Gautama Swami

Template:Infobox deity Template:Jainism Gautam Swami was the Ganadhara (chief disciple) of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankara of present half cycle of time. He is also referred to as Indrabhuti Gautam, Guru Gautam, Gautam

Swami Ganadhara and Gautam Swami.

Life

Gautama was the senior-most of 11 ganadharas (chief disciples) of Mahavira.Template:Sfn He had two brothers Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti who also became ganadhara of Mahavira.Template:Sfn Other ganadhara were Vyakta, Sudharma, Mandikata Mauryaputra, Akampita, Acalabharata, Metarya and Prabhasa.Template:Sfn

In Jain traditional accounts, Gautama is believed to have gained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) immediately after the moksha (liberation) of Mahavira.Template:Sfn He was succeeded by Sudharma who is believed to have gained omniscience after a further 12 years.Template:Sfn

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.Template:Sfn 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.Template:Sfn According to Svetambara texts, Gautama had a meeting with Keśī (ganadhara of Parshvanatha).Template:Sfn Svetambaras write Gautama's name in new account books as a sign of auspiciousness in the new year.Template:Sfn

Gautama is connected with prosperity as he fed some monks using his magical powers.Template:Sfn Gautama is mentioned in the Exposition of Explanations, as an interpreter of Mahavira.Template:Sfn It is further mentioned that they have been friends in their previous incarnations and will attain moksha in the one which they are now.Template:Sfn

References

Sources

• The Jains. Routledge(2002).
• [[[:Template:Google books]] Jainism: The World of Conquerors]. Motilal Banarsidass(2004).
• [[[:Template:Google books]] Jainism: An Indian Religion of Salvation]. Motilal Banarsidass (Reprint: 1999).