Sammed Shikhar: Jain Pilgrimage Site Protection & Facilities

03 Nov Sammed Shikhar: Jain Pilgrimage Site Protection & Facilities

✎ Sammed Shikharji is the most sacred Jain pilgrimage site on Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand, where 20 Tirthankaras attained moksha, and its religious sanctity is currently a subject of advocacy by the Jain community against extensive…

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper I — Art and Culture  |  GS Paper I — Geography  |  GS Paper II — Governance  |  GS Paper III — Environment and Ecology
• Prelims: Sammed Shikharji, Jainism, Parasनाथ Hill, Giridih district, Jharkhand, Religious tourism, Eco-sensitive zones, Cultural heritage
• Essay: The delicate balance between religious freedom, environmental conservation, and economic development., Preserving India’s cultural and spiritual heritage in the face of modernization.

Quick Revision: Sammed Shikharji is the most sacred Jain pilgrimage site on Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand, where 20 Tirthankaras attained moksha, and its religious sanctity is currently a subject of advocacy by the Jain community against extensive tourism development.

Why is this in the news?

The Shri Bharatvarshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha recently submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Jharkhand, advocating for enhanced protection of Sammed Shikharji, a revered Jain pilgrimage site located in the Giridih district. The appeal specifically sought intervention to safeguard the site’s religious sanctity, ensure security for pilgrims, and implement measures for environmental conservation, while also requesting a cessation of extensive tourism development activities that could potentially compromise its sacred character.

Background

• Sammed Shikharji, situated on Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand, holds paramount significance for the Jain community globally, being considered the most sacred pilgrimage site.
• Religious traditions affirm that twenty of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras, along with numerous other enlightened souls, attained moksha (salvation) at this sacred location after rigorous ascetic practices.
• The site is a focal point of spiritual heritage and unwavering faith for millions of adherents, drawing pilgrims from across India and internationally.
• Concerns have been raised by the Jain community regarding the potential adverse impacts of developing the area as a conventional tourism or eco-tourism zone, fearing that such initiatives could lead to commercialization, increased non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption, and a degradation of the site’s inherent spiritual and non-violent ethos.
• The community advocates for the recognition of Sammed Shikharji exclusively as a holy religious site, rather than a general tourist destination, to preserve its unique spiritual integrity.
• Demands include robust security arrangements, stringent monitoring at entry points, and provision of essential pilgrim facilities such as sanitation, potable water, medical aid, and accessible transportation.

What is Sammed Shikharji?

• Sammed Shikharji is the principal Jain pilgrimage site, located on Parasnath Hill in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India.
• It is considered the most sacred place in Jainism, particularly for the Digambara and Shwetambara sects.
• The term ‘Sammed’ is derived from ‘Samadhi’, signifying a state of meditative absorption leading to salvation, reflecting the site’s association with the attainment of moksha by numerous Tirthankaras.
• The hill is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara, who is believed to have attained nirvana here.
• Pilgrims undertake a circumambulation (parikrama) of the hill, which is approximately 27 kilometers, visiting numerous shrines (tonks) dedicated to various Tirthankaras.
• The site is characterized by its natural beauty and serene environment, which are integral to its spiritual significance.
• The Jain community emphasizes the preservation of the site’s ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) principles, advocating for restrictions on activities that could compromise its sanctity, such as commercial tourism, hunting, and consumption of non-vegetarian food or alcohol.
• The management and protection of Sammed Shikharji involve a complex interplay between religious organizations, state government, and environmental regulatory bodies.

Key Features

Why it Matters

Socio-Cultural Significance

• Preservation of religious heritage is vital for maintaining the cultural identity and spiritual practices of the Jain community.
• The site serves as a symbol of non-violence and asceticism, principles central to Jain philosophy, influencing societal values.
• Ensuring the sanctity of such sites fosters inter-faith understanding and respect for diverse religious traditions within India.

Governance and Administration

• The issue highlights the role of state administration in balancing religious sentiments with developmental objectives, such as tourism.
• It underscores the necessity for effective coordination between religious organizations, local authorities, and state governments.
• Demands for enhanced security and pilgrim amenities reflect expectations from the government to facilitate religious freedom and safe pilgrimage.

Environmental and Ecological Significance

• The protection of the natural landscape around sacred sites is crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecological balance.
• Preventing unregulated tourism helps mitigate environmental degradation, such as waste generation and habitat disruption.
• Maintaining the pristine nature of such areas aligns with broader environmental protection goals and sustainable development principles.

Challenges

1. Balancing Tourism and Religious Sanctity

• The potential for commercialization through tourism development may compromise the spiritual purity and ascetic environment of the pilgrimage site.
• Increased footfall and associated infrastructure development could lead to environmental degradation and disruption of the sacred atmosphere.

UPSC Link: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

2. Ensuring Security and Safety for Pilgrims

• The need for robust security measures at entry points and throughout the pilgrimage area to prevent untoward incidents.
• Ensuring the safety of pilgrims, especially those undertaking arduous journeys, requires coordinated efforts from law enforcement and local administration.

