Marang Buru/Parasnath Hill

Marang Buru/Parasnath Hill: Recently, the Jharkhand High Court ordered the state to enforce a ban on meat, alcohol, and intoxicants on a hill sacred to Santal Adivasi and Jain communities.

• About Marang Buru/Parasnath Hill : Jharkhand’s tallest peak (1,365 m), part of Parasnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

o Jain Significance: Known as Sammed Shikharji, where 20 of 24 Tirthankaras attained liberation and home to 40+ Jain temples.

o Santhal Belief: Revered as Marang Buru (“Great Mountain”), their supreme deity and key worship site, especially during Sohrai festival.

o Social Role: Sacred groves are central to Santhal culture and the hill hosts the Lo Bir Baisi council for tribal dispute resolution.

o Historical Role: Launch site of the 1855 Santal Hul rebellion against British rule.