Mulnayak: Nearly 79 cms. high, black-coloured idol of Bhagwan Sammetshikar Parshvanath also known as Shamaliya Parshvanath in the Padmasana posture. There is an umbrella of 9 hoods over the head of the idol.

 

Tirth: It is on the Sammetshikar hill also known as Parshvanath hill near Madhubani at a height of 4481 feet from the sea-level.

 

Historicity: The history of this tirth is very ancient. This paramount tirth was known by the names – Samedgiri, Samadhigiri, Mallparbat, Shikarji etc.  At present, it is known as Sammetshikarji. This is the Nirvan Bhoomi of 20 Tirthankaras of the present set of 24 Thirthankaras (excluding Adinathji, Vasupujyaswami, Neminath Bhagwan and Mahaveer Swami). So, this holy land has become a very prominent Tirth of all sects of Jains. Since it was the land of penance and nirvana of many Tirthankaras and Sadhus, every particle of this land is holy and the atmosphere here is spiritual and one feels at peace here. A touch of this land purifies the human birth. A pilgrimage to this sacred place removes trouble, adds to religious merits (punya) and destroys bad karma of devotees. In V.S.1345, Veerchand, son of Sharandev, along with his family, got the idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath installed by the revered hands of Acharya Parmanandsuriji. In V.S.1679, Sheth Kurpal and Sheth Sonpal of Agra, came on a pilgrimage to Shikarji along with the Jain Sangh. There are 31 Toonks on this hill. In all the Toonks except the 18th Toonk there are idols of the foot – prints of Bhagwan who attained nirvana here, Gautam Gandhar etc. In the 18th toonk is the temple of Shamaliya Parshvanath Bhagwan. This is the only temple on the entire hill where the idols of the Tirthankars are auspiciously present. On the three sides of the temple there are natural ‘Jalkunds’ (ponds) . Therefore, it is called ‘Jal Mandir’. The dignified solemn idol of Lord Shamaliya Parshvanath was majestically installed in the temple and the principal deity spontaneously soaks the heart with a sense of devotion. The 31st toonk is known as “Meghadambar toonk”  from where Bhagwan Parshvanath attained Moksha. Here, a two – storey temple is built and the foot-idols of Bhagwan Parshvanath are installed on the stone-slab from where he attained the final liberation. This is the highest toonk on the highest hill. There are 80 upward steps leading to the Jain temple. The present idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath was made by Shravak Shri Khushalchand and the idol was installed by the revered hands of Acharya Shri Sakalsuriji in V.S.1822.

 

As the name suggests, Madhubani, the foot of the hill is really a beautiful forest surrounded by hills, trees, gardens and natural beauty. There is temple of Bhomiyadev here. The idol of Bhomiyaji is splendid, very impressive, influential and miraculous. It is believed that the Yatra should be started from here by offering prayers to Bhomiyaji first. This wakeful idol protects the devoted pilgrims who pray to it from any obstacles that come in the way of their journey to the hill and back.  The ascent of six miles, six miles of round journey for seeing the Toonks and descent of six miles make a journey of 18 miles. For a pilgrim, it is desirable to keep a torch and a walking stick with him. It is convenient to climb by the way of the Jalmandir and descend by the way of the toonk of Bhagwan Parshvanath..

Other Temples: All the Toonks and temples on the hill are described in history. In Madhuban, at the foot of the hill, there are 8 temples, 2 Dadawadis and the temple of Bhomiyaji Maharaja. Besides, there are 8 temples of Digambar Vispanthis and 9 temples of Digambar Terapanthis.

 

Works of art and Sculpture: The scene on the hill is serene, beautiful, delightful, and suitable for meditation. From the hill, the group of peaks of the temples below look like a divine city. Every temple has a distinct and handsome building style and the artistry of all temples of Madhuban are beautiful and spectacular. The natural beauty of the hill is delightful and beyond description.
Jain Museum: This is the most important place which should be visited to have knowledge of Jainism. The Museum has been built by Shree Jityasha Foundation, Kolkata, under the guidance of Ganivar Shri Mahimaprabhsagarji. On the first floor of the museum many articles related to Jainism have been collected. In front of the sprawling hall, the most majestic 6 feet high idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath in the meditation posture is auspiciously seated. All around on the walls there is an exhibition of pictures depicting Jain architecture. In the whole of India, this is the only museum, which contains a collection of all the postage stamps issued on Jainism. On the first floor itself there is a collection of ancient art-pieces made of ivory and sandalwood. On the second floor of the museum, 50 scenes depicting special sequence of events of Jainism have been shown. The depictions are so lively that you will be enchanted.

Guidelines: The nearest railway station of Giridih is at a distance of nearly 25 kms. from Madhubani at the foot of the hill. Bus service and private vehicles are available. One can climb the hill on foot or in a swinging cot. There are Shwetambar and Digambar dharmashalas. There are good Bhojanshalas too. On the hill, there is an arrangement for supplying bathing water. Weather on the Parasnath Hills can change suddenly. It may be nice and sunny at Madhuban but it may be raining up in the hills. So, always be prepared for extreme weather up in the hills.

Scripture: This influential, glorious, captivating and incomparable Tirth is mentioned in many ancient scriptures.  Acharya Padaliptsuriji, who was a very learned person, used to come on a pilgrimage to this holy place daily by “Akashgamini Vidhya”. Acharya Bappabhatsurishvarji also used to come on a pilgrimage to this holy Tirth always by “Akashgamini Vidhya”. A mention of this Tirth is made in “Vandaruvrithi”, in “Sammetshikar Raas”, in “Purvadesia Chaitya Paripati”, in “Shri Sammetshikar Tirthmala”, in “Shri Parshvanath Chaitya Paripati” etc. An idol of Sammetshikar or Shamaliya Parshvanath is there in Kareda Tirth and in Jiravala tirth. A beautiful temple of Bhomiyaji Dev is there in Krishnagiri Tirth in Tamil Nadu.

Trust: Shri Sammetshikar Parshvanath ShwetambarJain Tirth,  Village: Madhuban, Post: Shikarji – 825 329, District:Giridih, State: Jharkhand, India.  Phone: 06558-232226,  06558-232260.