- A total of 285 Jain devotees will travel in specially arranged 2×2 AC Air-Suspension Sleeper Coaches, marking a milestone in the community’s pilgrimage history
- The journey will cover nearly 3,500 km, taking devotees from Ahmedabad–Rajgir–Pawapuri–Lachhuar–Bhagalpur–Sammed Shikharji–Ahmedabad
- Over 60% of the yatris are senior citizens, many of whom will be visiting Sammed Shikharji for the first time.
NE SPIRITUAL BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 4
For the first time in Gujarat, Shree Vardhman Shwetambar Murtipujak Jain Sangh, Mangalmurti Apartment, Naranpura, Ahmedabad, has organised a grand Sammed Shikharji Panch Tirth Yatra during the upcoming Diwali festival. A total of 285 Jain devotees will travel in specially arranged 2×2 AC Air-Suspension Sleeper Coaches, marking a milestone in the community’s pilgrimage history.
Diwali holds a profound spiritual significance for Jains, as it was on this sacred day that the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir Swami, attained Nirvana at Pawapuri. Tradition holds that devotees who worship at the Jal Mandir in Pawapuri on this night receive the divine blessings of Lord Mahavir Swami, symbolised by the movement of the sacred chhatra over His charanpaduka.
Overcoming Challenges, A Unique Travel Arrangement
Despite tireless efforts by the Jain Yuvak Mandal to book special trains through IRCTC, all tickets were sold out within minutes due to the festive rush of Diwali and Chhath Puja. Direct and via-Delhi train routes were unavailable, and airfare costs were nearly four to five times higher. Undeterred, the organisers decided to arrange luxury sleeper coaches, ensuring that not a single devotee faced inconvenience.
The journey will cover nearly 3,500 km, taking devotees from Ahmedabad–Rajgir–Pawapuri–Lachhuar–Bhagalpur–Sammed Shikharji–Ahmedabad. Notably, over 60% of the yatris are senior citizens, many of whom will be visiting Sammed Shikharji for the first time.
According to Jain belief, 20 of the 24 Tirthankars attained Nirvana at Sammed Shikharji, making it one of the holiest pilgrim centres, where numerous temples (deris) stand in their memory.
Highlights of the Yatra
- Historic First in Gujarat: 285 devotees to travel entirely by 2×2 AC Air-Suspension Sleeper Coaches for the Panch Tirth Yatra.
- Affordable and Devotional: At just ₹7,200 per devotee, the package includes AC coach travel, AC room stays at most locations, and three daily Jain-vegetarian meals, including sweets and traditional Gujarati farsan.
- Safety & Purity Ensured: Unlike crowded trains, the journey ensures comfort, dietary sanctity, and security for senior citizens.
- Sacred Objective: To honour Lord Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana day, spread the message of spirituality and unity, and guide the community with firm religious resolve.
Yatra Schedule
- Departure: Friday, October 17, 2025 (Aso Vad Agiyaras, Samvat 2081)
- Destinations: Rajgir, Pawapuri, Lachhuar, Bhagalpur, Sammed Shikharji, Rujuwalika
Contact Numbers of Organisers
- Amit Shah – 94266 86668
- Bhavin Kothari – 96876 88778
- Darshil Shah – 98980 99159
This pilgrimage is not just a journey but a spiritual movement, made possible by the zeal of the Jain Yuvak Mandal, the vision of the organising Sangh, and the unity of the entire Jain community.
