Ashtapadji Mahatirth Temple

Author(s): Jain Center of America Inc. New York
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

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SHRI ASHTAPADJI MAHATIRTH
Introduction Shri Asthapad Maha Tirth (place of worship) is one of the major Jain Tirths and is situated up in the tranquil heights of snow-covered Himalayas. It is 168 miles north of Badrinath and about 5 to 7 miles away from Mansarovar on the way to Mount Kailash. Thousands of years ago Shri Adinath Bhagwan, first of 24 Tirthankars, attained salvation at this place. After his salvation his son king Bharat made a palace (known as "Sinh-Nishadha") of real gemstones with 24 idols of Jain Tirthankars on Ashtapad mountain in his memory. Ashtapad derived its name from the fact that it has eight steps to go up the mountain (Ashta means eight and pad means steps in Sanskrit). Other names for the Tirth are Ratnamay (made of gemstones) Rajatadri and Sfatikachal (the crystal palace).
Janma Kalyanak
Parna
In the recent history no one has witnessed the actual Tirth as described in the scriptures. Scholars and visitors travel to the mountain where this Tirth is believed to be buried under the snow. Many individuals & organizations are involved in research to unravel the mysteries of this legendary place. (Pages 2 and 7)
Following legend associated with Ashtapad describes the clairvoyance and absolute knowledge of Tirthankars." After attaining absolute knowledge, Shri Adinath Bhagwan was delivering his sermon while seated in Samovsaran. Out of curiosity, King Bharat asked if anyone out of the audience would become Kevli and be a part of forth-coming Chouvishi? Shri Adinath Bhagwan replied affirmatively and clairvoyantly declared that the soul of Marichi, who was present in the audience, will become 24th Tirthankar after many life cycles and will be known as Mahavir."
Development of the concept The Jain center of America in New York is constructing a new building for its temple and other religious activities. As a tribute to 24 Tirthankars and with a view to making a lasting contribution to the society, one of the devotee thought of creating 24 idols (Shri Chouvishi) out of gemstones and to house them in a "Ratna Mandir" (gemstone temple) around Gabhara wall on 2nd floor. It is customary to make idols of 24 Tirthankars in a temple and place them around Gabhara (Mainplace of worship in a temple).
While details of Ratna Mandir were being worked out, a PAT (a picture engraved or carved) with religious artwork of Shri Ashtapad Tirth was seen in a temple at Jaipur (India). This provided an inspiration to integrate the Ratna Mandir with Ashtapad Tirth, which is supposed to be made of gemstones. Thus an idea was born to create a model of Shri Ashtapad Mountain along with 24 idols out of real gemstones that will fulfill the desire of constructing a Ratna Mandir as well as that of Shri Chouvishi.