Introduction to Sammed Shikharji Teerth Kshetra

Sammed Shikharji, known as the “Teerthraj” (King of Pilgrimage Sites), holds the highest significance among Digambar Jain pilgrimage sites. It is revered as the salvation site of 20 Teerthankaras and countless saints who attained liberation through deep meditation and penance here. This sacred hill is regarded as an eternal site, existing alongside the Ayodhya Kshetra, making both sites timeless.

Spiritual Significance of Sammed Shikharji

• Liberation Place of 20 Teerthankaras:
  Out of 24 Jain Teerthankaras, 20 achieved salvation (moksha) from Sammed Shikharji. This profound spiritual importance fills devotees with joy, reverence, and enthusiasm during their pilgrimage.
• Impact of Pilgrimage:
  Jain scriptures mention that those who undertake a pilgrimage to Sammed Shikharji with pure devotion are freed from the cycle of rebirth into lower realms. The poet Pandit Dhyanatraiji states that even one visit ensures escape from future births as animals or in hellish realms.
• Attaining Liberation in 49 Lives:
  According to Jain ethics, sincere pilgrimage to Sammed Shikharji accelerates a person’s path to salvation, with liberation promised within 49 lifetimes. The spiritual environment motivates devotees to embrace asceticism and adopt the teachings of Teerthankaras in their lives.

Miraculous Elements of Sammed Shikharji

• Non-violence and Fearlessness:
  It is said that even wild animals like lions and tigers exhibit no hostility towards pilgrims. The sacred atmosphere inspires a sense of fearlessness and compassion, creating harmony between humans and animals.
• Historical Pilgrimages:
  Kings, Acharyas, and Jain monks have been making pilgrimages to Sammed Shikharji for centuries. These journeys reflect their devotion to the Teerthankaras who attained liberation here.

Salvation Sites of Teerthankaras at Sammed Shikharji

Each Teerthankara attained moksha from a specific peak (Koot) of the hill, named accordingly:

1. Ajitnath Bhagwan: Chaitra Shukla 5 – Siddhavar Koot
2. Sambhavnath Swami: Chaitra Shukla 6 – Dhaval Koot
3. Abhinandannath: Vaishakh Shukla 7 – Anand Koot
4. Sumatinath Swami: Chaitra Shukla 10 – Avichal Koot
5. Padamprabhu Swami: Falgun Krishna 4 – Mohan Koot
6. Suparshva Bhagwan: Falgun Krishna 6 – Prabhas Koot
7. Chandraprabhu Swami: Bhadrapad Shukla 7 – Lalit Koot
8. Pushpadanta Bhagwan: Ashwin Shukla 8 – Suprabh Koot
9. Sheetalnath Bhagwan: Kartik Shukla 5 – Vidhyutprabh Koot
10. Shreyansnath Swami: Shravan Shukla 15 – Sankul Koot
11. Vimalnath Swami: Asharh Shukla 8 – Suveer Koot
12. Anantnath Bhagwan: Chaitra Krishna 15 – Swayamprabhu Koot
13. Dharamnath Swami: Jyeshtha Krishna 14 – Sudattawar Koot
14. Shantinath Bhagwan: Jyeshtha Krishna 14 – Kundprabh Koot
15. Kunthunath Swami: Vaishakh Shukla 1 – Gyandhara Koot
16. Arahnath Bhagwan: Chaitra Krishna 15 – Natak Koot
17. Mallinath Swami: Falgun Krishna 5 – Sambal Koot
18. Munisuvratnath Swami: Falgun Krishna 12 – Nirjar Koot
19. Naminath Swami: Vaishakh Krishna 14 – Mitradhar Koot
20. Parshvanath Swami: Shravan Shukla 7 – Suvarnabhadra Koot

Salvation Sites of Other Teerthankaras

• Rishabdev Bhagwan: Kailash Parvat – Magha Krishna 14
• Vasupujya Swami: Champapuri – Bhadrapad Shukla 14
• Neminath Bhagwan: Girnar Parvat – Asharh Shukla 7
• Mahaveer Swami: Pavapuri – Kartik Shukla 15

Access to Sammed Shikharji: Pilgrimage Route

• Reaching Parasnath Railway Station:
  Sammed Shikharji is accessible from Parasnath Railway Station on the Delhi–Kolkata route.
• Stay at Eesari:
  Pilgrims can halt at Eesari, located about 200 meters from Parasnath station. The two primary dharamshalas—Terapanthi and Beespanthi—provide lodging.
  • Terapanthi Dharamshala: Features a 3-ft high idol of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu in padmasana, along with other beautifully crafted idols.
• Transport to Sammed Shikharji:
  Buses managed by the Teerth Kshetra Committee take pilgrims from Eesari to the main site early in the morning.

Sammed Shikharji: A Sacred Experience

The spiritual impact of Sammed Shikharji is unmatched. Pilgrims visiting the salvation sites of 20 Teerthankaras experience profound devotion and spiritual upliftment. The serene environment, devoid of violence, and the rich history of asceticism make Sammed Shikharji a unique place to connect with the divine.

