Shikharji at Siddhachalam is the world’s first, to-scale, complete replication of Teerthadhiraj Shikharji. It was opened at dawn on August 13, 2012, after four days of pratishtha celebrations. Read more.
Acharya Sushil Gurve Namah
Quietly Beautiful
2,541 years ago, Bhagwaan Mahavira, our last Tirthankar, attained moksha after having shown us the path to do so, and His ganadhar (chief disciple) Shri Gautam Swami attained kevalgyan (absolute consciousness). Ever since, we celebrate the historic day as Deepawali. This year, Deepawali Mahaparv celebrations at Siddhachalam began at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, and continued through 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28. This was the last opportunity to stay at the ashram before most cabins were closed and Guruji’s prathima at Tapasya Sthal was veiled!
Ashram is Beautiful in its Quititude
Deepawali generally is the last major religious festival observed at Siddhachalam. Siddhachalam thereafter goes in the Fall and winter mode – a spectacular place to watch Fall colors and observe our animals continue their activities during the winters. Notwithstanding weather conditions, Siddhachalam temples open and close timely 365 days a year and for those seeking a quiet place to meditate or pray, Siddhachalam temples are an ideal location.
Around Thanksgiving, the warm water feeders start operating and will continue to do so until late March. They help save animal and bird life during the ashram’s harsh winters. The deer feed stations also stay stocked during the winters with corn and other feed at this time of the year. This year, we have added responsibilities for the peacocks and peahens; they have now started getting in and out of their home more freely but still have to be watched from predators. A good time to see the ashram in its resplendent beauty is late afternoons and early mornings. Welcome!