I want to know about some jain pilgrimage centres namely Sammedshikarji, Moodbidri, shravana belgola
Certainly! Here is information about the three prominent Jain pilgrimage centres:
1. Sammed Shikharji (also known as Shikharji):
- Location: Parasnath Hill, Giridih district, Jharkhand, India.
- Importance: It is the most important pilgrimage site (Tirtha) for Jains. According to Jain tradition, 20 out of the 24 Tirthankaras attained Moksha (liberation) from this hill.
- Features: The hill is dotted with several temples and tonks (shrines), each dedicated to a Tirthankara. The entire pilgrimage involves a trek of about 27 km.
- Both Shwetambar and Digambar sects revere this site deeply.
2. Moodbidri:
- Location: Near Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
- Importance: Moodbidri is often called the "Jain Kashi of the South." It is a major centre for the Jain community, especially among the Digambar tradition.
- Features: It is famous for the 1000 Pillars Temple (Saavira Kambada Basadi), built in the 15th century. The temple is renowned for its intricate architecture and richly carved pillars.
- Moodbidri houses several ancient Jain basadis (temples) and is a centre for Jain learning and culture.
3. Shravanabelagola:
- Location: Hassan district, Karnataka, India.
- Importance: One of the most famous Jain pilgrimage sites, especially for the Digambar Jains.
- Features: The site is renowned for the colossal monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), which stands about 57 feet tall atop the Vindhyagiri hill. This statue is considered one of the largest free-standing statues in the world.
- The Mahamastakabhisheka, the grand anointing ceremony of the statue, is held every 12 years and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists.
- Shravanabelagola has various ancient Jain temples and inscriptions.
All three sites are significant for their historical, spiritual, and cultural contributions to Jainism and are visited by devotees from all over the world.