UPSC Link: Law and order, internal security challenges

3. Provision of Adequate Pilgrim Amenities

• Lack of sufficient facilities such as sanitation, clean drinking water, and timely medical assistance can pose significant challenges for devotees.
• Inadequate infrastructure for smooth movement and accessibility can detract from the pilgrimage experience.

UPSC Link: Social sector/services, infrastructure development

4. Preventing Undesirable Activities

• Concerns regarding the potential rise of non-vegetarian food sales, alcohol consumption, and other activities inconsistent with Jain tenets if the area is developed as a general tourist spot.
• The challenge of enforcing regulations to maintain the ‘sattvic’ and non-violent traditions of the site.

UPSC Link: Social justice, ethical governance

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Way Forward

• Formulate a comprehensive policy that distinctly categorizes Sammed Shikharji as a ‘sacred religious site’ rather than a general ‘tourism destination’ or ‘eco-tourism zone’.
• Implement stringent regulations to prohibit activities such as the sale of non-vegetarian food and alcohol within the designated sacred area, aligning with the religious tenets.
• Enhance security infrastructure, including surveillance and access control at all major entry points, to ensure the safety and peaceful conduct of pilgrims.
• Develop and upgrade essential pilgrim amenities such as sanitation facilities, provision of potable water, and accessible medical aid posts along pilgrimage routes.
• Establish a dedicated administrative body with representation from the Jain community, local government, and environmental experts to oversee the management and preservation of the site.
• Promote responsible pilgrimage practices through awareness campaigns, emphasizing environmental conservation and respect for the sacredness of the site.
• Conduct regular consultations with religious leaders and community representatives to ensure that management decisions reflect the spiritual and cultural sensitivities of the Jain community.
• Explore sustainable development models that support local livelihoods without compromising the religious sanctity or ecological integrity of the region.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Sammed Shikharji:
1. It is located on Parsnath Hill in the Giridih district of Jharkhand.
2. It is considered the most sacred pilgrimage site for the Digambara sect of Jainism only.
3. The site is associated with the attainment of ‘moksha’ by 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras.
How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. None

Answer: Only two — Statement 1 is correct: Sammed Shikharji is indeed located on Parsnath Hill in Giridih, Jharkhand. Statement 2 is incorrect: Sammed Shikharji is revered by both Digambara and Shwetambara sects of Jainism, making it a universal pilgrimage site for the entire Jain community. Statement 3 is correct: Religious beliefs state that 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained ‘moksha’ (salvation) at this sacred site.

Q2. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the protection and management of archaeological sites and remains of national importance in India?

1. National Green Tribunal (NGT)
2. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
3. Ministry of Culture
4. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)

Answer: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) — The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of cultural heritage sites in India. While the Ministry of Culture oversees cultural policy, and INTACH is a non-governmental organisation, ASI holds the primary statutory responsibility for national heritage sites.

Mains Practice Question

✍ Critically examine the challenges involved in balancing religious sanctity with tourism development at sacred natural sites in India. Discuss the role of state and non-state actors in ensuring the preservation of such sites while facilitating pilgrim access. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON: Introduction: Define sacred natural sites and the inherent tension between religious sanctity and tourism. Challenges: Enumerate specific challenges such as environmental degradation (pollution, waste), commercialisation (unregulated development, commodification of religious practices), cultural erosion (loss of traditional practices, inappropriate behaviour by tourists), infrastructure strain (water, sanitation, transport), and conflict of interest among stakeholders. Role of State Actors: Discuss legislative frameworks (e.g., Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, Forest Conservation Act, Wildlife Protection Act), policy initiatives (e.g., PRASAD scheme, Swadesh Darshan scheme), regulatory bodies (e.g., ASI, State Tourism Boards, Forest Departments), and judicial interventions. Role of Non-State Actors: Explain the contributions of religious organisations (e.g., Jain महासभा’s advocacy), local communities (traditional custodians, sustainable practices), NGOs (advocacy, conservation efforts), and academic institutions (research, awareness). Balancing Act: Propose strategies for sustainable religious tourism, including pilgrim-centric infrastructure, strict environmental regulations, community participation, ethical tourism guidelines, and designating specific zones for religious activities versus general tourism. Conclusion: Emphasise the need for a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to protect the spiritual essence and ecological integrity of sacred sites.

Source: amarujala.com

Jharkhand PCS (JPSC) — State PCS Practice

Prelims: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the recent demands concerning Sammed Shikharji in Jharkhand?

I. The demands primarily focus on declaring Sammed Shikharji as a tourist spot.
II. There is a call for increased security measures for Jain pilgrims.
III. The intervention is sought to enhance facilities for devotees.
IV. The issue is related to the protection of the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.

1. A. I and II only
2. B. II and III only
3. C. II, III and IV only
4. D. I, II, III and IV

Answer: C. II, III and IV only — The demands for Sammed Shikharji focus on security, enhanced pilgrim facilities, and protecting the sanctity of the site, not primarily on declaring it a tourist spot.

Mains: Discuss the significance of Sammed Shikharji for the Jain community and analyze the recent demands for its protection and enhanced pilgrim facilities from the perspective of Jharkhand’s cultural and religious heritage management.

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