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Gautama Swami

Indrabhuti Gautama
1st Ganadhara of Tirthankara Mahavira
Gautama
An idol of Gautama Swami
SuccessorSudharmaswami
Age92
Genealogy
Parents
  • Vasubhūti (father)
  • Prithvī (mother)

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.

Life

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Gautama was born in the village of Gorbara in Magadha to a father named Vasubhūti and a mother named Prtvhī.[2] Gautama was the senior-most of 11 ganadharas (chief disciples) of Mahavira.[3] He had two brothers Agnibhuti and Vayubhuti who also became ganadhara of Mahavira.[4] Other ganadhara were Vyakta, Sudharmaswami, Mandikata Mauryaputra, Akampita, Acalabharata, Metarya and Prabhasa.[4] A stone pillar of Utaroda mentions Mahagiri as one of Ganadharas of Mahavira who had Utara as his chief disciple.[5]

Idol of shree Gautamswami at Mahavira Kaivalya bhumi Rujuwalika Mahatirth


In Jain traditional accounts, Gautama is believed to have gained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) immediately after the moksha (liberation) of Mahavira.[6] He was succeeded by Sudharmaswami who is believed to have gained omniscience after a further 12 years.[6]

Idols of Gautam Swami (center), Sudharma Swami (right) & Pundrik Swami (left) at Shree Samavasarna Maha Mandir, Aagashi, Virar

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.[7] 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.[7] According to Svetambara texts, Gautama had a meeting with Keśī (ganadhara of Parshvanatha).[8] Svetambaras write Gautama's name in new account books as a sign of auspiciousness in the new year.[9]

Gautam Swami tile art at Dadawadi Jain temple in Mehsana


Gautama is connected with prosperity as he fed some monks using his magical powers.[9] Gautama is mentioned in the Exposition of Explanations, as an interpreter of Mahavira.[7] It is further mentioned that they have been friends in their previous incarnations and will attain moksha in the one which they are now.[7]

See also

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References

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Citations

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  1. ^ Teerthankar mahaveer aur unki acharya parampara by Dr. Nemi chandra shastry, Sagar, 1974 vol-1-4.
  2. ^ Vidyabhusana, Satis Chandra (1988). A History of Indian Logic: Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern Schools. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 159–160. ISBN 9788120805651.
  3. ^ Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 38.
  4. ^ a b Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 32.
  5. ^ Vyas 1995, p. 28.
  6. ^ a b Natubhai Shah 2004, p. 39.
  7. ^ a b c d Dundas 2002, p. 37.
  8. ^ von Glasenapp 1925, p. 35.
  9. ^ a b Dundas 2002, p. 39.

Sources

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