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Chapter 09
Concluding Article & Proposal
historic literature, Jain scriptures and folklores suggest that Ashtapad was built in the Mt. KailashMansarovar area of Tibet (Vol II/9 D/ P. 480-494), at present this temple is not traceable. Literature search, interview of Buddhist lamas in Tibet and preliminary aerial satellite survey have been made to explore this fact. Intention of ARIF is to try to rediscover the location and remains of Ashtapad and present the data to the public at large, so that one can go and worship there (Vol V/33B/P2165-2170). ARIF would request input from the scientific community in using archaeological, anthropological and philological methodologies and other possible multi disciplinary scientific studies that could be conducted for this purpose and subsequently implement a research plan. The probable can be visited by team of scientists, archaeologists, geologists and other experts to examine the probable sites and discern a most probable location on the basis of process of elimination. The research also should include studies about Bon Po religion. Assistance from international institution & help from Chinese, Indian and other overseas institutions may also be necessary. Discovery of the archaeological site may also be helpful in shedding light on hypothesis that civilization might have commenced from Tibet and contribution of Rushabhdev who taught ASI, MASI, and KRISI to human beings as suggested by Jain scriptures. It should be noted that the sentiments of the Jain community all over the world are deeply associated with the Holy Tirth of Ashtapad (Vol IV/ 28 A & B/ P. 1709-1815 & Vol v/ 32 A & B/ P. 1991-2156). An attempt is being made to reconstruct a model of this Ashtapad Tirth out of gemstones as per the description from the scriptures, so that people can visit and worship till the original one is discovered. (Vol VII/ 45 J / P. 3074-3156 & Vol XIII/ 100/ P. 6062-6093). Photographs of these models are presented below.
A Model of Ashtapad carved from Serpentine Stone
A Model of Ashtapad carved from Crystal
Literature available on request The following literature collected by ARIF to date is available upon a written request. The institutions invited for the RFP will also receive a copy of this literature. 1. Geological Reports and KM Photos, Power Point - 1 DVD
Ashtapad Literature Volumes I to XX – 2 DVDs
Ratna Mandir / Kailash Mansarovar / Satellite Images - 1 DVD 4. Ashtapad Granth I & II - Online
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A proposal for further research
