Nestled in the lush Parasnath Hills of Giridih, Jharkhand, Shri Shikharji (also known as Sammed Shikhar) stands as the pinnacle of Jain pilgrimage sites. Revered as the place where twenty of the twenty-four Tirthankars of the current avasarpini era attained moksha (liberation), this sacred mountain exudes an aura of profound spirituality and historical significance. Imagine a landscape where ancient enlightenment echoes through the hills—Shikharji is not just a destination; it’s a living testament to Jain philosophy, drawing devotees from around the world to walk in the footsteps of enlightened souls.
What makes Shikharji truly unique are its 30 Tonks—small shrines or memorials marking the spots where these spiritual giants achieved nirvana or are commemorated. These Tonks, along with the Jal Mandir, form the heart of the pilgrimage. Unlike traditional temples with idols, the Tonks feature replicas of the Tirthankars’ charan (footprints), emphasizing simplicity and devotion. No daily puja or aarti is performed here, preserving the serene, meditative atmosphere. The Tonks honor 24 Tirthankars from the current era, 4 Shashvat (eternal) Tirthankars, and 2 Ganadhars (chief disciples), totaling 30 sacred sites.
The Spiritual Significance of Shikharji
Shikharji’s holiness is unparalleled in Jainism. While a single auspicious event can transform a place into a teerth, Shikharji boasts twenty such moments of nirvana, making it a “summit” of enlightenment. As the site where the inextinguishable light of moksha was lit by countless siddhas, it vibrates with an awakened energy that has endured for millennia. Though the first nirvana occurred at Ashtapad (now invisible to us), Shikharji remains the accessible beacon of liberation. Pilgrims often describe the air here as charged with holiness, a place where every step deepens one’s spiritual journey.
The twenty Tirthankars who attained nirvana at Shikharji are: Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandan Prabhu, Sumatinath, Padmprabhu, Suparshwanath, Chandraprabhu, Suvidhinath, Sheetalnath, Shreyansnath, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Arnath, Mallinath, Munisuvrat Swami, Neminath, and Parshwanath. Notably, four Tirthankars—Adinath Prabhu, Vasupujya Prabhu, Neminath, and Mahavir Prabhu—did not attain nirvana here but are still honored with Tonks.
A Closer Look at the 30 Tonks
The Tonks are spread across eight hills, covering about 4 km horizontally and requiring a total foot journey of around 9 km to visit all 30 plus the Jal Mandir. Pilgrims typically start from Madhuban on the north side, ascending to Tonk #1 at the center. From there, the path branches east to Tonks 2-20 (including Jal Mandir as #20) and west to Tonks 21-31. The easternmost is Tonk #12, while Tonk #31 (dedicated to Parshwanath) is the westernmost.
While not all Tonks are individually detailed, here are some highlighted ones:
- Tonk #1: Shri Gautam Swami – Mahavir Swami’s chief disciple (Ganadhar).
- Tonk #3: Shri Rishabhnan Prabhu – One of the Shashvat Tirthankars.
- Tonk #4: Shri Chandranan Prabhu – Another Shashvat Tirthankar.
- Tonk #19: Shri Shubh Swami – Parshwanath Swami’s Ganadhar.
- Tonk #22: Shri Vardhman Prabhu – Shashvat Tirthankar.
- Tonk #23: Shri Varishen Prabhu – Shashvat Tirthankar.
The Tonks of the twenty Tirthankars who attained nirvana were dedicated in 1768 A.D., while those of the remaining four and the Shashvat ones date to 1868-1875 A.D. This historical layering adds to the site’s timeless appeal.
Planning Your Pilgrimage
Embarking on the Shikharji yatra is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding. The common trail starts at Tonk #1, heads east to #12, then west to Jal Mandir (#20), and continues to #31 before descending via the Dak Bunglow trail. Prepare for a trek through verdant hills, misty paths, and moments of quiet reflection. Whether you’re a devout Jain or a curious traveler, Shikharji offers a profound connection to ancient wisdom.
In a world rushing toward modernity, places like Shikharji remind us of the enduring power of spiritual pursuit. If you’re inspired to visit, remember: the true journey is inward, guided by the lights of nirvana that still shine brightly on these sacred peaks.
