Founded by Acharya Shree Yogeesh, Siddhayatan Tirth is a sprawling spiritual retreat center with miniature replicas of some pilgrimage places in India.
Siddhayatan Tirth, the first and largest Jain-Hindu pilgrimage place in North America, was inaugurated on May 13 in Windom, near Dallas, TX. Hundreds of devotees gathered to witness the dedication of 60 acres of holy sites and an 11,000-sq-ft Jain-Hindu Temple.
Founder Acharya Shree Yogeesh named the site ‘Siddhayatan’, which means, “a place of liberated souls”. But he says, “Some might call it a ‘spiritual Disneyland’.”
Indeed, the 10 Jain and Hindu auspicious sites which were consecrated included 24 Tirthankara Mandiram (Shwetambar-Digambar), Mt. Kailash-Ashtapad Mansarovar, Shree Gommateshwar, Bahubali, Sammed Shikhar, and Ganesh-Lakshmi-Saraswati Temple. Tirth means a pilgrimage place.
Acharya Yogeesh explains the raison d’être for Siddhayatan Tirth, “People have a hard time traveling to India to partake in pilgrimage. Those who live in North and South America will have easier access to experience visiting multiple miniature pilgrimage sites in one place. It’s a special place for everyone–everyone seeks peace.”
At the inauguration, most guests were from the Indian community from Dallas – Fort Worth and Houston areas. Some came from as far away as New Mexico, Canada, and California. Indian celebrities, government officials, and business leaders acknowledged the event’s significance to the Indian community in the United States, a Siddhayatan Tirth press release said.
“Celebrating the inauguration of this meditation park and its temples gives all Texans the opportunity to learn of the rich traditions demonstrated in the Jain and Hindu communities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex,” said Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
“Inaugurating Siddhayatan Tirth’s temples and pilgrimage site is a momentous occasion that reminds us of the importance of staying connected to our cultural roots,” said actor Erick Avari.
Some vignettes from the inaugural ceremonies. (Photos courtesy Siddhayatan Tirth)
Actor and producer Anjul Nigam remarked, “Celebrations like the inauguration of Siddhayatan Tirth are important milestones of Indian culture here in the United States.”
The day was filled with traditional cultural practices led by founder Acharya Yogeesh, who guided the temple blessings, and procession. He made a special spiritual keynote address. Indian classical music and dance performances regaled the audience.
Siddhayatan Tirth was founded in 2008 by Acharya Yogeesh who chose the 250-acre site in the rolling hills of cattle country in north Texas. It is a retreat center, ashram, and monastery dedicated to preserving Indian culture and ancient spiritual teachings that promote nonviolence, oneness, unity, and respect for all living beings. The main principle of Jainism is non-violence, which Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr practiced in their activism and influence.
Though Jain monks run the center, it is more spiritual than religiously inclined. The first North American Jain Sadhvis, Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, a U.S. Army Veteran, and Sadhvi Anubhuti are spiritual teachers and award-winning filmmakers who help lead the organization.
Anybody irrespective of religion and background can visit or attend a wellness retreat at Siddhayatan “to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, connect with like-minded individuals, and transform your mind, body, and soul through daily practice and meditation.”
For details, visit https://siddhayatantirth.org
