Shikharji or Sametshikhar also known as the Parasnath Hill, located in Giridih district in Jharkhand, India, is a major Jain pilgrimage destination and is the most sacred place for Jains in the world. According to Jain belief, twenty of the twenty-four Tirthankaras (teachers of the Jains) attained Moksha (Nirvana) from this place. Parasnath Hill with a height of 1,350 metres (4,430 ft)) make up the highest mountain in the state of Jharkhand.
Shri Sammed Shikharji attracts pilgrims from across India.
The number of Tirthankars who attained nirvana at Shri Sammet Shikharji is 20. For each of them there is a shrine on the hill.
The hill is also known as Parasnath, a name derived from Parshva, the 23rd Tirthankara who attained Nirvana there. His present temple is not very old, although the idol in the main temple is ancient. The Sanskrit inscriptions at the foot of the images indicate that they were put in the temple in 1678 A.D.
Archaeologists believe some of the existing temple edifices on Parasnath Hill date from 1765 A.D. although the place is of greater antiquity. It is certain that the present edifices replace older edifices, which were demolished. Jain temples are often pulled down and re-built.
Each tirtha (pilgrimage site) represents centuries of devotion, which found expression in temple-building, and to this day are at the centre of pilgrimages and festivals at frequent intervals. Although many of the temples may seem complicated in appearance, each is designed on the principles common to the religious architecture of the late medieval period, the elaborations being due to such factors as the addition of supplementary shrines, second stories, and adding pillared cloisters around all the larger examples. One variation unique to Jain temples is the frequent production of a class of temple known as chaumukh, or four-faced.
There is a Temple of Bhomiyaji at the start of the Hills (Termed as Taleti) and it is said that once you bow your head at this temple and start the journey towards the top of the hill, there is no way you can be mislead in the journey. The moment you forget the way, there will be Dogs who will guide you the way and will soon disappear fast once you are back on track.
20 Tirthankaras attaining Nirvana at Shri Sammed Shikharji
Shri Ajitnath Ji
Shri Sambhavanath Ji
Shri Abhinandannath Ji
Shri Sumatinath Ji
Shri Padmaprabha Ji
Shri Suparshvanath Ji
Shri Chandraprabha Ji
Shri Suvidhinath Ji
Shri Sheetalnath Ji
Shri Shreyansanath Ji
Shri Vimalnath Ji
Shri Anantnath Ji
Shri Dharmanath Ji
Shri Shantinath Ji
Shri Kunthunath Ji
Shri Aranath Ji
Shri Mallinath Ji
Shri Munisuvrata Ji
Shri Naminatha ji
Shri Parshva Ji
One can also pay a visit to Palganj Ji, which is just 12 km away from Madhuban (place from where this journey begins). This temple has a sculpture of Shri Parasnath Bhagwan which was from 4th Century, also the priest of the temple narrates story about this temple which is worth to listen.
Shikharji temples
Following are temples at Shikharji. The actual temples are not numbered; hence there may be minor differences in the numbering of temples in various guidebooks and literature. The following numbering is based on the guidance provided by the local Shikharji resident supervisor.
