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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth
Making of Crystal Mountain
Steps, Gokhlas and Shikhar
The mountain is the main body and is made of crystal quartz. Various blocks of crystal (59), each weighing 75 to 750 lbs, were assembled to replicate the appearance of a real mountain & to provide a sloping pattern on the front and on the sides as in a mountain. Eight steps were constructed in the center leading to the first row of the Gokhala. 24 Gokhalas were sculpted in the mountain itself where the idols will be installed. Model #5 was the first model carved in crystal, which was 1/5th size of the final model.
The mountain consists of eight layers of crystal blocks. First two layers are for steps, next four are for idols and last two layers are for Shikhar.
Layers of Crystal Blocks
Ashtapad Mountain Dimension
Height at Center Height on Sides Width Depth Depth from Glass Size of the Steps
13.1"
9 14.7" 5.1"
2.3" 15' X 1'8" X 2'6"
Crystal Blocks are arranged one above the other and side by side, to make up the mountain.
Crystal model # 5 - 3'* 3'
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407
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-Ratna Mandir