Prabhasgiri (Pabhosa) Digambar Jain Tirth
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Set on a low sandstone rise overlooking the Yamuna in Pabhosa village, a short hop from the ancient city of Kaushambi, the Prabhasgiri (Pabhosa) Digambar Jain Tirth is one of the quieter yet historically richest Jain pilgrimage spots in the Prayagraj region. By Jain tradition the site is linked to Padmaprabhu, the sixth Tirthankara, who is believed to have been born at nearby Kaushambi (ancient Kaushambi/Kosam) — one of the four kalyanaka-associated cities that give the area deep sanctity for Digambar pilgrims. A neat white shikhara temple crowns the hill, reached by a flight of steps, and the sanctum enshrines a serene idol of Padmaprabhu venerated as an atishaya (miracle-associated) kshetra. The atmosphere is unhurried and devotional, a world away from the busier ghats of Prayagraj, with the river plain spreading out below.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦The tirth's own Digambar Jain bhojanshala/dharamshala kitchen serving simple sattvic pure-veg thalis to pilgrims (confirm timings on arrival)
- ✦Plain vegetarian roadside stalls at Manjhanpur and Bharwari en route (puri-sabzi, kachori, tea)
- ✦Pure-veg thali kitchens and chaat-kachori stalls back in Prayagraj city, about 45 km away
About
Set on a low sandstone rise overlooking the Yamuna in Pabhosa village, a short hop from the ancient city of Kaushambi, the Prabhasgiri (Pabhosa) Digambar Jain Tirth is one of the quieter yet historically richest Jain pilgrimage spots in the Prayagraj region.
- By Jain tradition the site is linked to Padmaprabhu, the sixth Tirthankara, who is believed to have been born at nearby Kaushambi (ancient Kaushambi/Kosam) — one of the four kalyanaka-associated cities that give the area deep sanctity for Digambar pilgrims.
- A neat white shikhara temple crowns the hill, reached by a flight of steps, and the sanctum enshrines a serene idol of Padmaprabhu venerated as an atishaya (miracle-associated) kshetra.
- The atmosphere is unhurried and devotional, a world away from the busier ghats of Prayagraj, with the river plain spreading out below.
- What makes Pabhosa doubly rewarding is what sits just beside the temple: the Pabhosa caves, two rock-cut chambers carved into the hillside that carry celebrated Brahmi inscriptions dated by scholars to the Sunga period, roughly the second century BCE.
- These record the dedication of the caves by Ashadhasena and are among the oldest datable epigraphic records in the region, prized by historians and archaeology enthusiasts alike.
- Fragments of very early sculpture and the weathered rock faces make the hill feel like an open-air chapter of ancient Indian history layered directly beneath a living place of worship.
- Most visitors fold Pabhosa into a half-day out from Prayagraj alongside the Kaushambi excavations and the Ashoka pillar site nearby, arriving in the cool morning to climb the steps, take darshan, read the interpretive markers at the caves and enjoy the breeze off the Yamuna.
- Modest, respectful dress is appreciated, footwear is removed before entering the temple, and photography is best done discreetly around the sanctum.
- For food, this is rural Kaushambi district, so the most reliable pure-vegetarian meal is the tirth's own bhojanshala/dharamshala kitchen run by the Digambar Jain trust, which serves simple sattvic thalis to pilgrims (confirm timings on arrival).
- Otherwise the little market stalls at Manjhanpur and Bharwari on the way offer plain vegetarian fare — puri-sabzi, kachori and hot tea — while a fuller spread of pure-veg thali kitchens, chaat and sweets awaits back in Prayagraj city.
- Carry drinking water, as options on the hill itself are limited.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Pabhosa village, near Kaushambi (Kosam), Manjhanpur tehsil, Kaushambi district, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 212207
How to Reach: Pabhosa lies roughly 45 km southwest of Prayagraj, reached by road via the Kaushambi/Manjhanpur route; the nearest major railhead is Prayagraj Junction (with Bharwari a closer smaller stop), and visitors typically hire a taxi or auto for the day, combining the tirth with the Kaushambi excavation site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prabhasgiri (Pabhosa) Jain Tirth known for?
It is a Digambar Jain atishaya kshetra set on a hill above the Yamuna near Kaushambi. By Jain tradition it is linked to Padmaprabhu, the sixth Tirthankara, believed to have been born at nearby Kaushambi. Beside the temple are the Pabhosa caves, famous for Brahmi inscriptions dated to the Sunga period, around the second century BCE.
How far is Pabhosa from Prayagraj and how do I get there?
Pabhosa is roughly 45 km southwest of Prayagraj in Kaushambi district. Most visitors hire a taxi or auto for a half-day trip via the Kaushambi/Manjhanpur road. The nearest major railhead is Prayagraj Junction, with Bharwari as a smaller closer stop, and it pairs naturally with the Kaushambi excavation site.
Is there an entry fee, and what are the timings?
There is no fixed entry fee; the temple is maintained by a Digambar Jain trust and welcomes voluntary donations. It is generally open daily from around 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though puja and aarti timings vary. Visit in daylight so you can also see the inscribed caves clearly.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Prabhasgiri (Pabhosa)?
This is a rural pocket of Kaushambi district, so the most reliable pure-vegetarian meal is the tirth's own bhojanshala or dharamshala kitchen, which serves simple sattvic thalis to pilgrims when it is running. On the way, the market stalls at Manjhanpur and Bharwari offer plain veg fare like puri-sabzi and kachori, and Prayagraj city has a full range of pure-veg restaurants.
What should I keep in mind when visiting?
Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple, as it is an active place of worship. Carry drinking water, since options on the hill are limited, and be gentle and discreet with photography around the sanctum. The steps and cave area are best explored in the cooler morning hours.