Tirtha
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A tirtha is a pilgrimage site. Literally the Sanskrit term "tirtha" means a ford, a shallow part of a body of water that may be easily crossed. A tirtha provides the inspiration to enable one to cross over from worldly engagement to the side of nirvana.
In Jainism, a tirtha may be
- Siddha kshtra: site of liberation of a Kevali (including Tirthankaras) like Ashtapad hill, Sammet Shikhar, Champa, Girnar, Pava and Shatrunjaya.
- Atishaya kshetra: where divine events have occurred like Mahavirji, Kesariaji, Kundalpur etc.
- Purana kshetra: associated with lives of shalaka-purushas, like Ayodhya, Vidisha, Hastinapur, Rajgir etc.
- Gyana kshetra: associated with famous Acharyas or centers of learning, like Mohankheda, Shravanabelagola, Ladnun etc.
Geographically the Jain Tirthas can be divided into Six Quarters:
- North India: Hastinapur, Takshashila, Ashtapada etc,.
- South India: Shravanabelagola, Moodabidri, Humbaj, Ananthanatha Swami Temple near Kalpetta etc.
- Eastern India: Sammet Sikhar, Pavapuri, Champa, Pundravardhan etc.
- Western India: Shatrunajaya, Girnar, Abu, Mahavirji etc.
- Central India: Vidisha, Kundalpur, Sonagir, etc.
- Overseas: Siddhachalam, Nava-ashtapad etc.
