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As one was working on making a model a replica of Ashtapad Tirth for the temple a lot of
information regarding the construction of Ashtapad was collected to help and guide towards making of the mountain. Description of crystal and various gemstones was also collected to help carve the idols. The whole process of making of Ashtapad Tirth was discussed in detail. Various stories related to Ashtapad Tirth were put together and were carved later on. Ashtapad Tirth Stutis, Stavans, Pooja etc were all collected and were put together. A master index with cross references was also prepared for ready reference.
Subsequently all these material contained in approximately 10,000 pages was put together in two DVDs - containing all the XX volumes. Finally a selection of about 10% of all this material collected was printed in the form of two Granths containing over 1000 pages.
Ashtapad related material was put together in Granth I containing details from scriptures and about the creation of Ashtapad Tirth. All research related material was put together in Granth II which included reports on the three field trips, geo-scientific studies, Satellite studies, tour photos and many more.
Ashtapad Tirth in Jain Scriptures
One finds the description of Ashtapad in many scripture books, Aagam literature, analytical books – Tirth Kalp, characters and stories and stavans from many Jain religious as well as from other religious books. One does not find any reference in the main Aang Aagam but one finds many references in scriptures written later regarding this Tirth.
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Oldest reference is found in Avashyak Niryukti written by Acharya Shri Bhadra Bahu Swami. Here he discusses the Nirvana of Rushabhdev along with 10 thousand monks. Bharat Chakravarti built a temple at this place as per the notation.
Acharya Hari Bhadra Suri wrote a book- Avashyak Niryukti, where he discusses about the Sinha Nishadhya Prasad in detail. He also mentions about eight steps which were one Yojan (11⁄2 mile) high.
According to the scripture Jain Aagam Shri Uttaradhyayan Sutra Niryukti which says anyone (Charam Shariri) who will travel to Ashtapad will get salvation (Chapter 10 Sutra 290). It describes Mt. Kailash as a gold and silver mountain.
Kalpa Sutra mentions Ashtapad as the Nirvana Bhoomi (place) of Bhagwan Rushabhdev. Nishith Churni discusses salvation of Bhagwan Rushabhdev on Ashtapad Mountain.
One finds a chapter on Ashtapad Tirth in "Vividh Tirth Kalpa" written by Acharya Jin Prabha Suri. According to this writing Guru Gautam Swami entered Sinha Nishadhya Prasad from the south side.
In Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth Kalpa written by Acharya Dharma Ghosh Suri one finds the description about this temple. It also mentions that Sinha Nishadhya Prasad was four sided or omni directional.
Detailed description about the construction of Ashtapad is found in "Gyan Prakash Deeparnave".
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