Teerth vs Tourism/ Holy Parasnath

Parasnath Hills, also known as Shikharji, is a mountain range in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. 

It is the highest mountain peak in the state, and is home to one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage sites in the world.

The Parasnath Hills are believed to be over 250 million years old, and have been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants of the hills were the Santhal people, who still live in the region today.

The Jains first came to the Parasnath Hills in the 8th century BCE, and the hill was named after Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. Parshvanatha is said to have attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) on the summit of the hill.

Since then, the Parasnath Hills have been a major pilgrimage site for Jains from all over the world. There are over 20 Jain temples on the hills, including the famous Shikharji Temple, which is dedicated to Parshvanatha.

The Parasnath Hills are also home to a variety of other ancient sites, including Buddhist caves, Hindu temples, and Sufi shrines. The hills are also a popular destination for trekking and eco-tourism.

Here are some of the highlights of the ancient Parasnath Hills:

• Shikharji Temple: This is the most sacred Jain temple in the world, and is dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. The temple is located on the summit of the Parasnath Hill, and is surrounded by a dense forest.
• Sammeda Shikhar: This is the highest peak in the Parasnath Hills, and is said to be the place where Parshvanatha attained moksha. The peak is a popular pilgrimage site for Jains, and is also a popular trekking destination.
• Jain Caves: There are a number of Jain caves located on the Parasnath Hills, which date back to the 8th century BCE. The caves contain ancient Jain sculptures and inscriptions.
• Hindu Temples: There are also a number of Hindu temples located on the Parasnath Hills, including the famous Madhuban Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• Sufi Shrines: There are also a number of Sufi shrines located on the Parasnath Hills, which date back to the 12th century CE. The shrines are popular pilgrimage sites for Muslims from all over India.

The Parasnath Hills are a truly unique and ancient place, and offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of India.

Teerth vs Tourism 🔽

Governments must be able to differentiate between Religious Destinations & Tourism Destinations. Religious Destinations are places that are considered sacred by followers of a particular religion, and they are typically visited for pilgrimage, worship, or spiritual reflection. Tourism Destinations, on the other hand, are places that people visit for leisure, recreation, or cultural enrichment.

There are a number of reasons why Governments need to be able to differentiate between these two types of Destinations. First, Religious Destinations often have special cultural and religious significance, and they may require special protections or accommodations. For example, governments may need to regulate access to religious sites, or they may need to provide special services for pilgrims.

Second, Tourism Destinations may require different types of infrastructure and development than Religious Destinations. For example, Tourism Destinations may need to have more Hotels, Restaurants & shops, while religious destinations may need to have more places for worship and religious instruction which create a cultural rejuvenation. 

Third, governments may need to promote religious destinations and tourism destinations in different ways. For example, governments may want to promote religious destinations to pilgrims and religious groups, while they may want to promote tourism destinations to a wider range of travelers.

Governments can differentiate between Religious Destinations & Tourism Destinations:

Regulate access to Religious Sites:- Governments may need to regulate access to religious sites in order to protect them from damage or vandalism. For example, governments may require visitors to obtain a permit before entering certain religious sites, or they may restrict the number of visitors who can enter at a time.

Provide special services for pilgrims:  Governments may need to provide special services for pilgrims, such as transportation, accommodation, and food. For example, governments may set up special pilgrimage routes, or they may provide subsidies for pilgrims who are traveling from long distances.

Promote religious destinations to pilgrims and religious groups: Governments may want to promote religious destinations to pilgrims and religious groups. For example, governments may create websites and brochures that highlight the religious significance of these destinations, or they may organize tours for pilgrims.

Promote tourism destinations to a wider range of travelers: Governments may want to promote tourism destinations to a wider range of travelers. For example, governments may create advertising campaigns that highlight the natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historical significance of these destinations.

By differentiating between Religious Destinations and Tourism Destinations, Governments can better manage these Destinations and ensure that they are protected and promoted in a way that meets the needs of all stakeholders.