Parasnath Hills

This range is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Jains. They call it Sammed Sikharji. 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 (gumti or tuk) on the hill. Some of the temples on the hill are believed to be more than 2,000 years old. However, although the place has been inhabited from ancient times, the temples may be of more recent origin.

About 50,000 Jain pilgrims visit Sammed Shikharji every year.

The Santhals call it Marang Buru, the hill of the deity. They celebrate a hunting festival on the full moon day in Baisakh (mid April).

Best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant.

The summit of Parasnath Hill can be reached either from the southern or the northern side. There are two recognized routes to Parasnath Hill.

The southern approach is from Isri Bazaar, to the top, is motorable for about 2 km, the rest being a climb of 8 km.

The northern approach is a 13 km route from Madhuban village on the Dumri-Giridih road. Madhuban is about 40 km from Giridih and about 10 km from Parasnath rail station/ Isri Bazaar/ Dumri, all on Grand Trunk Road (NH 2). Buses ply along this route from Dumri to Giridih and stop at Madhuban village. Hired cars or taxis are available at Isri Bazar, just outside the rail station. There are a number of Jain temples at Madhuban.

After 3.5 km from Madhuban there is a stream called Gandharva nala and further up there is another stream Sita nala. The Jains hold the portion from Gandharva nala up to the summit as very sacred. It is easier to reach Parasnath from its northern side.

Ponies and dandis for the climb can be arranged at short notice. Jeeps and such power-driven vehicles can be hired to carry visitors for a considerable distance up the hill. Thereafter they have to walk.

Parashnath Hill Top

• 🌍 Shri Sammed Sikharji. 
• 🌍 31st Tonk of Bhagwan Shri Parshavnath. 
• 🌍 30th Tonk of Bhagwan Shri Neminath. 
• 🌍 29th Tonk of Bhagwan Shri Ajitnath. 
• 🌍 Choprakund. 
• 🌍 Shri Swambhadra Koot. 
• 🌍 17th Tonk of Bhagwan Shri Vasupujya. 
• 🌍 18th Tonk of Bhagwan Shri Abhinandanath. 
• 🌍 12th Tonk of Bhagwan Shri Chandrahprabhu. 

Partly up the hill

• 🌍 Tonks of 24 Jain Tirthankaras. 

At Hill Base (Madhuban)

• 🌍 Jain History Museum. It houses a number of Jain scriptures, idols and manuscript. One can view the clear sight of Parasnath Temple using the telescope installed at the balcony of the museum. 
• Jain temples - Samosharan temple and Bhomiyaji Asthan

Note: Enlarge (+) the attached map to view a particular area in more detail.

• Engage in religious activities.
• Climb the hill. There is a road going up for some distance.
• Panoramic views of the surrounding areas as one goes higher up the hill - Chandraprabhuji, Pushpnandanji, Goutamswamiji and Chaprakund.
• Madhuban is a popular picnic spot. BUT IT IS A SACRED PLACE FOR JAINS ALL OVER THE WORLD, HENCE THERE IS RESTRICTION FOR NON VEG AND ALCOHOL

There are small eateries, where vegetarian food is available.

• Kalpana Hotel, Isri Bazar Chowk. 7AM TO 11PM. Hotel serving vegetarian food. (updated Aug 2023)

Alcohol is prohibited in this area.

• 🌍 Shikarji Hospital, Madhuban. 

• Giridih - about 46 km from Isri
• Dhanbad - about 50 km from Isri
• Topchanchi - about 15 km from Isri. See Dhanbad for details
• Bodhgaya - about 150 km from Isri
• Kolkata - about 320 km from Isri