BENEFIT OF HANUMAN CHALISA / PRAYER OF LORD HANUMAN

Benefits of Hanuman Chalisa /Prayer of Lord Hanuman

Reciting specific hymns.

Hanumanji is well known for his hidden strength and Ram Bhakti, People who swear by his devotion remain happy and contented always. Worshipping Hanumanji involves reading his Hanuman Chalisa religiously and a few important rituals like applying Sindoor on his Tail to accomplish hearts desire.

The recitation of specific Hindu prayers and hymns in Hanuman Chalisa will bestow specific results.  I have compiled specific number of the Hymns and the benefits:

1) Chanting the Opening Invocation Hymn of Hanuman Chalisa many times will mitigate the doshas arising out of having insulted knowingly/ unknowingly one’s preceptor/a Rama Bhakta.The hardships in your life will be relieved and you will be blessed with strength and wisdom.

2) Chanting the First Hymn of the Chalisa “Jaya Hanumaan gyaan guna saagar…..” will bestow Divine knowledge.

3) Chanting the Third Hymn of Chalisa “Mahaaveer Vikrama Bhajrangi…..” will remove the bad company of friends or relatives or get rid of your bad habits. It will guide you in your right path.                                                                             

Hanuman Chalisa

4) Chanting the Seventh and Eighth Hymns“Vidyavan guni athi chaathur…..” will channel a devotee into Rama Bhakti and he will become dear to Shri Rama.

5) Chanting the eleventh Hymn “Laya sanjivan…..” will mitigate the effects of poisonous bites and remove fear of snakes.

6) Chanting the Twelfth Hymn will remove misunderstanding between your sons and daughters and will bring unity and affection among them.

7) Chanting the Thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth Hymns will help you to reach name and fame.

8 ) Chanting the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Hymns will restore lost status or help in getting desired career improvements or promotions.

9) Chanting the Twentieth Hymn will remove obstacles and help in reaching your goals.

10) Chanting the Twenty-second Hymn will provide due protection from adverse planetary effects.

11) Chanting the Twenty-fourth Hymn will drive away all negative energies and evil spiritsincluding black magic.

12) Chanting the Twenty-fifth Hymn will restore exuberant health and spirits. The recitation will also give you the ability to withstand physical agony and pain when you are injured or in ailment.

13) Chanting the Twenty-sixth Hymn protects you from general hardships and difficulties.

14) Chanting the Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth Hymns will bring fulfillment of desires by HIS Divine Blessings.

15) Chanting the Twenty-ninth will take to the pinnacle of name and fame.

16) Chanting the Thirtieth Hymn will help you to conquer evil forces.

17) Chanting the Thirty-first Hymn will help you to master occult powers and great wealth.

18) Chanting the Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, and Thirty-fifth Hymns will certainly make you enjoy a self-contented life without any bothers / frustrations. You are assured that at the end of such a self-contented life, you will attain the Lotus feet of Shri Rama.

19) Chanting the Thirty-sixth Hymn will mitigateyou from all difficulties and pains.

20) Chanting the Thirty-seventh Hymn will secure the Grace of Shri Hanuman.

Hanumanji Tail Pooja Photo

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SANTHA SHREEDHAR SWAMI MAHARAJ

                 SANTHA   SHREEDHAR SWAMI MAHARAJ

SOME EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF SHREEDHAR SWAMI MAHARAJ

Shree Swami Sridhar Maharaj was born on 7-12-1908 in Lad Chincholly,near Gulbarga in Karnataka. Every moment of his life was dedicated in the service of the divine.

Before attaining MahaSamadhi on 19-4-1973 at the Varadpur Ashram, Sagar, Karnataka where he established the “Dharma Dwaja”, he inspired the masses and reinforced the principles of “Sanatan Dharma”.

In 1948, Sreedhar Swami came to Rishikesh after eight months of “Tapas” at Uttarkashi. Swami Sivananda, founder of Divine Life Society, Rishikesh immediately recognized him by his divine radiance and welcomed him and offered Pranams to the great saint. Swami Sivanada told his disciples “ I walked a lot, but I have never seen “Tejasvi” & “Tapasvi” of the order of Sreedhar Swami Maharaj. “Akhand Brahmanishta” and “Purna Gyani”such is the nature of Sreedhar Swami. ”


Karpatriji Maharaj in Kashi has said “ In present age, Samarth Ramdas has himself come in the form of Sreedhar Swami. Dharma’s establishment and social transformation has all been made possible by Sreedhar Swami’s “Akand Tapas”.

