The Fight for Shikharji: Jains Seek Supreme Court’s Help
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A Sacred Site in Peril
In the heart of Jharkhand’s Giridih district lies Shikharji Hills, the most sacred pilgrimage site for Jains. Recently, this revered site has come under threat, prompting a 74-year-old Jain woman, Darshanaben Shah, to seek urgent intervention from the Supreme Court. Her plea aims to protect the sanctity of these hills, which hold immense spiritual significance as the Nirvana Bhoomi of 20 Tirthankars and numerous Sadhaks.
Synopsis of the Article
- Introduction
- Jain woman seeks urgent Supreme Court intervention to protect Shikharji Hills.
- Shikharji Hills is a sacred site for Jains facing threats due to unresolved legal issues.
- Background
- Shikharji Hills is the Nirvana Bhoomi of 20 Tirthankars and numerous Sadhaks.
- The hills were taken over by the State of Bihar in 1953 under land reforms.
- Legal Battle
- Ongoing legal battle for over six decades.
- The Supreme Court to hear the case on July 31, 2024.
- Petition Details
- Filed by Darshanaben Shah, represented by senior advocates.
- Seeking injunctions against construction and activities that defile the hills’ sanctity.
- Community Sentiment
- Jain community feels justice delayed is justice denied.
- Various sacrilegious activities occur on the hills.
- State Activities
- Construction of structures, helipads, and military barracks.
- Promotion of tourism by the Jharkhand government.
- Spiritual and Devotional Aspects
- Darshanaben Shah’s vow of abstinence.
- Statements from Jainacharya Yugbhushansuri and other devotees.
- Broader Implications
- Other Jain pilgrimage sites are also under threat.
- Concerns about state interference in religious matters.
The Sacred Significance of Shikharji Hills
Shikharji Hills, often referred to as the pinnacle of spiritual journeys for Jains, is not just a physical location but a spiritual realm where 20 Tirthankars attained Nirvana. This sacred land was purchased by the Jain community in 1918 for approximately Rs. 4 lakh. However, the hills were taken over by the State of Bihar in 1953 under the guise of land and agrarian reforms, leading to a prolonged legal battle that has spanned over six decades.
A Six-Decade Legal Battle for Sanctity
The legal struggle to protect Shikharji Hills has been ongoing for more than 60 years, costing crores of rupees but still remaining unresolved. The case reached the Supreme Court in 2005 and has been pending ever since, frequently adjourned and delayed. The upcoming hearing on July 31, overseen by a Division Bench headed by Justice CT Ravi Kumar, brings a glimmer of hope to the Jain community.
Darshanaben Shah: A Devout Jain’s Plea
Darshanaben Shah, a devout follower of Jainism, has taken it upon herself to fight for the sanctity of Shikharji Hills. Represented by senior advocates Darius Khambata and Gopal Sankaranarayanan, her petition seeks an injunction order to prevent the Jharkhand government from carrying out any further construction or eco-tourism activities on the hills. The petition also calls for halting any activities considered sacrilegious according to Jain tradition and tenets, aiming to preserve the religious character of the hill.
Injunction Sought Against Jharkhand Government
The application filed by Shah is a comprehensive document seeking several injunctions. It demands the cessation of any construction activities, including the erection of structures, the building of a ropeway, and any other forms of development on Parasnath Hill. Additionally, it seeks to prevent activities that defile the sanctity of the hills, such as the killing of animals, the consumption of non-vegetarian food, and other practices prohibited by Jain scriptures.
Sacrilegious Activities Threatening Shikharji Hills
The prolonged delay in resolving the legal battle has led to a series of sacrilegious activities on Shikharji Hills. These activities include the establishment of polling booths, the construction of helipads and military barracks, and the promotion of tourism by the Jharkhand government. The state’s tourism department recently advertised the beauty and serenity of Shikharji Hills on social media, aiming to attract tourists, which has further agitated the Jain community.
Community Outcry: Justice Delayed, Justice Denied
The Jain community is deeply aggrieved by the state’s actions, feeling that their most sacred place of worship is being desecrated. Siddharth Bagadia, a Jain devotee, expressed his anguish, stating, “The recent news of animal sacrifice on the hill by the CM of Jharkhand himself was extremely hurtful to Jains. Shikharji means more to Jains than what Ayodhya means to Hinduism, Mecca means to Islam, the Golden Temple means to Sikhism, and Jerusalem means to Abrahamic religions.”
The interference of the state in religious matters is a growing concern for the Jain community. Jainacharya Yugbhushansuri, who inspires the petitioner, highlighted the broader implications of such interference. He stated, “Not just Shikharji Hills but all tirths nationwide, which have been taken over by the State, are facing severe attacks on their sanctity. The root cause of all these depredations is the liberty that the State takes to interfere in religions and hamper their required autonomy. State interference into religion is a virus in a balanced and civilised society and is alien to Bharatiya tradition.”
Darshanaben Shah’s commitment to protecting Shikharji Hills extends beyond the courtroom. She has undertaken a remarkable spiritual vow, refraining from food for three days and eating on the fourth day, a cycle she has repeated 2,700 times over 30 years without interruption. This extraordinary act of devotion underscores the profound spiritual significance of Shikharji Hills to the Jain community.
The sentiments of the Jain community are echoed by other devotees. Lajesh Khona, another ardent follower, said, “It is extremely shocking to see such activities by the state, especially after committing to keeping the sanctity of Shikharji Hills intact, considering it the most pious and revered pilgrimage for Jains.”
The Broader Implications for Jain Pilgrimage Sites
The issues faced by Shikharji Hills are not isolated. Other Jain pilgrimage sites across India are also experiencing threats to their sanctity due to state interference and secular encroachments. This situation highlights the need for a broader conversation about the autonomy of religious sites and the protection of their spiritual integrity.
Conclusion: Hope for a Just Resolution
As the hearing date approaches, the Jain community remains hopeful for a swift and just resolution that will restore and protect the sanctity of Shikharji Hills. The case represents not just a legal battle but a fight to preserve the spiritual heritage and religious freedoms of the Jain community. The outcome will have far-reaching implications, not only for Shikharji Hills but for the protection of all sacred sites in India.