Parasnath Temple – Jharkhand

Parasnath Temple, also known as Shikharji, is one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites in India, located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand. Perched atop the Parasnath Hills, it holds immense spiritual importance as it is believed to be the site where 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained Moksha (liberation). The temple attracts thousands of devotees and trekkers every year who seek spiritual purification through its serene 27 km pilgrimage route through dense forest.

Temple About

Parasnath Temple, also known as Shikharji, is the most important Jain pilgrimage site in India. It is believed that 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained Moksha (liberation) here, making it an immensely sacred place for Jain devotees. Temple Description

Located on the highest mountain in Jharkhand (Parasnath Hill, 1,350 meters), Shikharji Temple complex consists of numerous shrines scattered over the hilltop and forest path. Pilgrims undertake a 27 km long parikrama (circumambulation) on foot, signifying spiritual cleansing and devotion. Temple Specialty

Moksha bhoomi of 20 Jain Tirthankaras

Serene forest path with stone-carved temples

Sacred foot prints (charans) of Tirthankaras

Trek route for spiritual purification

Jain rituals performed with utmost sanctity Temple Address

Shikharji/Parasnath Hill, Madhuban Village, Giridih District, Jharkhand – 825329, India

Temple Location (Longitude & Latitude)

24.5412° N, 86.2853° E

Temple Timings

Open daily: 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Trek to hilltop ideally starts before 4:00 AM for day pilgrims

Temple Sevas

Daily Puja (rituals) at shrines

Abhishek (ceremonial bathing of idols)

Charan vandana (reverence at Tirthankara footprints)

Special rituals during Paryushan, Mahavir Jayanti

Traveling Facilities

Buses, taxis, and autos available from Parasnath Railway Station and Giridih

Trekking route starts from Madhuban base village

Palanquins (doli) and pony rides available for elders

Food Facilities

Pure vegetarian and Jain food available at dharamshalas

No onion/garlic food as per Jain tradition

Community dining halls (bhojanalayas) at Madhuban

Stay Facilities

Numerous Jain Dharamshalas with simple and clean rooms

Private guest houses and budget hotels in Madhuban and Giridih

Some dharamshalas offer online booking

Nearby Railway Station

Parasnath Railway Station – 10 km from Madhuban base(on the Howrah–Delhi Grand Chord line)

Nearby Airport

Ranchi Airport (Birsa Munda Airport) – ~160 km

Gaya Airport (Bihar) – ~110 km

Dhanbad Airport (limited connectivity) – ~70 km

Nearby Bus Station

Giridih Bus Stand – 40 km

Isri Bazaar Bus Stop – 10 km

Frequent buses to Madhuban from nearby towns

Bus Routes to Temple

Buses available from Giridih, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Gaya

Shared autos and mini-buses to Madhuban from Parasnath Station or Isri Bazaar

Train Routes to Temple

Trains to Parasnath Railway Station from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Patna, Ranchi, Varanasi

Key trains: Black Diamond Express, Shaktipunj Express, Howrah–New Delhi Rajdhani

Airways to Temple

Nearest major airport: Ranchi (IXR) – Regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai

From airport, take taxi or bus to Giridih → Madhuban

Nearby Cities to Temple

Dhanbad – 60 km

Giridih – 40 km

Hazaribagh – 80 km

Gaya – 110 km

Ranchi – 160 km

Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places

Sammet Shikhar Tirth (Main pilgrimage path)

Bhomiyaji Temple at base village

Jal Mandir, Digambar Jain Temples

Usri Falls, Khandoli Dam (nature spots near Giridih)

Preferable Visiting Season

October to March (cool, pleasant weather for trekking)

Avoid monsoon due to slippery trek routes

Shopping Famous For?

Jain religious items, holy books, prayer beads

Local herbs and ayurvedic products

Handicrafts, souvenirs from Giridih markets

Shikharji (Parasnath Temple) is not just a pilgrimage, it is a soul-enriching journey through nature, history, and devotion. Whether you're a devout follower of Jainism or a spiritual seeker, the trek through its sacred hills offers peace, discipline, and transcendental connection. With excellent facilities and spiritual ambiance, it remains a must-visit destination for those looking to experience India's profound spiritual heritage.