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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
Ashtapad in terms of scientific age. All volumes (I to XVIII) are presented in 2 DVDs with index. All research material is presented as a separate DVD also. An index booklet to these volumes has also been prepared for ready reference. 10. Bon-Po (Tibet's Indigenous Religion) In this area of western Tibet and around Himalayan border land, original indigenous religion (spiritual & cultural tradition) was called Bon Po which is supposed to be approximately 8000 years old or more and was contemporary with the Jain religion at that time. MOINBA people numbering around 100 thousand practiced BON religion. Many of the principles of the Bon Po are similar to Jain principles. Bon Po has specialized Shaman priests and Jain religion leaders were also called Shraman (Vol X/72/ P. 4609-4688). Bon Po has influenced the religious and cultural developments of numerous people in Central Asia. Until about 7th to 8th century Bon Po was a predominant religious culture, over the extremely wide area of Central Asia. It represents the indigenous source of Tibetan culture. Records of early history of Tibet and Han dynasty and the relationship between SHANG people and JIANS is interesting to note. Around 1400 BC there was a Semi Tibetan people called “JIAN" mixed with SHANG people. Tibetan people may be the descendent of “JIAN” also called JIAN Tibetan people. JIAN may be a synonym of JIN (Tirthankar), which means conqueror. (Vol. X/69 A to F/P. 4475-4493).
Proposed Research Plan
Vis a Vis World Scenario Preliminary research has been done regarding the authenticity of Rushabhdev and Mt. Ashtapad, both by eminent scholars and scientists from India and abroad. Teams of scientists and research scholars from various fields have also visited this area of Mt. Kailash during the summer of 2006 and 2007 for preliminary reconnaissance survey (Vol XIII/98/P. 5961-5963 & Vol XI/ 80 A to E/ P. 4963-5005). The result of field observations and subsequent studies have been incorporated in these volumes and presented in a (geology) DVD format also (Vol X/71 A to L/P. 4521-4608). In addition to the field trips, satellite data has also been critically studied to locate any possible sign of a buried structure in Mt. Kailash region. The satellite data includes the images of IRS LISS-IV which was combined with the map of Mt. Kailash region (1:50000 scale), Published by Karto Atelier of Switzerland. The images of IKONOS and IRS satellite using Arc info software have also been critically studied to locate any possible buried structures in the Kailash area. Dr. Thakker of the Indian Space Research Organization has prepared a site map of Mt. Ashtapad including Dharma King Norsang and has identified a probable site of Ashtapad which is located at southeast of Mt. Kailash (6638 m) at the altitude of 5996 m. The contours at the top of the mountains show relatively flat area to the southeast. Further field investigation is warranted to confirm this hypothesis. It should be noted that archaeological sites at the high altitude such as this are also found in other parts of the world (e.g., volcano Llullaiaco, Argentina at 21000'). Geological analysis of the satellite data may indicate a rock structure that can support any construction and the possible location of Ashtapad Maha Tirth in Kailash Region. (Vol XI page 4958). Few probable sites of Ashtapad (Latitude: 31.066667 N & Longitude: 81.3125 E) have been identified. Efforts are being made to get high resolution data of this area for further reconfirmation of our studies (Vol XII/93/P. 5682-5708).
A proposal for further research
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