj’s domain.
- The Tradition: After darshan (the sacred viewing of the deities), devotees try hard not to step on this third stair. Some touch it gently with their toes, then hop over it, so their feet do not land directly on it.
How to Spot the Yamashila
The temple managers have made it easy to find this special step: it alone is painted black. All the other 21 steps are in their natural stone color. This way, visitors can see the Yamashila clearly and follow the tradition respectfully.
