Marang Buru which is also called Parasnath by Jains has often caused religious and cultural clashes in Jharkhand.
Many people have long admired the hill in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, which is known Parasnath hill. For Jains, this place is sacred since 20 of their Tirthankaras reached spiritual liberation (moksha) there, while the Santals believe it is the home of their main deity, Marang Buru. Because of this dual respect, disagreements have grown between followers of both religions as their beliefs about how to manage and respect the hill have differed. In British colonial days, disagreements on land and religious independence started to arise. These days, policies, rulings and negotiations are being introduced to help both groups, but problems remain. The hill represents the way religion and history is intertwined in India. We must also look at the deep beliefs and traditions that influence the behaviour of both sides to understand why the conflict originated. In spite of any tension, the sacred hill represents tolerance and expresses hope for living together in peace.
The history of Parasnath Hill
Jains believe this hill as part of their practice and consider it as a place to attain Moksha but at the same time Santhals also consider the hill to be part of their rich tradition. Although the notion of Heaven is important in Jainism as the moksha of their Tirthankaras, in Santal culture, it is where their greatest deity lives. Due to being respected by both religions, the hill has become famous as a symbol of both sacred tradition and religious faith.
Parasnath for Jains
The followers of Jainism see Parasnath Hill as one of their most valuable pilgrimage destinations. Twenty of the Jain Tirthankaras are said to have attained moksha (liberation) in this spot which is why many pilgrims visit here. There are many temples and shrines atop the hill, where people come from all parts of India to worship these being.
- Having links to Jain Tirthankaras: Hill is held in high regard as it marks the lives of many Tirthankaras. Among his many followers, Lord Parshvanatha, who was the 23rd Tirthankara, is held in especially high regard. Jains believe the hill was where he gained nirvana and so the area is considered holy by their ascetics and followers.
- Temples and ways of worshiping from ancient times: Some of the Jain temples in the hills are centuries old. A large group of pilgrims can be found at the Sammed Shikharji temple complex which stands at the top of the hill, undertaking difficult ascetic practices. Going around the hill as a pilgrim is important, as it shows true devotion and helps cleanse the soul.
Santals and their perspective
For those belonging to the Santal tribe, Parasnath Hill is called Marang Buru or "Great Mountain." He is considered the leading god in their animist tradition because he represents the spirit found in nature and ancestors. Rituals and ceremonies take place at the hill which is regarded as a sacred place by the Santal people.
- How the Hill is viewed in Santal customs: The Santals consider Marang Buru to be both the guardian of the people and the environment. To lead to prosperity and safety from threats Santhals worship there. During the Sohrai and Baha festivals, traditional ceremonies are held at sacred areas on the hill, symbolizing how important the land is to them.
- The Sacred Places: Jug Jaher Than and Dishom Manjhi Than: The most important Santal religious sites in Parasnath Hill are Jug Jaher Than and Dishom Manjhi Than. Locals believe Jug Jaher Than is a holy site where they hold ceremonies for their ancestors and gods. Meanwhile, Dishom Manjhi Than is the location for meetings and ceremonies organized by the Santal communities and their tribal leaders.
Parasnath Hill has a long spiritual connection with both the Jains and the Santals. Jains believe that this place is for spiritual release, but the Santals regard it as home to their main god. Having two separate but equally valued cultures has sometimes resulted in cultural interactions that also gave rise to tensions. The hill continues to represent faith, heritage and how people from different religions can live together.
The religious practices and beliefs
The Hill is important for both. These two distinct groups have had different ways of worshipping and sometimes this has brought conflicts about the main beliefs and traditional events among the community.
A focus on various Jain Rituals and Pilgrimages
Many Jains believe Parasnath Hill is among their holiest places to visit since 20 of their Tirthankaras attained liberation there. Because of the many temples and shrines on the hill, it welcomes thousands of religious pilgrims each year.
- An Important Place for the Believers: The highest pilgrimage for Jains at Parasnath Hill involves going to Sammed Shikharji, the temple at the top. Most followers climb the steep mountain barefoot, as it is viewed as a spiritual exercise. Undertaking the pilgrimage is important for gaining religious benefits.
- Following Severe Practices and Customs: During a pilgrimage, Jains are expected to practice severe self-denial and meditation. At the hill, many remember and honour the Tirthankaras by taking part in prayers and religious rites. Many Jain interactions with the world are shaped by their belief in ahimsa which advocates non-violence.
Santal Festivals and Ceremonies
According to the Santal people, Parasnath Hill, recognized as Marang Buru, is where their main god lives. Various rituals, festivals and worship for ancestors are held at the temple.
- The ceremonies: Santhals view hill as the guardian of people and nature. They hold ceremonies at places like Jug Jaher Than, during which they ask for blessings for protection and prosperity. Tribal elders pray to the spirits of the ancestors.
- The Event for Moving to the Next Stage: Among the strong traditions related to the hill is the festival of Sendra, a three-day hunt. The ritual held during the full moon of Baisakh shows Santal men the true meaning of rebirth and strength.
