Parasnath Temple, located in Rajgir, Bihar, rests amid hills and natural hot springs, and is a well-known Jain pilgrimage site devoted to Lord Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara. Perched on Vaibhava Hill, one of the five sacred hills encircling Rajgir, it commemorates the enlightened soul who attained moksha. This shrine is a part of a cluster of 26 Jain temples spread over the hilltops, where visitors can enjoy wide, panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
History of Parasnath Temple
Parasnath Temple is said to date back to ancient times, around the Mauryan period or even before, and is also tied to Jain stories of enlightenment on the hills. Rajgir, once the capital of Magadha and linked to Hindu and Buddhist legends, is a valley steeped in devotion. Local tradition believes the temple marks the spot where Lord Parasnath meditated and attained nirvana, making it a sacred place for Jains for many centuries as one of the Panch Parvat, the five holy peaks. Historical evidence, like shell inscriptions nearby, suggests the cluster of 26 Jain temples here began forming between the 1st and 5th centuries AD. While the area also became famous during Buddha’s time, for Jains it remains a pure place of moksha.
The temple sits atop the hill, accessible by a climb up stone steps from the base. Back in the old days, people used to climb up on foot for darshan, and even British writers in the 1800s wrote about the calm, peaceful crowds. After India got independence in 1947, a local Jain trust started looking after the temple, and in the 1990s they did some repairs to save the old carvings. Saints and acharyas have always spoken of Parasnath’s holiness, and even now, many Jains come here to meditate, find peace, and feel spiritually uplifted.
Architecture of Parasnath Temple
The temple shows that classic Jain architecture, simple yet full of peaceful charm, built from local stone and marble that gives it an old, pure feel. The main sanctum holds Lord Parasnath’s marble idol in a meditative pose. A simple shikhara topped with a kalasha crowns the shrine, like many other hill temples in Bihar. The walls show carvings of tirthankaras, lotuses, and geometric designs, faded by years but still graceful.
Legends of Parasnath Temple
There are many tales around the temple from Jain tradition that inspire people. Another story told among locals says that ages ago, Lord Parasnath, born Vardhaman, came to these hills for deep penance. Though demons and worldly temptations tried to sway him, he stayed firm and achieved moksha on this very spot. People believe that those who climb the hill and pray with a pure heart may also receive spiritual liberation. The name Parasnath means “beloved of the gods,” and locals believe meditating here with sincerity brings knowledge, health, or relief from past karma.
Another legend links the hills to Mahabharata times, when the area was under Jarasandha’s rule, and Krishna’s chariot is said to have passed nearby. But for Jains, the focus remains on Parasnath’s triumph over worldly attachments. People recount miracles, like pilgrims gaining clarity or healing after the trek. The hill is thought to hold his enlightened energy, and circling the temple seven times is said to ease karmic burdens. Many feel the air itself carries Parasnath’s calm presence. On Mahavir Jayanti, devotees say his spirit shines even stronger here.
Rituals and Festivals
The temple really comes alive during festivals, buzzing with devotion. Mahavir Jayanti, around March–April, is the biggest, with processions up the hill, aarti, and offerings of flowers and fruits bringing Jains from far away. Paryushan, in August–September, focuses on forgiveness, fasting, and prayers. The name Parasnath is believed to mean that no seeker goes unrewarded here. Many devotees feel a sense of calm as soon as they reach the hilltop, praying for wisdom, family well-being, or guidance, and when wishes are fulfilled, they offer rice, saffron, or coconuts to the lord. Even a simple climb with pure intentions is said to please him.
There’s a custom of offering silver lotuses or chaubisi boards showing all tirthankaras. Such gifts are thought to bring quick blessings, but Parasnath is said to be pleased even with meditation or just water. Devotees offer saffron, lotuses, sweets, and special prasad wrapped in cloth with sandalwood powder. Some recite the Kalpa Sutra five times, a ritual taking roughly two hours, for particular liberation wishes. Free meals serve around 500–3,000 people during festival days.
Information for Travelers
How to Get There:
Air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in Patna is about 110 km away, with flights connecting to Delhi (around 1 hour) and Kolkata (around 1 hour).
Train: Rajgir Railway Station is 2 km from the base with trains connecting to Patna (about 2 hours) and Gaya (about 2 hours).
Road: Rajgir lies around 110 km from the Patna via NH-120. Buses run between Patna and Rajgir. Auto-rickshaws operate within the town.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is cool, 15–25°C. Weekdays are quiet. Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan are busy, with 1,000–5,000 visitors, so come early for the climb.
Nearby Attractions
Vishwa Shanti Stupa: 3 km away, a peaceful Japanese-built stupa on Ratnagiri Hill with panoramic views.
Rajgir Hot Springs: 2 km away, ancient thermal baths said to heal skin ailments.
Griddhakuta Peak: 4 km away, where Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra, with cable car access.
