Jain monk dies after fasting to protest against commercialisation of Shri Sammed Shikharji

New Delhi: A Jain monk in Jaipur passed away after undertaking a fast unto death in the protests against the Jharkhand government for their decision to turn the Shri Sammed Shikharji into a tourist place. Jain monk Sugyesagar Maharaj died on January 3 after fasting for 10 days. He began his fast on December 25 at Sanganer his health deteriorated a day before his death.

The Dol Yatra, the practice of carrying out a procession with the mortal remains of a monk, was taken out from the Sanghiji Temple in Sanganer.

Shri Sammed Shikharji is a sacred place for Jains and is a pilgrimage site located at Parasnath Hills in Jharkhand. Jain community members gathered in huge numbers all over India to protest against the decision. There were protests at the India Gate in Delhi and likewise, in Aligarh, a huge rally was carried out from Ramlila ground. The rally comprised both men and women who protested with banners and posters against the decision. Huge rallies were also seen in Maharashtra.

The protestors in Aligarh expressed their displeasure with the decision and said that they will continue to protest till the government takes the decision back.

Jain community in India is unhappy with the commercialisation of the pilgrim site, where 20 of the total 24 Tirthankaras of the current cycle attained salvation. They believe that the decision will take away the religious and spiritual essence of the place.

The Jharkhand government took this decision to promote religious tourism in the Parasnath Hills. Annually, thousands of Jains from all over the world reach the summit. The hills are also considered to be holy by the Santhal tribe who regard them as Marang Buru.