K JENI, SANOBAR MASOOD & AMISHA KUMARI
Perched high atop Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand’s Giridih district lies a destination that is as sacred as it is scenic — Sammed Shikharji. Revered as one of Jainism’s holiest pilgrimage sites, this ancient tirtha (place of salvation) draws thousands of devotees each year, blending spirituality with a breathtaking connection to nature.
Spiritual Legacy of Sammed: A Journey of Devotion and Liberation
Parasnath Hill in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, home to Sammed Shikharji, is Jainism’s most sacred pilgrimage site. Here, 20 of 24 Tirthankaras, including Lord Mahavira, attained moksha. Thousands walk the 27-km trail, dotted with ancient shrines, every year, seeking spiritual reflection and liberation.
Key temples date back to the 14th century, with present structures rebuilt in 1768 by Jagat Seth. Rituals include offerings of rice, sandalwood, and lamps. Accessible via Parasnath Railway Station and nearby airports, Shikharji blends religious depth with natural serenity, offering a soulful journey beyond faith.
Tirthankara’s Sacred Journey: Where Faith Meets the Soul of a Hill
Parasnath Hill, sacred to Jains, is where 20 of 24 Tirthankaras—including Parshvanatha—attained moksha. Each year, devotees trek the Sammed Shikharji Yatra, visiting 24 holy spots on a path of inner reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.
The hill also holds deep spiritual value for the Santal tribe, who worship it as the abode of their deity, Marang Buru. This shared reverence has led to tensions since colonial times, as both communities seek recognition of their beliefs.
Despite differences, Parasnath remains a symbol of India’s spiritual diversity—a place calling for respect, harmony, and shared understanding across faiths.
Sammed Shikharji: Where Spiritual Peace Meets Natural Beauty
Nestled in Jharkhand, Sammed Shikharji is where 20 of 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation. The journey from Madhuban winds through forests, waterfalls, and sandalwood groves, offering a serene blend of nature and spirituality.
The 27-km trail is rich in biodiversity, best explored at sunrise for safety and beauty. At the hilltop, Parasnath Temple—with its intricate Jain carvings—offers a peaceful space for prayer and meditation.
Shikharji is not just a religious site; it’s a soulful trek through nature and faith, leaving visitors spiritually and emotionally fulfilled.
Faith and Forest in Harmony
Sammed Shikharji is a rare and beautiful example of how deep spiritual faith can exist in perfect harmony with nature. Nestled in the forested hills of Jharkhand, the site’s natural beauty is as sacred as its religious significance.
As pilgrims walk through its serene trails, surrounded by lush greenery, chirping birds, and the scent of sandalwood, they find their faith deepening with each step.
The forest itself becomes part of the spiritual journey—calming the mind, soothing the senses, and drawing the soul closer to peace. Here, faith doesn’t just live beside nature; it thrives within it.
Devotees’ Deep Connection
For millions of Jains, Sammed Shikharji is far more than a pilgrimage site—it is a spiritual lifeline. It is believed that 20 of the 24 Tirthankaras, including Parshvanatha, attained moksha on this very hill.
Each year, countless devotees undertake the demanding 27-km Shikharji Yatra with sincere devotion, often walking barefoot as a mark of humility. Along the way, they pause at sacred tonks dedicated to each Tirthankara, offering prayers and seeking inner purification.
This journey is not just physical—it’s emotional, transformative, and deeply personal, forging a connection between the devotee and the divine that lasts a lifetime.
Trekking to Tranquillity
The path to Shikharji begins in Madhuban and stretches across steep hills, thick forests, and peaceful waterfalls. As pilgrims make their ascent, they pass through 24 revered shrines, each marking the spiritual liberation of a Tirthankara.
Though the trek is physically challenging, it is also a meditative experience. The quiet of the forest, the fresh mountain air, and the rhythmic steps up the hill guide pilgrims inward, helping them shed worldly distractions. Climbing at dawn is recommended, not only to witness the golden sunrise over the hills but also to ensure safety from wildlife. The journey leaves behind more than footprints—a sense of tranquillity and deep inner peace.
Impact on Local Communities
Sammed Shikharji holds social and economic importance for the surrounding communities, especially the residents of Madhuban. Many local families depend on the pilgrimage economy—offering accommodation, guiding services, food, and transport to visiting devotees.
At the same time, the hill holds sacred value for the indigenous Santal tribe, who worship it as the home of their god, Marang Buru. This shared reverence has led to long-standing tensions, dating back to colonial times.
While efforts are being made to honour both beliefs through dialogue and inclusive policies, balancing these needs remains a sensitive and ongoing process. Despite the challenges, the region stands as a reminder of India’s cultural and spiritual diversity, where peaceful coexistence is not just needed, but deeply meaningful.
Boost in Ecosystem
Located in the ecologically rich Chotanagpur Plateau, Sammed Shikharji has become a quiet haven for biodiversity. Thanks to its distance from mainstream tourism and the eco-conscious behaviour of Jain pilgrims, the surrounding forests have seen a natural revival.
Native species like leopards, langurs, giant squirrels, and rare birds are commonly spotted along the forested trails. Pilgrims walk barefoot, avoid loud noises, and often completely ban plastic use, ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment.
As a result, the region now records some of the cleanest air and water quality levels in Jharkhand, according to the State Pollution Control Board (2022). The natural silence and undisturbed greenery create a sanctuary not just for spiritual seekers, but also for wildlife to flourish.
Conservation Efforts Underway
Growing concerns about preserving Shikharji’s sanctity led to major conservation steps, especially after widespread protests in 2022. In response, the central government in January 2023 declared the area an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), reinforcing its protected status.
The Jharkhand government followed suit by pausing all tourism-related infrastructure projects, including ropeways and hotels. Jain religious bodies and environmental groups actively contributed by launching tree plantation drives, waste clean-up campaigns, and awareness programs.
The national #SaveShikharji campaign, which gathered over 5 million signatures, brought strong attention to the need for protecting this unique blend of ecological and spiritual heritage from commercial encroachment.
A Symbol of Peace and Unity
Sammed Shikharji is more than a holy site—it is a living example of unity and non-violence. Revered by both Shwetambar and Digambar sects of Jainism, the hill symbolizes their shared belief in moksha, or spiritual liberation.
At the same time, local tribal communities, especially the Santals, hold the forests sacred and worship them as the home of their deity, Marang Buru. Despite differences, the area has long been a space for peaceful co-existence and mutual respect.
During the #SaveShikharji movement, people from various religious, cultural, and social backgrounds stood together to protect the hill. This collective effort reflected the broader message of the site—that spiritual heritage, nature, and humanity can live in harmony.
Getting there
Shikharji is easily accessible. Parasnath Railway Station, located about 25 km from Madhuban at the hill’s base, connects to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Deoghar Airport (107 km away) and Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport (180 km) offer air travel options with smooth road connectivity.
Beyond its religious importance, Sammed Shikharji stands as a symbol of inner peace, environmental harmony, and timeless devotion. For Jains across the world, it remains not just
