Preparations for Moksha Saptami Begin in Madhuban as Pilgrims Start Arriving

 

Madhuban, Giridih: Preparations for Moksha Saptami, one of the significant religious occasions for Jain devotees, have begun in Madhuban, the famous pilgrimage centre of Jainism in Jharkhand. With the festival approaching, pilgrims from different parts of the country have started making advance arrangements for their stay.

Several Jain institutions and dharamshalas in Madhuban have already received advance bookings from pilgrims who are expected to visit the holy town during the occasion. Many of the institutions are reportedly nearing full occupancy, indicating that a considerable number of devotees are likely to arrive in Madhuban this year.

When is Moksha Saptami celebrated?

Moksha Saptami is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan. This year, the festival will be observed on August 19, 2026. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Shukla Saptami falls on August 19 this year.

For the Jain community, the day holds special spiritual significance as it is associated with the nirvana of Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism. Lord Parshvanath attained liberation at the sacred Parasnath Hill, which is known as Sammed Shikharji among Jain devotees.

Special significance of Parasnath Hill

Parasnath Hill, one of the most revered Jain pilgrimage sites, is believed to be the place where several Jain Tirthankaras attained nirvana. Among them, Lord Parshvanath occupies a particularly important place in Jain tradition.

On the occasion of Moksha Saptami, devotees undertake the arduous pilgrimage to the sacred summit of Parasnath Hill. Many pilgrims visit the Parshvanath Tonk, considered the sacred spot associated with Lord Parshvanath's nirvana, and offer nirvana laddus as part of their religious observance.

For devotees, the journey is not merely a physical pilgrimage. The climb to the sacred summit is regarded as an important spiritual exercise involving devotion, austerity and remembrance of the Tirthankaras.

Difference in observance among Jain traditions

There is also a difference in the observance of Lord Parshvanath's Nirvana Kalyanak among the two major Jain traditions.

While followers of the Digambara tradition observe the occasion on Shravan Shukla Saptami, followers of the Shwetambara tradition observe Lord Parshvanath's Nirvana Kalyanak on Shravan Shukla Ashtami. The latter tradition holds that Lord Parshvanath attained nirvana on Ashtami.

This difference in the tithi of observance is an important aspect of the religious traditions associated with the sacred pilgrimage centre.

Cleanliness drive underway on Parasnath Hill

Meanwhile, the Shikharji Swachhta Samiti has intensified cleanliness efforts along the pedestrian pilgrimage route leading to Parasnath Hill. Workers and volunteers associated with the committee are engaged in cleaning the walking route ahead of the expected arrival of a large number of pilgrims.

The cleanliness drive is particularly significant as thousands of devotees use the traditional foot route during important religious occasions. Maintaining cleanliness along the route is therefore an important part of preparations for the pilgrimage.

With advance bookings increasing and cleanliness and other arrangements being undertaken, Madhuban is gradually getting ready to welcome pilgrims for Moksha Saptami. The occasion is expected to bring a distinctly devotional atmosphere to the Jain pilgrimage town and the sacred Parasnath Hill.