Parasnath Hill Jharkhand — India's Holiest Jain Pilgrimage Site at 1,350 Metres | Experience Jharkhand

About Parasnath Hill (Shikharji)

Parasnath Hill, revered as Shikharji by Jains, is the highest mountain in Jharkhand at 1,350 metres (4,429 feet) and the holiest pilgrimage site in Jainism. According to Jain scripture, 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras (enlightened masters) attained Nirvana on this hill. The hill has 27 Jain temples and is circumambulated via a 27 km pilgrimage circuit. It is located in Giridih district, approximately 170 km from Ranchi and 60 km from Dhanbad.

Parasnath Hill rises from the forests of Giridih district to become both Jharkhand's highest peak and one of the most spiritually significant landscapes in the country. The pilgrimage circuit — a 27 km trek beginning and ending at Madhuban village — passes through dense forest and ascends to each of the 27 Jain temples at various points on the hill. The Shikharji Temple at the summit marks the spot where Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, is believed to have attained Nirvana. The biodiversity of Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary adds a natural dimension to the spiritual journey.

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Quick Info

Best Time to Visit

October to February

District

Giridih

Frequently Asked Questions About Parasnath Hill (Shikharji)

Common questions about visiting Parasnath Hill (Shikharji), Jharkhand

Parasnath Hill is the holiest site in Jainism because 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras (enlightened masters) are believed to have attained Nirvana (moksha) here, according to Jain scripture. It is considered obligatory for devout Jains to complete the pilgrimage circuit at least once in a lifetime.

Parasnath Hill stands at 1,350 metres (4,429 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Jharkhand and the highest peak on the Chotanagpur Plateau.

The Parasnath pilgrimage circuit is 27 km in total, passing all 27 Jain temples. Most pilgrims start at 4:00 to 5:00 AM from Madhuban village and complete the circuit in 7 to 10 hours depending on pace. The trek is of moderate difficulty with sustained ascent to the summit.