A Journey Through Time: Exploring The History of Parasnath Temple in Jharkhand

Bhagya shree Das
4 min readJan 21, 2023

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Parasnath Temple in Jharkhand

The Parasnath Temple, located in Jharkhand, India, is a sacred Jain pilgrimage site. The temple is named after the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, and is considered to be one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.

The temple is situated on the top of the Parasnath Hill, which is the highest mountain peak in the state of Jharkhand. The hill is a part of the Parasnath Range and is located in the Giridih district, about 45 km from the town of Giridih. The temple can be reached by a steep climb of around 13 km from the base of the hill, which is considered to be a challenging trek.

The temple is a beautiful architectural masterpiece and is considered to be one of the most important examples of Jain architecture. The temple is built in the traditional Jain style and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The main idol of the temple is that of Parshvanatha, which is made of marble and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Jain idols in the world.

The temple complex also has several other smaller temples and shrines dedicated to other Jain Tirthankaras. The complex also has several other facilities such as guest houses, a library, and a museum that displays Jain artifacts and manuscripts.

The temple is a major pilgrimage site for Jains, and thousands of devotees visit the temple every year to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is also a popular destination for tourists and history buffs who are interested in learning about Jain culture and heritage.

The temple is also an important site for Jain scholars and researchers, who come here to study Jain manuscripts and texts. The temple complex also has several educational institutions that offer courses on Jainism and Jain culture.

Parasnath Hill is also an important site for Jain ascetics and monks, who come here to meditate and perform spiritual practices. The hill is also home to several Jain hermitages and ashrams, where Jain monks and nuns reside and practice.

The temple is also a major center for Jain festivals and celebrations. The most important festival that is celebrated at the temple is the Parshvanatha Jayanti, which marks the birthday of Parshvanatha. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm, and thousands of devotees gather at the temple to offer prayers and participate in the celebrations.

Which God Is In Parasnath Temple?

Parshvanatha God

The main idol in the Parasnath Temple is that of Parshvanatha, who is the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. Parshvanatha is considered to be a divine figure in Jainism and is revered as a spiritual teacher and guide. The temple is named after Parshvanatha and is considered to be one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple complex also has several other smaller temples and shrines dedicated to other Jain Tirthankaras

How Long Does It Take To Climb Parasnath Temple?

The climb to the top of Parasnath Hill, where the Parasnath Temple is located, is considered to be a challenging trek. The distance from the base of the hill to the temple is around 13 km and it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours to complete the climb, depending on the individual’s level of fitness and the pace at which they are able to climb. It’s important to note that the climb is steep and can be physically demanding, so it’s important to be in the good physical condition and to be properly prepared before attempting the trek. It’s also recommended to take a guide and take necessary precautions such as carrying enough water and food.

How To Visit Parasnath?

To visit Parasnath From there, you can either take a train or drive to the nearest major city, Giridih, and then take a bus or hire a taxi to take you to the base of the hill. Once you reach the base, you can either hike to the top of the hill or take a cable car. It is also recommended to check with local authorities for any necessary permits or fees that may be required to visit the hill.

In conclusion, the Parasnath Temple is a sacred Jain pilgrimage site that is of great religious and historical importance. The temple, situated on the top of The Parasnath Hill, is a beautiful architectural masterpiece and is considered to be one of the most important examples of Jain architecture. The temple complex also has several other facilities and is an important site for Jain scholars, researchers, and ascetics. The temple is also a major center for Jain festivals and celebrations and is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

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