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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
XV. Ashtapad Research International Foundation-ARIF The Ashtapad Research International Foundation (ARIF) was founded not only to bring together the resources necessary to locate the palace but to create awareness about Ashtapad and its past glory. The entire team has worked assiduously to bring together the people and resources necessary to make this project viable and vibrant. ARIF team had been working on the following tasks:
We are collecting literature on Ashtapad from scripture and have published it in XX volumes including an index booklet with cross-references. We held three seminars at Ahmedabad & Mumbai and planning for an International seminar. We have visited Dharamshala and we are coordinating the studies from Tibetan literature and Bon Po - the indigenous religion of Tibet at that time. We have already undertaken three field trips to KM region to do preliminary research work. Satellite studies have helped us a lot in trying to locate the buried structure. We are also trying to get high resolution satellite data for better interpretation. A proposal for research on Ashtapad may be sent to many research institutions around
the world and to International Geological Correlation Programme (IGCP) at UN. Thanks to the financial, technical and intellectual support of several individuals, we have been able to sustain the ongoing projects of ARIF. The project has recently moved into a new phase of initiatives, and as a result, we need additional funding to support our activities. We are currently seeking the financial support from individuals, major research institutions and religious trusts alike. We welcome your participation in this research work. ARIF proposes to conduct a scientific study using a multi-disciplinary and coordinated effort to find the ruins or the evidence of historic Ashtapad Temple/Palace location. XVI. Suggested Plan of Action- How to go about carrying the Proposed Research A proposal for further research is submitted in the next article of this chapter. The proposed research plan in the next article includes the use of Remote sensing and other advanced techniques to identify Ashtapad site and its buried palace. The use of advanced techniques is relatively expensive. It would be wise not to proceed and spend money unless we firmly formulate the proposal or plan and critically reviewed by a team of experts experienced in Remote sensing technology, working on high altitude environment, familiar with Kailash mountain terrain and topography so that proper selection of instruments/equipment can be made. Some of the newer methods that can be used to explore Ashtapad and its ruins are suggested and are listed below 16.
Remote Sensing/Air Borne-Space Imagery to determine potential Ashtapad sites and buried
objects. • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to find hidden objects possibly temple ruins underground.
16 Refer chapter 1, Granth II for newer methods. Final conclusion - Looking for the Lost Tirth
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