Jain Monk dies fasting against Jharkhand’s decision to convert Shri Sammed Shikharji into tourism hub

Jaipur, Jan 3: A Jain monk in Jaipur passed away after undertaking a fast unto death against the decision by the Jharkhand government to turn the Shri Sammed Shikharji into a tourism hub.

 

 

 

Jain Muni Sugyesagar Maharaj breathed his last on Tuesday after fasting for the last 10 days against the decision of turning one of the holiest pilgrim centres of Jains, Shri Sammed Shikharji, into a tourism hub. He was on fast unto death in Sanganer from 25th December but his health deteriorated on Monday evening and he eventually succumbed to 10 days of fasting.

 

 

A Dol Yatra, a ritual practice by Jains of carrying out a procession with the mortal remains of a monk, was taken out from Sanghiji temple in Sanganer, Jaipur.

 

In November, the Jharkhand government decided to declare Shri Sammed Shikharji, the holy place for the community, located in Parasnath Hills, in Giridih district of Jharkhand a tourist destination. Since, the Jain community has been taking out protest rallies across the country.

 

 

It is pertinent to mention that Shri Sammed Shikharji located on Parasnath Hills, which is the highest mountain in Jharkhand state, is important for both Digambara and Svetambara sects as 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras along with monks attained moksha in the place.

 

Every year, lakhs of Jains from across the world. undertake the 27 km long trek of climbing the hills to reach the summit that houses the salvation shrines of 20 Tirthankaras. Besides, the hills are also considered holy by the members of the Santhal tribe, who regard it as ‘Marang Buru’ and hold an annual festival here in mid-April.