Ma Anandmayi on meeting Swamiji declared “ We are all walking up the hill of “Parmarth”. Path is narrow and extremely difficult. Established on the top of the hill is seen Sadguru Sreedhar Swami Maharaj”.

Prabhavati Raje, the ardent disciple of Raman Maharshi after passing away of her Guru, came across Swamiji Receiving his blessings she said “Sreedhar Swami’s darshan has made me realize the presence of Maharshi”.

Shrengeri’s Shankaracharya Swami Abhinava Vidyateerthji once breaked his journey to Delhi at Hoshangabad when he came to know of Sridhar Swami’s stay there. He had the Darsan and offered the holy seat of Shrengeri Peeth to Swamiji. Swamiji smiled and showered his blessings.

Once, Satya Sai Baba along with his disciples went to Varadpur Ashram to see Swamiji . On reaching the Ashram, he asked his disciples to maintain perfect silence and declared “Brahma” himself was performing “Tapas” there. Swamiji came out of his cottage and blessed all.

Swami Chinmayananda, founder of the Chinmaya Mission once came across Swami Nityanada, a disciple of Sridhar Swami at “Saandepany” Ashram, Mumbai. On meeting him he offered pranams to Swamiji and said “Your Sadguru is this worlds greatest treasure. There is no limit to his Divine powers and Tejas. I have realized this myself.”

Swamiji spent his complete life aimed at transformation of totality. His Akhand sadhana during last eight years was restricted at Varadpur Ashram, Sagar which he established as the power centre for all aspirants. Swamiji’s sankalpa of transformation stands firm.

External Link:
SadguruBhagwanShreedharSwamiMaharaj.com - A good site dedicated to Sant Sreedhar Swami Maharaj.

source : http://spiritual-note.blogspot.in/2007/03/sant-shreedhar-swami-maharaj.html
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HISTORY OF DIWALI FESTIVAL - DEEPAVALI LEGENDS

          History of Diwali Festival - Deepavali Legends

Here are some interesting legends associated with the Festival of Lights - Diwali or Deepavali. This year Diwali date is on 23rd October 2014. Click here to read about Diwali Festival and the Traditions of Diwali.

Legend of Lord Ram

Traditions date back to history when people celebrated Lord Ram’s victory over the demon king, Ravana. Lord Ram and his wife Sita returned after 14 years of exile and the Lord was honored as the King of Ayodhya. People lit diyas and burst crackers to express their happiness. This tradition is continued since then on the day of Diwali.

Legend of Lord Krishna

Legend has it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, got enormous boon from Lord Brahma after a severe penance. During his rule, the demon tortured the people who pleaded Lord Krishna to save them. The boon that Naraka acquired was that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. Therefore, Krishna asked his wife, Sathyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with the demon. Finally, the demon was killed by Sathyabhama who stated that the day should be an occasion to celebrate. It is said that Lord Krishna had an oil bath to relieve himself from the blood that splashed on his body when Naraka was killed. Thus the tradition of taking oil bath on this day is followed.

Legend of Goddess Lakshmi

According to legends, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Goddess Mahalakshmi Puja is performed on Diwali to honor her. It is believed that the goddess visit the homes of her devotees on this day and that is why the places are kept clean and lamps are lit to welcome her.

source : http://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/10/legends-of-diwali-history-of-deepavali.html

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Palani, the Sacred Abode of Lord Murugan View this email in your browser

