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The hills of Sammed Shikhar have been intertwined with Jain tradition for countless years, tracing back to the enlightenment of the revered Tirthankara Ajit Nath. The exact age of these hills remains unknown, as Ajit Nath Bhagvan attained salvation there, followed by 19 other Tirthankaras. The disciples and devotees of these Tirthankaras erected temples, known as Jinalayas, as a gesture of their deep reverence. However, the historical information regarding these events has been somewhat obscure and lacking in detail.
While ancient books and manuscripts provide some insight, dating back to the 2nd century of the Vikram Samvat (V.S.) era, the continuity of information becomes clearer from that point onward:
In the 2nd century, Jain Acharya Padlipt Suri and Bappbhat Suri were known to visit the shrine on Sammed Shikhar.
In the 9th century (V.S.), Acharya Yashodev Suri and his disciple Sri Parduman Suri spent an extended period in Magadh, during which they made multiple visits to Sammed Shikhar. Unfortunately, during this century, violent activities in the region led to the destruction of all the Jinalayas.
In the 13th century (V.S.), Virchand, the son of Shram Dev and disciple of Acharya Parmanand Suri, undertook the task of reconstructing the Jinalayas under his guidance.
Around the 16th century, Sri Nanu, the minister of Akbarpur under King Maansingh, also contributed to the construction of several Jinalayas.
During that era, King Akbar, deeply impressed by the character of Acharya Shri Harivijay Suri, gifted Sammed Shikhar to him, declaring it a sacred place and forbidding any acts of violence.
Around 1670, Sri Kumarpal Sonpal Lodha of Agra is believed to have constructed numerous Jinalayas.
In 1752, the 15th King of Delhi, Abu Alikham Bhadur, honored Seth MahtabRai with the title of "Jagat Seth" and bestowed the Madhuban Kothi, Jaypaar Naala, Jalhar Kund, and Parasavnath Hill as gifts. He also declared it a tax-free destination for pilgrims. Seth MahatabRai had a strong desire to rebuild the Jinalayas and shared his aspirations with his seven sons, who praised his ideas.
Unfortunately, Seth MahtabRai passed away before he could embark on this devotional endeavor. In 1822, King Alam honored Seth Kushaalchand, Seth MahatabRai's son, with the title of "Jagat Seth." Under his supervision, the construction of Jinalayas progressed rapidly. However, they encountered a problem—determining the specific locations where each Tirthankara attained Nirvana. This information was neither available nor obtainable. Acting on the advice of Pandit Dev Vijay, Seth Kushaalchand engaged in intense worship and meditation, seeking the blessings of Adhisthayak Goddess Padmavati of Bhagvan Parasvanath. Pleased with his devotion, the goddess appeared in Seth Kushaalchand's dream and revealed that places marked with a saffron-painted swastika signified salvation sites. Furthermore, the number of swastikas indicated the rank of the Tirthankaras' salvation. With the divine guidance of Goddess Padmavati, Seth Kushaalchand identified 20 salvation places and constructed stupas and foot imprints. The auspicious inauguration took place in 1825 during the Magh Sukla Tirthia, presided over by Acharaya Dharam Suri. Alongside the Jinalayas, the construction of the Jal Mandir, seven temples in Madhuban, dharamsalas, and temples for the ruling deities, including Shri Bhomiyaji, was completed.
The responsibility for the welfare and management of the temples was entrusted to the Sri Jain Sewtamber Association. However, due to the high altitude and thunderstorms, the Jinalayas constructed by Seth Kushaalchand were destroyed within a few years. Between 1925 and 1933 (Vikram Samvat era), the site was rebuilt under the guidance of revered figures such as Shri Sinshantisagar Suri, Jinhans Suri, Jinchandra Suri, resulting in the construction of new Jinalayas dedicated to Bhagvan Adinath, Bhagvan Vasupujay, Neminath Bhagvan, Mahavir, Rishavanan, Chadranan, Vareshan, Vardhaman, and others.
Over time, the entire Sammed Shikhar hill came under the possession of King Palganj. In 1905-1910, the King decided to sell Sammed Shikhar and made a public announcement. Seth Raidbhadur Shri Badridas Jouhree of Kolkata and Shri Bhadursingh Dugar of Murshidabad, in collaboration with the Indian Swetamber Association Anadji Kalyanji, stepped forward to acquire it.
With their support, the association purchased the hill on 9th March 1918 for Rs 242,000 and proceeded to rebuild and refurbish the sacred site.
Around 1980, Acharya Sagarnand Suri visited Shikarji and was deeply moved by the sacred shrines. He aspired to rebuild and refurbish the Jinalayas. Through the continuous efforts of the female saint Shri Suprabhasri and her community, the reconstruction of the Jinalayas commenced around 2012 and was completed by 2017. This marked the 23rd reconstruction and refurbishment, culminating in the magnificent sight that can be witnessed today.