Dietary conflicts
Since Jains and Santals have different religious beliefs, their dietary choices are a source of conflict when making decisions for the hill.
- Jainism: Any kind of cruelty to living creatures is avoided by Jains, who follow strict vegetarianism. Jain religion forbids followers from consuming meat, alcohol and intoxicants. People have disagreed about the regulation of these items by authorities around Parasnath Hill.
- Santals: For Santals, meat and alcohol form part of their culture traditional rituals. Because the Sendra festival involves hunting, Jains challenge it in court and fight with those who celebrate it. Regulating these activities has resulted in disagreements about religious freedom and the rights of indigenous people.
Parasnath Hill is considered important by both Jains and Santals because of the spiritual and historical links they feel to the land. While Indians from different faiths have unique traditions, the hill is considered holy to all who live in India. Adapting to these traditions together allows people to respect one another and get along peacefully.
The Dispute That Lasted a Century: Parasnath Hill and Marang Buru
There has been on-going conflict about Parasnath Hill between the Santals (known by them as Marang Buru) and the Jains, who call it Parasnath Hill as well. Since the fight began due to religious and cultural issues long ago, it has led to many legal cases, struggles within society and decides the direction of governance.
The reasons why the conflict happened
Because of the different religious beliefs the conflict was started and for the first time in 1911 the authorities took it seriously. Many rituals and ceremonies have been undertaken on Marang Buru, as this hill is seen by the Santal community as the home of their top deity. They also consider Parasnath to be one of their main holy places where 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras reached moksha.
Courts and Influence by the Government
This conflict has allowed for various disputes over land and freedom to practice religion. In 1917, the Patna High Court refused to allow a suit brought by the Jain community asking to stop Santal rituals due to the Santals’ cultural traditions.
High Court’s Recent Ruling
In order to protect its purity, the Jharkhand High Court ordered the state government to outlaw meat and alcohol in the hills in May 2025. This decision, meant to protect the place, has led to increased disputes between the communities.
Problems Created by Differences in Cultures and Religions
The main issue concerns the different customs followed by religious groups. Since Jains believe in strict diets and peaceful habits, they do not agree with the ritual hunt of animals organized by Santals in the Sendra basho. This festival symbolizes an important stage in a Santal person’s life and is closely linked to their culture.
Attempts are made to Fix Relationships
Several attempts have been made to encourage coexistence, despite the dispute that still exists. Different groups have met to discuss ways they can respect one another’s beliefs.
The issue of Parasnath Hill highlights how difficult it can be for different religions to coexist in India. The idea is to reach a compromise that values their ancient traditions so that everyone can live together peacefully.
Conflict and its influence on culture and society
Whichever name you use, Parasnath Hill is as much a cultural site as it is a holy one. Because of their on-going conflict, social relations, rules and customs in the town have been influenced and this has impacted discussions on living peacefully together in India.
Changes in the Communities
Disagreements over Parasnath Hill have seriously impacted people living near the area. Because Jains and Santals are very attached to the land, there are often disagreements that affect everyday living.
Rules against different religions and divisions within the community
Because of bans on meat and alcohol by the government to protect Jain beliefs, local traders and the Santal people are now facing difficulties. Many Santals believe their customs have been neglected, as their ceremonies include hunting and making sacrifices.
Tourism and financial stress in the country
The hill serves as a major pilgrimage for Jains every year which positively affects the local economy. Still, the rules placed on Santal traditions have led to differences in wealth, as tribes try to hold on to their culture and take advantage of coming from a tourist area.
The Subject of Cultural Identity and Heritage
Because of the conflict, it is now clear that indigenous traditions should be appreciated and still respected in a world of many religions. Each community aims to highlight their traditions on the hill, telling their version of history.
Santals’ Efforts to Be Recognized
For the Santals, Marang Buru is an important place connected to their identity. Restricting their religious activities has resulted in protests and calls to be officially recognized as a culture. The indigenous communities push for recognition of their own rights.
Steps Taking Toward Reconciliation
Despite the stresses, steps have been made to encourage community members to respect and communicate with one another. They have tried to find issues they can work on together.
The Parasnath Hill conflict continues to influence society by having an impact on leadership, economic resources and people’s identity. For people to live in harmony over a long period there needs to be a sense of tradition as well as coexistence.
Conclusion
This place is called Parasnath Hill for Hindus, Sammed Shikharji by Jains and Marang Buru by Santals, all in recognition of its strong influence on religion. Everyone regards the hill as sacred, but cultural and political differences have stirred up disputes between the communities for a long time. Protecting the heritage of religion often leads to conflicting situations, as lawsuits, restrictions and divisions emerge. Throughout the obstacles, relationships are still encouraged, promoting the need for everyone to live peacefully together. Understanding both the history and traditions tied to the hill in Jain and Santal faith is essential to bring people together. Ensuring equal leadership does not negate tradition and it can bring about unity for everyone. Respecting and caring for others leads to solutions that can preserve India’s cultural heritage and include everyone’s beliefs.