Parasnath

Historically parasnath or sammed shikharji is an ancient Jain pilgrimage site it is a place where the 23rd tirthankara Parshwanath(also known as Parasnath) attained salvation here in 772 BCE.

It is noteworthy that the name of the parasnath hill derived from the Jain Tirthankar Parshvanath who is also known as Parasnath or Parsva who attained salvation here during the 8th century BCE.

After preaching for 70 years, Parshvanath attained moksha at Shikharji on Parasnath hill.Some jain texts call the place as Mount Sammeta.{{sfn|Jacobi|1964|p=275}} It is revered in Jainism because 20 of its 24 tirthankars are believed to have attained moksha there.{{Sfn|Cort|2010|pp=130–133}}{{sfn|Wiley|2009|p=148}}{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=221}} at the age of 100 on Shravana Shukla Saptami according to Lunar Calendar.{{sfn|Dundas|2002|p=30}} His moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) in Jain tradition{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=104}} is celebrated as Moksha Saptami. This day is celebrated on large scale at Parasnath tonk of the mountain, in northern Jharkhand, part of the Parasnath Range{{sfn|Kailash Chand Jain|1991|p=13}} by offering Nirvana Laddu (Sugar balls) and reciting of Nirvana Kanda. Parshvanatha has been called {{IAST|purisādāṇīya|italic=yes}} (beloved of the people) by Jains.{{sfn|Jacobi|1964|p=271 with footnote 1}}{{sfn|Kailash Chand Jain|1991|pp=12–13}}{{sfn|Schubring|1964|p=220}}

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At {{cvt|1365|m}} Parasnath is the highest mountain peak in the state of Jharkhand, and is theoretically inter-visible (by direct line of sight on a perfectly clear day) with Mount Everest over {{cvt|450|km}} away.{{Cite web|url=https://viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/ASIA/EVEREST-SOUTH.gif|title=View from Mt. Everest looking south.|website=ViewfinderPanoramas.org|access-date=2024-06-03}}

There is a beautiful Jain temple on the mountain peak known as "Svarna Bhadra koot " ("cottage of golden grace").{{Cite web |date=2023-01-21 |title=Shri Sammed Shikharji - Encyclopedia of Jainism |url=https://encyclopediaofjainism.com/106134-2/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |language=en-US}} The temple is made of marble.There is another marble jain temple on hill known as Jal Mandir.

It is easily accessible from Parasnath railway station.

{{Main|Shikharji}}

This is one of the most holy and revered sites for the Jain community. They call it Sammed Sikhar. It is a major pilgrimage site. Out of 24 Tirthankaras of Jains, 20 got nirvana on Parshvnatha Hills.

On the mountain, there are the Shikharji Jain temples, an important tirthakshetra or Jain pilgrimage site.[http://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=78102 "Shikharji." Jain V. Herenow4u.net] Accessed 26 May 2012 For each Tirthankara there is a shrine (gumti or Tonk) on the hill.{{Cite web|url=https://giridih.nic.in/tourist-place/parasnath/|title = Parasnath | DISTRICT GIRIDIH, GOVERNMENT OF JHARKHAND | India}}

The Jain temple is believed to be constructed either by the Magadha King Bimbisara or by the Kalinga King Avakinnayo Karakandu.

An ancient idol of Lord Parasnath is located in the valley at Palganj. The idol is believed to be 2500 years old.{{cite web |title=The forgotten taleti of Shikharji - Palganj |date=15 January 2020 |url=https://www.storiesbyarpit.com/2020/01/the-forgotten-taleti-of-shikharji.html |access-date=2023-05-03 }}

File:Lotus Jain Temple.jpg|Shwetambar temple of Lord Parshwanath at foothills of Parasnath hill

File:Footprint at Parshwanath Tonk, Shikharji.jpg|charan paduka of lord parasnath

File:Tonk SHRI 10008 PARASNATH BHAGVAN.jpg|"Swarna Bhadra Koot"Temple of lord parasnath on mountain peak

File:Shikharji Notice.jpg|Notice board on mountain

File:Sitanala at Parasnath Hill.jpg|waterfall on hill

File:Shikharji Jain temple.jpg|"Jal Mandir"A Jain temple over hill

File:Valley parasnath temple.jpg|Temples in valley

File:Pushpadanta idol, Shikharji.jpg|deity of lord pushpadant

• List of mountains in India
• List of mountains by elevation
• Shikharji movement

{{reflist}}

{{Jharkhand}}

Category:Mountains of Jharkhand

Category:Highest points of Indian states and union territories

Category:Giridih district

Category:Mountains in Jainism