Facebook Email Murugan.org Palani.org Tirichendur.org Kataragama.org YouTube Pinterest Palani, the Sacred Abode of Lord Murugan by V.S. Krishnan Murugan, the God passionately loved and worshipped in Tamil Nadu, is known as the God of Infinite Qualities.  He symbolizes knowledge, compassion, kindness, valour and beauty.  He is the God of love who protects his devotees and fulfills their aspirations.  He is the God of beauty who is admired by millions of devotees throughout. Lord Murugan is the embodiment of knowledge, the Lord who has taken the role of a master guru even to his father, Lord Siva at Swami Malai.  He is the Lord of infinite power who has destroyed the mighty Soorapadman at Tiruchendur.  He has taken the role of a Commander-in-Chief and mobilised army at Tirupparamkundram and came to be known as Deva Sena Pati. Here, after marrying the daughter of Indira, he has also come to be known as Devasena Pati, husband of Devasena.  By marrying Valli at Tiruttani, he has shown that it will be possible for the individual soul to unite with the eternal power by means of pure devotion.  Just as the fruits appear fully matured, ready to be plucked, he appears at Pazhamudir Solai, as an old man, fully matured in knowledge and ready to impart his knowledge. When Lord Siva brought a rare fruit of knowledge, both his sons, Ganesha and Murugan claimed it.  Lord Shiva then put up a contest; thereby the fruit would go to one who goes round the universe and returns first.  While Murugan went all over the universe, mounted on his peacock, Ganesha went around his parents, Siva-Parvati and claimed the fruit on the ground that one's parents represented the whole universe and received the fruit.  Here, the fruit remained as the symbol of ultimate knowledge.   While Lord Ganesa sought it from his parents, Siva-Parvati,  Murugan sought it from the all-pervading universe.   Addressing the disappointed Muruga, Parvati stated; ‘You are the fruit' ('Pazham Nee') which is the reinstatement of maha vakya, Tat tvam asi(You are That). "You are the fruit of knowledge, you are the embodiment of knowledge”, said Parvati.  According to legend, renouncing everything worldly, Murugan has gone to South (Pothigai Hills) and chosen his abode at Palani.  Appearing as Jnana Pandita, he radiates the light of knowledge from here and blesses the devotees. We find great significance being accorded to the weapon of Vel (lance) held by Lord Murugan.  It is said that Goddess Parvati has presented Murugan with the powerful Vel as a weapon to destroy Soorapadman.  Arunagirinathar has composed many songs like Vel Virutham on the significance of Vel.  Yet, we find a staff (danda) and not a Vel with Dandayudhapani at Palani.  Perhaps, the origin of Palani Andavar dates back to several centuries when the weapon of Vel had not got so much prominence. According to legend, Saint Agasthiar, an ardent devotee of Lord Siva, had asked his disciple, Idumbasuran to bring the two hillocks, Sivagiri and Saktigiri from Kailasha to the South for his worship. Idumban connected the two hillocks with the help of a wooden piece in the centre and tied the loose ends with a snake and proceeded towards South. On reaching South, he placed them at a spot to rest for a while. But later, when he tried to lift it, he could not.  He then spotted a youth wearing a piece of loincloth and holding a staff (danda) atop the hill. He asked the lad to move away. But the child, claiming right over the hill, refused to oblige. Soon Idumban realised that the boy was none other than Lord Murugan and paid obeisance to Him. Lord Murugan showered His blessings and proclaimed that anyone coming to his place with similar arch-like objects would get prosperity and upliftment. Thus was born the kavadi pattern of worship. The kavadi gets its name by the contents such as milk, flower, rose water, etc. In some rare cases they are said to contain fish (Matsya Kavadi) and snake (Sarpa Kavadi). There are artistes who swing and dance balancing the kavadi on their head. ` Saint Bhogar, a siddhar, is credited with the creation of the idol of Palani Dandayudhapani. Bhogar had a vision of Lord Murugan and he has given shape to it with the powerful Nava Pashanam.  He wanted the benefits of the grace of Murugan to reach all the devotees and so he made the Dandayudhapani idol with Nava Pashanam which is the combination of nine precious and rare components. A shrine to Bhogar exists in the southwestern corridor of the temple, which, by legend, is said to be connected by a tunnel to a cave in the heart of the hill, where Bhogar continues to meditate and maintain his vigil.  The temple around the Murugan shrine at Palani was built by King Cheraman Perumal, the contemporary of Saint Sundarar, sometime in the eleventh century. Arunagirinathar mentions this in his song Nadha Vindhu...Cherar Konguvai Kavoor Nannattathil. King Cheraman Perumal was a great Siva devotee. While he composed poems on Siva in Tamil, he scripted poetry in stone for Murugan at Palani. Though Cheraman Perumal constructed the temple, it is believed that the presiding deity of Dandayudhapani existed even long before. The magnificent temple that keeps attracting lakhs of pilgrim is located at a height of 150 metres and on foot one has to climb 693 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. There is also a long winding steep way known as the elephant path. As the devotees reach the top they are greeted by the majestic Raja Gopura. Dandayudhapani appears as an embodiment of knowledge, (Gnana Swaroopa) his serene face radiating the spirit of love and harmony. While every day Palani wears a festive look, it is a spectacular event on the day of Thai Poosam. This is the sacred day which falls in the Tamil month of Thai on the starPoosam (15 January-15 February) .  This is the day when Parvati gave Murugan the powerful Vel, the weapon to destroy the evil forces represented by Sooran.  The Thaipoosam festivities start ten days in advance and end on Poosam day.  Devotees carrying Kavadi throng the hill during this time. Six different pujas are performed to the Palani idol, symbolising the six points of time, from dawn to dusk. It is also said that they represent the six divine gunas of Arumuga. It is remarkable to see the Lord majestically inching His way round the temple with the twilight sun casting its golden rays on the decorated golden chariot. The traditional direction of most of the temples is facing east but Palani Andavar faces west.   A devotee from the neighbouring State of Kerala said that by facing west, Palani Andavar is showering His blessing on the people of Kerala, God's Own Country. Tirupalani Thaipoosam Annadhana Sangham, Calicut, has been conducting mass feeding (annadanam) during Thaipoosam for many years. An important part connected with various rituals at Palani is abhishekam, anointment.  Abhishekam is done to the idols with various items like pure water, sandalwood paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), milk etc. The most prominent abhishekam is with panchamrutam, a sacred paste made with jaggery, ripe hill plantain, dates, etc. It is believed that milk and panchamrutham that pass through this idol in abhishekam get high medicinal value.  After the abhishekam, the idol is adorned with various attires and garlands. The Lord appears in grandeur and splendour in the role of a King (Raja Alangaram), ruling over the entire universe, bringing prosperity and affluence.  But soon, the Lord appears as Dandayudhapani, with a loin-cloth, giving out the message that one who renounces his aspirations and withdraws from the world alone would reach the Lord. Palani temple finds mention in many religious texts and Sangam literature. Saint Arunagirinathar has composed over 90 songs about Palani Andavar and about Bala Murugan at Tiru Avinangudi, at the basement.  Some of the notable songs areArumugam Arumugam, Ulaga Pasu Pasa, etc. Apart from saints like Nakkeerar, Kachiappa Sivachariyar and Arunagirinathar, many other saints like Sri Chidambara Swamigal, Sri Kumara Guruparar, Sri Devaraya Swamigal, Vadalur Sri Ramalinga Adigalar, Sri Vannacharapam Dandhapani Swamigal, Sri Bala Murugan Adimai, Sri Pamban Swamigal, Sri Sachidananda Swamigal and Sri Murugan Kripananda Variar have hailed the glory of Muruga.  To the ever-increasing number of devotees who climb the hill to worship Him, the Lord showers his bountiful blessings. Palani Dandayudhapani is the Lord of abundant grace, the ultimate refuge for the people caught in the illusions of life. He is Kali Yuga Varada, He who liberates the people from the morass of ignorance and delusions. One who goes to Palani after discarding his individuality and ego, with a mind of detachment, with a heart full of love, and worship Murugan with full of devotion would free himself from all the consequences of Karma and evil effects and attain the Lotus Feet of Murugan. Source : Murugan Bhakti editor@murugan.org via mail176.us4.mcsv.net  **********************************************************************************************************************

