Ashtapad Maha Tirth 01 Page 177 To 248

This extensive Jain text, titled "Ashtapad Maha Tirth 01," delves into the significance and history of Ashtapad, a revered Jain pilgrimage site, which is identified with Mount Kailash. Authored by Rajnikant Shah and Kumarpal Desai, and published by USA Jain Center America NY, the text explores the multifaceted nature of "Tirth" (pilgrimage sites) within Jainism and specifically focuses on Ashtapad as the foremost ancient and eternal tirth.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the key points discussed across pages 177-248:

1. The Meaning and Evolution of "Tirth" in Jainism:

• The text begins by explaining that the term "Tirth" originally referred to the Jain sermon or the Chaturvidh Sangh (four-fold Jain community: monks, nuns, male lay followers, and female lay followers).
• Jinvani (teachings of Jinendra) and the Jain monastic order are considered "Bhavatirth" (spiritual pilgrimage) as they guide souls across the ocean of Samsara (the cycle of birth and death).
• Physical locations that facilitate crossing rivers or seas are termed "Dravyatirth" (material pilgrimage).
• Beyond these, Jain scriptures also designate "Sthavar-Tirth" (immovable pilgrimage sites) that purify one's vision and understanding. These are identified in ancient texts like the Acharya Sutra and Niryukti.

2. Classification of Jain Tirths: The text categorizes Jain tirths into three main groups:

• Sutrokt Tirth (Tirths mentioned in scriptures): These are primarily the sites associated with the lives of Tirthankaras (birth, initiation, enlightenment, and nirvana) and spiritually significant celestial locations like Meru Parvat and Nandi-shwar Dvip. The text specifically lists ten such tirths: Ashtapad, Ujjyant, Gajagra-pad, Dharmachakra, Ahichhatra-Parshvanath, Rathavart Parvat, Chamarotpat, Shatrunjay, Sammet Shikhar, and the Deva-Nirmit Stupa in Mathura.
• Kalyanak Bhoomi (Confluence of Auspicious Events): These are places where Tirthankaras had their birth, initiation, enlightenment, or nirvana. Examples include Hastinapur, Shauripur, Mathura, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Rajgriha, Pavapuri, etc. Many of these are now lost or hold diminished importance.
• Pauranik Tirth (Mythological Tirths): These are famous Jain pilgrimage sites, some of which exist today, while others are lost to time. Examples include Prabhas Patan, Stambh Tirth, Bhrugukachha, Shankheshwar Parshvanath, Tarangahil, Arbuda Giri (Mount Abu), Khanḍagiri, and Shravanabelagola. The text notes that some existing tirths are original, while others are newer constructions at ancient sites. The third category, Pauranik Tirths, are those whose glory is sung in Kalpas, Jain biographical texts, and ancient hymns, even if not directly mentioned in early Jain literature.

3. Ashtapad - The Primary Tirth: The core focus of the text is Ashtapad, identified as the liberation site of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev (also known as Adinath).

