Posted on March 6, 2026 | By Vardhman Vacations, Your Jain Heritage Guide
Nestled in the serene landscapes of New York, Siddhachalam stands as a beacon of Jain spirituality in the West, faithfully recreating the holiest of tirths: Shikharji, the Parasnath Hills where 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras attained moksha. There is no pilgrimage quite like Shikharji—its rugged trails, whispering forests, and sacred footprints (tonks) evoke a profound sense of devotion and introspection. Yet, for many Jains in the diaspora, the journey to Jharkhand’s wilderness poses challenges of distance, safety, and logistics.
Enter Siddhachalam’s visionary replica. In 2009, the ashram commissioned a detailed mapping of Shikharji’s tonks, validated through satellite imagery and field visits, to mirror the sacred layout exactly. This labor of love, inspired by Acharya Sushil Kumarji’s dream of uniting Jains across sects, brings the bhaava (spiritual essence) of teerth yatra to American soil. Future generations can now experience the trail’s transformative power without leaving home.
Today, we’re embarking on a virtual tour through the tonks slideshow, following the suggested trail order. Imagine the crunch of leaves underfoot, the cool mountain air, and the silent reverence as you approach each charan (footprint) replica. Below is an interactive map of the layout—click through in your mind’s eye, or visit Siddhachalam to walk it for real.
This map, overlaid with the tonks’ locations, captures the essence of the 31 sites (including the majestic Jal Mandir). Our trail winds through 26 key tonks, blending Tirthankaras, Ganadharas, and Shashvat Jins. Each tonk features exquisite charan replicas in marble, dedicated during auspicious Veer Samvats, facing the same directions as their originals. Let’s begin the yatra.
The Heart of the Trail: Starting at the Center
1. Shri Gautam Swami (Ganadhara)
At the crossroads where four trails converge, the first tonk rises like a guardian. Dedicated to Mahavira Swami’s chief disciple, Shri Gautam Swami, it boasts a grand dome and faces east, welcoming pilgrims from the Madhuban entrance. Approach via the paved path, and feel the pulse of Shikharji’s spiritual hub.
2. Shri Kunthunath Prabhu (17th Tirthankar)
Just a few steps eastward, the second tonk honors the 17th Tirthankar. Dedicated in Veer Samvat 2295, its black marble charan replicas gleam under the dome. Facing east, it’s a gentle introduction to the trail’s ascent, reminding us of Kunthunath’s triumph over worldly illusions.
3. Shashvat Jin Shri Rishabhanan Prabhu
About 100 yards further east, this smaller tonk commemorates one of the four eternal Tirthankaras. Dedicated between Veer Samvat 2395-2403, it features black marble charans and a distinctive long conical dome topped with a serene face. Facing east, it invites contemplation on Rishabhanan’s primordial wisdom.
4. Shashvat Jin Chandranan Prabhu
Directly opposite the third tonk, across the trail, stands its counterpart for Chandranan Prabhu. Also dedicated in Veer Samvat 2395-2403, the white marble charans rest in a compact structure facing east. A subtle nod to the moon-like (chandra) grace of this Shashvat Jin.
5. Shri Naminath Prabhu (21st Tirthankar)
Climb slightly uphill for 150 yards to reach the fifth tonk. Shri Naminath’s black marble charans, facing south, mark a shift in direction. Here, the trail hints at the steeper paths ahead, echoing Naminath’s bow of humility.
Ascending the Peaks: Uphill Devotion
6. Shri Aranath Prabhu (18th Tirthankar)
The path steepens with steps as you approach the sixth tonk. Dedicated in Veer Samvat 2295, Aranath’s black marble footprints face south, symbolizing the forest (ara) of renunciation where he meditated.
7. Shri Mallinath Prabhu (19th Tirthankar)
Continuing south, the seventh tonk welcomes with Mallinath’s black marble charans, dedicated in Veer Samvat 2295. Known for embodying the “garland of jewels” (mala), this site radiates prosperity through detachment.
8. Shri Shreyansnath Prabhu (11th Tirthankar)
100 yards on, the eighth tonk faces south, its black marble replicas dedicated in Veer Samvat 2295. Shreyansnath’s legacy of auspicious beginnings inspires as the trail climbs higher.
