Parasnath Temple and Hills in Giridih District

The Parasnath temple is situated on the highest peak of the hills. To reach it, one has to climb about 10 kilometers from the Parasnath main gate to the top of the mountain. This temple is dedicated to the Jain religion. Parasnath Hills is a range of hills located in Giridih district of Jharkhand.

The highest peak is 1350 meters high. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. They call it Sammed Shikhar. This hill is named after the 23rd Tirthankara Parasnath. Twenty Tirthankaras of Jainism attained salvation on this hill.

There is a temple (Gumti or Tuk) on the hill for each of them. Some of the temples located on the hill are believed to be more than 2,000 years old. This place has been inhabited since ancient times, but the temples may be more recent.

The Santhals call it Marang Buru, i.e. the hill of the deity. A grand Mola is organized in this temple in the month of Shravan.

Important religious place of Parasnath

Gautam Swami Temple: Out of the 24 pilgrimages performed in Jainism, 20 Tirthankaras attained salvation on this Parasnath hill and the small white coloured temples that you can see are the Samadhi Sthals of those Tirthankaras.

The footprints of those Tirthankaras are kept inside these small temples. From here, look at that huge peak, the people of Jainism call it by these names. This Parshuram hill is known by the name of Gautam Swami.

Historical importance of Parasnath

It is said that there are two sects in Jainism, one is Siva and the other is Parshuram. Digambaras, among their followers, those who take sanyaas have to renounce all the worldly things of this world, i.e. people, anger, property, everything.

Digambaras perform it with such strictness that they even renounce their clothes. And Shvetambaras wear a white cloth.

Geographical location of Parasnath

The highest peak is 1350 meters high. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. They call it Sammed Shikhar. This hill is named after the 23rd Tirthankara Parasnath. Twenty Tirthankaras of Jainism attained salvation on this hill.

It is believed that some temples situated on the hill are more than 2,000 years old. While going to the temple, many temples can be seen on the way. One can go on foot to visit this temple. To reach the height of the mountain, the tribal people there can also reach by two combs and four combs.

Some amount has to be paid for this. A helipad has been built on the top of the mountain. Where one can also go by helicopter. The distance of Parasnath temple from the helipad is one kilometer. Which has to be covered on foot. The view around the mountain looks very beautiful.

Parasnath Temple

Parasnath Temple is situated on the top of a mountain in the lap of nature in Giridih district of Jharkhand state. Parasnath Temple is also known as Shri Sammed Shikharji. This temple is one of the main pilgrimage sites of Jainism. Where 20 Tirthankaras attained salvation.

This temple is thousands of years old. Which is situated on the top of the mountain. This temple is associated with Tirthankara Parasnath of Jainism. Where salvation was attained.

History of the temple

It is believed that some temples situated on the hill are more than 2,000 years old. Although Parasnath Temple is several hundred years old. But those who go to visit the temple now. This temple was built a few centuries ago. This temple is built according to ancient times.

As its design, its structure, the material used in it is the latest according to today’s technology. This temple is not only durable but can also withstand environmental disasters.

Architecture of the temple

The architecture of the Parasnath temple reflects ancient Indian architecture. The imprint of the ancient times can be clearly seen in this temple. The construction of the Parasnath temple has been done with great care. Carving and sculpture have been used in it.

Special importance has been given to the design of the entrance, pillars, sanctum sanctorum etc. of the temple to make it religious and attractive.

Major religious events

The biggest fair is organized in the Parasnath temple mainly in the month of Shravan of the year. In which thousands of devotees gather daily. Worship is not done in the temple here. Aarti is done only in the evening. Which is done with great devotion.

Apart from this, Mahavir Jayanti and Parasnath Nirman Diwas are celebrated with great pomp in the Parasnath temple. At this time, thousands of devotees come here to visit. At this time, the rituals of the temple are done regularly from a religious point of view.

Main idols of the temple

Parasnath temple has specially installed idols of Tirthankaras. These idols show the religious and cultural importance of Parasnath. People come from far and wide to visit this temple.

