Context: There has been a controversy due to the development plan at Parasnath Hill leading to a tripartite dispute between the state government, Jain community and Santhal tribal group.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Parasnath’s Marang Buru; Jainism.
About Parasnath’s Marang Buru
- Parasnath Hill is the highest peak in Jharkhand (1,365 meters). It is named after Lord Parshvanatha, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara.
- It is located towards the eastern-end of Chota Nagpur Plateau.
- It falls within the Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is part of the Madhuban Forest Area.
- Significance in Jainism:
- It is known as Sammed Shikharji, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Jains.
- According to Jain beliefs, 20 out of 24 Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) attained Moksha (liberation) here.
- Marang Baru:
- The Santhal tribe considers the hill as Marang Buru, their Supreme Deity and Chief God.
- The site is an important place of worship for tribals, where they perform traditional rituals and celebrations during the Sohrai festival.
Disputes regarding the location
- Religious conflict between Jain community and Santhal tribals on developing location as pilgrimage site.
- Opposition to Tourism and commercialisation of the location, as the Jain community consider it as sacred.
- Declaration of eco-sensitive zones by the government neglects the traditional rights of the Santhal tribal communities.
About Jainism
- Origin & Founders: Rishabhanatha (1st Tirthankara) and Mahavira (24th Tirthankara, 540-468 BCE).
- Core Beliefs:
- Triratnas: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct.
- Five Vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha.
- Anekantavada: Multiple perspectives of truth.
- Sects:
- Digambara: No clothes (skin clad).
- Shwetambara: Wear white clothes.
- Jain Literature & Architecture:
- Texts: Kalpasutra, Tattvartha Sutra.
- Temples: Dilwara (Rajasthan), Gomateshwara (Karnataka).
- Patronage: Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas