Shri Kolhua Pahad Digambar Jain Teerth Kshetra located in Jharkhand is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is a Kalyanak Kshetra. Many caves and temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras can be seen here. Pilgrims visiting this place can also see several ruins of temples dating back to ancient times.

History of Kolua Pahad
According to history Lord Sheetalnath, the tenth Tirthankara had accepted asceticism in the forest of Bhaddalpur named Sahetuk -Van. He practiced penance and meditation for three years trying to conquer the evils of worldly affection. Finally he attained nirvana on the day-Paush Krishna Chaturdashi. The four Kalyanakas of Lord Sheetalnath, Garbh-Janma-Tapa-Gyan Kalyanak are associated with this place. Bhaddalpur is now known as Bhondalgaon that is located in Chatra district of Jharkhand. The three other places located here, Bhadeja, Bhaddia and Bhadiyagaon. Bhondalgaon. However, Bhondalgaon is closely related to Jainism. Ruins of idols, temples and other symbols have been discovered from here.

Temples of Kolua Pahad
Upon reaching the Kolua Pahad a rampart can be seen constructed by rectangular rocks. A Hindu temple is situated here at the right side of north gate. The temple is known as Koleshwari Devi. The presence of a pond in the vicinity of the temple enhances its beauty. The pond is almost 300 ft in length, 180 ft in breadth and 30 ft in depth. It is thought that many ancient idols were once dropped in this river in fear of destruction. A cave is also situated in the in the west of this pond that houses the idol of Lord Parshvanatha. The idol is seated in a padmasana posture and faces the west direction. The idol is surmounted by is present with nine serpent hoods and is magnificently carved in black stone. It is believed that the idol belongs to the 4th era. Apart from this there are two other caves facing each other below this cave. Pieces of broken Jain idols can be seen lying here.

Another Jain Temple was earlier present here in the south east direction. The temple was constructed in V. S. 1682 and had the idol of Lord Parshvanatha. It is 2 feet in height and in seated in a padmasana posture was installed here. Presently in place of that old temple a new temple has been constructed and the idol has been installed in it. In the north east direction of the temple at a distance of about 250 ft an attractive large circular rock with eight holes can be seen. It is supposed that it was the place for performing pooja and havan. There are platforms constructed to sit around this rock Towards the north direction a high hill is present which is known as Akash-lochan. One can see the ruins of temple and foot prints here. These are almost 8 inch in length and 3 inch wide. It is believed that it was the place of salvation. There are many other caves located here that are visited by pilgrims.

While descending down from the top one can also see a cave temple. The cave houses ten Digambara Jain idols. These idols are all seated in a padmasana posture and are one ft in height. These have been carved on a side wall and look very appealing. These magnificent idols depict the skills of the craftsmen. At the base of these idols symbols of Jain Tirthankakas. Pilgrims can also see ten Digambara Jain idols carved on another side of the wall. Among these ten idols five are depicted as sitting and the rest five are seen as standing. The five standing idols are of Lord Vasupujya Swami, Lord Mallinath, Lord Neminath, Lord Parshvanatha and Lord Mahavira. These are all 18 inch in height. The sitting idols are of Lord Sheetalnath, Lord Shreyansanath, Lord Vasupujya Swami, Lord Vimalnath and Lord Anantnath. These are all 12 inch in height.