Shri Gautam Swami (Ghandhar)
Shri Kunthunath Prabhu (17th Tirthankar)
Shashvat Jin Shri Rishbhanan Prabhu
Shashvat Jin Chandranan Prahbu
Shri Naminath Prabhu (21st Tirthankar)
Shri Arnath Prahbu (18th Tirthankar)
Shri Mallinath Prabhu (19th Tirthankar)
Shri Shreyansnath Prabhu (11th Tirthankar)
Shri Suvidhinath Prabhu (9th Tirthankar)
Shri Padam Prabhu (6th Tirthankar)
Shri Munisuvrat Prabhu (20th Tirthankar)
Shri Chandra Prabhu (8th Tirthankar)
Shri Adinath Prabhu (1st Tirthankar)
Shri Anantnath Prabhu (14th Tirthankar)
Shri Sheetalnath Prabhu (10th Tirthankar)
Shri Sambhavnath Prabhu ( 3rd Tirthankar)
Shri Vasupujya Prabhu (12th Tirthankar)
Shri Abhinandan Prabhu ( 4th Tirthankar)
Shri Shubh Swami Ghandhar
Jal Mandir
Shri Dharamnath Prabhu (15th Tirthankar)
ShashvatJin Shri Vardhman Prabhu
ShashvatJin Shri Varishen Prabhu
Shri Sumatinath Prabhu (5th Tirthankar)
Shri Shantinath Prabhu (16th Tirthankar)
Shri Mahavir Prabhu (24th Tirthankar)
Shri SuParshavnath Prabhu (7th Tirthankar)
Shri Vimalnath Prabhu (13th Tirthankar)
Shri Ajitnath Prabhu (2nd Tirthankar)
Shri Neminath Prabhu (22nd Tirthankar)
Shri Parshavnath Prabhu (23rd Tirthankar)
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Sammed Shikharji
Shri Sammed Shikharji Teerth Kshetra has the top rank among all the Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetras, being the salvation place of 20 Teerthankaras and large number of saints. So this is called Teerthraj (King of Teerths) Since very ancient time it is a belief that Sammed Shikhar and Ayodhya are two main Teerth Kshetras, existence if these two is parallel to the existence of Universe, means immortal. All the Teerthankaras born at Ayodhya and attain salvation from Sammed Shikhar. But due the effect of Hundavsartpiniee Kaal, there was the birth of only five Teerthankaras at Ayodhya and salvation if 20 Teerthankaras from Sammed Shikharji. In addition, infinite number ascetic saints/munies also attained salvation from here by practicing deep penance and meditation. In ancient texts number of munies attaining salvation from the particular places of Teerthankara’s salvation is being described which is in millions and billions.This is the only reason that when a devotee starts pilgrimage for Sammed Shikharji, his heart and mind gets filled with great enthusiasm, joy and ingenuous devotion towards Teerthankaras.
Impact of pilgrimage of infinite ascetic’s salvation places is such that an ocean of devotion evades in the heart of pilgrims. Pandit Dhyanatraiji has written in his ‘Pooja’ (Poem of worship) if one goes for adoration of Sammed Shikharji once in his life, he does not go in lives of animal and in the hell.
According to ethics if a person adorates Sammed Shikharji engaging his full mind and heart (i.e. with full devotion), he attains salvation in maximum 49 lives of his near future and thus he gets free from worldly affairs, affection and aversion. This all happens by thinking about the work of Teerthankaras their life free from worldly affairs, their penance and meditation, by thinking about the preaches they delivered in Samavsharan and ultimately applying their education and principles in ones life by accepting ascetism.
This way this Kshetra is highly sacred. Due to sacredness, so many cruel animals living here in the forest like lion tiger etc., never harm to pilgrims even while coming in front of each other. The absence of natural cruel in the heart of violent animals and fearlessness in the mind of pilgrims, is due to the effect of this great Teerth.
This is the only the efficacy of Sammed Shikharji that from the ancient times so many Kings, Acharyas, Bhuttarakas and Shravakas came here with vast groups of devotees for pilgrimage with the purpose of self welfare and due to the devotion towards Teerthankaras and ascetic saints who attained salvation from here.
During 13th Century, great ascetic scholar ‘Yati Madan Kirti’ writes in ‘Shasan Chatustrinshatika’. According to this poem – Saudharma Indra here installed the idols of 20 Teerthankaras, nimbus of idols is incomparable being equivalent to their size, at that Sammed Shikhar tree, vigorous persons reach there through stairs and due to good luck they worship those idols, no other person is able to reach there. This Digambar Dharma is immortal i.e. existing here continuously. In the famous text ‘Tiloypannatti:’ Acharya Yativrishabha has described in full about 20 Teerthankara’s salvation, that’s translation is given below –
(1) 2nd Teerthankara Shri Ajitnath Jinendra (Bhagwan) attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Chaitra Shukla – 5 during Nakshatra (Constellation) “Bharani’, before noon with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Siddhavar Koot’.
(2) 3rd Teerthankara Shri Sambhavnath Swami attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Chaitra Shukla – 6 during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra (Constellation at the time of Birth) afternoon with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Dhaval Koot’.
(3) 4th Teerthankara Shri Abhinandannath attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Vaishakh Shukla – 7 during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra before noon with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Anand Koot’.
(4) 5th Teerthankara Shri Sumatinath Swami attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Chaitra Shukla – 10 during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra (Constellation) before noon with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Avichal Koot’.
(5) 6th Teerthankara Shri Padamprabh attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Falgun Krishna – 4 afternoon during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with 324 munies. That particular place was named ‘Mohan Koot’.
