Gautama Swami, born as Indrabhuti Gautama was the first Ganadhara (chief disciple) of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara of present half cycle of time.[1] He is also referred to as Guru Gautama, Gautama Ganadhara, and Ganadhara Gautama Swami.
| Indrabhuti Gautama | |
|---|---|
 An idol of Gautama Swami | |
| Successor | Sudharmaswami |
| Age | 92 |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents |
|
Life
Gautama was the senior-most of 11 ganadharas (chief disciples) of Mahavira.[2] He had two brothers Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti who also became ganadhara of Mahavira.[3] Other ganadhara were Vyakta, Sudharmaswami, Mandikata Mauryaputra, Akampita, Acalabharata, Metarya and Prabhasa.[3] A stone pillar of Utaroda mentions Mahagiri as one of Ganadharas of Mahavira who had Utara as his chief disciple.[4]
In Jain traditional accounts, Gautama is believed to have gained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) immediately after the moksha (liberation) of Mahavira.[5] He was succeeded by Sudharmaswami who is believed to have gained omniscience after a further 12 years.[5]
According to the elaboration of Debate with the Ganadhara by Jinabhadra, the learned Brahmin Gautama summoned the gods to a great sacrifice but instead they flew off to hear Mahavira preaching at his second samavasarana near by.[6] In fury, Gautama confronted Mahavira in debate, as did ten other brahmins in succession, with the fordmaker converting them all by a demonstration, underpinned by his claim to omniscience.[6] According to Svetambara texts, Gautama had a meeting with Keśī (ganadhara of Parshvanatha).[7] Svetambaras write Gautama's name in new account books as a sign of auspiciousness in the new year.[8]
Gautama is connected with prosperity as he fed some monks using his magical powers.[8] Gautama is mentioned in the Exposition of Explanations, as an interpreter of Mahavira.[6] It is further mentioned that they have been friends in their previous incarnations and will attain moksha in the one which they are now.[6]
See also
- Gotama Samana – A Sri Lankan philosopher who is claimed to live over more than 3800 years ago.
References
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