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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
IKONOS data was ordered, to study the probable unexplored archaeological site of Ashtapad detected from LISS IV data. Three dimensional pictures were prepared using 2009 covering 10 km X 10 km area around Ashtapad was obtained and it was wrapped on digital elevation data of that region. Hence it was possible to visualize the complete terrain of Ashtapad and nearby areas in a 3D environment. The high resolution satellite data provided the minute details of land features in the area and elevation data provided the real effect of mountain and valleys in the region. Using this technology, one can navigate through any region in the valley or on the top of mountain, on click of mouse. It gave a real environment of fly-through and walk-through in this inaccessible region. The complete 'parikrama' route of Kailash can be visualized in a 3D environment. All the peaks were clearly visible and accessible through the movement of the mouse. It was very easy to find whether there is any man made structure on any inaccessible areas of that region. It was virtually possible to reach any place in this vast and difficult terrain. Probable Ashtapad site - Nandi Hill However we could not confirm the site on ground during the visits of 2007 and 2009 as the area was covered by the snow, which was difficult to reach and inaccessible. The IKONOS data also indicates some other structures which might have existed in this region. I met a local Buddhist saint at Darchen with the help of my guide. I was accompanied by Mrs. Flaviu. He informed us that there were some structures earlier there, but to reach the region is very difficult. I tried to reach the site during my 2007 visit but as I was alone and my guide was reluctant to stay and he was not ready to go further, I could not climb the hillock. I had no other option but to return from the site to reach Darchen by night. The other sites might have been thought of during different periods. Future research work should be carried out at Dharma King Norsang site which is the potential site of Ashtapad Mountain and Ashtapad temple. Dharma King Norsang (DKN) is a part of Mount Kailash region. It remains covered with snow, hence name Dhavalgiri. Kailash itself is matching with this probable site and supports the belief that Kailash also known as Dhavalgiri in literature is probably Ashtapad. Thus there is no stand for the other nine claimants of Ashtapad anymore as Ashtapad Mountain or Ashtapad Maha Tirth. The Ashtapad Maha Tirth might be that of Swastika shape.
Note: Different Eras Shrishti Samvat: 1, 97, 29, 49, 110 Christian Era : 2011 Shak Samvat: 1933
Vikram Samvat : 2968 Israel Era : 5752 Kali Samvat : 5300 Approx
Locating probable unexplored Archaeological site...
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