December 26, 2025 
Important Days and Dates
- Mahavir Jayanti (March–April): Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira.
- Paryushan Parva (August–September): One of the most important Jain festivals.
- Diwali (October–November): Marks Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana.
- Special Pilgrimage Season: October to March is considered the best time for yatra.
How to Reach
Delhi to Shikharji Temple:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Ranchi (approx. 150 km). From Ranchi, travel by taxi or bus to Madhuban.
- By Train: Nearest major railway station is Parasnath Station (Isri), about 25 km from Madhuban.
- By Road: Delhi to Madhuban via NH routes, approximately 1,200 km.
Ahmedabad to Shikharji Temple:
- By Air: Fly to Ranchi or Kolkata, then continue by road.
- By Train: Ahmedabad to Parasnath Station via major junctions.
- By Road: Ahmedabad to Madhuban is approximately 1,600 km.
History of the Temple
Shikharji Temple, located on Parasnath Hills in Jharkhand, is the holiest pilgrimage site for Jains. It is believed that 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, including Lord Parshvanatha, attained Moksha (liberation) on this sacred hill. The temple has been a center of Jain worship for centuries and symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and renunciation. Pilgrims traditionally undertake a barefoot journey from Madhuban to the summit as an act of devotion.
Main Poojas Performed
-
- Darshan and Puja at Tonks:Darshan and devotional offerings at 31 Tonks (sacred shrines) marking Moksha sites of Tirthankaras
- Namokar Mantra Recitation:Continuous chanting of the central Jain prayer during the pilgrimage.
- Jalabhishek: Offering holy water carried from Jal Mandir (Madhuban) at summit shrines.
Important Days and Times for Pooja
- Major Festival:
- Paryushana Parva (most important Jain festival)
- Samvatsari (forgiveness day)
- Auspicious Days:
- Mahavir Jayanti
- Akshaya Tritiya
- Daily Darshan:
- Morning: From early dawn (approx. 4:00–5:00 AM)
- Evening: Till sunset
- Special Observance:
- Large-scale pilgrimages during Paryushana and winter months (October–March
Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
-
Men:
- Modest traditional attire such as kurta-pyjama, dhoti, or simple trousers and shirt.
- Saree or salwar kameez; modest and comfortable clothing.
- No leather items allowed.
- Strict vegetarian food habits are followed.
Women:
Restrictions:
Official Websites
Government Tourism:
https://giridih.nic.in/tourist-place/parasnath/
https://tourism.jharkhand.gov.in/
Temple / Trust Information:
https://shikharjiuppb.com/ (Pilgrim support and heritage site)
Description
Important Days and Dates
- Mahavir Jayanti (March–April): Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira.
- Paryushan Parva (August–September): One of the most important Jain festivals.
- Diwali (October–November): Marks Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana.
- Special Pilgrimage Season: October to March is considered the best time for yatra.
How to Reach
Delhi to Shikharji Temple:
- By Air: Nearest airport is Ranchi (approx. 150 km). From Ranchi, travel by taxi or bus to Madhuban.
- By Train: Nearest major railway station is Parasnath Station (Isri), about 25 km from Madhuban.
- By Road: Delhi to Madhuban via NH routes, approximately 1,200 km.
Ahmedabad to Shikharji Temple:
- By Air: Fly to Ranchi or Kolkata, then continue by road.
- By Train: Ahmedabad to Parasnath Station via major junctions.
- By Road: Ahmedabad to Madhuban is approximately 1,600 km.
History of the Temple
Shikharji Temple, located on Parasnath Hills in Jharkhand, is the holiest pilgrimage site for Jains. It is believed that 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, including Lord Parshvanatha, attained Moksha (liberation) on this sacred hill. The temple has been a center of Jain worship for centuries and symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and renunciation. Pilgrims traditionally undertake a barefoot journey from Madhuban to the summit as an act of devotion.
Main Poojas Performed
-
- Darshan and Puja at Tonks:Darshan and devotional offerings at 31 Tonks (sacred shrines) marking Moksha sites of Tirthankaras
- Namokar Mantra Recitation:Continuous chanting of the central Jain prayer during the pilgrimage.
- Jalabhishek: Offering holy water carried from Jal Mandir (Madhuban) at summit shrines.
Important Days and Times for Pooja
- Major Festival:
- Paryushana Parva (most important Jain festival)
- Samvatsari (forgiveness day)
- Auspicious Days:
- Mahavir Jayanti
- Akshaya Tritiya
- Daily Darshan:
- Morning: From early dawn (approx. 4:00–5:00 AM)
- Evening: Till sunset
- Special Observance:
- Large-scale pilgrimages during Paryushana and winter months (October–March
Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
-
Men:
- Modest traditional attire such as kurta-pyjama, dhoti, or simple trousers and shirt.
- Saree or salwar kameez; modest and comfortable clothing.
- No leather items allowed.
- Strict vegetarian food habits are followed.
Women:
Restrictions:
Official Websites
Government Tourism:
https://giridih.nic.in/tourist-place/parasnath/
https://tourism.jharkhand.gov.in/
Temple / Trust Information:
https://shikharjiuppb.com/ (Pilgrim support and heritage site)
