Ashtapad Tirth is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Jainism. According to Jain scriptures, it is the holy place where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha (Adinath Bhagwan) attained moksha (liberation). The site is traditionally believed to be located near Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Ashtapad Tirth History and Architecture
❀ 151 feet high Shri Ashtapad Teerth having four
Bhagwan Rishabhadev Ji murti in all four direction with four rang mandap (gates) attached with prayer hall. Only five minutes stay allow on white top Jinalay.
❀ Himalaya is also called Ashtapad because of its eight different mountain range Gaurishankar, Kailash, Badrinath, Nanda, Drongiri, Narayan, Nar and Trishuli and according to Nirvankand this is also called Adishwar Swami. On this Ashtapad Kailash Bharat Chakravarti, this country is called Bharat after his name, had constructed temples of 24 Teerthankar. This land is also Sadhana place for Bharat-Bahubali.
❀ Ashtapad is considered the place of liberation (Nirvana Bhumi) of Adinath Bhagwan.
❀ It is believed that after his moksha, his son Bharata Chakravarti built a magnificent temple and shrine there to honor him.
❀ Jain texts describe the mountain as having eight steps or terraces, which is why it is called “Ashta-pad” (Ashta = eight, Pad = steps).
Description in Jain Scriptures About Ashtapad Tirth
❀ A divine mountain with beautiful temples made of precious stones and gold.
❀ Many statues of the 24 Tirthankaras installed there.
❀ A place where celestial beings (Devas) come to worship.
Connection with Mount Kailash
Many Jain scholars identify Ashtapad with the area around Mount Kailash, which is also sacred in:
❀ Hinduism
❀ Buddhism
❀ Bon
Because the region lies in remote Tibet, the original Jain shrine is not accessible today, but the spiritual importance remains very strong.
Spiritual Belief on visiting Ashtapad Tirth:
❀ Inspire detachment and spiritual progress
❀ Remind devotees of Lord Adinath’s path to liberation
❀ Help cultivate right faith, knowledge, and conduct
How to Reach Ashtapad Tirth
Ashtapad Jain Tirth is located in Ratlam District of Madhya Pradesh. The place is well connected by roadways and railways.