Holy Pilgrimage -
Hindu temples in USA
Siddhachalam, Blairstown, NJ
111 Hope Road,
Blairstown, NJ 07825
USA
Tel : (908) 362-9793
SIDDHACHALAM
Siddhachalam is a Jain ashram located in an idyllic
setting in rural north-western New Jersey on 120 acres of hilly terrain. It is
managed by International Mahavira Jain Mission, a religious public
charity. There are no affiliates or chapters of International Mahavira Jain
Mission.Siddhachalam was founded in 1983 by the Jain saint Acharya Sushil Kumarji. It was here that Guruji, as he was lovingly called, perfected the secret science of sound behind the Navkaar Mantra. The mantra is considered by Jains to be the most auspicious of all mantras. It was also here that he practiced and taught the Jain form of yoga called Arhum Yoga. Guruji left his human body in April, 1994. There is no successor to Guruji.
Guruji purified Siddhachalam through his austerities, study and meditation. As a result, Siddhachalam is called a Tirth (or "teerth"), a pilgrimage place. It is the only Jain Tirth outside India. Because it is a Tirth, Jain monks and nuns visit Siddhachalam without hesitation for temporary stays (no monk or nun is permitted extended or permanent stay).
Siddhachalam literally means a "mountain [in homage] to the siddhas" Siddhas are all who attain moksha, that is, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. In other words, Siddhachalam means a permanent homage to the great souls that have attained moksha. Moksha is central to Jain Dharma. In deed, Jain Dharma is often referred to as a dharma that sets forth a path to liberation ("mokshasmarg").
Siddhachalam comprises temples, residence for visiting monks and nuns, library, cabins for temporary stay for worshippers, congregation hall, community dining hall, nature and meditation trails, and play grounds. It has a beautiful lake and several ponds filled with water from natural springs. It is also a safe sanctuary for deer, peacocks, turkeys, cats and other animals and birds.
Siddhachalam has three temples. The main temple has magnificent marble idols of Lord Adinath, Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavira, Lord Chandraprabhu, and Lord Shantinath. The smaller temple's main idol is that of Lord Parshvanath made in the Digambar tradition. It is carved in magnificent black marble. The smallest temple is a meditation spot with several idols. The main idol in this temple is that of Lord Mahavira.
Siddhachalam has a large library containing old and new books on religion, ahimsa, peace, environment, vegetarianism, health and related subjects. The library is open to all during the weekends and to residents throughout the week.
Siddhachalam also has a Guru Mandir that contains a life-size idol of Guruji and a wall-hanging showing Shri Gautam Swami, the ganadhar of Mahavira Swami. The mandir is housed on the second floor of the Acharya Sushil Kumar Ahimsa Bhavan. The ground floor of Ahimsa Bhavan has a large meditation and meeting hall, and the second floor a large bhojanshala. Jains are strict vegetarians and Siddhachalam has an unbroken tradition of serving simple, home-made, food without charge to all devotees.
Siddhachalam has 11 nature and meditation trails spread over about 3 miles. One of the trails contains a life-size pratima of Guruji at a spot close to where he performed tapasya. It is called Guruji's tapasya sthal and is open for darshan during fair-weather.
Siddhachalam is an ashram for all who believe in Jain principles such as ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth). It brings together all Jains under one roof, and in that spirit, two of the idols in the main temple are in the Digambar tradition and the remaining three are in Swetamber tradition. Siddhachalam observes all Jain auspicious events, regardless of sect.
Education
During Guruji’s lifetime and thereafter,
Siddhachalam initiated and generously supported various universities in North
America, among other parts of the world, to start or maintain educational
initiatives in the study of Ahimsa and Anekantvad. These initiatives include
endowment for a program on Jainism at Columbia University and scholarly works
at University of Toronto and University of California at Santa Barbara. Guruji
also intended Siddhachalam to be a center of learning on Ahimsa and Anekantvad.
2011 Scholars' Conference on Ahimsa, Anekantvad and Moksha
On June 11 and 12, 2011, we will have scholars from
India and the United States to speak on the subject of Ahimsa, Anekantvad and
Moksha. The conference, in commemoration of the 85th birth anniversary of His
Holiness Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj will be held at Siddhachalam in
Blairstown, NJ. Scholars include Jain Ratna Hukum Chand Bharill, Dr. John E.
Cort, Prof. Narendra Bhandari, Dr. Jeffery D. Long, Dr. Kristi Wiley, Dr. Vimal
Prakash Jain, Mr. Steven D. Vose, Mr. Bhoopendra Kumar Jain, Ms. Sarah Hicks,
and Mr. Shanti Parakh, among others.
Hope Road House Is Now Acharya Sushil Kumar Library
The Hope Road house was named Acharya Sushil Kumar
Library recently. The library contains out of print as well as recent books on
religion, ahimsa, peace, environment, vegetarianism, health and related
subjects. The library has over 2,500 books (and increasing). The library has a
fully-dedicated scholar-in-residence room equipped with broadband internet
access. It has a beautiful idol of Saraswati in the main room. The library is
open to all on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and is
non-lending at this time (scholars-in-residence have access 24x7).
