Parasnath Hill

About this place

Parasnath Hills are a range of hills located in Giridih district of Jharkhand. The highest peak is 1350 mts. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Jains. They call it Sammet Sikhar. The hill is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara. Twenty of the twenty four Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation on this hill. According to some, nine Tirthakaras attained salvation on this hill. For each of them there is a shrine on the hill. Some of the temples on the hill are believed to be more than 2000 years old. However, although the place is habited from ancient times, the temples may be of more recent origin. The Santhals call it Marang Buru, the hill of the deity. They celebrate a hunting festival on the full moon day in Baisakh.