Mar 19, 2024
Parasnath Hill
What is Parasnath Hill?
Parasnath Hill is a significant range of hills located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Jains, known as Sammed Shikhar or Sammed Sikhar. The hill is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. It holds immense religious significance as 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras are believed to have attained Moksha (liberation or salvation) here. For each Tirthankara, there is a dedicated shrine (gumti or tuk) on the hill, making it a revered site for followers of Jainism.
Why is Parasnath Hill important to the Jain community?
Parasnath Hill is crucial to the Jain community because it is the site where 20 of their 24 Tirthankaras attained salvation, which is a core concept in Jainism representing the ultimate goal of escaping the cycle of birth and death. The presence of shrines dedicated to these Tirthankaras makes it a vital place of worship and pilgrimage, attracting Jains from across the world to visit and pay their respects. The hill symbolizes peace, enlightenment, and liberation, embodying the spiritual achievements of the Tirthankaras.
What recent protests by the Jain community are associated with Parasnath Hill?
The Jain community recently protested over demands related to two holy sites: Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand and Shatrunjaya Hill in Palitana, Gujarat. These protests were likely focused on issues related to the preservation of the sanctity, access, or rights concerning these significant religious sites. While the specific details of the demands can vary, such protests underscore the importance of these sites to the Jain community and their dedication to protecting their religious heritage and rights.
What are the key features of Parasnath Hill?
Parasnath Hill is characterized by its serene natural beauty, combined with its deep spiritual significance. Key features include:
Shrines and Temples: There are dedicated shrines (gumti or tuk) for each of the 20 Tirthankaras who attained salvation on the hill.
Pilgrimage Route: The hill offers a pilgrimage route that Jains undertake to visit the shrines and pay homage to the Tirthankaras.
Natural Scenery: The hill is set amidst lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a peaceful retreat for both spiritual and nature lovers.
How can one visit Parasnath Hill?
Visiting Parasnath Hill typically involves traveling to the Giridih district in Jharkhand. The nearest major town is Giridih, which is well-connected by road. Visitors can reach Giridih via:
Rail: The nearest railway stations are in Giridih and Madhupur, with Madhupur having better connectivity to major cities.
Road: Good road networks connect Giridih to other parts of Jharkhand and neighboring states.
Air: The nearest airports are in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, and Kolkata, West Bengal. From these cities, visitors can take trains or road transport to Giridih and then proceed to Parasnath Hill.
For a spiritual journey, visitors are advised to respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage and follow the guidelines set by the Jain community and temple authorities.
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