$JES 981 Ashtapad Tirth Booklet

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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SHRI ASHTÄPAD MAHÄ-TIRTH
9.0 Summary We are trying to form an Ashtäpad Research International Foundation (ARIF) to coordinate the research work; it will be registered in India as well as overseas. All major cities in India will have a branch. ARIF will coordinate with Geological, Archeological, and other related departments of government of India and China. They will also approach National Geographic and Discovery Channel for help. A team of Geologists and Archeologists are involved. They are helping and guiding us as to how to proceed with further research. We are trying to get high resolution space satellite data of the area shown on the map.
We will publicize the research work - This will create a lot of enthusiasm among the younger generations, professionals and researchers. This will also help to present our case to various governmental agencies. We will have exhibits & seminars to educate people and give them updated information.
Finally a question arises as to what happened to Ashtapad in 2600 years, when Shri Gautam Swami had visited the place as per our scripture. That time 1503 Tapas were also trying to climb but could not. There has not been any major geological or historical change to our knowledge that may damage or cause it to disappear. This needs an explanation.
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