(6) 7th Teerthankara Shri Suparshva Jinendra (Bhagwan) attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Falgun Krishna – 6 before noon during the presence of his Anuradha Nakshatra with 500 munies. That particular place was named ‘Prabhas Koot’.
(7) 8th Teerthankara Shri Chandraprabhu Jinendra attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Bhadrapad Shukla – 7 during the presence of his Jyeshtha Nakshatra before noon with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Lalit Koot’.
(8) 9th Teerthankara Shri Pushpadanta Bhagwan attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Ashwin Shukla – 8 afternoon during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Suprabh Koot’.
(9) 10th Teerthankara Shri Sheetalnath attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Kartik Shukla – 5 before noon during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Vidhyutprabh Koot’.
(10) 11th Teerthankara Shri Shreyansnath attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Shravan Shukla – 15 before noon during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with one thousand munies. That particular place was named ‘Sankul Koot’.
(11) 13th Teerthankara Shri Vimalnath Swami attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Asharh Shukla – 8 in the evening during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with 600 munies. That particular place was named ‘Suveer Koot’.
(12) 14th Teerthankara Shri Anantnath Bhagwan attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Chaitra Krishna – 15 in the evening during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with 7000 munies. That particular place was named ‘Swayamprabhu Koot’.
(13) 15th Teerthankara Shri Dharamnath Jinendra attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Jyeshtha Krishna – 14 in the evening during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with 800 munies. That particular place was named ‘Sudattawar Koot’.
(14) 16th Teerthankara Shri Shantinath Teerthankara attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Jyeshtha Krishna – 14 in the evening during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with 900 munies. That particular place was named ‘Kundprabh Koot’ (Prabhas and Shanti Prabhu).
(16) 18th Teerthankara Shri Arahnath Bhagwan attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Chaitra Krishna – 15 in the evening during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra with 1000 munies. That particular place was named ‘Natak Koot’.
(17) 19th Teerthankara Shri Mallinath Teerthankara attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Falgun Krishna – 5 in the evening during the presence of Bharni Nakshatra with 500 munies. That particular place was named ‘Sambal Koot’.
(18) 20th Teerthankara Shri Munisuvratnath Swami attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Falgun Krishna – 12 in the evening during the presence of Janma Nakshatra with 1000 munies. That particular place was named ‘Nirjar Koot’.
(19) 21st Teerthankara Shri Naminath Swami attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Vaishakh Krishna – 14 in the morning during the presence of Janma Nakshatra with 1000 munies. That particular place was named ‘Mitradhar Koot’.
(20) 23rd Teerthankara Shri Parshvanath Jinendra attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of Shravan Shukla – 7 in the evening during the presence of Janma Nakshatra with 36 munies. That particular place was named ‘Suvarnabhadra Koot’.
For the information of viewers, details of Teerthankaras attaining salvation from places other than Sammed Shikher is given below: –(1) First Teerthankara Bhagwan Rishabdev attained salvation from Kailash Parvat on the day of Magha Krishna – 14 in the before noon during the presence of Uttarasharh Nakshatra.
(2) 12th Teerthankara Bhagwan Vasupoojya attained salvation from Champasal Van (forest) of Champapuri on the day of Bhadrapad Shukla – 14 in the afternoon during the presence of Ashvini Nakshatra.
(3) 22th Teerthankara Bhagwan Neminath attained salvation from Girnar Parvat (Urjayant giri) on the day of Asharh Shukla – 7 in the evening during the presence of Chitra Nakshatra.
(4) 24th, the last Teerthankara Mahaveer Swami attained salvation from Padma Sarovar of Pavapuri on the day of Kartik Shukla – 15 in the morning during the presence of Swati Nakshatra.
In this way the Teerthraj Sammed Shikhar is the extremely sacred and immortal Kshetra being the salvation place of 20 Teerthankaras and infinite number of ascetic munies.
Eesari – Eesari is a place about 200 meters ahead of Parasnath Railway Station, lying on Delhi – Kolkata line. One should reach Parasnath Station by train and then to Eesari for night halt. There are two dharamshalas at Eesari, one Terapanthi and another Beespanthi dharamshala.
After the stay at Eesari, next day in the morning buses are available for Sammed Shikharji, run by Teerth Kshtra Committee.
