PASARVA NATH GUHA 1

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

One of the two natural sacred rock shelters or small caves in gravitationally dislocated basaltic rock, which are associated with and sacred to the Jaina Tirthankar Pasarva Nath or Parshvanatha (note 1), lies 15 m north of the boulder Bhimbhar, which itself lies 40 m south of the Durga Bhagavati temple (worshipped as Kauleshwari or Kuleshwari) on the hill called Kuluha Pahar (STEIN 1901) or Kolua Pahar (AMS sheet NG45-13 Gaya, 1962 edition) and Kauleshwari Hill (note 2). SITUATION: On the hill Kuluha Pahar above the village of Hatwaria, 10 km south of Hunterganj (N24°27': E084°49') or at a travelling distance of 51 km by road approximately south from Gaya (N24°47': E085°00'). STEIN (1901: 92) came across a small grotto about 4 feet [1.2 m] high and 3 broad [0.9 m], formed by a boulder overlying a fissure in the rock. Inside is a well-preserved image of the Jina Parshvanatha, seated and surmounted by the usual snake-hood [note 3]. The little sculpture, which is about 0.6 m high is carved in a black basaltic stone and seems distinctly old. The interstices between the rocks serving as sidewalls and the boulders are filled with bricks nine inches square and 2.5 inches thick. Kuluha Pahar is formed by a projecting spur of the great range that runs along the northern edge of the Hazaribagh plateau. It consists of a somewhat triangular outcrop fringed by steep ridges culminating in a pinnacle of bold crags rising to a height of 480 m asl. The bare rocks of the plateau slope gradually down to a little lake (20 by 90 m wide, along north-west / south-east) with a plentiful growth of lotuses, water-lilies, and other aquatic life. It is said to always retain its water, the overflow from the monsoon rains being carried of by a small channel at the south-east corner. The presence of this unfailing supply of water in a locality otherwise made so forbidding by nature has much to do with turning the plateau of the Kaluha / Kolua / Kauleshwari Hill into a popular place of plgrimage. APPROACH: The top of the hill is accessible by two paths only, one leading from Hatwaria village on the west, and the other from a valley which skirts the hill on the east. Following the former, traces of the pilgrim's route are soon met in the auspicious sindura marks applied to all larger rocks and trees. About half a mile south of Hatwaria, where the path leaves a wooded plateau at the foot of the hill, is a small mound of stones, known by the name of Dvarapala (guardian of the gate). For about three quarters of a kilometre further the path crosses an outlying ridge, which is fairly wooded. Then the proper ascent begins over bare basaltic rocks of remarkably large size, which face the whole west side of the hill. They are so steep and so bare of vegetation that for one not barefooted it is a matter of some difficulty to scramble up. After an ascent of about 120 m a wall of even steeper, but smaller, cliffs is met. Here a regular path is formed by broad steps cut into th rock. This path leads at a point about 75 m further up through the gateway of an ancient wall to the plateau near the hill top. About 40 m to the south-east of the gate stands a temple sacred to Durga Bhagavati, and another 40 m further south of the temple is a large isolated boulder known as Bhimbhar (Bhim bhar). CULTURAL HISTORY - Human use: Hazaribagh District … The most important archaeological remains are the Jain temples at Parasnath. Buddhist and Jain remains exist on Kuluha Hill in the Dantara pargana [note 4], and a temple and tank to the west of the hill dedicated to Kuleswari, the goddess of the hill, are visited by Hindu pilgrims in considerable numbers (IMPERIAL GAZETTEER 1907-1909, 13: 89). Kalhua Pahari … in chatra district (sic!) as one hill that has archaeological ruins that speak of the confluence of the major religions. There are ancient Durga temple major religions. There is ancient Durga temple where the deity is worshipped Kaleshwari. Kalhua hill lies about 6 mies [9.654 km] south east of Hunterganj. At hunterganj [sic!] one has to cross the lilangen river [sic! ],which is now bridged and jeep or walk through the uneven track to the foot of hill. The height of the hill is 1,575 feet [480 m asl] and from the top one can find an excellent view. The top of the hill is quite distinctive and is known as - Akash Lochan- (Sky Eye) [note 5]. There are some ancient temples, the most important of which is a temple of ' Kali' known as 'Kauleshwari Devi' (coilnet.bitmesra.net/JharkhandTourism/Districts/Ch… accessed 2007.11.24). Kauleshwari Hill … 10 km from Hunterganj in Chatra district … a place of worship for both Hindus and Jains. The venerable cultspots to be worshipped here are Ma Kauleshwari temple, Saptakup, Parswanath temple, the statue of Parswanath, Panch tirthankar, Vishnupag and Parsunath pug mark, Saptarishi cave, Bhim bhar etc. (desidirectory.com/events/Indian_Travel_Details.asp… dated -January 02 2007- accesse 2007.11.24).es [9.654 km] south east of Hunterganj. At hunterganj [sic!] one has to cross the lilangen river [sic! ],which is now bridged and jeep or walk through the uneven track to the foot of hill. The height of the hill is 1,575 feet [480 m asl] and from the top one can find an excellent view. The top of the hill is quite distinctive and is known as - Akash Lochan- (Sky Eye) [note 5]. There are some ancient temples, the most important of which is a temple of ' Kali' known as 'Kauleshwari Devi' (coilnet.bitmesra.net/JharkhandTourism/Districts/Ch… accessed 2007.11.24). Kauleshwari Hill … 10 km from Hunterganj in Chatra district … a place of worship for both Hindus and Jains. The venerable cultspots to be worshipped here are Ma Kauleshwari temple, Saptakup, Parswanath temple, the statue of Parswanath, Panch tirthankar, Vishnupag and Parsunath pug mark, Saptarishi cave, Bhim bhar etc. (desidirectory.com/events/Indian_Travel_Details.asp… dated -January 02 2007- accesse 2007.11.24).