About Parasnath Hill (Shikharji)
Parasnath Hill, also known as Shikharji, is located near Madhuban in Giridih District, Jharkhand. At 1,365 metres, it is the highest peak in Jharkhand and the highest mountain in eastern India. It is the most sacred pilgrimage site for Jains, where 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras are believed to have attained moksha, and features numerous Jain temples along a forested trekking route.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a long uphill trek of about 27 km round trip from Madhuban to the summit through forested slopes of the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The route passes numerous white marble Jain temples and tonks dedicated to Tirthankaras, small shrines, rest shelters and viewpoints. The summit offers panoramic views of surrounding hills and plains. The base village of Madhuban has Jain temples and dharamshalas.
Key highlights
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Highest peak in Jharkhand at 1,365 metres above sea level
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Most sacred Jain pilgrimage centre where 20 Tirthankaras attained moksha
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27 km round-trip trek from Madhuban to summit with forested landscape
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Numerous Jain temples and tonks along the parikrama path
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Part of Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna
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Panoramic views from the summit and Jal Mandir at base
History of Parasnath Hill (Shikharji)
According to Jain tradition, 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, including the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanatha after whom the hill is named, attained nirvana (moksha) on this hill. The site has been a major Jain pilgrimage centre for centuries with temples and tonks marking the nirvana spots of each Tirthankara.
Culture & Context
Shikharji is considered the most sacred and revered pilgrimage site in Jainism, known as Sammed Shikharji. Jains undertake a parikrama of the hill barefoot as an act of devotion. The hill and its temples are central to Jain religious identity and annual pilgrimages attract devotees from across India.
Route
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