If you are a Jain or someone who wants to learn about the most important pilgrimage in Jainism, then Sammed Shikharji Yatra is the name you must know. This holy place is located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. It sits on the Parasnath Hill, which is the highest peak in Jharkhand at about 1,350 metres. For Jains all over the world, this place is not just a hill — it is the most sacred land on earth.
The reason why Sammed Shikharji Yatra holds such deep value is simple. A total of 20 Tirthankaras (holy teachers in Jainism) attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) from this very hill. That is why every Jain wishes to complete this yatra at least once in their lifetime. The trek covers around 27 kilometres and pilgrims walk through forests, small streams, and stone paths to reach each tirtha on the hill.
Let us now look at all 20 Tirthas that every pilgrim must know before starting their Sammed Shikharji Yatra.
The 20 Tirthas on Sammed Shikharji
1. Shri Adinath Bhagwan Tirth (Rishabhadev)
This is dedicated to the first Tirthankara of Jainism. He is the founder of the Jain way of life. Devotees offer prayers here with great respect and devotion.
2. Shri Ajitnath Bhagwan Tirth
The second Tirthankara, Ajitnath, is worshipped at this spot. Pilgrims believe that praying here removes all past sins.
3. Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan Tirth
This tirtha is dedicated to the third Tirthankara. It is a peaceful spot on the hill where pilgrims stop and meditate.
4. Shri Abhinandannath Bhagwan Tirth
The fourth Tirthankara is remembered here. This is one of the smaller tirthas but holds equal religious importance.
5. Shri Sumatinath Bhagwan Tirth
Sumatinath is the fifth Tirthankara. His tirtha reminds pilgrims to walk the path of right knowledge and right conduct.
6. Shri Padmaprabhu Bhagwan Tirth
This is the tirtha of the sixth Tirthankara. The name Padmaprabhu means "one who glows like a lotus." Many pilgrims feel calm and peaceful at this spot.
7. Shri Suparshvanath Bhagwan Tirth
The seventh Tirthankara is honoured here. This is one of the tirthas where pilgrims spend more time in prayer and rest.
8. Shri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan Tirth
This tirtha is for the eighth Tirthankara. Chandraprabhu means "one who shines like the moon." Devotees light lamps and offer flowers here.
9. Shri Pushpadanta Bhagwan Tirth
The ninth Tirthankara is worshipped at this spot. It is said that those who pray here with a pure heart receive blessings for a peaceful life.
10. Shri Sheetalnath Bhagwan Tirth
This is the tirtha of the tenth Tirthankara. The name means "one who is cool and calm." Many pilgrims feel a sense of inner quiet when they visit this place.
11. Shri Shreyanshnath Bhagwan Tirth
The eleventh Tirthankara is honoured here. Pilgrims stop and chant prayers before moving ahead on the trek.
12. Shri Vasupujya Bhagwan Tirth
This tirtha belongs to the twelfth Tirthankara. It is a well-known stop on the Sammed Shikharji Yatra route and draws many devotees.
13. Shri Vimalnath Bhagwan Tirth
The thirteenth Tirthankara is remembered here. Vimalnath means "the pure lord." Devotees meditate and pray for purity of mind and soul.
14. Shri Anantnath Bhagwan Tirth
This is the tirtha of the fourteenth Tirthankara. Anantnath means "the endless one." Pilgrims believe visiting this tirtha brings endless peace and good fortune.
15. Shri Dharmanath Bhagwan Tirth
The fifteenth Tirthankara is worshipped here. The name means "the lord of dharma." This is considered one of the key stops during the Sammed Shikharji Yatra.
16. Shri Shantinath Bhagwan Tirth
This tirtha is for the sixteenth Tirthankara. Shantinath means "lord of peace." Pilgrims feel a deep sense of stillness when they pray here.
17. Shri Kunthunath Bhagwan Tirth
The seventeenth Tirthankara is honoured at this place. It is a quiet spot and pilgrims often sit here for some time before continuing.
18. Shri Arahnath Bhagwan Tirth
This is the tirtha of the eighteenth Tirthankara. Devotees offer special prayers here during the yatra.
19. Shri Mallinath Bhagwan Tirth
The nineteenth Tirthankara is worshipped here. Mallinath is unique as some Jain sects believe Mallinath was a female Tirthankara. This tirtha is visited with great respect.
20. Shri Munisuvrat Bhagwan Tirth
This is the tirtha of the twentieth Tirthankara. It is one of the final stops near the top of the hill and pilgrims feel a deep sense of completion when they reach here.
Important Tips for Sammed Shikharji Yatra
Before you begin the Sammed Shikharji Yatra, here are a few simple things to keep in mind:
- Start early: Most pilgrims begin the trek before sunrise to avoid the heat.
- Wear comfortable footwear: The path has rocky stretches, so good shoes help a lot.
- Carry water and light food: There are some shops on the way but carrying your own water is a good idea.
- Maintain silence and respect: This is a religious place. Keep your voice low and behave with discipline.
- Palki and doli services are available: For elderly pilgrims or those who cannot walk, carrying services are available at a reasonable cost.
- Best time to visit: October to March is the best season for the Sammed Shikharji Yatra. The weather is cool and suitable for trekking.
How to Reach Sammed Shikharji
The nearest railway station is Parasnath Railway Station, which is well connected to major cities like Kolkata, Patna, Delhi, and Mumbai. From the station, local vehicles are available to take pilgrims to the base of the hill at Madhuban, which is the starting point of the yatra.
Final Words
Sammed Shikharji Yatra is not just a physical journey. It is a journey of the soul. When you walk those 27 kilometres and visit all 20 Tirthas, you carry the blessings of 20 Tirthankaras with you. Each tirtha is a reminder to live a simple, honest, and non-violent life — the core message of Jainism.
Whether you are a devoted Jain or a curious traveller, this yatra will leave a deep mark on your heart. Plan your trip, walk with faith, and let the peace of this sacred hill change you from within.