Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

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

Page 115

MAKING OF ASHTAPAD
A marble model of Shri Ashtapad (size W 14.6' X H12.7' X 5') is finally ready. We have gone through making many models over last 4 years. First model was 1 X 1' in size which was 2D- subsequently we developed 3D models and went through 3' X 3' size to 7' X 6' size to 14.6' to 12.7'X 5'.
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MARBLE MODEL - FULL SIZE
Purpose of making this marble model was to establish a base line and give workers and carvers a design so that carving in crystal can be done correctly. Any mistake or carving error will create a problem in the sense it will be very difficult to replace any of the crystal blocks which are 60 in numbers. Gokhalas in marble model has regular carving and design. We were told earlier to do Asha Pratihari design for individual Gokhala but due to carving issues, we could not do the same in the marble model. To our help and guidance came a message unexpectedly from Muni Shri Ramya Darshan Vijayji. He saw our pamphlet, which is in circulation for last 3 to 4 years. He gave us some suggestions and brought out some mistakes in the pamphlet including errors in design and carving of stories. When we received this letter, we were glad that someone is there to guide us further in this religious under taking. Since then we had 4 marathon meetings and lot of design changes were agreed upon. This includes Asta Pratihari design for each Gokhala. This we are doing now on all 24 crystal Gokhalas. This is what is taking a toll on time and hence further delays. Mountain work made out of these 60 crystal blocks is in progress. If you see the model at the temple upper part of model has a shape of mountain peaks. It was brought to our notice that there should be Shikhar on the top of Gokhalas i.e. on top of temple and not the mountain peaks. This is a temple and should have Shikhars and Kalash. As the crystal blocks were all ready cut to fit our design, we had to make necessary changes in blocks to make 5 Shikhars design on the upper part of the mountain. Steel frame to hold the blocks is ready. Lower part of mountain along with the steps is already set. Carving design on steps will be done later. In the middle part, 24 Gokhalas are scooped out in crystal blocks to make space for statues. Once this is completed, one will start carving Asta Pratihari for each Gokhala.
CRYSTAL GOKHALA
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