Mount Parasnath looks like paradise after the rain, a wonderful confluence of faith and nature, a glimpse of the penance place amidst the monsoon clouds Mount Parasnath looks like paradise after the rain; a view of the site of penance amid monsoon clouds—a magnificent blend of faith and nature.

‘Parasnath Mountain’ (Sammed Shikharji), the highest and most sacred pilgrimage site for Jain followers located in Giridih district of Jharkhand, has become a center of amazing natural beauty along with faith these days. After the recent heavy monsoon rains, the complexion of this holy mountain has completely changed. Amidst the lush green valleys spread all around and the white clouds passing by touching the mountain peaks, the view of this holy penance place seems as if heaven has actually descended on earth. Devotees and nature lovers coming from far and wide are mesmerized by seeing this beautiful scene.

Sammed Shikharji’s sanctum sanctorum wrapped in clouds

The highest peak of Parasnath, situated at a height of about 4431 feet above sea level, is completely covered in dense fog and monsoon clouds these days. In the morning, when the first rays of the sun pierce these clouds and fall on the tonks (footprints) of Jain Tirthankaras, the spiritual atmosphere there becomes even more supernatural. Devotees who undertake the arduous climb of nine kilometers to worship the mountain say that when the gusts of cold winds and clouds touch them amid fatigue, all the physical problems disappear in a moment and the mind gets immersed in devotion.

Religious significance of this sacred penance place of Jain community

Parasnath Mountain is considered the gateway to salvation in Jainism. According to religious beliefs, out of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, a total of 20 Tirthankaras including Lord Parasnath attained salvation (Nirvana) by doing rigorous penance on this holy mountain. This is the reason why every particle of this mountain is considered worshipable. The peace, purity and supernatural energy here doubles during the monsoon season. Due to rain, small natural waterfalls flowing from the mountains and vegetation are adding to the beauty of this spiritual center, due to which the eco-system here has become very lively.

Local tourism got a boost, but the administration issued guidelines

This changed form of Parasnath is also gaining a lot of headlines on social media, due to which the inflow of tourists and devotees from Giridih, Madhuban and surrounding local areas as well as from neighboring states like Bihar, Bengal and Odisha has suddenly increased. However, due to slight slippage and low visibility on the hilly roads due to monsoon rains, the local administration and Parasnath police station have issued guidelines. Pilgrims have been advised to avoid visiting high mountain passes late in the evening or during heavy rains and exercise utmost caution on the Vandana Track.