Which of the following places is recognised as a Jain Siddha Kshetra because of its sacred association with the Jain Tirthankara Parsvanatha?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sammed Sikhar (Parshvanath Hill)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question comes from the religious and cultural history of India, specifically from Jainism. A Jain Siddha Kshetra is a sacred place associated with the liberation (moksha) of one or more Tirthankaras or other greatly revered saints. Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, is one of the most important figures in Jain tradition. Knowing which pilgrimage centres are linked to which Tirthankaras is a common requirement in competitive exams that test Indian culture and heritage.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The focus is on a Jain Siddha Kshetra connected with Parsvanatha.
  • The options are Champa, Pava, Sammed Sikhar and Urjayanta.
  • We assume standard Jain pilgrimage geography as described in exam-oriented books.
  • The question is about “on account of its association with Parsvanatha”, not just any Jain site.


Concept / Approach:
Sammed Shikhar (often written as Sammed Sikhar or Shikharji) is one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites. It is traditionally believed to be the place where many Tirthankaras, including Parsvanatha, attained liberation. Therefore, it is regarded as a major Jain Siddha Kshetra. While places like Champa and Pava have their own historical or religious significance, when the question is specifically tied to Parsvanatha and the term “Siddha Kshetra” is used, exam keys nearly always point to Sammed Sikhar as the correct answer.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Parsvanatha is the 23rd Jain Tirthankara and is widely venerated.Step 2: Remember that Sammed Shikhar (Sammed Sikhar) is a major Jain pilgrimage hill where many Tirthankaras, including Parsvanatha, are believed to have attained nirvana.Step 3: Note that the question uses the technical term “Jain Siddha Kshetra”, which refers to such places of liberation.Step 4: Compare the options: Champa, Pava, Sammed Sikhar, Urjayanta. Out of these, Sammed Sikhar is the most famous Siddha Kshetra associated with Parsvanatha.Step 5: Select 'Sammed Sikhar (Parshvanath Hill)' as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard references on Jain pilgrimage sites list Sammed Shikhar as a key Siddha Kshetra linked with several Tirthankaras, including Parsvanatha. Many MCQ books on Indian religion and culture repeat this question, giving Sammed Shikhar / Sammed Sikhar as the correct answer. Cross-checking multiple sources therefore confirms the reliability of this choice for exam preparation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Champa: It may have its own historical or cultural importance, but it is not typically highlighted as a Siddha Kshetra of Parsvanatha in standard exam material.Pava: Known in Buddhist contexts as Pava (near Kushinagar), but the question specifically asks about a Jain Siddha Kshetra for Parsvanatha.Urjayanta: This name appears in different mythological or regional contexts, but it is not the standard Jain Siddha Kshetra associated with Parsvanatha in competitive exam syllabi.


Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is to confuse general Jain or Buddhist sacred places with specific Siddha Kshetras of particular Tirthankaras. Another problem is guessing based on unfamiliar names without linking them to what you have studied in Jainism. To avoid such errors, you should memorise a short list of major Jain pilgrimage centres and the Tirthankaras associated with them, especially Sammed Shikhar's connection with Parsvanatha and other Tirthankaras.


Final Answer:
The Jain Siddha Kshetra associated with Parsvanatha is Sammed Sikhar (Parshvanath Hill).

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