Ashtapad Maha Tirth 02

This comprehensive summary synthesizes the information provided across the multiple pages of "Ashtapad Maha Tirth Part II."

Book Title: Ashtapad Maha Tirth 02 Author(s): Rajnikant Shah, Others Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009860/1

Overall Theme:

"Ashtapad Maha Tirth Part II" is a detailed geo-scientific research study aimed at locating the "lost" (Lupt) Jain pilgrimage site of Ashtapad. It compiles extensive research, field expedition reports, geological data, archaeological findings, and comparative religious studies, primarily focusing on the Kailash-Mansarovar region in Tibet. The book is a monumental effort by the Jain Center of America (JCA) and the Ashtapad Research International Foundation (ARIF), led by Dr. Rajnikant Shah, to scientifically investigate and potentially re-discover this significant but historically elusive Jain Tirth.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. The Quest for Ashtapad:

   • The book details the multi-year effort to locate Ashtapad, a sacred Jain site believed to be the Nirvana place of the first Tirthankar, Bhagwan Rushabhdev.
   • It highlights the challenges due to its historical disappearance and the vastness and inaccessibility of the suspected location in the Himalayas.
   • The research combines traditional Jain scriptures, historical accounts, and modern scientific techniques like satellite imagery and geological analysis.

2. Jain Scriptures and Historical References:

   • Extensive references from Jain scriptures (Agam literature, Niryuktis, Kalpa Sutra, etc.) are presented, describing Ashtapad as the Nirvana Bhoomi of Bhagwan Rushabhdev.
   • The scriptures mention King Bharat constructing a temple with gem-studded idols of the 24 Tirthankaras at Ashtapad.
   • The name "Ashtapad" is linked to the "eight steps" to reach the mountain or temple, and the mountain's description as being made of gold, silver, or crystal.
   • The historical presence of Jainism in Tibet is explored through various texts, including Tibetan literature and accounts from travelers.

3. Field Expeditions and Archaeological Investigations:

   • The book documents three major field expeditions to the Kailash-Mansarovar region (2006, 2007, 2009) undertaken by the JCA research team.
   • The teams comprised scientists, geologists, archaeologists, linguists, photographers, and Jain scholars.
   • While no definitive archaeological signature of a Jain temple was found, the expeditions meticulously documented the terrain, identified potential sites (e.g., Mount Kailash itself, Nandi Parvat, Dharma King Norsang, Gyangdrag Monastery area), and collected significant visual and geological data.
   • The research acknowledges that natural rock formations in the Kailash region can resemble man-made structures due to wind, snow, and glacial erosion, prompting careful scientific scrutiny.

4. Geo-Scientific Research:

   • Geology: The formation of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau is detailed, explaining the tectonic forces, rock compositions (granites, conglomerates, sedimentary rocks), and the impact of geological processes like faulting, folding, and erosion. The text notes the geological activity in the region, including earthquakes and the rising Himalayas.
   • Climate and Glaciology: The book analyzes the glacial history of the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas, referencing studies on glacier fluctuations, their response to climate change (temperature and monsoon variations), and the formation of glacial landforms like moraines and 'U'-shaped valleys. The impact of global warming on glacier retreat and potential exposure of buried sites is also discussed.
   • Satellite Imagery and Remote Sensing: The use of high-resolution satellite data (GeoEye-1, IKONOS, IRS LISS-IV) and techniques like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Geographical Information System (GIS) is highlighted as crucial for locating potential hidden archaeological sites in the vast and inaccessible terrain. The study identified several potential sites, including Dharma King Norsang, which showed square/rectangular structures on satellite imagery.

5. Comparative Religious Studies:

   • Bon Po Religion: The book explores the indigenous pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, Bon Po, noting its ancient origins and similarities with Jain principles, such as the concept of self-search and the emphasis on inner harmony. The book delves into the various traditions, scriptures, and practices of Bon.
   • Jainism in Tibet: The research investigates potential historical connections and influences of Jainism in Tibet, citing Tibetan literature, the presence of Jain-like symbols (Swastika, Lotus, Chakra, etc.), and historical accounts mentioning Jain pilgrims and settlements. The book notes the possible shared heritage between Jainism and the ancient Bon Po culture.
   • Jainism and Hinduism: Parallels are drawn between Bhagwan Rushabhdev (Jainism) and Lord Shiva (Hinduism) due to their association with Mount Kailash, and similarities in their respective worship traditions and timelines are explored.

6. Reconstruction and Exhibition:

   • The Jain Center of America (JCA) in New York has constructed a temple that includes a meticulously crafted crystal model of Ashtapad, featuring 24 gemstone idols of Tirthankaras. This model serves as a tangible representation and a focal point for devotion and research.
   • The book mentions exhibitions of this model in various cities to raise awareness about Ashtapad.

7. Proposed Future Research:

   • The study emphasizes the need for further, more in-depth scientific and archaeological investigations, potentially involving international collaboration with Chinese and Indian authorities, as well as specialized institutions.
   • Suggestions include sediment core analysis from Mansarovar Lake, advanced satellite and ground-penetrating radar studies, and archaeological excavations at identified potential sites.
   • The importance of incorporating Tibetan scholarly knowledge and oral traditions is also stressed.

Conclusion of the Research (as presented in the book):

• While extensive research and three field expeditions have been conducted, no definitive physical evidence of the lost Ashtapad Tirth as a man-made Jain temple complex has been found at Mount Kailash.
• Some researchers, like John Vincent Bellezza, suggest that Mount Kailash itself might be considered the metaphorical "Ashtapad" due to its spiritual significance and unique natural formations, rather than a physical temple.
• The site known as Dharma King Norsang, identified through satellite data, is considered a strong potential candidate for further investigation due to its location, name, and some suggestive structural features on satellite imagery, though direct ground confirmation remains elusive.
• The book concludes that the quest for the lost Tirth of Ashtapad is ongoing, requiring continued interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and the application of advanced scientific techniques.

Overall Significance:

"Ashtapad Maha Tirth Part II" is a testament to the dedication of the Jain community and researchers in preserving and understanding their heritage. It showcases a pioneering blend of spiritual inquiry and scientific investigation, aiming to uncover the historical and geographical reality of a profoundly important Jain pilgrimage site. The work highlights the complex interplay of geology, climate, ancient human history, and religious traditions in the sacred region of Mount Kailash, contributing valuable data to both Jainology and the broader fields of archaeology, geology, and Tibetan studies.