Ashtapadji Mahatirth Temple

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ashtapadji Mahatirth Temple" by the Jain Center of America Inc. New York, based on the provided pages:

The book "Ashtapadji Mahatirth Temple" published by the Jain Center of America Inc. in New York, details the historical and spiritual significance of Ashtapadji Mahatirth, a sacred Jain pilgrimage site believed to be located in the Himalayas near Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.

Key Aspects of Ashtapadji Mahatirth:

• Location: Situated in the Himalayas, about 168 miles north of Badrinath and 5-7 miles from Mansarovar on the route to Mount Kailash. It is described as being on a mountain referred to as Ashtapad.
• Historical Significance:
  • It is considered the Nirvana-Bhoomi (place of salvation) of the first Tirthankar, Shri Adinath Bhagwan.
  • Bharat Chakravarti, son of Shri Adinath Bhagwan, is credited with constructing a gemstone palace named "Sinh Nishadha" in memory of his father. This palace reportedly housed 24 idols of Tirthankars representing the past, present, and future Chouvishis (sets of 24 Tirthankars).
  • The name "Ashtapad" originates from the eight steps (Ashta means eight, Pad means steps) leading up the mountain.
  • Synonyms for the site include Haradri, Rajatadri, and Sfatikachal (Crystal Palace).
• References in Jain Scriptures: The text highlights numerous ancient Jain scriptures that mention and describe Ashtapadji Mahatirth, establishing its profound importance. These include:
  • Aacharang Niryoukti
  • Aavshyak Niryoukti
  • Ekadash Angadi Aagam
  • Uttaradhyan Sutra Niryoukti (stating that scaling Ashtapad leads to salvation)
  • Nishith Churni Divine
  • Vividh Tirth Kalp
  • Acharya Dharma Ghosh Suriji's "Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth Kalp"
  • Gyan Prakash Deeparnave
  • Uttar Puran (describing Bharat's golden temple with 72 statues)
  • Bhagwan Mahaveer's sermon that scaling Ashtapad and offering prayers leads to salvation.
  • Vasudevhindi
  • Jambu Dweep Pragnati
  • Siddhahnam Buddhahnam (Siddh Stav Sutra)
  • "Ashtapad Kalpa (old)" by Shri Purvacharya
  • Acharya Hemchandracharya's "Trishashthi Shalaka Purush Charitra"
• Current Status: The actual Tirth as described in scriptures has not been witnessed in recent history. It is believed to be buried under snow, and scholars and visitors journey to the suspected location for research.
• Associated Legends and Stories: The text enumerates several significant stories related to Ashtapad, including:
  • Shri Adinath Bhagwan's sermon and prediction of Marichi becoming Mahavir.
  • Bharat Chakravarti's construction of the temple.
  • Shri Gautam Swami's ascent to Ashtapad with special powers.
  • The story of the Kheer Parna (breaking a fast with rice pudding).
  • The stories of Nagkumar and Sagar's sons.
  • Ravana and Mandodari's devotion.
• Jain Center of America's Project: The Jain Center of America in New York, while constructing a new temple, conceived a project to build a "Ratna Mandir" (gemstone temple) on the second floor, housing 24 gemstone idols of the Tirthankars (Shri Chouvishi).
  • Inspired by a painting of Ashtapad Tirth from Jaipur, the center decided to integrate the gemstone temple with a model of the Ashtapad mountain.
  • This model aims to replicate the concept of the original gemstone palace and will feature 24 individual "Gokhalas" (small temple-like structures) carved from various gemstones to house the Tirthankar idols.
  • The model is designed to be housed in the conservatory on the 4th floor of the new building, providing an open-air ambiance.
  • The model incorporates detailed architectural elements, including steps, Gokhalas of varying sizes made from different gemstones, and 3D carved units depicting associated stories.
  • Special considerations for the model include its substantial weight (10-12 tons), laser and light effects, security, religious worship procedures, the depiction of a snow-covered mountain, and the overall artwork.
  • The project includes the creation of numerous idols from various gemstones, showcasing the talent of artisans from Jaipur.
  • Eight specific story carvings are planned, along with general carvings depicting celestial beings and devotees on the mountain and steps.
• Future Plans: The Jain Center of America is forming an "Ashtapad Society" to raise awareness, promote research, and publish a reference book about the Mahatirth. A provisional date for the "Shri Ashtapad Pratishtha" was set for May 2005 in New York.

In essence, the book serves as a comprehensive exploration of the revered Jain pilgrimage site, Ashtapadji Mahatirth, detailing its scriptural basis, historical significance, and the Jain Center of America's ambitious project to recreate a tangible representation of this legendary place through a meticulously crafted gemstone model.