Shikharji Has Arrived

History was created on Aug. 13, 2012 when the world's first, to-scale, complete replica of Teerthadhiraj Shikharji was opened at Siddhachalam at sunrise after four days of joyous and graceful Pratishtha celebrations and ceremonies.

The seeds of Shikharji at Siddhachalam were sown almost 70 years ago, when His Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumarji was a young boy awaiting initiation into monkhood. He saw Siddhachalam in his vision as a place with many beautiful temples in honor of siddha-atmas ("liberated souls"). That vision became a reality on Aug 13, 2012.

Four years in the making, Shikharji at Siddhachalam brought all who believe in the message of the Arhats, regardless of religion, sect, color or geography, to come together in giving to the world a timeless and spectacular symbol of our homage to the path shown by the Tirthankars. May Their message enter the hearts and minds of all who visit Shikharji at Siddhachalam.

About Siddhachalam

Siddhachalam is a Jain ashram and teerth located in an idyllic setting in rural north-western New Jersey on 120 acres of hilly terrain. It is managed by International Mahavira Jain Mission, an independent, religious public charity in special consultative status with the United Nations.

Siddhachalam was founded in 1983 by the Jain saint Acharya Sushil Kumarji. It was here that Guruji, as he was lovingly called, perfected the secret science of sound behind the Navkaar Mantra. The mantra is considered by Jains to be the most auspicious of all mantras. It was also here that he practiced and taught the Jain form of yoga called Arhum Yoga. Guruji left his human body in April, 1994. There is no successor to Guruji.

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