$JES 981 Ashtapad Tirth Booklet

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

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SHRI ASHTÄPAD MAHÄ-TIRTH
27. According to one Mongolian monk, Shri Rishabhadev meditated and prayed on Ashtäpad which is mentioned in Kanjur & Tanjur books. 28. Potala Palace has some old books, written on palm leaves which describe Nirväna of Rishabhadev at Ashtäpad-Kailash.
29. Kangari Karchhak - Tibetan Kailash Purän mentions that Kailash is the center of the whole universe (awaiting English translation). 30. Gangkare Teashi - White Kailash - mentions that Jains lived here before Buddhist known as Gyal Phal Pa and Chear Pu Pa. Their first god's name is Khyu Chok - Lord Rushyanath. Mahavir is Phel Wa. According to this book, a lot of Jain principles match with theirs.
31. Dr. Lata Bothra is doing a lot of work on antiquities of Jainism, and her book on Ashtäpad has a lot of cross references on this subject. 32. The literature obtained from various sources describing Ashtäpad has been compiled into 13 volumes. These volumes have lot of information from scriptures and history and about the ongoing research work and related subjects. 4.0 Development of the Concept
The Jain center of America in New York has constructed a new building for its temple and other religious activities. As a tribute to 24 Tirthankars, it is customary to make idols of 24 Tirthankars in a temple and place them around Gabhärä (Main place of worship in a temple). We wanted to install Shri Chovisi (24 idols of Tirthankaras) in the Bhamati area but due to lack of space this could not be installed. As the thought process was evolving and the Jain Center temple building blue prints were being finalized, we thought of making 24 idols out of the gemstones and house
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