The well-known Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began right this moment in Puri, Odisha, attracting lakhs of devotees from throughout India and different components of the world. This grand procession celebrates the journey of the three divine siblings, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, in superbly adorned chariots.
The Rath Yatra is held yearly in the course of the Hindu month of Ashadh, on the Shukla Paksha (vivid fortnight). Individuals from all walks of life come to witness this sacred pageant, pulling the chariots and singing devotional songs.
The sacred Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is without doubt one of the 4 holy pilgrimage websites, referred to as the Char Dham in Hinduism. This historical temple isn’t just a spot of worship but additionally holds many mystical tales and non secular secrets and techniques. Probably the most attention-grabbing and mysterious components of the temple is a selected step at its entrance, known as the third step or ‘Yamashila’, additionally recognized as Yama’s stone.
What’s particular in regards to the third step?
To enter the Jagannath Temple, devotees should climb 22 steps. Every of those steps is taken into account holy. However the third step from the underside is believed to be very particular, and even a little bit scary. In response to non secular beliefs, this step is the place Yamraj, the god of dying in Hinduism, resides.
Story behind it
There’s an outdated story about this step. It is alleged that Yamraj as soon as visited Lord Jagannath as a result of no souls had been reaching his kingdom, Yamlok. In response to mythology, when Yamraj informed Lord Jagannath that no souls had been coming to his world, Lord Jagannath requested him to remain on the third step on the temple’s entrance. He mentioned, “Anybody who steps on this stair after seeing me will likely be free from their sins, however they’ll come to your world (Yamlok).”This meant they didn’t must go to Yamlok after dying.
Since then, this step has been known as Yamashila, and most devotees keep away from stepping straight on it, particularly after having darshan (a sacred look) of Lord Jagannath. Many individuals contact the step with respect and thoroughly cross over it with out letting their ft land on it. Even the third step is colored black,s in order that devotees can determine it simply.
So, the third step — Yamashila, turned a reminder of this story and was handled with nice respect by devotees. Many individuals bow their heads or contact the step whereas climbing it. The Rath Yatra and the legends surrounding Lord Jagannath proceed to attract individuals yr after yr, making it one of the non secular and celebrated festivals in India.
