Significance of Baisi Pahacha at Shree Mandira

The Twenty-Two Steps of Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri

To see Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, devotees must ascend the twenty-two steps (Baisi Pahacha in Odia) through the Lions Gate (Simha Dwara). These steps are deeply symbolic and hold various religious interpretations that emphasize the purification and preparation of the body and mind to witness the divine.

These sacred steps are revered by pilgrims who touch them with respect and often have their children roll on them, believing in their sanctity.

Interpretations of the Twenty-Two Steps:

  • First Interpretation:
    According to Yogashastra, a person possesses five types of mind (Mana) and 25 types of Prakriti. Of these, 3 are Apara and 22 are Para Prakriti. The 22 Para Prakriti are:
    1. Kama (Desire)
    2. Sambhoga (Pleasure)
    3. Keli (Playfulness)
    4. Lova (Greed)
    5. Sancaya (Accumulation)
    6. Kosa or Panjikarna (Treasury)
    7. Abamaya (Illusion)
    8. Himsa (Violence)
    9. Ersa (Jealousy)
    10. Kisunata (Insignificance)
    11. Kapata (Deception)
    12. Mithya (Falsehood)
    13. Ghma (Pride)
    14. Ninda (Criticism)
    15. Ajnata (Ignorance)
    16. Krodha (Anger)
    17. Raga (Attachment)
    18. Dvesa (Hatred)
    19. Ahankar (Ego)
    20. Mada or Parba (Intoxication)
    21. Utkantha (Longing)
    22. Maithuna (Sexual Union)
    A yogi must transcend these 22 Para Prakriti to behold the Lord.
  • Second Interpretation:
    Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu, is situated above seven Lokas, seven Patalas, and eight Vaikunthas. These are:
  • Sapta Lokas:
    1. Bhu Loka 2. Bhubaha Loka 3. Svaha Loka 4. Mahaha Loka 5. Jana Loka 6. Tapa Loka 7. Satya Loka
  • Sapta Patalas:
    1. Atala 2. Sutala 3. Vitala 4. Talatala 5. Mahatala 6. Rasatala 7. Patala
  • Ashta Vaikunthas:
    1. Sri Vaikuntha 2. Kaivalya Vaikuntha 3. Karana Vaikuntha 4. Shesha Sai Vaikuntha 5. Svetadeep Vaikuntha 6. Parabyoma Vaikuntha 7. Garbhodaka Sai Vaikuntha 8. Kailasa Vaikuntha One must transcend these 22 realms to reach Vaikuntha, symbolized by the 22 steps.
  • Third Interpretation:
    The steps symbolize: 1. Pancha Matra (Five Measures) 2. Pancha Bhuta (Five Elements) 3. Pancha Vija (Five Vital Energies) 4. Pancha Deva (Five Gods) 5. Jiva and Parama (Soul and Supreme Soul)
  • Fourth Interpretation:
    They represent the twenty-two sacred pilgrimages mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavatam along with ten aspects of divinity, adding up to 22.
  • Fifth Interpretation:
    1. The first five steps symbolize the five sense organs: eye, ear, nose, tongue, and skin. 2. The next five steps represent five types of breathing: upward (Prana), downward (Apana), balancing (Vyana), outward (Udana), and inward (Samana). 3. The third set of five steps symbolizes inner experiences: looks (Rupa), aesthetics (Rasa), taste (Swad), smell (Gandha), and sound (Sabda). 4. The fourth set of five steps represents the Pancha Mahabhutas (five great elements): earth, water, fire, air, and space. 5. The twenty-first step represents wisdom. 6. The twenty-second step represents ego. Crossing these steps, a pilgrim can see Lord Jagannath.
  • Sixth Interpretation:
    According to the Bhagavata Purana, there are 24 avatars of Lord Vishnu. Of these, 22 are considered most significant and are symbolized by the steps for salvation. 1. Caturasana 2. Narada 3. Varaha 4. Matsya 5. Yajna 6. Nara-Narayana 7. Kapila 8. Dattatreya 9. Prsnigarbha 10. Rsabha 11. Prithu 12. Narasimha 13. Kurama 14. Dhanvantari 15. Mohini 16. Vamana 17. Parasurama 18. Rama 19. Vyasa 20. Balarama 21. Krsna 22. Kalki Touching these steps even once is believed to absolve all sins.
  • Seventh Interpretation:
    In Jainism, these 22 steps represent 22 out of the 24 Tirthankaras. The remaining two Tirthankaras are symbolized through the Ratnavedi of the temple and the Grand Road (Badadanda) of Puri. Jain devotees touch each step with deep respect as they climb.
    The Baisi Pahacha, or the Twenty-Two Steps, symbolize the path to salvation. Various interpretations highlight different aspects of spiritual ascent, making them a profound part of the journey to see Lord Jagannath. These steps are described in bhajans as a place for self-examination and affirmation of faith in the Lord of the Universe.