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 9

Blessing from Pujya Nirmal Sagar Ji
Dr. Rajnikant Shah is a staunch follower of Jainism. His background history is well known to all Jains based in America and back home in India. His high profile work and research on the Ashtapad Tirth is very interesting and appreciative. The time, energy and hard labor put in by him in doing the research of our lost Tirth has brought some hope to the people of Jainism that it still exists somewhere in the Himalayas.
We all know about Ashtapad Tirth through our Jain scriptures but Dr. R. Shah has thrown some extra light to our knowledge. One day I am sure that the movement started by Dr. R. Shah to discover Ashtapad would be successful and we would be able to have Darshan there.
Ashtapad Tirth is the most outstanding Tirth of Jain Religion. The most auspicious Tirth and probably the only place in the universe where mankind has not been able to see the marvelous carvings and idols made from precious stones. The technology used at that time to make this Tirth in this region is a total mystery to mankind.
It shows that science has still not achieved that growth, where they are able to locate the exact location of Ashtapad. It is probably the only Tirth that is not visible for us to have Darshan. After Gautama Swami's visit, the Tirth has virtually become extinct- a mystery that has not been resolved till now.
I am curious to know the whereabouts of the Tirth and at the same time I believe in the decision taken by our Gyani people at that time to hide it from the eyes of the current generations, is justified. Sometimes some ancient Tirth hidden from us is a boon by itself.
With the changing of countries' border lines, the discovery of the same may lead to various disputes among nations and the consequences are unknown to us.
I bless the book brought out by Dr. R. Shah and we should all make an effort to read the same so we can learn more about our Ashtapad Tirth and the research put behind it.
God Bless everyone.
Good Wishes