IDOL OF NEELA MADHAV - THE PREVIOUS FORM OF SRI JAGANNATH AS DESCRIBED IN SKANDA PURANA

Idol of Neela Madhav-The previous form of Sri Jagannath as described in Skanda Purana
- By Admin

According to Skanda Purana, Lord Jagannath (Vishnu) was first worshipped as Neela Madhav in an idol form in the Purusottama Kshetra before the installation of the wooden deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan by King Indradyumna. The centre of this Purusottama Kshetra was a  blue mountain  which  was surrounded by deep  jungles  from  all sides. The area of this Kshetra  stretched  five  “Kroshas” (1 Krosha=2 miles) into the great sea and two Kroshas into the sea coast. It was situated on the coast of the great ocean (Tirtharaja) and surrounded by the golden sands from all sides. There was a very high tree (Kalpa Vata) at the top of the blue mountain which retains its physical form even at the time of Pralaya (Dissolution of the Universe). Its length was 1 Krosha. It was full of tender leaves but devoid of any fruits or flowers. There was no change in its big shadow even after the sunset. In its western side there was a beautiful tank known as “Rouhina Kunda” which contained holy water in it. The tank had stairs going down inside it which were made from blue stones. Outside the tank there were four altars situated in its four directions and were made from crystals (Sphatik). The eastern altar at its centre contained an idol of Neela Madhav (Vishnu) made from blue sapphire. That place remained always cool due to the presence of the shadow of the Kalpa Vata. The idol of the Lord was eighty one fingers high and was placed on a golden lotus. The lips of the idol radiated a divine smile that was so beautiful that even the brilliance of full moon looked pale in comparison to it. The ear rings of the Lord were shaped like “Makara” (Crocodile like creature). The Lord’s neck was decorated with beautiful necklaces. The idol of Neela Madhav looked so beautiful that it seemed it would be a challenging task for even Vishwakarma (God of Architecture) to carve an idol like it. The idol had broad shoulders and four hands. On its chest the Lord wore the divine “Kaustubha Mani” (a Jewel). The reflections on the jewel looked enchanting and created an illusion of containing the fourteen heavens inside it. The idol wore pearl necklaces that extended up to the waist. It had a deep navel. It wore yellow dresses. The two thighs of the Lord looked like two pillars. The feet were round and very beautiful. The idol was decorated with bangles, arm bands and a head gear. In His four hands the Lord held Shankha (Conch), Chakra (Discus), Gada (Mace) and Padma (Lotus). At the left side of the Lord, Goddess Lakshmi (His consort) was playing Veena (a musical instrument). She was decorated with precious jewelry and was looking at the Lord. Behind them Lord Sheshnag stood covering their heads with his umbrella like hoods. In front of them Lord Sudarshan was standing in his divine form. Behind Lord Sudarshan, Lord Garuda stood with folded hands. The idol of Neela Madhav along with Goddess Lakshmi was worshipped by Gods like Brahma, Rudra and Indra. Anybody who had a glimpse of the idol, attained salvation instantly.

