The “Baisi Pahacha,” also known as the “flight of twenty-two steps,” holds great significance within the Shree Jagannath temple complex, not only for its architectural importance but also for its profound impact on devotees’ lives. Starting from the Simha Dwara (eastern gateway of the outer enclosure), the Baisi Pahacha ascends into the inner enclosure of the temple.
While the historical records or puranic literature do not provide an exact construction date, legends attribute its creation to King Bhanudeva. The steps’ dimensions vary, with the middle 15 steps ranging from 5 feet 10.5 inches to 6 feet 3 inches in width and 6 to 7 inches in height. The remaining 7 steps are smaller in length and width. These steps are constructed using felspar and khodalite materials.
On the southern side of the Baisi Pahacha, notable features include the revered Shiva Linga named Kashi Biswanath, as well as idols of Ramachandra, Nrusimha, and Ganesh. The exact history and mystery surrounding these steps are not widely known. However, they are held in high regard by the people, believed to possess a profound spiritual essence.
Various sacred rituals and ceremonies take place on these steps on different days and occasions. It is believed that during the Ratha Yatra, numerous gods, goddesses, demi-gods, celestial beings, ancestral souls (near Pitrushila), Chitragupta (the minister of Yama Raj), and Yamadootas (near Yamashila) descend upon these steps to witness the pahandi procession of Shree Jagannath.
On the Chaturdashi tithi of the dark fortnight in the month of Margashira (December), Madana Mohan, the representative deity of Shree Jagannath, performs pinda dana (a ritualistic offering) on these steps to honor His ancestors, namely Nanda and Yashoda, Devaki and Vasudeva, and Kaushalya and Dasharatha. Madana Mohana also offers pinda dana on this Baisi Pahacha at Gundicha Temple since King Indradyumna and Queen Gundicha were childless.
As devotees ascend the steps (Baisi Pahacha), it is customary to step on a stone called Yamashila, which is engraved into the third step. It is believed that this stone frees individuals from the consequences of punishment by Yama, the god of death. However, one must not step on this stone on the way back, as it would diminish the merits of the darshan (sacred viewing) of Shree Jagannath.
The small rough stone on the seventh step is known as Pretashila or Pitrushila. People who believe in liberating the souls of the deceased place Mahaprasad (the holy rice offered to Shree Jagannath) on this stone and leave anna (rice) as an offering to feed their ancestors.
