Ashtapad Maha Tirth 02

SR No.: 009860
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Rajnikant Shah, Others
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 532
Language: Hindi, Sanskrit, Gujarati
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 26 MB

Page 116

Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
Jain leaders to pay attention on this sacred subject, so that a clear guidance can be obtained from the present Jain saints, provided their yatra to Kailash is arranged. I was told by Tibetan guide late Mr. Dorji that in Tibetan religion it is mentioned that Bhagwan Munisuvrat Swami (20th Tirthankar) visited this place. During our 4th yatra we found above mentions in Tibetan religious book "GANGKARE TEASHI”. Page-101. Here are few more facts/ points to substantiate the above theory, 1. Mount Kailash is surrounded by snow glaciers and the Mountain itself is so steep that, it is
extremely difficult to climb. The description of Ashtapad thus fits here. The chiselled mountain in front of south face of Mount Kailash is known as Nandi. The Nandi is Lanchhan i.e. sign of Lord Aadinath Rushabhdev. There is another tall snow caped magnificent mountain about 50 km south of Mount Kailash. This mountain is known as Gurla Mandhata. Mandhata was ancestor of Sagar Chakravarti, whose name is linked with Ashtapad. One can have Darshan of Mount Kailash from holy Lake Mansarovar also. The name of Lake Mansarovar is mentioned in Jainism. Between Mount Kailash and Gurla Mandhata, there is another spectacular lake known as Rakshas Tal or Ravan Tal. In Jain Indology King Ravan is mentioned as firm disciple of Lord Aadinath Rushabhdev. The whole area is rich in minerals and metals. The extraction is not permitted. Because of its richness, the vibration felt in this region, is a matter of experience. No one can express the feelings in words. The combination of this land, the lakes, the mountains, the clouds,
and the sky is just majestic-mystic-Daw and so it is considered the best place for meditation. 7. Similarities between Mahadev (Hinduism) and Rushabhdev (Jainism). Vahan of Mahadev
Nandi Lanchhan of Rushabhdev
Bull Place of Mahadev
Mt Kailash Nirvan place of Rushabhdev
Ashtapad Worship Tithi of Mahadev
Shivraat i.e. Maha Vad Teras Nirvan Tithi of Rushabhdev : Maha Vad Teras This comparision also strengthens the possibility. I have very poor knowledge of Jainism, though I am a Jain. But whenever I think about our religion and related Tirthbhoomis two questions come in my mind that when:
We believe in Siddhachal Maha Tirth at Palitana in Gujarat as a Shaswat Tirth We believe in Sammet Shikharji at Madhuban in Bihar as the Nirvana Bhoomi of our twenty Tirthankars. We believe in Hastinapur a place some 125 KM away from Delhi, where every Jain wishes to perform Varsitap and celebrate its parna. At Hastinapur Lord Rushabhdev was offered Ikshuras Parna by his grandson King Shreyans on completion of Lord's Varsitap (thirteen months alternate day fasting with daytime boiled water only).
Shree Ashtapad - a possibility
60