Once a pilgrim told King Indradyumna about Lord Neela Madhav and the glory of Purusottama Kshetra. After listening to him the King became interested to visit the Kshetra and have a glimpse of Lord Neela Madhav. This ultimately led to a series of events that resulted in the disappearance of the idol of Neela Madhav and appearance of a sacred wood from which the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan were carved out and installed in the Sri Mandir by the King himself.

 Source : http://puridham.com/Idol%20of%20Neela%20Madhav.htm

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RISHI MARKANDEYA'S DISCOVERY OF PURUSOTTAMA KSHETRA

Rishi Markandeya's discovery of Purusottama Kshetra
- By Admin

The glory of Puri Dham or the ancient Purusottama Kshetra is vividly described in the Utkal Khanda of Skanda Purana. The story of Rishi (Sage) Markandeya discovering this Kshetra at the time of Pralaya (Dissolution of the Universe) can be found there. The story goes like this-

Once at the time of Pralaya, when everything got submerged in the sea, Rishi Markandeya (who had been able to retain his physical body for seven kalpas) could not get a single piece of land to rest upon. So he became very worried. Nowhere could he get peace of mind. He was being carried away by the flow of water from one place to another. Finally, in this floating state he reached Purusottama Kshetra. There he saw the Akshay Vata and heard a child’s voice saying to him, “Markandeya! Do not worry; come to me and leave aside all your worries.”  The Rishi after listening to this strange voice (which he had never imagined of) got astonished. He thought, “In this all-engulfing water, this place (Kshetra) looks like a boat and in it this great Banyan tree is standing like a pillar. He began to wonder how this place had remained unaffected when everything else had been submerged in the water at that time of Pralaya, and who was calling him with such love and compassion. While he was thinking all these things and swimming in the water, the Rishi  saw Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. He was very pleased and paid obeisance to them. After that he prayed to Lord by reciting hymns of His praise. Hearing this Lord Vishnu was very pleased and said to the Rishi, “O Sage! You are very worried and in distress. It is because you are ignorant of my form. You have done a lot of penance, but as a result of it you have only been rewarded with a long life span. Look at the child sleeping in the leaf of this Kalpa Vata. He is the ‘Kala Rupa’ of everybody. You can enter into his mouth and stay there comfortably.” The Rishi was astonished to hear this. Then he climbed the Banyan tree and saw the child form of Lord Vishnu. After that he entered His stomach through the mouth. Inside, he saw the fourteen cosmic worlds (Chaturdasa Bhuvana), gods, demi-gods, rishis, gandharvas, demons, seas, tirthas, rivers, mountains and cities. He also saw seven nether worlds (Patalas) and thousands of snake-women. He also saw the Sheshnag who was carrying the entire world on its head. He also saw everything that Lord Brahma had created during his creation of the universe. But he could not find the end of the stomach of the child. Finally he came out of the mouth of the child and again saw Lord Vishnu with consort Lakshmi. Then the Lord said to him, “O sage! This strange place (Kshetra) is my eternal abode. This is neither affected by creation nor by dissolution of the universe. It is also not bound by the laws of the universe. A person who enters into this place knowing my eternal nature and presence here, never takes birth again.” Then Rishi Markandeya prayed to the Lord to allow him to stay in that place. The Lord said, “I will stay in this place that gives salvation till the end of the Pralaya. After the Pralaya I will create a “Sanatana Tirtha” (eternal holy place) for you here, where you will worship Shiva ,my second form, and conquer death. Then the Rishi dug a tank by the help of the Chakra of Lord Vishnu in the Vayu (North-West) direction of the Banyan tree. Residing in this holy tank the Rishi worshipped Lord Shiva and conquered death. This tank is famous as the “Markandeyeswar Tank”. After taking bath in this tank and having a glimpse of the Shiva known as “Markandeyeswar”, one gets the benefit of conducting an “Ashwamedha Yagna”.

