Sammed Shikharji is the most important holy place for the followers of the Jain religion. Located on the Parasnath Hill in the state of Jharkhand, India, it is a site of huge spiritual importance. The journey, or 'Yatra,' to this sacred hill is something that every Jain hopes to do at least once in their life.
The Peak of Liberation
The main reason Sammed Shikharji is so special is that 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras—the supreme spiritual teachers—are believed to have achieved Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) here. The name "Sammed Shikhar" itself means the 'Peak of Concentration,' referring to the deep meditation and penance these Tirthankaras performed.
The hill is named Parasnath after the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha, who was one of the last spiritual leaders to attain liberation on this very peak. When Jains go on the Yatra, they are literally walking the same path where their revered teachers gained salvation. This makes the whole mountain a deeply respected place of worship.
The Pilgrimage Route
The pilgrimage begins at the base of the hill, in a town called Madhuban. From here, pilgrims start the tough climb to the top. The complete journey, which involves going up the hill, visiting all the main shrines on the hilltop, and coming back down, is about 27 kilometers (around 16.7 miles) long.
The route is mostly a paved track, but it involves walking for many hours, often starting early in the morning, even before sunrise, to finish the journey and return by the evening. The path is challenging, representing the difficulty of achieving true spiritual growth. Along the way, pilgrims stop at many small shrines called Tonks. Each Tonk marks the exact spot where a Tirthankara or other esteemed saint attained Moksha.
The central part of the worship is performing the Parikrama (circumambulation) of the peak, visiting all these Tonks. Devotees do not worship idols here; instead, they worship the footprints of the Tirthankaras, which are installed in the shrines.
The Spiritual Experience
The Sammed Shikharji Yatra is not just a hike; it is a profound spiritual exercise. The act of walking for so long, often with little rest and while staying quiet or chanting prayers, is seen as a way to purify the soul. It is a time for self-reflection and strengthening one's faith in the principles of Jainism, such as non-violence and detachment from the material world.
The serene and natural beauty of the Parasnath Hill adds to the peaceful atmosphere. For the Jain community, this journey connects them directly to the ultimate goal of their religion: the liberation of the soul.
Conclusion
In short, the Sammed Shikharji Yatra is more than just a religious trip; it is a life-changing spiritual marathon. It honors the history of the Jain faith and provides a deep personal experience for the pilgrims. Walking on the path of the Tirthankaras, facing the physical challenge, and keeping a focus on devotion makes this journey a central pillar of Jain practice. It reinforces their commitment to a life of non-violence, sacrifice, and the ultimate pursuit of liberation. The Yatra is a demanding but rewarding journey that reinforces the core beliefs of Jainism.
