Sammed Shikharji – The Crown of Jain Pilgrimage

Location of Shikharji

Shikharji, also known as Sammed Shikharji, is located on the sacred Parasnath Hill in Giridih district, Jharkhand, India. Rising as the highest mountain in Jharkhand, this hill has become synonymous with the Jain faith and devotion. It is not just a place of worship but a spiritual destination where history, faith, and nature meet.

Significance of Shikharji in Jainism

Shikharji is revered as the holiest Jain pilgrimage site. The reason for its unparalleled significance lies in the fact that 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, including Bhagwan Parshvanatha (23rd Tirthankara), along with countless monks and saints, are believed to have attained moksha (liberation) here.

Because of this, Shikharji is regarded as the most important Jain Tirtha by both Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects, uniting the Jain community in shared reverence. It is also counted among the Śvētāmbara Pancha Tirth (five principal pilgrimage shrines), along with:

• Ashtapad
• Girnar
• Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu
• Shatrunjaya (Palitana)

For Jains, visiting Shikharji is not just a journey but a step towards spiritual elevation.

Geography & Pilgrimage Experience

Shikharji is located on Parasnath Hill, which stands tall at about 1,350 meters (4,429 ft). The sacred trek to the summit is a test of both physical endurance and spiritual faith.

• The pilgrimage involves climbing 7,200 stone steps, a journey that usually takes 4 to 6 hours depending on pace and devotion.
  

• Many devotees perform the parikrama (circumambulation) of the hill, visiting several tonks (shrines) along the way, each marking the site of a Tirthankara’s liberation.
  

• The trek is not easy; in fact, some visitors who come just for “sightseeing” often underestimate the effort and find themselves regretting the climb. But for true devotees, every step feels like walking closer to moksha.
  

The natural beauty of the hill—lush greenery, fresh air, and serene silence—adds to the meditative spirit of the yatra.

Spiritual Importance of Shikharji

Shikharji represents the pinnacle of spiritual victory in Jainism. It is where worldly attachments were shed by multiple Tirthankaras, and eternal liberation was achieved. For Jain devotees, this site is not only a reminder of the ultimate goal of moksha, but also an inspiration to walk the path of discipline, compassion, and self-realization.

Performing the pilgrimage is believed to cleanse the soul of karmic impurities and strengthen one’s faith in the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-possession), and samyak darshan (right faith).

Major Attractions at Shikharji

• Tonks (Shrines) – Small shrines dotting the pilgrimage path, each dedicated to one of the 20 Tirthankaras who attained moksha here.
• Parasnath Temple – A revered shrine dedicated to Bhagwan Parshvanatha.
• Pilgrimage Path – The journey itself is the attraction, filled with chants, devotion, and breathtaking views of the hills and valleys.
• Meditation Points – Along the way, many devotees pause at serene spots to reflect and meditate.

Hidden Fact About Shikharji

🔎 Hidden Fact: While Shikharji is universally known as the place of liberation for 20 Tirthankaras, a lesser-known fact is that the name “Sammed Shikharji” itself means the “peak of concentration (samadhi)”. It is believed that every inch of this hill is charged with the powerful vibrations of meditation from countless monks and saints who performed austerities here. Some Jain scriptures even mention that not just Tirthankaras, but thousands of ascetics attained keval gyaan (omniscience) on this hill, making it a land overflowing with spiritual energy.

Why Every Jain Should Visit Shikharji

Visiting Shikharji is considered a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. The climb tests the body, but more importantly, it purifies the mind and soul. Devotees often describe the experience as transformative—a reminder of life’s true purpose and the eternal quest for liberation.

Shikharji is not just a hill; it is a pathway to moksha, where devotion meets determination, and faith meets freedom.

Shikharji (Sammed Shikharji) remains the spiritual crown of Jainism, a pilgrimage where every step is a prayer, every breath is meditation, and every view reminds us of the ultimate goal—liberation of the soul.

Dharamshalas:

• Uttar Pradesh Prakash Bhavan: A known dharamshala in the Shikharji area, according to Youtube.
  

• Avlani Bhavan: Offers rooms and can be booked through YatraDham.Org. 

• Tamilnadu Jain Bhavan: Provides rooms, which can be booked through YatraDham.Org. 

• Satkar Bhawan: Another dharamshala available for booking on YatraDham.Org. 

• Siddhayatan Charitable Spiritual Home: This dharamshala is also available for booking on YatraDham.Org.

How to Find and Book: 

1. Visit YatraDham.Org:
   This website lists and allows you to book rooms at various dharamshalas in Shikharji.
2. Select Shikharji:
   On the website, you can choose Shikharji or Madhuban as your destination to find available accommodations.