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Final conclusion - Looking for the Lost Tirth
Sajjan Jain & Rajnikant Shah
I. Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth
As per Jain scriptures, Bhagwan Rushabhdev attained Nirvana on Ashtapad Mountain and in his memory his son King Bharat constructed a palace with real gem stones and installed 24 idols of Jain Tirthankars on Ashtapad. In Sanskrit, asta means eight, pad means steps implying that there are eight steps to reach the mountain or temple and palace of Ashtapad.
This is one of the five major Tirths in the Jain Religion and is thought to be lost. It is believed to be situated in the tranquil heights of snow clad Himalayas. Jain Center of America, New York (JCA) is trying to re-discover it. In recent history, no one has witnessed the actual Tirth as described in the scriptures. Pilgrims and visitors travel to Kailash region where this Tirth is believed to be lost. Many individuals and organizations are involved in research to unravel the mysteries of this legendry palace.
Bharat Shah visited the Kailash region several times prior to Ashtapad project and made a detailed photographic survey of Mt. Kailash and its surroundings'. Review of Nandi Hill facing Mt. Kailash with natural step like physiography and apparent sculptures of various shapes such as lion, sages etc. made him determined to look further into the subject.
In the year 2000, the idea to discover the "Maha Tirth of Ashtapad" was conceived and the work on the project was initiated. This article basically summarizes the efforts of team members in carrying out the research in locating the Ashtapad Tirth. Three research trips were organized by JCA to visit and research the Kailash Mansarovar area from 2006 to 20092. In these trips many scholars and scientists were involved. The main objectives of these field trips were to locate the Ashtapad palace as described in the scripture and to enlarge the knowledge obtained from earlier visits and research.
II. Survey of Ancient Scriptures
Most of the work and research for the Ashtapad project was carried out in India and U.S.A. The initial research comprised of many aspects but the logical approach was to begin with the survey and review of ancient Jain scriptures containing references to Rushabhdev and his life history, details about his place of Nirvana and in particular about the description of Ashtapad palace built by his son King Bharat near Kailash mountain. References about the Maha Tirth were also found in the religious books of Hinduism. The other important data and information was obtained from the books written in Tibetan language including visit to Tibetan scholars
For the information of the reader, Egyptian pyramids have eight steps
1) Shri Bharat H Shah report Ch 2, see Granth II, 2) For reports on field trips, see Ch 2, Granth II
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Final conclusion - Looking for the Lost Tirth
