Parasnath Hill and the 20 Tirthankaras , also known as Sammed Shikharji, stands in the Giridih district of Jharkhand. For centuries, it has been the most revered pilgrimage site for the Jain community. Tradition holds that twenty of the twenty four Tirthankaras attained moksha, or liberation, on this mountain. The place combines deep spiritual significance with natural beauty. Pilgrims arrive to walk the mountain paths, visit Tonks and shrines, and to perform rituals of devotion.
This article is written from historical records, Jain texts, and modern research, with the intent to provide an accurate, respectful, and useful resource for visitors and students of religion.
Origins and Ancient Mentions
Parasnath appears in Jain literature and in early pilgrimage records. The Kalpasutra and other traditional texts reference Shikharji as a place of penance and liberation. While precise dates for early worship are uncertain, archaeological evidence and inscriptions suggest sustained religious activity from at least the early medieval period. Stone carvings and repair records on the hill point to temple-building that reached a notable phase during the 10th to 12th centuries CE, a time when regional dynasties and merchant patrons supported Jain centers of worship.
Local oral histories describe successive waves of pilgrims and ascetics using the groves and caves on the hill for meditation. Over the centuries, small shrines were consolidated into larger Tonks, and marble temples were established by organized Jain communities to preserve the Nirvana sites.
The Meaning of Sammed Shikharji
The terms carry clear symbolic value. Sammedha suggests inner realization. Shikharji means summit. Together, the name conveys the idea that the top of the hill is not merely a geographic high point, it is a center of spiritual realization where liberated souls achieved final release.
The 20 Tirthankaras Associated with Shikharji
Within the Jain tradition, twenty Tirthankaras are associated with Parasnath as their Nirvana sites. The following table lists these figures in the sequence commonly described by scholars and local tradition. The table pairs each name with its symbolic emblem and a rough location indicator along the traditional pilgrimage route.
| No. | Tirthankara | Symbol | Traditional Location on Hill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajitanath | Elephant | Lower slope near Madhuban |
| 2 | Sambhavanath | Horse | Forest section |
| 3 | Abhinandannath | Monkey | North ridge |
| 4 | Sumatinath | Heron | Mid route |
| 5 | Padmaprabhu | Lotus | Central path |
| 6 | Suparshvanath | Swastika | Near Gandharva Nala |
| 7 | Chandraprabhu | Crescent | 10 km point |
| 8 | Pushpadanta (Suvidhinath) | Crocodile | Forest trail |
| 9 | Sheetalnath | Kalpavriksha | 6 km marker |
| 10 | Shreyanshnath | Rhinoceros | Rest area |
| 11 | Vasupujya | Buffalo | Steep section |
| 12 | Vimalnath | Boar | Forest clearing |
| 13 | Anantnath | Hawk | Upper ridge |
| 14 | Dharmanath | Vajra | Near old pond |
| 15 | Shantinath | Deer | 8 km mark |
| 16 | Kunthunath | Goat | Streamside |
| 17 | Aranath | Fish | Forest tonk |
| 18 | Mallinath | Kalash | Marble enclosure |
| 19 | Munisuvrata | Tortoise | Near Jal Mandir |
| 20 | Neminath | Conch | Close to summit |
Tonks and Temple Architecture
Tonk shrines on the hill are generally small, built to mark a precise location associated with a Tirthankara’s final meditation. Over time, many of these shrines were replaced or protected by marble mandapas and small temple enclosures. The larger temples at the summit and at key rest points show craftsmanship typical of regional Jain patronage. White marble, carved pillars, and simple sanctum layouts create an aesthetic that is both serene and dignified.
Many of the present structures were restored in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by Jain communities from across India. This restoration involved replacing older stonework with polished marble, adding inscriptions, and installing protective railings and pathways for pilgrims.
Rituals Observed on the Yatra
While visiting Shikharji, pilgrims often follow a sequence of practices. The journey usually begins with a visit to Bhomiyaji temple in Madhuban. After receiving blessings, devotees walk the marked route, pausing at successive Tonks to recite mantras and offer water. At the summit, Jalabhishek, the pouring of water on the image, is a common act of reverence. Parikrama, or circumambulation around important shrines, and periods of silent meditation are also customary.
The pilgrimage can be undertaken as a full circuit with a vow to walk barefoot, or in stages for those unable to complete the entire ascent in one day. Many families and groups organize the yatra during festival periods when communal rituals and study sessions are arranged by local trusts.
Archaeological Notes and Historical Records
Archaeologists have recorded inscriptions and carved stones on and near the hill that date to the early medieval period. These markers indicate donations, temple repairs, and the patronage of merchants and local rulers. While large-scale excavations are limited, epigraphic evidence supports the continuous religious importance of the hill through many centuries.
In modern times, several trusts and committees coordinate pilgrim facilities, maintenance, and conservation. The Shri Sammed Shikharji Teerth Kshetra Committee, among others, oversees key temples, dharamshalas, and festival arrangements. Local conservation efforts aim to maintain the hill’s environment while accommodating pilgrims.
Festivals and Seasonal Practices
Festivals bring the site alive. Mahavir Jayanti, observed in spring, features processions, scripture recitations, and charitable meals. Kartik Purnima draws large numbers of pilgrims who synchronize their ascent with the lunar calendar. Paryushan is marked by quiet reflection, fasting, and reading of sacred texts. During these occasions, additional services are provided for pilgrims, and temporary gathering spaces are arranged near Madhuban.
Preservation, Environment, and Visitor Responsibility
Parasnath Hill balances religious activity with environmental sensitivity. The hill and surrounding areas are subject to conservation measures to protect flora, fauna, and water sources that support the pilgrim path. Visitors are expected to keep the route clean, avoid single-use plastics, and follow guidance from local authorities regarding permitted areas. Simple acts, such as carrying reusable water bottles and disposing waste responsibly, help preserve the sanctity of the site.
How to Use This Article and Related Resources
This article is meant to be a reliable starting point for readers who want to understand the history and spiritual layout of Parasnath Hill. For travel planning, trekking routes, and practical logistics, consult the companion guide:
How to Reach Parasnath Hill — Complete Travel Guide
Sample Pilgrim Itinerary
The following itinerary outlines a typical pilgrimage visit over two days.
- Day 1: Arrive at Madhuban, visit Bhomiyaji Temple, register at dharamshala, attend evening prayers.
- Day 2: Start early, visit successive Tonks along the route, perform Jalabhishek at summit, descend and rest in Madhuban.
Further Reading and References
Key texts and resources that informed this article include traditional Jain scriptures, regional historical surveys, and contemporary pilgrimage overviews. For further study, readers can consult the Kalpasutra, published translations of Jain pilgrimage accounts, and regional archaeological reports available through academic journals and heritage websites.
Conclusion
Parasnath Hill is a site where history, devotion, and nature meet. The story of the twenty Tirthankaras who attained Nirvana here forms the core of its sacred identity. By understanding the history, the layout of the Tonks, and the rites observed on the hill, pilgrims and visitors can better appreciate the depth of meaning that Shikharji holds for Jainism and for anyone seeking quiet reflection.