Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center of America NY
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

Page 100

SHRI ASHTAPAD MAHA TIRTH
Introduction Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth (place of worship) is one of the major Jain Tirths and is situated in the tranquil heights of the 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 the 24 Tirthankars, attained salvation at this place. After his salvation, his son King Bharat made a palace (known as “Sinh-Nishadhya") of 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) Rajatdri and Sfatikachal (the crystal Palace).
Ashtapad design as per scripture
wwe
ASHTAPAD DARSHAN
The following legend is associated with Ashtapad, describing the clairvoyance and absolute knowledge of Tirthankars. “After attaining absolute knowledge, Shri Adinath Bhagwan was delivering sermon while scated in Samovsaran. Out of curiosity, King Bharat asked if anyone out of the audience would become Kevli and be a part of forth-coming Chovishi. 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."
LL
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 the 24 Tirthankars and with a view to making a lasting contribution to the society, some of the devotees thought of creating 24 idols (Shri Chovishi) out of the gemstones and to house them in a "Ratna Mandir" around Gabhara wall on 2nd Floor.
While details of Ratna Mandir were being worked out, a PAT (a picture engraved or carved) with 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 gemstones that will fulfill the desire of constructing a Ratna Mandir as well as Shri Chovishi.
lla
Design Development Once the concept of Ashtapad was confirmed, the next step was to develop an architectural design of the model on the drawing board. This required further research for pertinent information, We received some leads from our religious leaders, scholars & friends including artisans in Jaipur. We collected a number of articles from old Jain Scriptures. This provided us with considerable knowledge and insight into the history of Shri Ashtapad.
The next step was to identify & earmark a suitable place to house the whole unit in the upcoming four-storey Jain Center building. In order to imitate the real environment of Ashtapad's location in Himalayas with its exposure to open sky, a decision was made to locate the unit on the
-al
le