Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

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

Page 157

Shri Bharat Hansraj Shah of Delhi deserves to be complimented for the research about Ashtapad done by him. He seems to have taken it up as a mission. During his pilgrimage to Kailash in 1993, he took a number of photographs when he enlarged them; he discovered that the description of Kalikalsarvagna Hemchandracharya in Trishasthishalaka Purushcharitra matches with what was seen in the photographs. The large steps seen in them suggest that they must have been carved out by human beings and cannot be natural. Also remnants of ancient shrines ditches, etc are seen in the photographs. Some researchers believe that Kailash is not Ashtapad for Kailash is such a mountain on which one cannot do penance. Shri Jaswantrai Busa had done considerable research and has presented some of his observations very logically. According to him Mount Kailash is not such a mountain which can be scaled nor can anyone stay over there. The journey is very hazardous and the pilgrims can reach Dolmala at the height of 19,800 feet. It is at this place that pilgrims perform all the rituals and prayers or pay homage to Lord Shiva. The air at this height is rarefied and there is freezing cold. This makes it difficult for pilgrims to camp. Besides, there are certain shrubs which can render people unconscious. Some of them, if consumed, can satisfy hunger and thirst and people will feel reinvigorated.
Scriptures say the Tirthankar Shri Rishabhdev, accompanied by ten thousand sadhus journeyed to Ashtapad Mountain, when he foresaw his Nirvana; he fasted for six days and attained Nirvana. Since it was difficult for one to stay onto Mount Kailash, how could one practice penance? Therefore Mount Kailash is mountain Meru and not Ashtapad. This is what Jasvantrai Busa's research corroborates. Ashtapad, it is believed, is situated between Padmahad [Mansarovar] and Kagnimpo (Kailash) and at its foot is plain land where staying and performing penance is possible.
From here it is possible to get a glimpse of Shri Kailash and Mansarovar early in the morning. Near Ashtapad were two hot water springs and the climate was congenial. One could undertake farming here and dry twigs were in plenty for lighting fire to cook. Therefore, this Ashtapad is the mountain on which Tirthankar Rishabhdev and his 108 disciples must have performed penance and then attained Nirvana. The atmosphere here seems to be calm and the dividing line between atma (soul) and paramatma (supreme soul) gets obliterated and one feels charged in the holy surroundings sanctified by Shri Rishabhdev's penance.
In New York, the Jain centre of America New York, is reconstructing Aradhana Bhavan and on the top floor gemstone-studded Chovisi of Ashtapad Mountain is being installed. The idols made in Jaipur, were kept in Mumbai, Surat, Palitana, and Ahmedabad before being sent to the USA for darshan. A large number of Sadus, Sadhvis, Shravaks, Shravikas, Scholars, Researchers and others had Darshan of these idols. There were serpentine queues stretching up to three miles. A seminar was organized in Ahmedabad Management Association in which scholars of scriptures and Himalayan researches participated. A public meeting was also held in the Town Hall, Ahmedabad and informative talks were given by scholars throwing light on the new researches being done on the ancient Tirth.
The following facts stand out about Ashtapad.
It is 168 miles north to Badrinath and 25 miles south to Kailash or Kagringo Mansarovar. Between Mansarovar (Padmahad) and Kailash is a mountain and it is Ashtapad and which is about five to seven miles from Mansarovar. It is 8 miles tall and covered with white rocks. Hence it is known as Dhavalgiri. From Darechin one can reach there on foot in about four hours by crossing over mountain ranges. At the foot of the mountain is a ground where one can stay and meditate. In the morning, one can get a glimpses of Kailash and Mansarovar. There are two hot-water springs and fact is also available for looking. It is possible that Tirthankar Rishabhdev stayed here with his disciples and meditated. There are references that the 20th Tirthankar Muni Suvratswami meditated here. It is planned to have Ashtapad Research Society to undertake researches. A pilgrimage to Ashtapad in June 2006 is under consideration.
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