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Siddhachalam is a Jain Ashram located in an idyllic setting in rural New Jersey, United States [1] on 120 acres (48.5 ha) of hilly terrain.
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 Namokar Mantra, the mantra 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 1994. There is no successor to Guruji.
Guruji purified Siddhachalam through his austerities, study and meditation. As a result, Siddhachalam is called a Tirth, 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 of the siddhas". Siddhas are those who attain Moksha, that is, liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. In other words, Siddhachalam means a permanent abode of souls that attain moksha. Moksha is central to Jainism. Indeed, Jainism is "mokshasmarg" (the path to liberation).
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 deers, peacocks, turkeys, cats and other animals and birds.
Siddhachalam has three temples. The main temple has magnificent marble idols of Lord Rishabha, Lord Parshvanath, Lord Mahavira, Lord Chandraprabhu and Lord Shantinath. The smaller temple's main idol is that of Lord Parshvanath. This idol is in the Digambar tradition, carved in magnificent black marble. The smallest temple is a meditation spot with several idols of which the main idol is that of Lord Mahavira.
Siddhachalam has a new and large library containing old and new books on religion, Ahimsa, peace, environment, Vegetarianism, health and related subjects.
Siddhachalam also has a Guru Mandir that contains a life-size idol of Guruji and a picture of Gautam Swami. The mandir is housed on the second floor of the Acharya Sushil Kumar Ahimsa Bhavan. The Acharya Sushil Kumar Ahimsa Bhavan has, in addition to the Guru Mandir, the Ahimsa Hall, a large meditation and meeting hall, and a bhojanshala.
Siddhachalam is an ashram for all who believe in Jain principles such as ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (truth). It also brings all Jains together 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 Swetambar tradition.
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[edit]Category:Jain temples and tirthas Category:Jainism by country Category:Religion in the United States