Shri Sammed Shikharji is the most important of the Jain pilgrimages. The main temple is located on the top of Parasnath Hill, the highest point in the state of Jharkhand. There are a total of eight hills here, on which numerous Digambar and Shwetambar temples and along the trek route to Shikharji are located.
There are 30 tonnes at various distances on the way up. A Tonk is a temple that was built in a place where a saint (Siddh) meditated and achieved Moksha.
Shikharji
Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji is a very holy and revered pilgrimage site of Jainism. Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji is the pilgrimage site where 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism attained salvation (Moksha).
As you know, Shri Sammed Shikhar ji is in the news these days, and the reason for this is the government’s decision to make this place a tourist destination.
On the same path, 13 other temples are located each temple has a beautiful Sikhar. The details of each temple are given below.
| Temple Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Shri Shantinath Jinalaya | A 15-inch-high attractive idol of Bhagwan Shantinath is installed here. |
| Shri Samavsharan Mandir | A 15-inch-high, attractive idol of Bhagwan Shantinath is installed here. |
| Shri Neminath Chaityalaya | Bhagwan Pushpadanta’s magnificent white idol in padmasana posture, 3’3 in height, is installed as a principal deity. |
| Shri Pushpadanta Jinalaya | Bhagwan Pushpadanta’s magnificent white idol in padmasana posture, 3’3 in height, is installed as the principal deity. |
| Ajitnath Temple | A 2-foot-high padmasana idol of Bhagwan Ajitnath is installed as the principal deity. |
| Parshvanath Mandir | Chinatmani Parshvanath’s black-coloured idol in padmasana posture, 6 feet in height, is installed. |
| Pravesh Mandapa | At this temple, an octagonal Mandapa is located. In this Mandapa, four platforms, 52 Jinalayas and an attractive, artful creation of Panchameru exist. |
| Shantinath Jinalaya | Bhagwan Shantinath’s 3-foot-high white padmasana idol is installed with many other beautiful idols. |
| Neminath Jinalaya | Bhagwan Neminath’s beautiful black padmasana idol is installed as a principal deity. |
| Saraswati Bhawan | A big library is near the temple. |
| Chandraprabhu Jinalaya | A 1-foot-high idol of Bhagwan Chandraprabhu is installed as the principal deity. |
| Mahaveer Jinalaya | A 7.5-foot-high-standing idol of Bhagwan Mahaveer is installed, which is very attractive and magnificent. |
| Shastrakoot Chaityalaya | This beautiful 4-foot-tall marble Chaityalaya is in this temple. |
Shikharji Yatra
Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji’s mountain journey is a total of 27 km, which includes 9 km of climbing, 9 km of going down and 9 km of mountain worship. Every day, 12,000 steps are required to cover a 27-kilometer yatra.
If you want to climb the mountain, it is between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. People can easily climb here, even at night.
It will take you 12 hours to complete the entire journey up the mountain. But there are no options for you to stop. Hence, people start worshipping the mountain here at night so that they can come down in the morning or afternoon.
You can enjoy the sunset if you reach the mountain early and you will surely love the morning sunshine on the mountain above the clouds. Many people on the way offer lemon water; you will probably need it more while climbing.
On the way, you will also find tea and biscuit shops, reducing your tiredness. Remember that you should keep things with you while packing, like a small torch, socks, etc.
Shikharji Temple Yatra Details
| Shikharji Temple | Details |
|---|---|
| Sammed Shikharji | Parasnath Hills, Madhuban, Giridih, Jharkhand |
| Shikharji Yatra km | 27 km |
| The nearest airport to Sammed Shikharji | Ranchi: 165 km, Patna: 277 km and Kolkata: 316 km |
| Sammed Shikharji Steps | Take 12,000 steps per day to cover a distance of 27 kilometres. |
| The Best Time to Visit | December to August |
| Sammed Shikharji Helicopter Price | Rs. 2500 |
| Shikharji Height | 4769 feet |
| Shikharji Height in km | 200 square km. |
Tips For Successful Shikharji Yatra
- Keep yourself getting enough rest the day before. Massage with oil has several advantages.
