Jainism in Bihar

Author(s): P C Roy Choudhary
Publisher: P C Roy Choudhary Patna

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The easier way to Parasnath is from the northern side. One can go by this route by car or bus along the Giridih road from Dumri and turn to the right to Madhuban where there are Jain temples. Madhuban is within Pirtanr Police Station in the Giridih subdivision of Hazaribagh district. The village Post Office is called Parasnath. On the walls of the Mulmandir at Madhuban there is a remarkable mural painting depicting temples all round the Parasnath Hills.
The Jains have provided Rest Houses and temples at the foot of the hill at Madhuban. This small village of Madhuban is on the northern side of the hill from where the actual ascent starts.
It will be interesting to quote a description of Parasnath left by Dr. Hooker who had climbed the hill in February, 1848. Dr. Hooker has described the view of Parasnath from near Taldanga in Manbhum in the following words.
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"As the sun rose Parasnath appeared against the clear grey in the form of a beautiful broad cone, with a rugged peak of a deeper grey than the sky. It is a remarkable handsome mountain, sufficiently lofty to be imposing, rising out of an elevated country, the slope of which upward to the base of the mountain, though imperceptible, is really considerable and it is surrounded by lesser hills of just sufficient elevation to set it off. The atmosphere, too, of these regions, peculiarly favourable for views, it is very dry at this season; but still the hills are clearly defined, without the harsh outlines so characteristic of a moist air. The skies are bright, the sun powerful and there is an almost imperceptible haze that seems to soften the landscape and keeps every object in true perspective."