At Eesary huge and magnificent temples decorated with artful spires are existing, constructed within dharamshalas.
In the temple of Terapanthi Kothi, 3 ft. high padmasana white idol of principal deity Bhagwan Chandraprabhu is installed with many other beautiful idols. In the back of main shrine a magnificent idol of Bhagwan Mahaveer in padmasana posture, red in color, is installed.
In Beespanthi Kothi, principal deity Bhagwan Parshavanth’s black color idol is installed in the temple. In another temple left to this, a man size idol of Muniraj Jaisen exists and near to this temple, foot images are also installed under an umbrella.
In the street between both Kothies, Shri Parshvanth Digambar Jain Shanti Niketan Udaseenashrama exists, established by Poojya Kshullak Ganesh Prasadji Varni. Many celibates, ascetic persons (male or female) live here for self – welfare and spiritual achievements. Male and female live in separate portions. A literary and study room is also here. In the ground of this Udaseenashrama Poojya Varniji’s Samadhi Stoopa is constructed, on which introduction of Varniji’s life and their preaches are carved. This Stoopa is very attractive and artistic. A mess is also available for residents i.e. for devotees. A magnificent temple also exists here called Parshvanath Jinalaya, in the sanctum. Bhagwan Parshvanth’s beautiful idol is installed as principal deity.
From the side of this temple, a path reaches to Mumukshu Mahilashrama, female devotees live here, a temple also exists here. In this temple a magnificent and attractive Bhagwan Parshvanath’s black idol in padmasana posture, 4 ½ ft in height is installed in a beautiful alter.
Madhuvana (Sammed Shikharji) At a distance of 23 Kms from Eesari, there exists great Sammed Shikhar Teerth Kshetra. At Eesari busses and taxies are available for Sammed Shikhar, arranged by Kshetra Committees.
At Sammed Shikharji, there is a range of mountains and this Holi Teerth exists at the north side of mountains. Here two big dharamshalas, run by Digambar Jain Samaj are existing called Beespanthi and Terapanthi Kothi. Between these two, a Shwetambar Jain Kothi exists, popular as ‘Manjhali Kothi’.
Beespanthi Kothi Among these three Kothies, Beespanthi Kothi is oldest. This Kothi was established to facilitate the pilgrims coming to Sammed Shikharji about 400 years ago. This was under the control of Gwalior’s Bhattarakji. Bhattarak Shri Mahendra Bhooshan established here a Kothi and a Dharamshala. Bhagwan Parshvanath’s beautiful idol was installed in the temple. Two generous persons of samaj constructed here two temples. At present this Kothi is working under control of Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra Committee.
There are three compounds and eight magnificent temples decorated with sky – high artful spires, where Bhagwan Parshvanath, Pushpadanta, Adinath’s idol are installed as principal deity with many other beautiful idols.
There is a huge dharamshala in this Kothi behind which in the garden two temples exist there.
In front of Kothi, on a hillock, a magnificent huge temple exists, where a 25 ft high standing colossus of Bhagwan Bahubali is present in the centre of ground. There are 24 temples constructed in all directions with idols of 24 Teerthankaras. In the right and left side of this Bahubali Jinalaya, two magnificent temples of Bhagwan Gautam Swami and Parshvanath’s Jinalayas are existing, and a 51 ft high Manastambha (Column of dignity) is standing really agreeable.
Above the Bhahubali Tekari there is construction of artistic Samavsharan Mandir. In this temple, there is a hall of 70 x 72 ft in the centre of this hall, a very attractive creation of Samavsharan exists which is pleasing to eyes, worth being seen.
Moving ahead of this Jinalaya and coming out from Sultan Singh Dwar (Gate), there comes Katak Mandir. This has four alters with beautiful idols installed in them. Versified moral sentences, hymns and prayers are written everywhere in this temple. In the third compound, a 51 ft high, Manastambha a beautiful creation made of marble is standing on a three – stepped high platform. Under the umbrella on the top of Manastambha four idols 17” in height are installed, each in one direction.
In the same way, on the platform, in four little alters four attractive white idols of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu are installed. In the night, due to light decoration, glamour of this Manastambha gets many folded.
In the same compound , there exists main temple in right side with 13 alters each alter is a separate temple with a beautiful spire. Details are as below: –
1. Shri Shantinath Jinalaya – 15 inch high attractive idol of Bhagwan Shantinath is installed here with other idols as principal deity. Two one feet high Manastambhas are also here made of brass, idols are carved on these Manastambhas too.
