Shree Shikhar Ji Siddh Kshetram

From the last two days, especially over there, the excitement must be building up with each passing moment. Devotees arriving from all over, by planes, buses, but the Railway station with the ruckus with excitement and the lot of jaikaras of bhagwan parshvanath and the welcoming nature holding spirit throughout must be unmatchable and  the atmosphere must be filled with joy, welcoming everyone like only Shikharji can.

That 300-meter walk to Isri Bazaar for the night must have felt special. Even though I’m so far away, I can picture everyone finding a little space to settle down—hanging curtains in the lobby especially those Kothi passage, chanting mantras, exchanging smiles with fellow devotees. That sense of unity, that quiet peace, fills the air, I’m sure.

And, as the morning light rises, I can imagine the hustle and bustle of getting ready for darshan. The excitement, the energy as everyone prepares to witness the divine. From there, the journey to Madhuban with those breathtaking views. The challenge of finding a place to stay might have been tough, but it would’ve all been worth it. The glow from the temples—the Terahpanthi, Beespanthi Kothis—must have been lighting up the entire space. Every temple shining with devotion and lights, making everything feel sacred.

But today, this evening, everything is reaching its peak. Shravan Shukla Saptami, the Nirvan Diwas of Bhagwan Parshvanath, is here. I can almost feel the aarti, the Sandhya rituals at Sawanliya Parshwanath, Pushpdant Bhagwan, and Chandraprabhu Bhagwan Ji’s Lal Mandir, filling the air with emotions. As I sit here, I can picture everyone walking past Tees Chaubisi Mandir, Sri Vimal Sagar Ji’s Smriti, and the radiant Kanch Mandir, all immersed in their prayers.

The preparations at Gunayatan Mandir Nirman Point, Bharat Kusum Modi Dwar, and Sri Sewayatan Ji Mandir, Trilok Ashram, Madhya lok etc must be in full swing now. People must be picking up their sticks and torches, not just for themselves, but for their families as well, all in preparation for the Vandana. Even though I’m far away, I feel that same energy rising with every passing minute.

Now, as the clock inches closer to 10 PM, I know the real joy is about to begin. The hike up the 27-mile pahad must be starting soon, and I can feel the energy in the air even from here. Around a million of people, all walking together, torches and sticks in hand, hearts full of devotion. I can almost hear their conversations—“How far is Gandharv Nala? How far to Sita Nala, Chopra Kund Mandir, the first tonk?” Every step they take must be part of that divine journey.

The long queues at Lalit Koot for Chandraprabhu Swami, the walk to Jal Mandir, and the emotions that everyone must be feeling as they approach SwarnBhadra Koot—it all fills my heart with emotions. Even though I’m not physically there this year, my spirit is right there, walking alongside them.

This feeling, this energy, is something I hold close, even from far away. I know I’ll be back soon, to experience this journey once again, but for now, my heart is with Shikharji, sharing this moment with everyone.

Rosi Jain.