Gautam Swami was the ''

Ganadhara In Jainism, the term Ganadhara is used to refer the chief disciple of a ''Tirthankara''. In ''samavasarana'', the ''Tīrthankara'' sat on a throne without touching it (about two inches above it). Around, the ''Tīrthankara'' sits the ''Ganad ...

'' (chief disciple) of

Mahavira Mahavira (Sanskrit: महावीर) also known as Vardhaman, was the 24th ''tirthankara'' (supreme preacher) of Jainism. He was the spiritual successor of the 23rd ''tirthankara'' Parshvanatha. Mahavira was born in the early part of the 6t ...

, the 24th and last Jain

Tirthankara In Jainism, a ''Tirthankara'' (Sanskrit: '; English: literally a 'ford-maker') is a saviour and spiritual teacher of the ''dharma'' (righteous path). The word ''tirthankara'' signifies the founder of a '' tirtha'', which is a fordable passag ...

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 ''

ganadhara In Jainism, the term Ganadhara is used to refer the chief disciple of a ''Tirthankara''. In ''samavasarana'', the ''Tīrthankara'' sat on a throne without touching it (about two inches above it). Around, the ''Tīrthankara'' sits the ''Ganad ...

s'' (chief disciples) of

. He had two brothers Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti who also became ''ganadhara'' of Mahavira. Other ''ganadhara'' were Vyakta,

Sudharmaswami Sudharmaswami ( sa, Sudharmāsvāmī or Sudharman; 607 BC – 507 BC) was the fifth ganadhara of Mahavira. All the current Jainism, Jain acharyas and monks follow his rule. Life Sudharmaswami was the spiritual successor of Indrabhuti Gautama ...

, Mandikata Mauryaputra, Akampita, Acalabharata, Metarya and Prabhasa. A stone pillar of Utaroda mentions Mahagiri as one of Ganadharas of Mahavira who had Utara as his chief disciple. In Jain traditional accounts, Gautama is believed to have gained '' Kevala Jnana'' (omniscience) immediately after the ''

moksha ''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriology, ...

'' (liberation) of Mahavira. He was succeeded by Sudharmaswami who is believed to have gained omniscience after a further 12 years. According to the elaboration of ''Debate with the Ganadhara'' by

Jinabhadra Jinabhadra or Vachanacharya Jinabhadragani Kshamashramana was Jain ascetic author of Prakrit and Sanskrit texts. Life Jinabhadra (520-623 AD) was a Svetambara Jain monk during sixth-seventh century CE. Not much is known about his life but it se ...

, the learned Brahmin Gautama summoned the gods to a great sacrifice but instead they flew off to hear Mahavira preaching at his second

samavasarana In Jainism, Samavasarana or Samosharana ("Refuge to All") is the divine preaching hall of the Tirthankara, stated to have more than 20,000 stairs in it. The word ''samavasarana'' is derived from two words, ''sama'', meaning general and ''avasar ...

near by. 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. According to Svetambara texts, Gautama had a meeting with Keśī (''ganadhara'' of Parshvanatha). ''Svetambaras'' write Gautama's name in new account books as a sign of auspiciousness in the new year. Gautama is connected with prosperity as he fed some monks using his magical powers. Gautama is mentioned in the ''Exposition of Explanations'', as an interpreter of Mahavira. It is further mentioned that they have been friends in their previous incarnations and will attain ''moksha'' in the one which they are now.

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* * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Ganadhar Gautama Swami Indian Jain monks 6th-century BC Indian Jains 6th-century BC Jain monks 6th-century BC Indian monks Jain acharyas Ganadhara 6th-century BC Indian people Brahmins

Life

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