2. Shri Samavsharan Mandir – This is a beautiful temple with four 10” high Bhagwan Parshvanath’s idols installed as principal deity in Gandha Kuti, which is constructed over a three layer platform.
3. Shri Neminath Chaityalaya – Here a Bhagwan Neminath’s 3 ft high black idol in padmasana posture is installed.
4. Shri Pushpadanta Jinalaya – This is treated as main temple, gates of this temple are made of silver. Here Bhagwan Pushpadanta’s white magnificent idol in padmasana posture, 3’3” in height is installed as principal deity. Other metallic and stone idols are also present here which are worth being seen.
5. Ajitnath Temple – In this temple a 2 ft high padmasana idol of Bhagwan Ajitnath is installed as principal deity.
6. Parshvanath Mandir – Sanctum of this temple consists three arches, pillars of the sanctum are artistic. In the central alter Chinatmani Parshvanath’s black color idol in padmasana posture, 6ft in height is installed. The idol is highly attractive magnificent. In the left alter Bhagwan Shreyansnath and in the alter of right side Bhagwan Chandraprabhu are installed as principal deity with other attractive idols.
7. Pravesh Mandapa – At this place, an octagonal Mandapa exists. In this Mandapa, and four platforms, 52 Jinalayas and an attractive artful creation of Panchameru is existing. This creation is wonderful and pleasing to eyes. In each direction there exists 13 Jinalayas. Among them 8 are Ratikar, one Anjangiri and 4 are Dadhimukh jinalayas. In Panchmeru temples total idols are 80 in numbers.
8. Shantinath Jinalaya – In the right of main temple, this temple exists, where principal deity Bhagwan Shantinath’s 3 ft high white padmasana idol is installed with many other beautiful idols.
9. Neminath Jinalaya – In this temple Bhagwan Neminath’s beautiful black padmasana idol is installed as principal deity.
10. Ahead of this temple there exists a big library called Saraswati Bhawan.
11. Chandraprabhu Jinalaya – This is a Samavsharana Mandir where 1 ft high idol of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu is installed as principal deity.
12. Mahaveer Jinalaya – In this temple, a 7½ ft high standing idol of Bhagwan Mahaveer is installed, which is very attractive and magnificent. In the three sides of this temple 24 idols of 24 Teerthankaras equal in size are installed beside the walls.
13. Shastrakoot Chaityalaya – This is beautiful and agreeable Chaityalaya made of marble, 4 ft in height. This is so attractive, rare to find another.
Sammed Shikhar Hill History of Tonks – According to ethics Saudharma Indra (King of Heaven –Saudharma) marked the places of Teerthankara’s salvation. On these places beautiful foot images were carved, thus attractive Tonks were constructed. It is said that at the time of King Shrenik of Magadha, these Tonks were in ruined state. Seeing this King Shrenik reconstructed the Tonks in magnificent manner. After a long period those were also destroyed. So many generous persons reconstructed of these Tonks using their money.
Bhattaraka Gyankeerti in his work Yashodhara Charit’ (V.S. 1659) describes about Naanu, the secretary of King Mansigh of Akbarpur near Champanagari. Naanu constructed twenty temples of 20 Teerthankaras attaining salvation from Sammed Shikharji. It was the same as Chakravarti Bharat constructed temples on Ashtapad (Kailash Parvat) being salvation place of Bhagwan Adinath Rishabhdev. Chakravarti Bharat went there for so many times for pilgrimage.
At the time of Yati Madankeerti, there was a pond called Amritvapika, where offering of AshtaDravya was performed for 20 Teerthankara by devotees. That Amritvapika, at present time is called Jal – Mandir.
Later, in year 1678, a great Panch Kalyanaka Pratishtha Mahotsava was organized here by Digambar Jain Samaj. Previously King of Palganj looked after this great Teerth, they were Jain. Now the temple of Palganj is also managed by Sammed Shikhar Kshetra Committee.
