Yamadharmaraj Dharmeshvar Mahadev Temple Chaurasi

‘ Today is Yama Dwitiya’

Yamadharmaraj – Dharmeshvar Mahadev Temple – Chaurasi

Yama Dharmaraj temple is located in the complex of Chaurasi temple in Bharmour, district of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh and the Lord here is known as Dharmeshwar Mahadev.There are many temples within the complex and is 1400 years old.

Yama Dharmaraya is regarded as the Lord of Justice in many Indian literature, it is believed that he was the first mortal who attained the celestial bodies and hence known as the ruler of death.

Legends say that, Yama Dharmaraj temple at Chaurasi is a pit-stop for all the souls once they leave their body; they may have to justify their deeds to the Lord here before they are directed to heaven or hell. Yama Dharmaraj is famously known as “Dharmeshvar Mahadev” in this place; this place is also called as Dhai-podi which literally means two and a half steps. This temple is said to have been built by the king Maru Varman.

Chitra Gupt Mandir

Chitragupta is the younger brother of Yama and was born to Lord Sun and Neeladevi with the blessings of Lord Shiva.There is no idol or ceiling inside the tiny worship area, and resembles like a witness box of the court of law. Legend has it that after a human being dies, the soul stands on the inverted footmark made inside the box. Many visitors are afraid of visiting this part of the temple complex.

Abode of mystery– Dharmeshwar Mahadev

Next to this witness box-type shrine, is the temple of Dharmeshwar Mahadev. It is believed that four invisible doors made of gold, silver, copper and iron are located around this temple. On the basis of the quality of their karma during their lifetime, a soul is given access to one of these four doors by the agents of Dharmaraja or Yama. The sanctum sanctorum has a self-manifested lingam of the deity. Adjacent to this temple, is a door which leads to a secret cave. It is believed that in the past, anyone who made an attempt to explore this cave has not come back. Therefore, the temple authorities always keep the doorway locked now. According to the locals, strange voices can be heard around midnight in this temple complex.

Devotees visit this Lord Yama temple during Yama Dwitiya.
Yama Dwithiya which is celebrated on second day after the Deepavali festival, marking the visit of Lord Yama to his sister Yamuna Devi’s house for lunch, attains more importance to appease the God of Death.It is believed that people who offer prayers at the Lord Yama temple on Yama Dwithiya would not go to ‘hell’ after their death.