Parasnath


Parasnath is a mountain peak in the Parasnath Range. It is located towards the eastern end of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Giridih district of the Indian state of Jharkhand, India.. The hill is named after Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara.

Highest point in Jharkhand

At 1365 m Parasnath is the highest mountain peak in the state of Jharkhand, and is theoretically intervisible with Mount Everest over 450 km to the north. It is easily accessible from Parasnath railway station.

Jain Heritage

This is one of the most holy and revered sites for the Jain community. They call it Sammed Sikhar. It is a major pilgrimage site. Out of 24 Thirthankaras of Jains, 20 got nirvana on Parshvnatha Hills.
On the mountain, there are the Shikharji Jain temples, an important tirthakshetra or Jain pilgrimage site.. For each Tirthankara there is a shrine on the hill.
Some of the temples on the hill are believed to be more than 2,000 years old. However, although the place is habited from ancient times, the temples may be of more recent origin.
It is of cultural importance for the Santhals too. The call it Marang Buru, the hill of the deity. They celebrate a hunting festival on the full moon day in Vaisakh.