- Prepare Doli(s) for the children or elders the day before.
- Wear comfortable footwear. Do not wear new shoes.
- In the summer, lemon or glucose-infused water is beneficial. Water is available for purchase throughout the route.
- Bring an umbrella or a raincoat in case of sudden changes in the weather on the hilltop.
- Especially in the summer, protect yourself from the heating sun by carrying a hat or sun protection.
- Keep some simple headache and body ache medications available. Apply a bandage to any difficulties.
- Walking Stick has many advantages.
- Always keep an LED lamp or flashlight with you.
- At Jal Mandir, proper clothing is also required for puja.
Sammed Shikharji Helicopter Booking
Under the UDAN scheme, 50 percent of seat bookings are based on a first-come, first-served basis. The price of a helicopter booking is Rs. 2500.
Best Time to Visit Sammed Shikharji
The best time to visit Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji is in the winter because during this time you can climb comfortably.
In summer, people’s conditions become worse due to strong sunlight. It is a bit difficult to climb during the rainy season because the path becomes slippery.
Take out 3 to 4 days to visit Shri Sammed Shikhar Ji, so that you can also visit nearby temples comfortably.
Download the YatraDham.Org app available on the Play Store and plan your Sammed Shikharji Yatra.
The Peak of Concentration of Shri Sammed Shikharji
Sammed Shikharji, when translated, means ‘highly revered peak of concentration’. This name comes from the fact that 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras achieved the highest position of Moksha at this place.
The name Parasnath comes from the 23rd Tirthankara Shri Parshvanath, one of the twenty who achieved Moksha. Shri Sammed Shikharji has been declared an official place of worship by the government of Jharkhand.
Madhuban is the starting point of the Shri Sammed Shikharji Yatra
Madhuban is located at the base of the Parasnath hills. There are many temples here, including Bhomiyaji Mandir. The trek to Shikharji starts from here. Palanquin services are available.
The trek is 27 km if all the tonks are covered. The distance to Shikharji directly is 9 km. Along the route are twenty-four temples, dedicated to each of the Tirthankaras.
On the trek route, the part from Gandharva Stream to the top is considered to be the most sacred by devotees. Another option is the entire Parikrama of the hills, which is 54 km long. The route of this parikrama is through forest trails.
How to Reach Shri Sammed Shikarji (Madhuban)
By Train
The nearest railway station to Shri Sammed is in Isri, which is known as Parasnath Station. 23 km from Shri Sammed Peak is situated.
By Air
To travel by flight, the nearest airports to you would be Ranchi at 165 km, Patna at 277 km and Kolkata at 316 km.
By Road
If you prefer to travel by road, buses also operate from Parasnath Bus Station, which is 20 km away, making it convenient for you to reach them easily.
Best Accommodation Options in Shri Sammed Shikharji (Madhuban)
There are many Dharamshalas to stay in Madhuban. Some of the better options are
- Shree Dharm Mangal Jain Vidyapith
- Vimal Bhavan Stay
- Taran Bhavan
- Gulab Mansion Stay
- Uttar Pradesh Prakash Bhavan
- Shri Digambar Lavenchoo Maitriy Bhavan
- Nirmala Niwas
All these accommodation options are available on YatraDham.org. You can easily book it online before your trip.
Shikharji Jain Tirth Distance
| City | Distance |
|---|---|
| Giridih | 37 km |
| Dhanbad | 54 km |
| Deoghar | 98 km |
| Jamshedpur | 185 km |
| Kolkata | 319 km |
Shikharji Nearby Religious Attractions
There are many popular places in Madhuban you must visit during your trip to Shikharji.
- Bhomyaji Temple
- Jain Museum
- Shri Digambar Jain Madhyalok Research Centre
- Shri Parshwa Kalyan Kendra
- Terapanth Kothi
- Kachchhi Bhawan
- Beespanthi Kothi
- Terapanthi Kothi