Even people from abroad come to visit this Parasnath temple. All these idols of Tirthankaras enhance the beauty of artistry and religious importance.

Means of reaching the temple

To reach the temple, one has to climb a mountain about 10 km from the temple gate. There is no airport of any kind in Parasnath. But there is a helipad at a distance of one kilometer in the temple complex. Where one can reach by helicopter.

The nearest airport is Ranchi, which is about 103 km from Parasnath. You can easily get regular trains to Parasnath from other major cities of the country. Railway station: Parasnath (PNME). Parasnath 54 km away Bokaro Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand Parasnath 38 km away Hazaribagh Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.

Parasnath Hills

Parasnath is situated at an altitude of about 1365 meters above the ground level. Its area is spread over several kilometers around the mountain.

When seen from above, mountains and forests are seen all around. Wherever you look, you see greenery. The natural beauty of this place makes travelling here quite exciting.

Geography of the hills

If we talk about the hills, the environment of nature here is very balanced. The climate and weather here is time-friendly. Which can give a pleasant experience to the tourists coming here. Due to the high height of the mountain, climbing can be very difficult.

Traveling alone here can be scary and unsafe. Whenever you go to visit the Parasnath temple, do not forget to take water for drinking and food items on the way. Because the distance to the temple is very long. So physical fatigue on the way is a common thing.

Flora and fauna of the hills

The Parasnath forest is so big that all types of animals can be found here. Along with this, many herbs can also be found.

Because wherever you look, nothing is visible except mountains all around. Information boards have been put up at a distance of every hundred meters here. It is written in it that be careful of wild animals. Do not tease them in any way.

Jainism and Parasnath

Parasnath is associated with Jain Tirthankaras. The biographies of the major Tirthankaras and the stories and myths associated with them are important here.

The religious contributions of the Tirthankaras and their teachings are important for the followers of Jainism. The instructions and procedures for religious rituals for the followers are explained here in detail.

Importance of Parasnath in Jainism

Parasnath Hill is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for the people of Jainism. This hill is also called Sammed Shikhar. Out of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, 20 Tirthankaras attained salvation on this hill.

Therefore, the people of Jainism also call Parasnath as “Moksha Dwar”. There are temples named after 20 Tirthankaras on this hill, which are called Gumti or Tuk. Some of these temples are believed to be more than 2,000 years old.

Tourism and facilities

In Parasnath, all the facilities for tourists to stay, rest, eat and drink are available on the top of the mountain. If you do not want to climb the mountain, then this facility is also available. By paying some amount, the tribal people there take you to the temple safely.

There is no need to walk. It is as if you go to visit the temple by sitting in a rickshaw. Apart from this, there is also a facility of motorcycle to the temple premises. In which you can go to the temple by paying some fare.

Local market and shopping

Since Parasnath temple is situated in the middle of nature, there is no facility for shopping here. If you want to do shopping, then after coming down from the temple, you can do many shoppings in Greedeh district. Apart from this, you can also do shopping in the local market.

Guided tour and assistance for tourists

There is no tour guide for tourists in Parasnath. For this, information has to be taken from the local people. And boards about the temple have been put up at various places.

You can get a lot of information about Parasnath temple on the internet. Apart from this, you can watch many videos on YouTube. Which can prove to be helpful for you.

Safety and precautions

You have to take care of your safety the most at Parasnath. Because the path here is uphill, there is a possibility of falling down. Along with this, special attention is also required to keep yourself safe from the monkeys and wild animals here.

While climbing the mountain, many short cut paths have been made. In which one needs to climb with a little caution. In which there are small and big stones. So one has to walk carefully. You have to take care of your luggage yourself.

Do not carry too much luggage, otherwise there can be a lot of trouble. Roads have been built to climb the mountains. Stairs have been built at places with high slopes. So that there is no problem in reaching the temple.

Frequently Asked Question for Parasnath