Puja
Puja and Arti: Worship is
performed every morning and evening. The timing varies according to the season
and times of sunrise and sunset. Devotees interested in performing morning
puja/ pakshaal should call Siddhachalam in advance.Siddhachalam welcomes everyone. The rules prescribe strict vegetarian diet prepared by our priest-cook and total prohibition on use of tobacco, smoking, alcohol, and drugs. The Siddhachalam kitchen serves free meals at set times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the year.
There are several cottages at Siddhachalam which provides a facility for overnight stay for those who wish to perform morning pujas or attend shibirs or spiritual retreats.
Every year during the months of late spring, summer, and early autumn, monks and nuns visit Siddhachalam to worship as well as lecture and teach. Siddhachalam also organizes shibirs which are conducted by monks, nuns, and other teachers. See section on Forthcoming Events for information on upcoming events.
Siddhachalam is your Tirth. Please come and experience the peace and tranquility of this wonderful place.
Yoga & Meditation
Animal Welfare
Siddhachalam is a bird and animal preserve. We
protect all living creatures. It has several bird and deer feed stations where
food is served daily. Each winter, about 25,000 pounds of corn is fed to deer
and other animals.
Fall/Winter Schedule & Restrictions
The bhojanshala is open on all days. However,
please note the following restrictions:
Weekday and Weekend Restrictions
- Weekdays, Oct.
15 - Nov. 15: call Siddhachalam and let on-site staff know of your plans
- All days, Nov.
16 - Feb 28 (other than days on which events are pre-scheduled): call in
advance, as noted above
- Weekdays, Mar.
1 - April 15: call in advance, as noted above
Weather Restrictions and Closings
In the event of snow, please call on-site staff in
advance. Siddhachalam will remain closed to the public if snow in Siddhachalam
is excessive. Please check this site for snow-related notices or call
Siddhachalam in advance.
Siddhachalam Calendar of Events for 2013
Veer Samvat 2539 - 2540
Shikharji at Siddhachalam Anniversary Celebrations
and Dhwaj Replacement Ceremonies will be held on August 24-25, 2013. Details
and invitation follows
August 10-11, 2013
Saturday - Sunday Shikharji at Siddhachalam program rescheduled to August 24-25
August 24-25, 2013
Saturday - Sunday Shikharji at Siddhachalam Anniversary Celebrations
September 2 - 18,
2013 Monday - Wednesday Paryushanji and Daslakshan
September 15, 2013
Sunday Daslakshan Puja
September 20 - 22,
2013 Friday - Sunday Yoga and Meditation Camp
October 6, 2013
Sunday Kshamapna Day
November 3, 2013
Sunday Deepawali celebrations
IDOLS AT SIDDHACHALAM
(As
published in Siddhachalam Pratishtha Mahotsav Souvenir, August 2-11, 1991)
Siddhachalam is the first Jain Tirth outside of
India. This 108 acre premises is located near the Pocono Mountain range in New
Jersey. The huge temple of Siddhachalam is a wonderful combination of tradition
followed by different Jain sects such as Digambar, Shwetambar, Sthanakwasi,
Terapanthi, etc.The temple has at its main vedica the first Tirthankar Bhagwan Adinath as Mulnayak. Also, there is idols of Bhagwan Mahavir, Prabhu Parshvanath, Chandraprabhu and Bhagwan Shantinath.
Nine other Gods and goddesses who have been placed here are Bhagwan Bahubali, Manibhadra, Parshvayaksha, Virghantakaran, Shri Nakoda Bhairavji, Chakreshwari Devi, Padmavati, Sarasvati and Shri Laxmi Devi.
Library
Hope Road House Is Now Acharya Sushil Kumar Library
The Hope Road house was named Acharya Sushil Kumar
Library recently. The library contains out of print as well as recent books on
religion, ahimsa, peace, environment, vegetarianism, health and related subjects.
The library has over 2,500 books (and increasing). The library has a
fully-dedicated scholar-in-residence room equipped with broadband internet
access. It has a beautiful idol of Saraswati in the main room. The library is
open to all on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and is
non-lending at this time(scholars-in-residence have access 24x7).
Contact Us
Siddhachalam Jain Tirth111 Hope Road
Blairstown, NJ 07825
USA
Phone: (908) 362-9793 and (908) 362-5487
Fax: (908) 362-9649
Jaipat Singh Jain
President: president@siddhachalam.org
Directions
Address: 111 Hope Road, Blairstown, NJ 07825.
Phone: (908) 362-9793 and (908) 362-5487
Fax: (908) 362-9649
Siddhachalam is a 120-acre property. Its entrance
is on 111 Hope Road in Blairstown, NJ. Take Route 80, exit 12 and continue on
Hope Road (Country Road 521) for 2.8 miles from the exit. Siddhachalam is on
the right.Phone: (908) 362-9793 and (908) 362-5487
Fax: (908) 362-9649
Siddhachalam has one-way traffic with the Entrance being from 111 Hope
Road only and exit from 65 Mud Pond Road
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
0 comments:
Post a Comment