The 24 temples, each dedicated to each one of the Jain Tirthankaras, stand at an altitude of 1,366 m. Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankar, achieved nirvana at this spot. It is 300 km by road from Calcutta, and Dhanbad is the nearest large town with hotels.
Towering 1000m above the plains, beside the Calcutta-Gaya railway line 30km west of Dhanbad, the cliff of Parasnath is rendered holy to Jains by its association with the life of Mahavira. It is covered with dense forests, where Jain belief has it that even the tigers are vegetarians in the forest.
Parasnath temple is located on the westernmost, highest summit. Pilgrims, on foot or carried on palanquins, follow a trail that winds its way up from the village of Madhuban.
The final rise to the main temple is along a marble staircase, which echoes with the sound of even bare feet. Situated on a rocky pinnacle, the pristine white temple, where tiny marble feet represent the footprints of the saint, repays the effort with superb views.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
There is no direct air connection.
Rail: There is a railway station in Parasnath.
Road: The town of Parasnath lies on NH2, a major east-west bus route.
Local transport: Cycle rickshaws and local buses. Car rental service is also available in Dhanbad.
WHERE TO STAY
Forest Bungalow, Parasnath. Several Jain dharamshalas provide reasonable accommodation.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar, 9-D, Hutment, Main Secretariat, Patna-800015. Telefax: 0612-224531.
Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Beer Chand Patel Path, Patna-800001. Tel: 222622, 225411. Fax: 0612-236218
Tourist Reception Centre, Madhuban.