This Purusottama Kshetra spreads five kroshas into the great sea and two kroshas into the sea coast. It is surrounded by clear golden sands and a blue mountain. Lord Shiva himself resides here in form of Yameshwar to worship Lord Jagannath. By seeing and worshipping Him (Yameshwar), one gets the benefits of worshipping and seeing one crore Shiva Lingas.

Such is the glory of the Purusottama Kshetra. May everybody get the blessings of the Lord Jagannath and Lord Shiva in this holy place now commonly known as Jagannath Dham or Puri Dham.

source: http://puridham.com/Rishi%20Markandeya's%20discovery%20of%20Purusottama%20Kshetra.htm

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THE IMPORTANCE OF BAISI PAHACHA [ 22 STEPS ] IN SRIJAGANNATH TEMPLE

The importance of Baisi Pahacha [22 steps] in Sri Jagannath temple

By Prasant Kumar Mishra

The Baisi [22] Pahacha [steps] which connects the Lion’s gate (Singhadwara Gumuta) to the 2nd gate (Baisi Pahacha Gumuta) inside the temple has long since been considered an important part of the Sri Jagannath temple. Though the exact time of its construction is not mentioned anywhere in historical or puranic texts, legends say that it was built by a king named Bhanudev.  After passing through the Lions’ gate of the Sri Jagannath temple, one has to go up these steps and then pass through a 2nd gateway out to a courtyard from where one can get into the main temple. The length of each step is 70 feet, width 6 feet and height 6-7 inches.  A stone called “Yamashila” is engraved into the 3rd step, which the devotees must step on while going up the steps [it frees from the reasons to be punished by Yama] but must not step on the stone on the way back, since it takes away the merits of Sri Jagannath darshan.

Numerous holy activities are performed on these steps. It is said that during the car festival several gods and goddesses, demi gods, other heavenly entities, the souls of the ancestors [near pitrusila], chitragupta and Yamadootas [near Yamasila] descend upon these steps to witness the Pahandi of Lord Jagannath. Annual pinda daan [a special ritual in which food is offered to the ancestors] is performed on both the sides of these 22 steps. The ancestral souls are believed to be satiated by it.

Madan Mohan, the representative idol of Lord Jagannath, offers pinda daan on these steps to His ancestors – Nanda and Yashoda, Devaki and Vasudeva, Koushalya and Dasaratha] on chaturdashi tithi of the dark fortnight in the month of margashira. He also offers pinda daan to king Indradyumna [who had the Sri Jagannath temple built] and queen Gundicha, since they were childless.

On the day of Deepavali, people burn kaunria kathi [a bundle of light sticks] and show it upwards to illuminate the path of the ancestral souls. This ritual is called Badabadia [elders] Daka [call].

Believers of Jainism hold these 22 steps to be a symbolic representation of their 22 Tirthankars. Some say that these steps represent the 22 kinds of weaknesses and faults in human beings. Therefore, it stands to reason why some noble men, saints and vaishnavas took around 22 years in order to conquer these weaknesses and fault to make themselves eligible for a darshan of Lord Jagannath. So the scholars have named it ‘the steps of self-control’.

The small rough stone [the ones used for building houses] on the seventh step is called Preta shila or pitrushila. People leave Anna Mahaprasad [holy rice of the temple that has been offered to Lord Jagannath] on it for feeding the ancestors. This is believed to liberate the souls of the deceased.

Whatever might be the thoughts or interpretations behind these 22 steps, it is the faith in God which eventually counts.  A devotee gets a sense of fulfilment, if he trustingly puts on his forehead a speck of dust from the surface of the steps.

source : http://puridham.com/The-importance-of-Baisi-Pahacha-[22-steps]-in-Jagannath-temple.htm

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