Bhoomi Pujan & Khanan FAQs

Q. How many steps is it from Bhomiyaji to Devbhoomi via the Bahubali Trail?
A. 1,008 approximately

And how many via the Adinath Trail?
1,101 approximately

Bahubali, Adinath and Chetna Trails, Devbhoomi of Trail D (right)
Trails A, B, and C take one to Devbhoomi – the site of Bhoomi Pujan & Khanan. The Babubali Trail (with stairs) and Adinath Trail (gradual incline) merge into Chetna Trail (steeper incline). None of these trails are physically challenged accessible. Physically challenged will have separate direct access to Devbhoomi upon request being made to staff. A notable feature of the entire Project is that it will be physically challenged friendly, including for abhishek and safe for children.

What’s so special about 1,008?
There are said to be 1,008 auspicious marks on the body of a Tirthankar. Tirthankar has 1,008 names (veetaraag, devaadhidev, jineshwar, kewali, etc.) by which Indra, the king of the heavens, is said to worship Him. There are 1,008 petals in the lotus erected by him in the samavasaran of a Tirthankar. Tirthankars have 1,008 excellent attributes, such as infinite power, infinite knowledge etc. In the number 1,008, 1 represents pure soul, 8 represents the eight karamas, and the 00 in between represent an infinite distance between the two (pure soul and karamas). 1,008 also represents exalted respect – when we say “Tirthankar Shree 1008 Mahavira,” we mean 1,008 times vandana.

What is the donation amount for Bhoomi Pujan/ Khanan?
$1,008 for each of Bahubalidev and Adinath Prabhu

Guruji near present-day Trail D (darshan) sometime in the 1980s pointing up, as if towards the future Adinath Trail leading to Siddhachal Bahubali Tirth. Also in picture Gurudev Chitrabhanu ji and Pramodaben. A resting station existed at that location – it has been restored.

When is bhoomi pujan and khanan?
August 17-18, 2024 (August 19 is Raksha Bandhan). Shravan Sud Teras-Chaudas (Saturday-Sunday)

What is bhoomi pujan and khanan?
Bhoomi pujan is purification of ground. Khanan is seeking permission from the living beings for breaking ground and disturbing them

What is the program for August 17-18?
August 17 program will comprise of morning pujas followed by Siddhachal Bahubali Mahapujan of three sets of nine shilas. This will be followed by swamivatsalya, vyaakhaan and cultural program. There is bhakti in the evening. August 18 program will comprise of bhoomi pujan vidhi vidhan, rath shobha yatra, and other community events. Invitations will go out in July 2024

How many donors can do Bhoomi Pujan/ Khanan?
There is no limitation on number of donors

Does every donor get a chance to do bhoomi pujan/ khanan?
Absolutely. If one has made the $1,008 donation for bhoomi pujan, one will be able to perform bhoomi pujan. Same for khanan

Why is the amount for bhoomi pujan / khanan $1,008?
Guruji would have wanted wide participation. Accordingly, the sum of $1,008 was fixed so that a large number of donors will have the opportunity to participate in this auspicious and historic event

Can I donate for bhoomi pujan or khanan for each of Bahubali and Adinath?
Yes

Shikharji at Siddhachalam Bhoomi Pujan August 28, 2010

Where will I do bhoomi pujan / khanan?
Bhoomi pujan/ khanan will be performed at Dev Bhoomi. There will be a lottery to decide the order in which one does Bhoomi Pujan/ Khanan after giving opportunity to sponsors. The first round of lottery will be held and results announced at Siddhachalam on August 17 at 4:00 pm

Will the name of every donor be engraved at Siddhachalam?
Absolutely, yes. If one donates at least $1,008 for bhoomi pujan / khanan. Our objective is to encourage future generations to draw inspiration from the example set by family members

How will the names be engraved?
The names will be engraved on plaques placed at Dev Bhoomi

How many names will be engraved?
Two names per donor together with City and State. Two names may be of any family member or friend

Will Siddhachalam help arrange accommodation for out-of-town donors?
Yes. Siddhachalam will make arrangements, including with neighborhood hotels at negotiated group rates. Please contact crm@siddhachalam.org for further information after June 1, 2024

Can one donate any amount or must every contribution be at least $1,008?
Donor plaque will recognize contribution of $1,008 and its multiples. But there may be other opportunities to contribute. One may donate any amount for the Siddhachal Bahubali Tirth project. Every dollar is important and appreciated.

Picture from Shikharji at Siddhachalam Bhoomi Pujan. Siddhachalam will deeply miss, besides HH Amrender Muniji MS, the uplifting presence of Gurudev Chitrabhanuji (not in picture).

How can one sponsor the Siddhachal Bahubali Tirth Project?
By contributing a minimum of $121,000. Sponsors will be prominently recognized at Bhoomi Pujan, Khanan, Shilanyas, Pratishtha and other associated events

Tell us more
We are touched by the joyful expressions of interest to sponsor the Project. Please see the full list of sponsors on page 1 and back cover of brochure.

What about Shilanyas?
Shilanyas will be held in summer 2025. Main Shilas will be offered by bidding (“ghee boli”) and small shilas by fixed donation amount (“nakro”)

Celebration and relaxation is an important part of Bhoomi Pujan. Pictures from Shikharji at Siddhachalam Bhoomi Pujan, August 2010

Is there a plan to engrave the story of Bahubali in marble?
Absolutely! We will dedicate at least 11 plaques that will artfully render in marble the story of Bahubali, Bhārat and Bhagwaan Adinath. Nakro for it will be announced on or before Bhoomi Pujan

Will we have other opportunities to contribute on 17th and 18th?
Yes, there will be ghee bolis and nakro for pujas, aarti, mangal devo and other events of August 17 and 18, 2024

Will we have other opportunities to contribute on 17th and 18th?
Yes, there will be ghee bolis and nakro for pujas, aarti, mangal devo and other events of August 17 and 18, 2024