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Preface to Granth II
Ashtapad Maha Tirth Granth Part II presents detailed research studies and field explorations conducted by Ashtapad Research International Foundation (ARIF) under the auspices of Jain Center of America, NY since 2005.
Bharat Hansraj Shah from Mumbai was on a quest for discovering and locating the most sacred archaeological monument - "Ashtapad Maha Tirth" which is believed to be located in the Tibetan region of Himalaya, an autonomous region of China since 1958. Bharat Shah visited this area on several occasions and made a detailed photographic survey of Mt. Kailash and its surroundings. Review of Nandi Hill facing Mt. Kailash with natural step like physiography surrounding it and apparent sculptures of various shapes such as lion, sages etc. made him more determined to look into this subject. Bharat Shah also presented his observations at a seminar organized by Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, January 1999.
Dr. Rajnikant Shah of New York City, started a comprehensive literature review and paper studies. Subsequently, three successive field expeditions have been conducted under his guidance. The field research team comprised of scientists from various disciplines and Jain scholars. The scientific team included geologists, remote sensing experts, archaeologists and professional photographers/rock climbers. Valuable data has been gathered from these expeditions, which was subsequently reviewed in detail by all of those involved with this project and the data was presented at various seminars and discussed by the team.
Himalayan Region is considered to be the abode of Gods. Most of the eastern religious scriptures have described their final destination in this abode of Gods. Jainism has also described the Ashtapad Maha Tirth to be in the Tibetan Himalayas the final resting place of Lord Rushabhdev. The monument of this Maha Tirth was believed to be built by his son King Bharat in this region near Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar at the height of about 14000 to 15000 feet. In order to locate this Maha Tirth, initially a comprehensive study consisting of review of religious text and consultation with various Acharyas was conducted by Dr. R. Shah and Bharat Shah. Subsequently, a preliminary expeditionary trip was made by the members of the research group who was accompanied by Muni Shree Mrigendravijayji M.S. The trip included a visit to Tibetan scholars and religious leaders at various monasteries from Lhasa to Mt. Kailash, reviewing ancient texts and visiting places that are of religious significance. The preliminary trip ended with outer Parikrama of Mt. Kailash and visiting various landmarks around Mt. Kailash and Darchen. Subsequent to this initial expedition, two additional expeditions were undertaken to find the truth about the various hypothesis and theories that were developed after literature review, analysis of satellite images and presentations and discussions by scholars during various seminars. Part I of Granth presents articles on Ashtapad from scripture and Part II of Granth presents scientific data pertaining to the Mt. Kailash area along with the summary of expeditions conducted to date.
Considerable literature has been devoted to geology as the team was trying to understand the role that the geological forces may have played in this land and physiography during
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