Jain site
Shikharji
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Overview
Shikharji, on Parasnath hill in Giridih district of Jharkhand, is the holiest pilgrimage site for Jains. Twenty of the twenty-four Tirthankaras are believed to have attained moksha here.
Parasnath, about 1,365 m, is the highest peak of Jharkhand. Pilgrims walk a long circuit to the shrines on the summit.
The hill is also sacred to the Santhal community, who hold an annual hunting festival here.
Geography and key facts
- Parasnath hill, Giridih district, Jharkhand
- 20 Tirthankaras attained moksha here
- Highest peak of Jharkhand
- Also sacred to the Santhals
Why it matters for UPSC
Jain sacred sites: Shikharji, Pawapuri, Shravanabelagola, Palitana, Mount Abu (Dilwara).
Note for UPSC
Jharkhand (Parasnath hill); where 20 Tirthankaras attained moksha.
Questions link Jain sites with Tirthankaras and their states.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Shikharji yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Jain site
- State / UT
- Jharkhand
- Coordinates
- 23.961°N, 86.137°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Vedic Age, Mahajanapadas, Buddhism and Jainism (map lesson)
- Jainism, Ajivikas and Other Heterodox Schools (map lesson)