Gautam Gandhar
(The Chief Disciple of Bhagwan Mahaveer)
Today on Shravan Krishna Ekam, 2571st Veer Shasan Diwas & Gandhar Pad Diwas and on the occassion of the Inauguration of GAUTAM GANDHAR YEAR by the Supreme Jain Sadhvi Pujya Ganini Pramukh Shri Gyanmati Mataji, I present a brief introduction of Gautam Gandhar Swami, the first Chief Disciple of Bhagwan Mahaveer.
(1) Present Jain Philosophy mainly rests on the Divyadhvani or Divine Sermons of the 24th Teerthankar-Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami.
(2) The Divine voice was in the form of `OHM,’ which was deciphered by his first Chief disciple-Gautam Gandhar.
Infact, the Divyadhvani of Bhagwan Mahaveer was produced on Shravan Krishna Ekam only after Indrabhuti Gautam came to the Samavsaran, the Divine Sermon Assembly of Bhagwan after 66 days of its formation i.e., the attainment of Omniscience by Bhagwan about 2570 years before from today. As soon as Indrabhuti came to the Samavsaran, he became an ardent disciple of the Lord and accepted Jaineshwari Deeksha.
11 Angas & 14 Purvas comprising Dwadshang were detailed vocally by Gautam Swami, only some part of which could be written in the form of scriptures.
Even today we are having the direct voice of Gautam Swami in the form of Pratikraman Path, Gandhar Valay Mantras, Chaityabhakti etc.
श्रीमते वर्धमानाय, नमो नमितविद्विषे
यज्ज्ञानान्तर्गतं भूत्वा, त्रैलोक्यं गोष्पदायते
It means-I bow to Bhagwan Mahaveer, who became victorious over all Karma-enemies and in whose Supreme Gyan the three lokas i.e. the lower, middle & upper parts of Universe appear quite distinct or appear like the water filled in a small pit.
The voice of such a Chief Disciple of Bhagwan Mahaveer, may be again remembered by all of us to make our lives virtuous & meaningful, that’s why Pujya Ganini Pramukh Shri Gyanmati Mataji has inspired for the inauguration of `Gautam Gandhar Year’, when the whole year will be dedicated for the dissemination of the principles deciphered by Gautam Swami based on the direct voice of Bhagwan Mahaveer, in whose close vicinity He lived for continuous 30 years.
Let’s pay our sincere Greetings & Naman in the holy feet of Bhagwan Mahaveer & Gautam Swami.
