Jain Exhibition Part 02 348 Photos by code A to Z NewYork Temple

SR No.: 007707
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Total Pages: 350
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 85 MB

Page 253

Making of ASHTAPAD MAHA TIRTH
5.1 Religious Consideration:
Positioning of any religious object is determined by the religious guidelines laid out in the scriptures or as directed by the Acharyas. The original design of Ashtapad was four sided also called as Sarvatomukhi - Omni-directional. Space constraint forced us to make a unidirectional unit viewable only from the front. Now an architectural blueprint was developed to a scale based on the available space. Height and width of the mountain (Ht 12.7" x W 14.6" x D 5.1") were determined according to the space available in the conservatory.
5.2 Structural and Engineering Consideration:
Once a decision was made to use crystal for the making of the mountain, the weight of the material and frame, which is about 10 tons-became a structural challenge. Overriding constraint was the weight bearing capacity of the temple on the 4th floor. Permissible weight was not to exceed 10 tons. A steel frame weighing one and a half ton was designed in Jaipur to hold the whole structure. There are eight layers of crystal blocks one above the other resting on a steel frame. As this is a mountain the slope was taken into consideration. The whole structure has 5.1' depth at the bottom but only 0.75' depth at the top.
Proposed Design
5.3 Crystal & Gemstones
The rough crystal stone weighing 30 tons was Imported. After processing and carving the final weight of the mountain is 7.5 tons. This is supported on a 1.5 ton steel frame. Various colored gemstone were imported from all over the world and used to carve idols of different sizes. Each idol is a single piece which is carved from a single piece of gemstone as found in nature. All stones are certified by the Gemological Lab. There are no joints and each stone is carved as per religious rules and measurements. We have tried to use the best quality gemstones. These idols will form the part of the final unit. Some of the stone names are Tiger Eye, Rhodocrosite, Ruby, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Sodalite etc.
Rough Crystal
Cryst
6.1 Ashtapad Mountain
The mountain is the main body and is made of crystal quartz. Various blocks of crystal (59) each weighing 50 to 350 kilo, were assembled to provide a sloping pattern on the front and sides in order to replicate the appearance of a real mountain. Eight steps are constructed in the center leading to the first row of the Gokhala. 24 Gokhalas are sculpted in the mountain itself where the idols are installed.
The structure of the mountain consists of eight layers of crystal blocks. The first two layers are for steps, next four are for idols and last two layers are for Shikhar. A five Shikhar design has been added at the top to give the whole structure, the appearance of a temple. All Shikhars are carved as per the design in the scripture, and will be adorned with gold Kalash and Dhwaja (flag) at the top.
Ashtapad Mountain Dimension
127 9 14'6" 5'1" 5X18" X 26" 23"
Height at Center
Height on Sides
Width
Depth
Size of the Steps Distance from Glass
We have created an effect of a snow-capped mountain by using appropriate measures. Mount Kailash and Mansarovar photos are mounted on the back wall. The ceiling and the wall at the back is painted with faux painting depicting the sky.
6.2 Gokhalas (Niches)
There are 24 Gokhalas of varying sizes to house 24 idols. All gokhalas of each row are equal in size. Originally gokhalas were carved separately as an individual unit. But later on it was decided to carve it in the mountain itself, so that it becomes a part of the mountain. All the gokhalas have a base with two pillars in the front, a niche for idol, an arch, a chhajja, and a shikhar at the top.
A design with regular carving was done in the beginning but later on a Ashta-Pratiharya design was added and hence all 24 Gokhalas have this design. Individual Yaksh Yakshini are carved at the base next to the Sinhasan.
Five-Shikhar Design
6.3 Idols of 24 Tirthankars- Shri Chovisi The 24 Idols are carved to represent the 24 Tirthankars. Each one has its own symbol at the base that identifies the idol to a viewer. All idols are carved out of gemstones. Due to limitations of the available gemstones, the color will not confirm to the original colors of each Tirthankar. Idols will be installed as per their position according to religious rules as discussed earlier.
Ashta-Pratiharya Carving
Amethyst
Smoky Quartz
Sizes of idols vary according to the level where they are being installed based upon sitting arrangement- the lowest two are the tallest 11" in Ht (Idols 1 and 2), then upper four are 9" in Ht (Idols 3 to 6) then middle eight are 7" in Ht (Idols 7 to 14) and finally lower ten are 5" in Ht (Idols 15 to 24), which are the smallest. These match proportionately to the height of each Tirthankar as per scripture.
2
Gokhala & Idol Dimensions: Level Size Tot HW Tirthankars Idols HWD 1-Lowest Ex Large 2 2-Lower Small 10 3-Middle Medium 8 4-Upper Large 4
10 5 4 2 8 75 3 4 974
24 22 1 to 2
14 12 15 to 24 18" 15" 7 to 14 22 18 3 to 6