Shri Sammed Shikharji Jain Temple- Jharkhand

Address

Shri Sammed Shikharji Jain Temple- Shikhir ji, Giridih district, Jharkhand 825329

Deity

Tirthankaras

Introduction

The Sammed Shikharji Temple, also known as Parasnath Hill, is located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. This sacred Jain pilgrimage site stands atop Parasnath Hill, the highest peak in Jharkhand at an elevation of 1,366 meters. The temple is a relatively new structure, with some parts dating back to the 18th century, while the idol housed within is ancient. Sanskrit inscriptions at the base of the idol date back to 1678 AD, emphasizing its historical and spiritual significance.

Puranic Significance

Sammed Shikharji, meaning the “Peak of Concentration”, holds unparalleled significance in Jainism, as 20 out of the 24 Tirthankaras attained Nirvana here. This makes it one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Jains.

Surrounded by the lush Madhuvan Forest, the site is a serene haven for meditation and devotion. Historical Jain texts highlight this hill as a sacred place of meditation. Renovations between 1925 and 1933 added smaller temples dedicated to revered Tirthankaras such as Lord Adinath, Lord Vasupujya, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir, and others.

The site is also associated with Jain Acharya Parsva, whose works from the 12th century reference the spiritual significance of Parasnath Hill.

Special Features

At Sammed Shikharji, the following 20 Tirthankaras are believed to have attained Nirvana:

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 Parshvanath Ji

The ancient statues of these Tirthankaras, some dating back to 1678, are housed within the temple complex.

Festivals

The region holds significance not only for Jains but also for the Santhal tribal community, who regard Parasnath Hill as their deity, referred to as “Marang Buru” or the Hill God.

Each year during the full moon in Baisakh (mid-April), the Santhal community from Hazaribagh, Manbhum, Bankura, and Santhal Parganas gather for a three-day festival. This event involves traditional rituals and a ceremonial hunt, blending spiritual devotion with cultural practices.