• Location and Identity: Ashtapad is unequivocally identified with Mount Kailash, also known as Dhawal-giri and Svarna-giri. It is described as being located north of Ayodhya, accessible through the Himalayan region.
• Rishabhdev's Nirvana: The text extensively details Rishabhdev's nirvana at Ashtapad. It mentions his spiritual journey, his nirvana alongside 10,000 munis after a period of asceticism, and the rituals performed by deities and Bharat Chakravarti.
• Historical and Mythological Accounts: The text draws from various Jain scriptures and Puranas (like Harivansh Purana, Adipurana, Uttarapurana, Shiv Purana, Brahmavaivarta Purana, Vayu Purana, Vishnu Purana, Markandeya Purana, Kurma Purana, Agni Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana, and Vamana Purana) to support the claim that Rishabhdev attained liberation at Kailash.
• Connections to Shiva and Hinduism: A significant portion of the text explores the parallels drawn between Rishabhdev and Lord Shiva in various traditions.
  • Both are associated with Mount Kailash.
  • Both are depicted in Padmasana (lotus posture).
  • Both are linked to the concept of "Shivaratri" (the night of Shiva), which the text connects to Rishabhdev's nirvana night (Magha Krishna Trayodashi).
  • Rishabhdev's emblem is a bull (Vrishabha), which is also Shiva's vahana (mount).
  • The text suggests that Shiva's attributes and worship forms might have been influenced by or are synonymous with Rishabhdev, particularly in the context of liberation and yogic practices.
  • The practice of "Linga Puja" is also linked to Tibet, and the word "Linga" in Tibetan means "land" or "sacred area," tying it to the concept of tirth worship.
• The Name "Ashtapad": The name Ashtapad is explained as deriving from the eight terraces or steps that Bharat Chakravarti purportedly had carved on the mountain to make it accessible and to protect the sacred sites from desecration. These eight steps are identified with major peaks in the Kailash region, such as Kailash, Gaurishankar, Dronagiri, Nanda, Naranarayana, Badri-nath, and Trishuli.
• Construction of Stupas and Shrines: After Rishabhdev's nirvana, deities are said to have built three stupas on the sites of his, his Gandharas', and other disciples' cremation. Bharat Chakravarti also established shrines (Singh-nishadya) with idols of all 24 Tirthankaras.
• The Mystery of Ashtapad's Inaccessibility: The text addresses why Ashtapad is no longer easily accessible. Reasons cited include:
  • The climate becoming colder and more snow-covered compared to ancient times.
  • The sacredness of the site, with divine guardians and inaccessible fortifications made by Bharat.
  • Sagar Chakravarti's sons digging a trench around the mountain and filling it with Ganga water to protect Bharat's monuments.
• Rishabhdev as the Founder of Civilization and Yoga: The text highlights Rishabhdev's role as the first king, the founder of civilization, the preacher of the Jain religion, and the initiator of yogic practices. His teachings influenced various aspects of Indian culture, including the establishment of the Chaturvarna system and the principles of agriculture.
• Ashtapad as a Symbol: The text explains that when direct access to Ashtapad became difficult, Jain communities built smaller replicas or "Ashtapad Jinayals" in their own accessible areas as a means of remembrance and devotion. Numerous such temples are mentioned across India and even in New York.
• The Dharmachakra: The text discusses the significance of the Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma) as a symbol of Tirthankaras' teachings and as a divine emblem that precedes them. It mentions the Dharmachakra established by Bharat Chakravarti at the place where Rishabhdev meditated in Takshashila.
• Rishabhdev's First Parana and Akshay Tritiya: The text details the first meal (parana) of Rishabhdev after his year-long asceticism, which was offered by Shreyans Kumar with sugarcane juice on Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya. This event is credited as the origin of the Akshay Tritiya festival.
• Ashtapad as a Sacred Site for Various Traditions: The text notes that Kailash (Ashtapad) is revered not only by Jains but also holds significance in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, often associated with Shiva and Buddha. The textual evidence suggests a shared reverence for this sacred peak across different spiritual paths.
• Archaeological and Comparative Evidence: The text references findings from the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohan-jo-daro and Harappa), suggesting the presence of nude yogi figures in Kayotsarga posture, which are linked to Rishabhdev. It also draws comparisons between Jain architectural styles and those found in Babylonian Ziggurats, Egyptian pyramids, and Burmese stupas, suggesting a common origin or influence stemming from Ashtapad.
• The Concept of "Tirth" in Jain Cosmology: The text reiterates that Tirthankaras, by establishing the four-fold Jain community and expounding the path of liberation, are the true "Tirth" that ferry souls across the ocean of existence.

In essence, "Ashtapad Maha Tirth 01" presents a comprehensive and deeply researched account of Ashtapad, establishing its identity with Mount Kailash and its profound spiritual significance as the liberation site of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev. It weaves together scriptural references, mythological narratives, historical accounts, and comparative cultural analyses to underscore the enduring importance of Ashtapad in Jainism and its broader influence on Indian spirituality and civilization.