9. Shri Suparsvanath Prabhu (9th Tirthankar) – Note: Text references Suvidhinath, likely a variant
Perched on a challenging peak 200 yards away, this tonk demands effort befitting the 9th Tirthankar’s beautiful parsva (suparsva). White marble charans, dedicated in Veer Samvat 2295, reward the climb with panoramic views.
10. Shri Padmaprabhu (6th Tirthankar)
Descending 100 yards, discover the tenth tonk facing south, with black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295. Flanked by two Dwarpals (guardians), it offers vistas of the distant Jal Mandir and the eastern peaks.
The Eastern Frontier: Peaks and Vistas
11. Shri Munisuvrat Prabhu (20th Tirthankar)
A short downhill leads to this tucked-away tonk, facing south with black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295. Its lower elevation mirrors Munisuvrat’s humble vows, though the 1.5 km trek to the next feels eternal.
12. Shri Chandraprabhu (8th Tirthankar)
The easternmost pinnacle, 1 km away, features a steep 100-step climb to an architectural marvel with a majestic dome. Black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295 face west, offering sweeping views of the western hills and distant 31st tonk.
13. Shri Adinath Prabhu (1st Tirthankar)
Descending toward Jal Mandir (1 km west), this south-facing tonk holds white marble charans dedicated in Veer Samvat 2395-2403. Though Adinath attained moksha elsewhere, playful monkeys may join your darshan here.
14. Shri Anantanath Prabhu (14th Tirthankar)
A rigorous descent and re-climb lead to this peak, where black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295 face south. Anantanath’s infinite (ananta) grace sustains weary yatris.
15. Shri Shitalnath Prabhu (10th Tirthankar)
Nearby on the same hillock, facing east, this tonk unveils southern plains, Giridih, and Jal Mandir views. A cool respite (shital) amid the heat of devotion.
Southern Slopes: Lakes and Legends
16. Shri Sambhavanath Prabhu (3rd Tirthankar)
100 yards downhill, white marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295 face east, celebrating Sambhavanath’s auspicious advent.
17. Shri Vasupujya Prabhu (12th Tirthankar)
Unique with five pairs of white marble charans, this west-facing tonk descends from the previous, enhancing Jal Mandir sightings. Vasupujya’s wealth of virtues shines through.
18. Shri Abhinandan Prabhu (4th Tirthankar)
A slight uphill reveals black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295, facing east. Restored after a 2009 lightning strike, it symbolizes resilience.
19. Shri Shubh Swami Ganadhara
Opposite Jal Mandir, facing west with black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2395-2403, this tonk is guarded by Dwarpals. Shubh Swami’s auspicious guidance feels immediate.
20. Jal Mandir
Not a traditional tonk but the trail’s jewel: an ornate temple in the hills’ lap, surrounded by natural jalkunds (water bodies). Featuring idols of Shamalia Parashavnath, Sambhavnath, and Abhinandan, it’s a symphony of devotion without charans.
(This image captures a similar temple ambiance at Siddhachalam, evoking Jal Mandir’s grandeur.)
Western Winds: Closing the Circle
21. Shri Dharmanath Prabhu (15th Tirthankar)
Near the first tonk’s interchange, facing south with black marble charans, this uphill site embodies dharma’s steadfast path.
22. Shashvat Jin Shri Vardhman Prabhu
Right of the westward trail, this ornate east-facing tonk holds small black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2395-2403. Vardhman’s growth in wisdom adorns its architecture.
23. Shashvat Jin Shri Varishen Prabhu
Leftward counterpart, mirroring the 22nd’s style with black marble charans facing east. Varishen’s supreme (varisha) essence completes the pair.
24. Shri Sumatinath Prabhu (5th Tirthankar)
East-facing black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295 invite good thoughts (sumati) as the trail loops.
25. Shri Shantinath Prabhu (16th Tirthankar)
Ornate with Dwarpals and a domed image, this east-facing tonk’s black marble charans from Veer Samvat 2295 radiate peace (shanti).
26. Shri Mahavir Prabhu (24th Tirthankar)
The trail culminates at this relatively smaller tonk for the 24th and final Tirthankar. Facing east, its black marble charans, dedicated in Veer Samvat 2295, close the circle with Mahavira’s eternal victory over passion—much like completing your own inner yatra.
As the sun sets over these replicated peaks, reflect on Shikharji’s message: renunciation leads to liberation. Siddhachalam’s tonks aren’t mere stone; they’re portals to moksha. Plan your visit soon—the trails await. Jai Jinendra!
