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.
Keshi said to Gautam: “Whom do you call foes?” Hearing these words of Keshi, Gautam replied: “O sage! The first foe is one’s unconquered soul. Add to this the four passions of anger, conceit, deceit and greed, and the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. Vanquishing all these ten, I move about righteously.” Kumar-shraman Keshi said: “Gautam, you are endowed with excellent wisdom. You have removed my doubt…” Uttaradhyayana Sutra, 23:3- 39. The conversation between Sharman Keshi, follower of Bhagwaan Parsvanath, and Gautam Swami, the ganadhara of Bhagwaan Mahavira.