Teerth Darshan at Shri Sammed Shikharji

Visiting Shri Sammed Shikharji offers a spiritually enriching experience as pilgrims explore the Tonks of revered Tirthankaras and their holy footprints, scattered across the scenic hills.

Gautam Swami Tonk

The first Tonk encountered on the ascent is Gautam Swami Tonk, where a resting room for pilgrims is available. Adjacent to it are fifteen Koots (tombs), each dedicated to a Tirthankara. These Tonks feature sacred footprints (Charan Padukas) with inscriptions dating back to Vikram Samvat (V.S.) 1825.

Overview of Prominent Tonks at Sammed Shikharji

1. Gautam Swami Tonk – 32 marble images with black stone footprints.
2. Kunthunath Tonk (Gyandhar Koot) – 5-inch black footprints with V.S. 1825 inscriptions.
3. Naminath Tonk – 6-inch black footprints with inscriptions of V.S. 1825.
4. Arahnath Tonk (Natak Koot) – 5-inch black stone footprints.
5. Mallinath Tonk (Sambal Koot) – Black footprints, 5 inches long.
6. Shreyansnath Tonk (Sankul Koot) – Black footprints, 7.5 inches long.
7. Suvnidhinath (Pushpadanta) Tonk (Suprabh Koot) – White stone footprints, 7.5 inches.
8. Padmaprabh Tonk (Mohan Koot) – 7.5-inch black footprints.
9. Munisuvratnath Tonk (Nirjar Koot) – Black stone footprints with V.S. 1825 inscriptions.
10. Chandraprabh Tonk (Lalit Koot) – Black footprints, the highest Tonk on the hill.
11. Adinath Tonk – 7.5-inch white footprints.
12. Sheetalnath Tonk (Vidyut Koot) – Two Tonks featuring identical 7.5-inch black footprints.
13. Sambhavnath Tonk (Dhaval Koot) – 7.5-inch white stone footprints.
14. Vasupoojya Tonk – Features five 7-inch white footprints.
15. Abhinandan Nath Tonk (Aanand Koot) – Black stone footprints, 7.5 inches long.

After visiting these Tonks, pilgrims head to the Jal Mandir, now managed by Shwetambar Jains, offering Dharamshalas for accommodation.

The Nine Western Tonks – Additional Pilgrim Route

From Gautam Swami Tonk, the path branches toward additional Tonks for further adoration:

1. Dharamanath Tonk (Sudatlavar Koot) – 7.5-inch black footprints.
2. Sumatinath Tonk (Avichal Koot) – 7.5-inch black footprints with V.S. 1825 inscription.
3. Shantinath Tonk (Shantiprabh Koot) – Black footprints with identical length and inscription.
4. Mahaveer Swami Tonk – White footprints, 7.5 inches long.
5. Suparshvanath Tonk (Prabhas Koot) – Black footprints with V.S. 1825 inscription.
6. Vimalnath Tonk (Suveer Koot) – Black stone footprints.
7. Ajitnath Tonk (Siddhavar Koot) – White stone footprints.
8. Naminath Tonk (Mitradhar Koot) – Features three pairs of 3-inch footprints.
9. Parshvanath Tonk (Suwarnabhadra Koot) – This Tonk, featuring black footprints with a V.S. 1949 inscription, is the highest among all.

Natural Beauty and Spiritual Serenity at Sammed Shikharji

The serene landscape around Sammed Shikharji, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil hills, offers an ideal environment for meditation and spiritual awakening. From Parshvanath Tonk, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Ajay River to the north and Damodar River to the south.

Dharamshala and Accommodation Facilities at Sammed Shikharji

1. Beespanthi Kothi – Can accommodate over 2000 pilgrims with fully equipped rooms and halls.
2. Terapanthi Kothi – Facilities for 3000 pilgrims with accommodation and dining amenities.
3. Digambar Jain Dharamshala – Managed by the Digambar Jain Sammedachal Vikas Committee, established in 1992.

Temples at Sammed Shikharji

Several temples and shrines at Sammed Shikharji are managed by both Digambar and Shwetambar Jain sects. The temples feature idols of Bhagwan Parshvanath, Bhagwan Chandraprabh, and Bhagwan Bahubali.

Temple Timings:

Open to visitors any time.

Pilgrim Tips for Adoring the Tonks

• Stick for Support: A walking stick is highly recommended for the descent.
• Refreshment Stops: Beespanthi and Terapanthi Kothis offer refreshments along the route.
• Complete Adoration: Many pilgrims perform the hill pilgrimage three times and also take a 30-mile parikrama (circumambulation) of the entire hill.

Conclusion

Sammed Shikharji stands as a beacon of spirituality for Jains worldwide. Its sacred peaks, where countless saints attained liberation, inspire devotees to lead a life rooted in non-attachment and spiritual awareness. The profound history, accessibility, and pilgrimage facilities make it a must-visit site for all seeking moksha (salvation).