Teerthraj Shikharji, located on the majestic Parasnath Hills, stands as one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites. Located in the district of Giridih, Jharkhand, this revered location is famous for its significance in Jainism, being the site where 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras attained nirvana. The Parasnath Hills rise to a height of 4,769 feet, surrounded by the barren plains and agricultural lands of Chikri, Jharkhand. The hills span an area of approximately 200 square kilometers, offering a serene and spiritually uplifting environment for devotees.
Sammet Shikharji Temple: The Holiest Jain Pilgrimage Destination
Parasnath Hill is home to the revered Sammet Shikharji Temple, a prominent Jain pilgrimage site. Known as Sammed Shikhar (“supreme peak”), it is the sacred mountain where 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained Moksha, making it one of the holiest places in Jainism. This site is revered by both Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects, as it is considered the foremost Jain pilgrimage destination, alongside other significant sites like Girnar, Palitana, and Dilwara.
The name “Parasnath” is derived from Lord Parshvanatha, who achieved Moksha here in 772 BCE. Shikharji symbolizes the “peak of concentration,” where many Tirthankaras reached liberation through deep meditation.
Key Temples and Structures at Shikharji
At the base of Shikharji, the Bhomiyaji Temple (Taleti) is a significant site. A mural painting in the Jain temple in Madhuban illustrates all the temples on Parasnath Hill. The Nichli Temple, built by a Calcutta merchant in the 18th century, is renowned for its stunning architecture, including arched gateways and intricate carvings of Tirthankaras. Additionally, a Digambara Jain temple at the base showcases Nandishwar Dweep.
The Tonks: Sacred Footprints of the Tirthankaras
Parasnath Hill is dotted with 31 tonks, each enshrining the footprints of a Tirthankara. These sacred tonks are central to Jain worship at Shikharji, with some carved in black or white marble. The Parshvanatha tonk, located at the summit, marks the spot where Lord Parshvanatha attained Moksha and is distinguished by a chatra (umbrella). Devotees often offer uncooked rice and sweets at the Parshvanatha tonk in homage.
Other tonks along the hill contain the sacred footprints of revered Tirthankaras such as Gautam Ganadhara Swami, Kunthunatha, Rishabha, and Chandraprabha, each carrying profound spiritual significance.
Where to Stay and Eat
Madhuban,is the nearby site where once can find good accomodation. There are several Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) managed by both Digambar and Shwetamber Jain communities. These dharamshalas are spread across the town and provide accommodation for pilgrims, but information is generally not available online. However, many dharamshalas offer in-house Bhojnalaya (vegetarian meal services), providing simple, yet wholesome meals in accordance with Jain dietary practices.
To ensure a smooth stay, it is advisable to contact the dharamshalas in advance to make a reservation, as they offer a variety of rooms catering to different needs and budgets of pilgrims. Many dharamshalas maintain a clean and comfortable environment, offering the right atmosphere for spiritual reflection and rest.
How to Reach Teerthraj Shikharji (Parasnath Hills)
- Base Pilgrimage Town: Madhuban, located in Giridih district, serves as the primary town for accessing the Shikharji pilgrimage.
- Nearest Train Station: Parasnath Railway Station, approximately 23 kilometers from Madhuban. Various trains from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Uttar Pradesh connect to Parasnath Station (Station Code: PNME). For example, the Delhi-Kolkata AC Rajdhani Express (Train #2302) stops at Parasnath Station, with a journey duration of approximately 13 hours from New Delhi.
- Nearest Major Airports: The closest major airports are in Ranchi, Patna, and Kolkata.
- Nearby Major Towns: Madhuban is well-connected by road and rail to nearby towns such as Giridih, Asansol, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ranchi, Patna, Durgapur, Hazaribagh, and Kolkata.
- By Train: Trains from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Kolkata regularly pass through Parasnath Railway Station. The Delhi-Kolkata Rajdhani Express and other long-distance trains offer convenient travel options for pilgrims.
- By Road:
- From New Delhi to Madhuban: Approximately 1,150 km, requiring about 18 hours of driving.
- From Kolkata to Madhuban: Approximately 350 km, around 5-6 hours of driving.
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