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.
Description in Ethics: According to Jain Texts Ist Teerthankara Bhagwan
Adinath (Rishabhdev) attained salvation from Kailash Parvat, 12th Teerthankaras Bhagwan Vasupujya
from Champapuri, 22nd Teerthankara Bhagwan Neminath from Girnar Parvat, and last
24th Teerthankara Bhagwan Mahaveer from Pavapuri, remaining
twenty (20) Teerthankaras attained salvation from Sammed Shikharji.
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).
(15) 17th Teerthankara Shri Kunthu Jina attained salvation from Sammed Shikhar on the day of
Vaishakh Shukla – 1 in the evening during the presence of his Janma Nakshatra
with 1000 munies. That particular place was named ‘Gyandhara Koot’.
(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.
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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.
Terapanthi Kothi
In this Kothi there are five compounds and five Dharamshalas and so many
gateways. In the second compound of Dharamshala a huge and magnificent temple
‘Chandraprabhu Jinalaya’ is existing, which was constructed by Lala Sohan Lalji
Kolkatawala. Sanctum of this temple is based on four pillars, spacious and
artistic, art of sanctum shows the proficiency of artists. In the centre of
sanctum, in a high and beautiful alter Bhagwan Chandraprabhu’s magnificent white
padmasana idol, about 5 ft in height is installed as principal deity. There is a
Sabhamandapa ahead of Sanctum and a compound surrounding the temple. There are
three gateways in three directions of the temple to enter. These gateways are
similar to Sanchi’s gateways. A beautiful flower garden is developed around the
temple.
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.
Preparing for Pilgrimage
There are two ways for adoration of Sammed Shikhar Hill, one from Neemiaghat and
another from the side of Madhuvan. Second is most popular. Distance of total
pilgrimage is about 18 miles i.e. 30 Kms, so preparation for pilgrimage is
necessary.
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.
Returning from adoration of hill
At the return journey from Parshvanath Tonk, it is very easy due to descendence
and ways are in good condition, this time stick is very helpful. Below, at some
distance near Gandharva Nala, refreshment is made available by Beespanthi and
Terapanthi Kothi here. After taking some refreshment, one must return to his
Dharamshala. Maximum of pilgrims do adoration of Shikharji three times, some of
them also have a round of hill that is about 30 miles.
Chopada Kund, Digambar Jain Mandir and Dharamshala
On hill at Sammed Shikharji a magnificent temple and vast Dharamshala has been
developed by Shri Digambar Jain Sammedachal Vikas Committee (established in Year
1992)
In the temple attractive idols of Bhagwan Parshvanath, Chandraprabh & Bhagwan
Bahubali are installed. |
