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The organizers of the vajna were pleased to see the celestial vehicles as they thought that the gods have been attracted by the yajnu. But when the divine vehicles crossed over they were very disappointed.
Indrabhuti was proud of his knowledge. He decided to go to Bhagavan Mahavir with his 500 disciples and defeat him in a debate.
A chhadmasth (a person having a finite cognition, not omniscience) can never acquire all knowledge. Even a great scholar has some doubt in his mind which he never reveals.
Indrabhuti also had a doubt--Soul exists or not?
Without his asking, Bhagavan Mahavir revealed his doubt and at the same time removed it also.
Indrabhuti bowed before Bhagavan's omniscience and became his disciple by getting initiated into the order. With him his 500 disciples also became Shramans.
Bhagavan gave him the knowledge of Tripadi (three limbs-genesis, destruction and permanence). The doors of his mind opened. He acquired all knowledge and became the first principle disciple, Ganadhar, of Bhagavan Mahavir.
Indrabhuti Gautam had tremendous curiosity. He asked numerous questions from Bhagavan Mahavir and got answers, The voluminous Bhagavati Sutra is evidence of this.
He observed rigorous austerities. He took food only after fasting for two days and this he did continuously. In Jain scriptures one finds epithets like ghor (extreme, observer of--) tave (austerities), gutte (restraints), guttindie (restraints of sense organs), gutta hambhayari (restraints of sexual activities including thoughts). He has acquired special powers like akkheen mahanas (by his mere touch any thing became endless or nondepletable). He contained his tejoleshya (fire power) and never revealed it.
He did good to his soul and at the same time indulged in promoting well being of others by working for the spread of religion. He inspired many worthy people towards religious practices. Through his guidance many worthies became omniscient and got liberated.
He had deep faith, devotion and fondness for Bhagavan Mahavir. This fondness was the only hurdle in the path of omniscience. The night Bhagavan Mahavir got his nirvana, Gautam attained omniscience.
Ganadhar Gautam was initiated at the age of 50 years. He remained a chladmasth for 30 years and an omniscient for 12 years before getting liberated at the age of 92 years.
In the Jain world he is more famous by his clan name Gautam. Jain acharvas have given many etymological meanings to the word Gautam. An example is-Gaun means wisdom or knowledge; tam means darkness; so the person who has removed the darkness within his knowledge (the darkness of ignorance) is called Gautam.
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Antakriddasha Mahima
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