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SAMMED SHIKHARJI
SHREE SAMMED SHIKHARJI VIKAS SAMITI HISTORY
SHREE SAMMED SHIKHARJI VIKAS SAMITI
SAMMED SHIKHARJI
Uttar Pradesh Prakash Bhawan
History of UPPB
As the sun set behind the picturesque hills of Shikharji, a group of tired and weary pilgrims made their way towards the newly built yatrinivas. The journey to this sacred Jain site in Jharkhand had been long and arduous, but they were finally here.
Late. Prakash Chand Jain
As they entered the gates of Prakash Bhawan, named after the late Prakash Chand Jain, who had dedicated his life to serving and leading various Jain communities across India, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and tranquillity wash over them. This was more than just a place to rest for the night; it was a tribute to an extraordinary man who had paved the way for their pilgrimage.
Sammed Shikhar – from the bottom of the hill to gandharvnala – Prakash Chand Jain had tirelessly worked towards making this journey easier for future generations. He led protests and movements that eventually resulted in forming the SHREE SAMMED SHIKHARJI VIKAS SAMITI trust, which aimed at building accommodation facilities for Jain pilgrims in Shikharji. After his passing in 1996, Sammed Shikhar Aandolan Samiti was renamed as Sammed Shikhar Vikas Samiti in his honour. And it was decided that a yatrinivas would be built as a memorial for him. The committee took up this task with great determination, and support from all over India poured in. One such support came from Uttar Pradesh, where Prakash Chand Jain hailed from. His fellow jain community members collected donations to contribute towards building this yatrinivas. Construction started in 2000 and after two years of hard work, it finally opened its doors to pilgrims on 20 June 2002 with 40 rooms along with restaurants serving delicious vegetarian meals. Over time, Prakash Bhawan became known as one of the best accommodations near Shikharji thanks to its cleanliness, hospitality, and affordability. In the year 2015, with the cooperation of the society, Ghamandilal Jain Bhavan was completed and is moving ahead in the service of pilgrims in honour of another prominent member of the Jain community who had also contributed greatly towards this project. And now in 2022, as the property underwent renovations with hot water facilities and a washing plant for laundry services, it stood as a testament to the continuous efforts put in by these passionate individuals to make this yatrinivas even better for future pilgrims. As the group settled into their rooms, enjoying warm showers and comfortable beds after a tiring day of worship and trekking up Shikharji hills, they couldn’t help but feel grateful for Prakash Chand Jain’s vision and dedication that had made this all possible. And they knew that his legacy would continue on through this beautiful yatrinivas – a home away from home for thousands of Jain devotees each year.
EXCITING ADVENTURES
Shikharji
Uttar Pradesh Prakash Bhawan
Deep in the heart of Jharkhand, nestled amidst the lush green hills, stood a majestic temple dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. This temple was none other than Shikharji, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains all over India.
For centuries, pilgrims from all walks of life had been visiting this holy place to seek blessings and enlightenment. But it wasn’t until 1916 that a man named Prakash Chand Jain recognized the need for proper accommodation facilities for these visitors. Being a devout follower himself, he understood how tiring and challenging it could be to climb up the steep hill and stay there without proper amenities.
Determined to make a change, Prakash Chand Jain formed the SHREE SAMMED SHIKHARJI VIKAS SAMITI trust along with other like-minded individuals. Their goal was simple – to build an accommodation facility at Shikharji that would cater specifically to Jain pilgrims. And so began their journey towards fulfilling this noble cause.
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A DREAM BUILT ON DEVOTION AND COMMUNITY
Prakash Bhawan
Prakash Bhawan was what they decided to name this upcoming yatrinivas (pilgrim’s rest house), in honour of Uttar Pradesh’s generous jain community who donated generously towards its construction. It took three years of hard work and dedication from everyone involved in making this dream a reality.
But tragedy struck when Prakash Chand Jain passed away in 1996 before seeing his vision come true. The committee members were deeply saddened by his demise but also determined more than ever before to complete what he had started.
In 2000, construction finally began on Prakash Bhawan with forty-eight rooms and a small restaurant attached. It opened its doors in 2003 as Samath Shikhar Yatrinivas with much fanfare and appreciation from devotees across India. The accommodations were modest yet comfortable enough for weary travellers after their long treacherous climb.
Over the years, Prakash Bhawan continued to grow and expand. In 2015, a new wing was added, named Ghamanndilal Bhavan after another generous donor. By then, it had become one of the most sought-after accommodations for pilgrims visiting Shikharji.
But the trustees didn’t stop there; they constantly strived to improve and upgrade their facilities. And in 2022, after much planning and renovation work, Prakash Bhawan now boasts eighty-six rooms with hot water supply and a state-of-the-art washing plant for laundry services.
Today, Samath Shikhar Yatrinivas stands as a testament to Prakash Chand Jain’s vision and dedication towards serving his community. It continues to provide comfortable stay options for countless Jains on their spiritual journey to Shikharji. The trust has also expanded its activities into various charitable endeavours, providing free meals and medical aid to those in need.
As you stand at Gandharvnala admiring the breathtaking view of the surrounding hills from atop Shikharji, remember that this beautiful yatrinivas wouldn’t have been possible without the selfless efforts of late Prakash Chand Jain and the SHREE SAMMED SHIKHARJI VIKAS SAMITI trust. Their legacy will continue to live on through every visitor who finds solace in this sacred place thanks to them.
