Parasnath Hill - पारसनाथ हिल

It is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres in the country. The hill named after Lord Parasnath, rises to a height of 1000 metres above the plains, besides the kolkata- Gaya railway line. Lord Parasnath, the 23rd Jain tirthankar, is said to have attained nirvana (salvation) over here. The thickly wooded holy hill is also associated with the life of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain tirthankara. Jains believe that even the tigers of the holy hill are vegetarians. There are twenty four separate shrines a top the hill, dedicated to the 24 tirthankaras. These can be approached through a steep foot trail ascending from the cillage of Madhuban. The Parasnath temple is perched atop the western most, highest summit. Panoramic views of the surroundings can be enjoyed from here. The village of Madhuban also has a famous Jain temple, which is said to be over 2,000 years old. Other important sites are the Samosharan temple and Bhomiyaji Ashram.