1-Shri Adinath Prabhu (1st Tirthankar)
2 - Shri Ajitnath Prabhu (2nd Tirthankar)
3 - Shri Sambhavnath Prabhu ( 3rd Tirthankar)
4 - Shri Abhinandan Prabhu ( 4th Tirthankar)
5- Shri Sumatinath Prabhu (5th Tirthankar)
6 - Shri Padam Prabhu (6th Tirthankar)
7 - Shri Suparshavnath Prabhu (7th Tirthankar)
8 - Shri Chandrah Prabhu (8th Tirthankar)
9 - Shri Kunthunath Prabhu
10 - Shri Sheetalnath Prabhu (10th Tirthankar)
11 - Shri Shreyansnath Prabhu (11th Tirthankar
12 - Shri Vasupujya Prabhu (12th Tirthankar)
13- Shri Vimalnath Prabhu ( 13th Tirthankar)
14 - Shri Anantnath Prabhu (14th Tirthankar)
15 - Shri Dharamnath Prabhu (15th Tirthankar)
16 - Shri Shantinath Prabhu (16th Tirthankar)
17 - Shri Kunthunath Prabhu (17th Tirthankar)
18 - Shri Arnath Prahbu (18th Tirthankar)
19 - Shri Mallinath Prabhu (19th Tirthankar)
20 - Shri Munisuvrat Prabhu (20th Tirthankar)
21 - Shri Naminath Prabhu (21st Tirthankar)
22 - Shri Neminath Prabhu (22nd Tirthankar)
23 - Shri Parshavnath Prabhu (23rd Tirthankar) 
24 - Shri Mahavir Prabhu (24th Tirthankar)For pilgrimage, one must wake up at 2:00 a.m. in night and after getting rid of daily routine, he should start for pilgrimage up to 3:00 a.m. Winter season is most appropriate for this purpose. In summer, due to heat pilgrimage becomes very difficult. In rainy season many types of insects are developed, greenery spreads throughout the path and risk of slipping on rocks/path makes difficult to pilgrimage.
During pilgrimage, one should wear light cloths. Heavy clothing causes uneasiness due to sudation, while returning heat and sunlight becomes intolerable.
One should hire a labor for kids, palanquin for ladies, old and weak persons and other must take a stick. Stick is very helpful during up and down ways. Lantern is very helpful while beginning in the dark of night. All these items are always available at Dharamshala.
While one starts for pilgrimage of Teerthraj Sammed Shikharji, not only the cleanliness of body and cloths is necessary but eternal sacredness the purity of mind, heart and speech is also necessary.
During adoration of Teerth, pilgrims must recite poems of worship (Pooja), hymn, Namokar Mantra etc. or have discussions about the path of salvation, preaches of Teerthankaras or about basic principals/fundamentals of Moksha Marg.
In this way enjoying the natural scenery, religious faith and enthusiasm, pilgrimage of Sammed Shikhar is completed. This is only the effect/miracle of Teerths that a such long journey on foot gets completed so easily without feeling tiredness.
Ahead of Beespanthi Kothi, pilgrimage of Shikarji starts. At a distance of 200 meters from Dharamshala, rising on hill starts. At a distance of 3 kms from here, there comes Gandharva – Nala, here a Dharamshala is managed by Beespanthi Kothi, where facilities are available for natural human necessities i.e. urinal etc. Next to this place these are all prohibited on sacred hill to maintain the holiness of Teerth Kshetra. At the time of returning from hill, breakfast or refreshment is made available in this Dharamshala by Teerth Kshetra Committee. At a little distance from Gandharva – Nala, a footpath goes to Seeta Nala and another towards Parshvanath Tonk. Going to left, one reaches to Seeta Nala, here offerings for worship one must be washed and prepared and also filtered water must be taken for consecration. Tough rising on hill starts from here.
Teerth Darshan First of all there comes Tonk of Gautam Swami after ascending some distance on hill, here a room is existing which comes in use of pilgrims for rest. In the left of Gautam Swami Tonk, there are fifteen Tombs for adoration. These Tonks are called Koot also. At Tonks foot images of Teerthankaras are installed. According to inscriptions on foot images, these all were reverenced in V.S. 1825. Details of these Tonks (Koots) are given below –
1. Gautam Swami Tonk – There are 32 images of white marble are installed in an alter. Out of alter a foot pair of black stone are present.
2. Kunthunath Tonk (Gyandhar Koot) – a pair of black foot images is installed here with a length of 5 inch. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here. Near to this foot images of Sudharma Swami, Chandranan Tonk & Rishabhanan Tonk are present, recently constructed by Shwetambar Jains.
