The Parasnath Temple, Jharkhand

The Parasnath Temple:

The Parasnath Temple, also known as Shikharji, is a renowned Jain pilgrimage site located in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated on the Parasnath Hill, the highest mountain in the state, which is named after the Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha. Shikharji is believed to be the place where twenty of the twenty third Tirthankaras attained liberation or Moksha.

Address: Parasnath Hill, Madhuban, Pirtand CD Block, Giridih, Jharkhand, India

 It is located towards the eastern end of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Giridih district (Hazaribagh district) in Jharkhand.

The temple complex comprises several temples dedicated to different Tirthankaras. The main temple, called the Shri Sammed Shikharji Tirtha, is the most important shrine and attracts thousands of Jain devotees every year. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting various Jain symbols and deities.

To reach the Parasnath Temple, visitors must undertake a rigorous pilgrimage trek. The mountain has around 26 main and subsidiary peaks, and the most popular pilgrimage route starts from the town of Madhuban. The trek typically takes several hours and requires physical endurance, as there are around 2,000 steps to climb. However, facilities such as rest houses, water points, and resting platforms are available along the route.

The Parasnath Temple holds great significance for Jains and is considered one of the holiest sites in Jainism. There is a beautiful Jain temple on the mountain peak known as "Svarna Bhadra koot " ("cottage of golden grace " ). The temple is made of marble.There is another marble jain temple on hill known as Jal Mandir. It is not only a place of worship but also a center for meditation and spiritual contemplation. The temple complex offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Highest point in Jharkhand: Apart from its religious and spiritual importance, the Parasnath Temple and the Parasnath Hill also hold scientific significance.At 1365 m Parasnath is the highest mountain peak in the state of Jharkhand, and is theoretically inter- visible with Mount Everest over 450 km eyeteeth. The hill is rich in biodiversity, housing a variety of flora and fauna. It has been declared a protected forest area to preserve its ecological value.

Connectivity:

The connectivity to the Parasnath Temple in Jharkhand is relatively good. Here are the different modes of transportation you can consider to reach the temple:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Parasnath Temple is the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is approximately 170 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Parasnath Hill.

2. By Train: The closest railway station to Parasnath Temple is Parasnath Railway Station, which is located at the foothills of the Parasnath Hill. It is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Ranchi, Delhi, and Patna. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple complex.

3. By Road: Parasnath Hill is well-connected by road. You can reach the town of Madhuban, which serves as the base for the pilgrimage trek. Regular bus services are available from major cities in Jharkhand, such as Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Giridih, to Madhuban. From Madhuban, you can start your trek to the Parasnath Temple.

Legend of Parasnat temple:

The legend associated with the temple revolves around the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha (also known as Parasnath). It is believed that Parshvanatha, during his spiritual journey, attained enlightenment on the summit of the Parasnath Hill. He meditated and practiced asceticism at this sacred site, ultimately achieving spiritual liberation.

The legend further states that the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha), had also attained Moksha on this hill, making it a significant place of pilgrimage for Jains. Over time, the site became known as Shikharji, derived from the word "shikhar" meaning "summit" or "peak."

The Parasnath Temple complex houses several temples dedicated to different Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha and Rishabhanatha. These temples are considered sacred by Jains, who visit them to pay homage and seek spiritual blessings.

The pilgrimage to the Parasnath Temple is considered an important spiritual journey for Jains, who believe that visiting this sacred site and climbing the Parasnath Hill can help purify the soul and bring them closer to attaining liberation or Moksha.

The legend associated with the Parasnath Temple and the spiritual significance it holds for Jains has made it a revered and popular pilgrimage destination for followers of Jainism from all over the world.