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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
tons and is supported on a 1 ton steel frame. 59 blocks of crystal, each weighing 100 to 700 lbs, were assembled to provide a sloping pattern on the front and sides. Eight steps are carved in the center leading to the first row of the niches. 24 niches are sculpted in the mountain itself, where the idols are installed. Idols of 24 Tirthankars - Shri Chovisi - The 24 idols are carved to represent the 24 Tirthankars. All idols are carved out of various colored gemstones and have been installed as per their position according to religious guidelines. Various stories related to Ashtapad carved in gemstones were installed on the mountain. The Ashtapad Model, 3 Chovisi which include 72 idols of past, present and future Tirthankars and other idols were exhibited in many cities in India and abroad. This was organized to raise awareness so that people around the world could pay their respect to all the 3 Chovisi and the Ashtapad Tirth. VIII. Review of Technical Literature Pertaining To Kailash/Ashtapad/Himalayas Research Team Members Meetings and Discussions The Research Team Members included were from India and U.S.A. The meetings in U.S.A were held in New York and New Jersey area. Frequent meetings were held at Ahmedabad including office visits and at home for discussions. Majority of the members are from Ahmedabad and they helped a lot in putting the things together. Major work was done under auspices of Jain Center of America, New York and later on, the work was carried out in association with Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Institute of Indology at Ahmedabad. Many research oriented seminars were held at Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Several papers included in this Granth were also presented during the seminars. After initial brief discussion about the project in the meetings, it was realized that it is important to know about the Rushabhdev era time-frame with respect to present and glacial history of the Kailash region where Ashtapad palace was built. Regular members meetings used to be held and discussions now focused on finding the environment, geology, culture, religion, birth of Himalayas etc. surrounding Kailash region. These meetings and discussions led members to make research on the internet, make personal calls to experts, contacting agencies like NASA who could be useful for the project. The members of the team residing in India carried out similar research and provided useful input to the project data bank. Some of the relevant research papers particularly on Rushabhdev era, disappearance of Ashtapad, Geology, Climate, Glaciation, and Religion of surrounding Kailash region were presented at various seminars. The compilation and review of research data was helpful in planning the field trips to Ashtapad and will be good references for future field trips. All the research related articles, papers read at seminars, and various review articles were compiled in XX volumes and now a 10% selection of the material including index with cross reference is being presented herewith in a DVD format. IX. Geology 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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Refer to Ch 4, Granth II
Final conclusion - Looking for the Lost Tirth
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