3. Naminath Tonk – A pair of foot images of black stone about 6 inches in length (12 fingers are present here with an inscription of V.S. 1825. At a little distance from here, foot images of Shree Veerbhadra. The Ganadhara of Bhagwan Parshvnath are present, length is 14 fingers (about 7 inches)
4. Arahnath Tonk (Natak Koot) – Foot images of black stone 10 fingers in length (about 5 inch) inscription of V.S. 1825.
5. Mallinath Tonk (Sambal Koot) – Foot images of black stone 10 fingers in length (about 5 inch) inscription of V.S. 1825.
6. Shreyansnath Tonk (Sankul Koot) – Foot images of black stone, length 7½ inch, inscription of V.S. 1825.
7. Suvnidhinath (Pushpadanta) Tonk (Suprabh Koot) – White stone, foot images of 7½ length, inscription of V.S. 1825.
8. Padmaprabh Tonk (Mohan Koot) – Foot images of black stone, length 7½ inch, inscription of V.S. 1825.
9. Munisuvratnath Tonk – (Nirjar Koot) – Black foot images of 7½ inch length, inscription of V.S. 1825.
10. Chandraprabh Tonk (Lalit Koot) – This Tonk is at a large distance from 9th Tonk and is the highest. Here foot images of black stone, 7½ in length, inscription of V.S. 1825.
11. Adinath Tonk – While one returns from the same way towards Jal – Mandir, this Tonk comes. Here foot images of white stone, 7½ inch in length are installed, inscription of V.S. 1825.
12. Sheetalnath Tonk (Vidyut Koot) – There are two Tonks each of Bhagwan Sheetalnath at a short distance to each other, foot images of black stone having length of 7½ inch are installed on both places inscription of V.S. 1825 is also same on both Tonks.
13. Sambhavnath Tonk (Dhaval Koot) – Foot images of white stone, length 7½ inch, inscription of V.S. 1825.
14. Vasupoojya Tonk – here five foot image of white stone with a length of 7 inch are installed inscription of V.S. 1926
15. Abhinandan Nath Tonk (Aanand Koot) – Foot images of black stone, length 7½ inch, inscription of V.S. 1825.
From Abhinandan Nath Tonk, descending on hill, we reach to Jal – Mandir, here a huge temple is existing. In previous, this was Digambar Jain Mandir, but at present this is under the management of Shwetambar Jain. They have also constructed two Dharamashalas here.
From Jal – Madir we again reach to Gautam Swami Tonk, from where ways are available in all directions, in left to Kunthunath Tonk, in right to Parshvanth Tonk, in front to Jal – Mandir, and in back to Madhuvan. So pilgrims must move towards west direction for adoration of nine Tonks. Details of these Tonks is as under –
1. Dharamanath Tonk (Sudatlavar Koot) – A pair of foot images of black stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here.
2. Sumatinath Tonk (Avichal Koot) – A pair of foot images of black stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here.
3. Shantinath Tonk (Shantiprabh Koot) – A pair of foot images of black stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here.
4. Mahaveer Swami Tonk – A pair of foot images of white stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here.
5. Suparshvanath Tonk (Prabhas Koot) – A pair of foot images of black stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here
6. Vimalnath Tonk (Suveer Koot) – A pair of foot images of black stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here
7. Ajitnath Tonk (Siddhavar koot)- A pair of foot images of white stone, 7½ inch in length are installed here. An inscription of V.S. 1825 is available here.
8. Naminath Tonk (Mitradhar Koot) – Here 3 pairs of white foot images are installed length in 6 fingers (3 inches).
9. Parshvanath Tonk (Suwarnabhadra Koot) – This is the last and main Tonk of this side, where a beautiful temple has been constructed with a mandapa and sanctum. In sanctum, on an alter foot images of Bhagwan Parshvanth are installed, these are black in color, 9 fingers (4.5 inch approx.) in length having an inscription of V.S. 1949.
Bhagwan Parshvanath‘s Tonk is the highest among these Tonks. While one sees all around standing from here the scene is highly agreeable, can’t be expressed in words, heart gets filled with joy and cheer.
From here Ajay River in north and Damodar River in South may be seen. In such delightful natural scenery mind automatically gets expressed in meditation worship and hymn. After reaching here all pilgrims do worship of Teerthankaras.
Scource jainpuja.com
