The only 300-year-old Yamraj temple.
Yamraj is called the god of death, so even good people get scared hearing the name of Yamraj. However, did you know that the only Yamraj temple in the country is in Gwalior, which is about 300 years old? On Narak Chaudas, a day before Diwali, Yamraj is worshiped and anointed with Vedic mantras. A promise is also made to Yamraj that he will not bother them in the last phase.
There is a Markadeshwar temple near Phoolbagh intersection in Gwalior. The statue of Yamraj is installed here. This temple is said to have been established by the kings of the Scindia dynasty about 300 years ago. There is a religious belief about the cult of Yamraj in Narak Chaudas, which is mentioned in mythological stories. It is believed that when Yamraj did penance for Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva had given blessing
Pleased with Yamraj’s penance, Lord Shiva had given him a blessing that from today he would be considered our member. Furthermore, whoever worships you and anoints you on Naraka Chaudas, a day before Diwali, his soul will have to endure minimal torture after being freed from worldly karma. Apart from this, it will reach the sky. Since then, a special worship of Yamraj is performed at Narak Chaudas. Yamraj is also worshiped in a special way. In the puja, first the idol of Yamraj is anointed with ghee, oil, panchamrit, perfume, flower garland, milk curd, honey, etc. After that, a lamp is donated, in which the Yamraj aarti is performed with a four-sided silver lamp.
People come from all over the country.
People come to Gwalior from far away places to worship Yamraj and try to attract him with their worship. This temple is the only temple in the country, which is why it remains the center of reverence of the people. Devotees from all over the country come to the temple every year at Narak Chaudas. According to the temple priest, people worship Yamraj and pray that he does not suffer in his last moments.
