Shri Sammed Shikharji Jain Temple: The Jain religion is one of the world’s religions that emphasises spirituality and nonviolence while leading a peaceful existence. Therefore, temples and other sacrosanct sites are an integral part of their daily lives. Shri Sameed Shikharji Jain Temple is one such well-known temple among Jains.
In this article, we will examine some crucial details about the sacred site. This is one of the most frequented Digamabara and Svetambara temples. Numerous details about the temple will be provided. The subsequent sections describe the Shikharji Jain Yatra’s history, location, and schedule, as well as its completion procedures.
Regarding the Sameed Shikharji Jain Temple
The Shri Shikharji Jain Temple is located on the tallest peak in the Gidhi district of the state of Jharkhand. The structure is significant for both the Digambar and Svetambara religions. According to legend, this is where twenty of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras departed their corporeal bodies. Here they attained Moksha, the liberation from the cycle of life and death.
The name of the Shikharji Jain Temple has multiple interpretations. For example, “Shikharji” means “venerable peak.” The region is also known as Sammed Sikhar, which means “concentration peak.” All Tirthankara achieve Moksha and supreme enlightenment through meditation at this temple, which is why these names have been preserved.
Localization
As previously stated, the temple is situated on the state’s highest peak. The location is in the rural eastern region of India. This location is accessible via NH-2, or the Delhi-Kolkata Highway. Nonetheless, one must ascend 1,370 metres to reach the sacred site.
The Shikharji Jain Temple is of significant significance to Jainism adherents. Every year, a large number of people visit the temple in search of tranquilly. In addition, the Ashtapada, Girnar, Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu, and Shatrunjaya Temples, along with the Shikharji Temple, are considered the ‘Pancha Tirth’ by Svetamabara-affiliated individuals.
Timings
In terms of scheduling, the Shikharji Jain temple adheres to a strict rule. The time limit set by the administration of the temple is from 4 AM to 5 PM. However, the timetable is subject to alteration based on numerous variables. Taking into account the allotted time would be a prudent course of action.
The devotees must complete a parikrama of 43 kilometres or 27 miles around Shikharji. This is a well-known ritual performed to ensure that your petitions are heard by a deity. To access the pilgrims, tourists and devotees must travel through the Madhuban forest.
History
The precise date of the temple’s founding is still obscure. Therefore, people search for any references or mentions of this temple in ancient texts. The first mention of the temple appears in the book “Jantar Dharmakatha.” It is the earliest, most fundamental, and central text of the Jain religion.
This was followed by Parsvanathacarita, a biography from the 12th century that provided examples of the temple. The author was Parsva. On the other hand, modern history asserts that Vastupala and Visaladeva constructed the Shikharji Jain Temple. Both were believed to have been officers at the King’s court at the time.
Architecture
The temple is filled with deities, monuments, and inscriptions that are even older than the fourteenth century. In the year 1768 CE, Jagat Seth designed and constructed the current temple structure. Likewise, the Sanskrit texts and inscriptions, which are noted at the bottom of each image, were composed in 1678.
On the slopes, the walls of the Shikharji Jain Temple feature mural paintings. The depictions indicate the existence of additional Jain temples on Parasnath Hill. Included in these images is the Svetambara Bhakthamara temple. This temple was the first of its kind to feature the Bhakthamara Stotra Yantra; it was founded by Acharaya Ramchandraseni.
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How can one get to the Shikharji Jain Temple from Durgapur?
The Shikharji Jain Temple is accessible by train, taxi, or personal vehicle. The cheapest method to get there is by train, which costs between INR 300 and INR 975 per side.
How do you get from Gaya to the Shikharji Jain Temple?
From Gaya, Shkharji Jain Tirth is 140 kilometres away. Common modes of travel include taxis, trains, and private automobiles. Taxi is the quickest mode of transportation to reach Parasanth Hill. The length of the trip would be 2 hours and 43 minutes.
How do you get from Nalanda to the Shikharji Jain Temple?
Mahavir Tonk, Shikharji, Giridih district, Jharkhand, India Image Provided by Bodhisattva
From Nalanda, a large number of visitors visit Shikharji Jain Temple. Taxis and trains are the most preferable modes of conveyance. The train takes 8 hours and 4 minutes, while a vehicle would only take 3 hours and 19 minutes.
Accommodations close to Shikharji Jain Temple
As a popular tourist destination, several hotels and Dharamshala are located close to the Jain Temple. Hotels begin approximately 30 kilometres from the temple. The Wedding Bells, Seventeen Degrees Hotel, Morpho Bokaro, and Hotel Reliance are among the closest hotels that offer sammed shikharji accommodation bookings.
The average price per accommodation at the hotel is 1400 INR. However, if the budget permits, one can always choose a more costly accommodation.
FAQs
1) What are the hours of operation for the Shikharji Jain Temple?
The Shikharji Jain Temple is open between 4 AM and 5 AM. On the other hand, the monument’s entrances shutter between 5 and 6 p.m.
2) How long will it take to ascend to the Shikharji temple?
Although it depends on the traveler’s strolling pace, an average traveller can reach the destination in three hours. If you enjoy strolling between hills and nature to reach the Shikharji Jain temple, the journey could be enjoyable rather than exhausting.
3) Sammed Shikharji, how many steps are required to reach that location?
A person must take approximately 12,000 steps per day to cover a distance of 27 kilometres. To illustrate, if a traveller begins his or her voyage at 4 a.m., he or she will complete it between 12 and 2 p.m.
4) For what is Shikharji renowned?
According to Jain mythology, twenty of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained Moksha through meditation in the same location. It is therefore considered a sacred site.
5) Can we travel by air to Shikharji?
Currently, there are no direct air services to Shikharji Temple. However, one can fly to the closest airport to Shikharji, which is Ranchi Airport.
