The Oldest Known Religious Pilgrimage Site: Sammed Shikharji in India

Sammed Shikharji, a prominent Jain pilgrimage site nestled in the Maithani Forest Range of Jharkhand, India, is believed to be the oldest known religious pilgrimage site to humans. Its significance and historical importance are deeply rooted in the beliefs and culture of the Jain community.

Understanding the Cultural and Religious Significance

Jains believe in the concept of Kala-chakras, which refers to extremely long cycles of time. According to this belief, during the current Kala-chakra, which is thought to have begun thousands of years prior to the known ancient period, 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers in Jainism) attained Moksha (liberation) from this site. This makes Sammed Shikharji not only a significant pilgrimage site but also a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance.

Hindu Pilgrimage Cities: An Open Question

The ancient Indian subcontinent is home to numerous incredibly old pilgrimage sites, but determining the exact age and precedence among them is subject to much scholarly debate. Four of these sites—Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram—are often considered the oldest known Hindu pilgrimage cities. Each of these sites is steeped in ancient tradition and has been integral to the spiritual practices of Hinduism for thousands of years.

When comparing these sites to ancient pilgrimage destinations such as Jerusalem, a site that dates back to the time of King David around -11th century, the answer to which is the oldest remains unclear. The dating methods used to determine the age of these sites are limited due to the lack of reliable archaeological evidence in ancient India. This has led to ongoing discussions and debates among historians and archaeologists.

Sammed Shikharji: A Unique Pilgrimage Site

Unlike the Hindu pilgrimage cities, Sammed Shikharji is a uniquely Jain pilgrimage site. It is a limestone hill divided into five separate caves on the peak of the hill, believed to have been present since the beginning of time. These caves are named after the 24 Tirthankaras, who are revered as spiritual leaders in Jainism. The site is particularly significant to Jains because it is believed to be where 19 out of 24 Tirthankaras attained Moksha, making it the most important pilgrimage site for Jains.

The location of Sammed Shikharji is particularly conducive to meditation and contemplation. The serene environment, untouched by the fast-paced modern world, allows pilgrims to connect deeply with their spiritual beliefs and practices. The caves are believed to have healing and spiritual properties, and many pilgrims come to Sammed Shikharji to seek enlightenment and inner peace.

Preservation and Tourism

Efforts to preserve Sammed Shikharji as a sacred site have been ongoing. The Jains recognize the importance of this site not just for spiritual reasons but also for its historical significance. Recent efforts have included improvements in infrastructure to facilitate tourism while ensuring that the environment and sacred nature of the site remain intact.

The site attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, both Jains and non-Jains interested in spiritual practices and cultural heritage. The caretakers of the site work tirelessly to maintain traditions and practices specific to Sammed Shikharji. This includes keeping the five caves and the surrounding area clean and preserving the natural beauty that is integral to the pilgrimage.

Conclusion

While the oldest religious pilgrimage site in ancient India remains a subject of debate among scholars, Sammed Shikharji in Jharkhand stands as a testament to the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India. Its significance is not confined to Jains but resonates with spiritual seekers and historians alike. Whether it is the oldest site or not, its historical and spiritual importance cannot be disputed, highlighting the profound legacy of such pilgrimage sites in the history of human civilization.