Sammed Shikhar ji or Sammat Shikharji is a holy place in Giridih district of Jharkhand which is related to Jainism. Sammed Shikharji is situated on Parasnath hill, the highest point of Jharkhand. Its height is approximately 4480 feet. This place is very important for both the sects of Jainism, Digambara and Shwetambar. Sammed Shikhar ji is so sacred and revered in Jainism because it was here that 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism along with many other monks attained salvation. Sammed Shikhar Ji is one of the five main pilgrimage places of Jainism along with Girnar, Dilwara, Palitana and Ashtapad Kailash. In Jainism, Sammed Shikhar ji is considered the king of pilgrimages.
Sammed Shikhar Ji – Meaning of Name
This peak is called Sammed Shikharji. Sammed means concentration and meditation and Shikhar means high hill or peak, along with it the word ji is also added which is a respectful word in Hindi language. Sammed Shikhar Ji means respected peak of concentration. One of the main reasons for calling Sammed Peak respectfully is that 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism meditated here on this peak and attained salvation.
Importance – Sammed Shikhar Ji
Sammed Shikharji is an important pilgrimage place of Jainism. Reference to Sammed Shikharji is also found in the ancient religious texts of Jainism. It is believed that Sammed Shikhar ji has always existed here and that is why Sammed Shikhar is also called Amar Teerth. This peak is mentioned for the first time in the religious text Gnatadharmakatha, written before the sixth century. This scripture is one of the main 12 scriptures of Jainism.
Vaghela king Virdhava and Visaldev’s prime minister Vastupala had built a Jain temple here which had 20 idols of Jain Tirtanakaras. These 20 Tirthankaras were the ones who attained salvation on this holy peak. The management of this peak was handed over to the Jain community during the reign of Akbar and Jahangir.
Considering the immense importance of Sammed Shikharji in Jainism, it was included in the Chief Minister Teerth Yatra Scheme in 2019.
Sammed Shikhar Ji Pilgrimage
Sammed Shikhar Ji, nestled on the Parasnath Hill, is the most revered pilgrimage site for the Jain community. The holy site is of immense significance as it marks the place where 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained Moksha (liberation). Pilgrims from all over the world visit this sacred place, undertaking a 27-kilometer trek that winds through lush forests and steep slopes. The journey is not merely a physical expedition but a deeply spiritual experience, as devotees walk barefoot, reciting prayers, and reflecting on the lives and teachings of the Tirthankaras. The pilgrimage trail is dotted with numerous temples and shrines, each dedicated to different Tirthankaras, culminating in the main temple complex at the summit, offering a serene and divine atmosphere for worship and meditation.
The pilgrimage to Sammed Shikhar Ji is both a test of endurance and a demonstration of deep faith, as the trek is known for its challenging terrain and elevation. Pilgrims often start their journey early in the morning, as the entire trail can take up to 12 hours to complete. Throughout the journey, devotees stop at various points to offer prayers, light lamps, and engage in introspection. The site is considered to have immense spiritual potency, and many believe that completing the pilgrimage washes away sins and helps one progress on the path of liberation. The experience is enriched by the tranquil environment of the Parasnath Hills, where the beauty of nature and the serenity of the temples inspire a sense of peace and devotion. For Jains, visiting Sammed Shikhar Ji at least once in a lifetime is a cherished aspiration, symbolizing a quest for spiritual purity and a deeper connection with their faith.
Temples – Sammed Shikhar Ji
Shikharji is considered to be the most important pilgrimage site for both the Digambara and Shwetambar sects of Jainism and hence the authority and management of the main temples located here is shared by both the sects. The present form of Jain temples located here were established in 1768. Images of feet are installed in the temples located here and inscriptions in Sanskrit are also written on them. These temples, built at different times and centuries, are not only the Jain religion but also the Sanskrit heritage of India.
Festival – Sammed Shikhar Ji
Sammed Shikhar Ji, being a revered pilgrimage site for Jains, hosts several important festivals throughout the year that attract thousands of devotees. Among these, Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. During this festival, the temples are adorned with vibrant decorations, and special prayers and processions are organized. Another significant festival is Paryushana, an 8 to 10-day period of deep spiritual reflection, penance, and fasting, where devotees engage in meditation, recitation of scriptures, and seek forgiveness for past transgressions. The Kartika Purnima festival, observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika, sees a large influx of pilgrims, as it is considered highly auspicious to visit and perform rituals on this day. These festivals not only highlight the religious significance of Sammed Shikhar Ji but also foster a sense of community among devotees, who come together to celebrate their shared faith and traditions amidst the serene and spiritual environment of the holy site.
How to reach Sammed Shikhar Ji
By Flight
The nearest airport to reach here is Deoghar Airport in Deoghar district. Deoghar is known as Baidyanath Dham, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site, which is part of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The distance from this airport to Sammed Shikhar Ji is 107 kilometers which can be covered by road.
Another airport is Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Durgapur, West Bengal from where the distance to the summit can be covered by road in about 4 hours.
Birsa Munda Airport located in Jharkhand is about 180 kilometers from here. For all these airports, direct or connected flights are available from the country’s capital Delhi.
By Train
If you want to come here by train then Parasnath station is situated nearest here. The distance from Parasnath station to Madhuban is approximately 25 kilometers. You can reach Parasnath station directly from the main railway stations of the country or by connected train.
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