Maha Vishnu

The 22 steps in the Jagannath Temple in Puri are known as Baisi Pahacha. They are located between the Lion’s Gate (Singhadwara) and the second gate (Baisi Pahacha Gumuta). Devotees must climb these steps to reach the inner sanctum of the temple, where the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are enshrined.

The 22 steps have a number of different meanings. Some believe that they represent the 22 Tirthankaras of Jainism. Others believe that they represent the 22 states of consciousness, or the 22 impurities that must be overcome in order to achieve enlightenment. Still others believe that they represent the 22 different ways in which the universe can be divided.

One of the most important meanings of the 22 steps is that they represent the journey of spiritual purification. When a devotee climbs the steps, they are symbolically leaving behind their impurities and ascending to a higher state of consciousness. The third step, in particular, is known as Yamashila, or the “Stone of Yama.” It is believed that stepping on this stone frees the devotee from the punishments of Yama, the god of death.

The 22 steps are a sacred part of the Jagannath Temple, and they are an important part of the spiritual journey for many devotees. They represent the journey of spiritual purification, and they are a symbol of the hope that all people can achieve enlightenment.

Here are some other interpretations of the meaning of the 22 steps:

• They represent the seven lokas (worlds), seven patalas (underworlds), and eight bhaktis (paths to God).
• They represent the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space), five senses, five actions, and five pranas (life forces).
• They represent the 22 different kinds of weaknesses and faults in human beings.

Ultimately, the meaning of the 22 steps is a matter of personal interpretation. However, there is no doubt that they are an important part of the Jagannath Temple and the spiritual journey of many devotees.

Explained

The 22 steps in the Jagannath Temple in Puri are known as Baisi Pahacha. Each step has a name and a symbolic meaning. Here is a brief description of each step:

• 1. Kama: This step represents the desire for pleasure.
• 2. Sambhoga: This step represents the act of sexual union.
• 3. Keli: This step represents the playful enjoyment of life.
• 4. Lova: This step represents the feeling of love.
• 5. Sancaya: This step represents the accumulation of wealth and possessions.
• 6. Kosa: This step represents the covering of the body, such as clothing and jewelry.
• 7. Abamaya: This step represents the feeling of fear.
• 8. Himsa: This step represents the act of violence.
• 9. Ersa: This step represents the feeling of anger.
• 10. Kisunata: This step represents the feeling of compassion.
• 11. Kapata: This step represents the act of lying.
• 12. Mithya: This step represents the act of falsehood.
• 13. Ghma: This step represents the feeling of greed.
• 14. Ninda: This step represents the act of criticism.
• 15. Ajnata: This step represents the state of ignorance.
• 16. Krodha: This step represents the feeling of anger.
• 17. Raga: This step represents the feeling of attachment.
• 18. Dvesa: This step represents the feeling of hatred.
• 19. Ahankar: This step represents the feeling of egotism.
• 20. Mada: This step represents the feeling of pride.
• 21. Utkantha: This step represents the feeling of arrogance.
• 22. Maithuna: This step represents the act of sexual union.

As a devotee climbs the 22 steps, they are symbolically leaving behind their impurities and ascending to a higher state of consciousness. The third step, in particular, is known as Yamashila, or the “Stone of Yama.” It is believed that stepping on this stone frees the devotee from the punishments of Yama, the god of death.

The 22 steps are a sacred part of the Jagannath Temple, and they are an important part of the spiritual journey for many devotees. They represent the journey of spiritual purification, and they are a symbol of the hope that all people can achieve enlightenment.

It is important to note that these are just some of the interpretations of the meaning of the 22 steps. There are many other interpretations, and the meaning of the steps is a matter of personal belief.