Shikharji Temple
Considered one of the Holiest of all Jain Teerths, Shikharji Temple in Jharkhand is one of the most visited Jain pilgrimage places. The temple is perched atop Parasnath Mountain, the highest in the Parasnath Range. This temple is popular among the Jain followers as this is the place where twenty out of twenty-four Tirthankaras attained Moksha or Freedom from the Cycle of Rebirth.
The name of the temple Shikharji has been given due to its location. Shikharji means the highest or venerable peak. The temple also gained a name as Sammed Shikhar or zenith of concentration. It is here that many Tirthankars indulged in meditative practices or Samadhi.
The name of the hills where the temple is located is Parasnath, and the meaning of the word Parasnath is derived from the name of the twenty-third Teerthankara, Parshvanatha. He also attained Moksha at this temple. Today, this site is not only famous as a pilgrimage site but also a major tourist attraction. People visiting this place also enjoy adventure sports activities like Parasailing and Paragliding.
To reach this temple, the pilgrims have to pass through the Madhuban Forest. The area between the Summit and the Gandharva Nala Stream is considered very holy by the Jainism Followers. The pilgrims go for a parikrama or a round trip, almost 54 km distance on foot or on a doli to complete the pilgrimage.
Built-in the 18th Century, the Shikharji Temple is known for its architectural splendor and historical significance. The idol is quite old but the religious sentiments associated with it are still strong. Beautiful murals on the temple walls showcase the basic tenets of the Jain religion. Dating back to 1678, some Sanskrit inscriptions can be seen at the base of the image. Pilgrims visiting this temple also visit Bhomiyaji Temple, located at the base of Shikharji Temple.
Shikharji Yatra
Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji’s Mountain journey is a total of 27 km, which includes 9 km of climbing, 9 km of going down, and 9 km of mountain worship. Every day, 12,000 steps are required to cover a 27-kilometer yatra.
If you want to climb the mountain, it is between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. People can easily climb here, even at night.
It will take you 12 hours to complete the entire journey up the mountain. But there are no options for you to stop. Hence, people start worshipping the mountain here at night so that they can come down in the morning or afternoon.
You can enjoy the sunset if you reach the mountain early and you will surely love the morning sunshine on the mountain above the clouds. Many people on the way offer lemon water; you will probably need it more while climbing.
On the way, you will also find tea and biscuit shops, reducing your tiredness. Remember that you should keep things with you while packing, like a small torch, socks, etc.
The Peak of Concentration of Shri Sammed Shikharji
Sammed Shikharji, when translated, means ‘highly revered peak of concentration’. This name comes from the fact that 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras achieved the highest position of Moksha at this place.
The name Parasnath comes from the 23rd Tirthankara Shri Parshvanath, one of the twenty who achieved Moksha. Shri Sammed Shikharji has been declared an official place of worship by the government of Jharkhand.
Madhuban is the starting point of the Shri Sammed Shikharji Yatra
Madhuban is located at the base of the Parasnath hills. There are many temples here, including Bhomiyaji Mandir. The trek to Shikharji starts from here. Palanquin services are available.
The trek is 27 km if all the tonks are covered. The distance to Shikharji directly is 9 km. Along the route are twenty-four temples, dedicated to each of the Tirthankaras.
On the trek route, the part from Gandharva Stream to the top is considered to be the most sacred by devotees. Another option is the entire Parikrama of the hills, which is 54 km long. The route of this parikrama is through forest trails.
