The Jain community has been expressing dissatisfaction over the recent decisions and actions pertaining to two of their sacred sites, namely Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath hill in Jharkhand and Shatrunjaya hill in Palitana, Gujarat. The unease is primarily due to a lack of consultation with members of the Jain community on key issues affecting the sanctity and preservation of these sites.
Parasnath Hills: A Major Jain Pilgrimage Centre
The Parasnath Hills are situated in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, with their highest peak scaling 1350 meters. This range of hills, referred to as Sammed Sikhar by the Jains, holds significant religious value for them. It is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara (a spiritual teacher) of Jainism. This site is believed to be where 20 of the Jain Tirthankaras attained spiritual liberation, or moksha.
Various shrines or ‘gumtis’ have been erected there in their honour, some of which are estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Besides being a spiritual hub for Jains, the local tribe of Santhals refer to it as Marang Buru, the deity’s hill, and commemorate it with a hunting festival during the full moon in the month of Baisakh (mid-April).
Every year, numerous Jain devotees embark on a 27 km trek up the hills to reach the summit as part of their pilgrimage. However, concerns have arisen due to the hills being designated as a tourist spot and eco-sensitive zone without involving the Jain community in the decision process.
Shatrunjaya Hill: Hundreds of Shrines in One Place
Another important Jain pilgrimage site, the Shatrunjaya Hill is located in Palitana town, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat. Home to hundreds of sacred shrines, this holy hill was sanctified when Rishabha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, delivered his inaugural sermon in a temple at the hilltop.
The hill, studded with temples built over a span of 900 years, represents an integral part of the Jain religious fabric. Tradition maintains that Adinath, also known as Rishabha and regarded as the founder of Jainism, meditated beneath the rayan tree situated at the summit. Here, tension arose from a recent incident of vandalism in one of the shrines and ensuing security concerns.
Jainism: An Overview
Jainism emerged around the 6th century B.C., with Lord Mahavira propagating its teachings. There were 24 spiritual guides, or Tirthankaras, who attained moksha or complete knowledge during their lives and later preached it to the masses. These teachers include the first Tirthankara, Rishabnatha, and the last, Lord Mahavira. The term ‘Jaina’ evolved from ‘Jina’, signifying a conqueror.
Central to the philosophy of Jainism is non-violence, or ahimsa, along with four other great vows – truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya or acharya), non-attachment (aparigraha), and celibacy/chastity (brahmacharya). The latter was added by Mahavira.
In the framework of Jainism, the three jewels or Triratna include right faith (samyak darshana), right knowledge (samyak gyana), and right conduct (samyak charitra). This religion advocates self-help and does not believe in divine intervention or spiritual beings aiding human beings. Although it does not condemn the varna system, over time it split into two sects – Shvetambaras (white-clad) led by Sthalabahu, and Digambaras (sky-clad) under Bhadrabahu.
Pilgrimage versus Tourism Debate
Pilgrimage involves travelling to a destination for religious purposes. It often serves to protect landscapes from degradation by preserving the sanctity of the place. However, when designated as a tourist spot, the influx of visitors without a corresponding reverence for the sacred premises may negatively impact both the sanctity and ecology of the site. An example of this is the ecological disaster that occurred in Kedarnath due to unplanned deforestation and violation of construction codes.
On the other hand, Tourism can boost employment opportunities and cultural diplomacy, strengthen ties between nations, and emphasize the preservation of important sites. Pilgrimage tourism is a vital source of income and employment, but the challenge remains to balance economic growth with preserving the sacred functions of the shrines and places of pilgrimage.