Parasnath Temple & Parasnath Hills

• Devotional Library, Temples
• devotional information JAin Temple

• Location: Giridih district, Jharkhand, India
• Elevation: ~1,365 meters (4,478 ft), highest peak in Jharkhand
• Significance: One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains
• Main Temple: Shikharji (also called Parasnath Temple)
• Dedicated to: Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara
• Also Known As: Shikharji (शिखरजी), Sammed Shikharji

🧘‍♂️ Religious Significance & Mythology

• Shikharji is sacred to both Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects of Jainism.
• 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, attained Moksha (liberation) here.
• The name “Parasnath” comes from Parshvanatha, who is believed to have meditated here before liberation.
• The hills are dotted with Tonk(s) or shrines at sites where the Tirthankaras attained Nirvana.

🕍 Temple Architecture

• The main temple at the summit is simple yet spiritually significant.
• Made with white marble, with a spiritual and serene vibe.
• Tonks (small shrines or temples) are placed all over the hills – 31 in total.
• No elaborate carvings; the focus is on purity and peacefulness.
• Most Tonks are open-air or domed shrines with footprints (Charan Padukas) of Tirthankaras.

🕰️ Temple Timings

• Open All Days
• Summer (March to October): 4:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Winter (November to February): 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Best to begin the yatra (pilgrimage) early morning
• Night stay at top the hill is not permitted

🛕 Main Attractions at Parasnath Hills

1. Shikharji (Main Temple) – at the hilltop
2. Jal Mandir – at Madhuban (base of the hills)
3. Bhomiyaji Temple – a protective deity of the hill
4. Tonk of Parshvanath
5. Gautam Swami Tonk
6. Bhaktamar Temple (Digambar) – a newer addition near Madhuban

🛣️ Trekking Route

• Two main routes to reach the hilltop:
  1. Madhuban to Shikharji (13 km trek):
     • Traditional walking path through the forest, steep but scenic
     • Pilgrims prefer barefoot trekking
     • Dolis (palanquins) available
  2. Alternate Route via Isri Bazar: Motorable up to some extent

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

• October to March – pleasant weather for trekking
• Annual fairs and festivals during Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan

🧳 Travel Information

• Nearest Railway Station: Parasnath Station (Gomoh), ~25 km from Madhuban
• Nearest Airport: Ranchi (approx. 170 km), Gaya (approx. 150 km)
• Local Stay: Dharamshalas, guesthouses in Madhuban (for Jains and tourists)
• Food: Only pure vegetarian (Satvik) food, often without onion and garlic

🔖 Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes or go barefoot as per faith
• Carry water bottles, fruits, dry snacks
• Be respectful of the religious customs
• No alcohol or non-veg food allowed
• Photography is restricted in some sacred areas

Parasnath Hills, home to the sacred Shikharji Temple, is more than just a spiritual destination—it’s a place where faith meets nature, where centuries of Jain history and devotion.