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Because of his akkheen mahanas power, his devotees believe that under his influence obtained through chanting his name or otherwise, stocks never deplete.
These are many other such popular beliefs.
Briefly speaking the name of Gautam Swami enjoys the place of extreme faith and belief in the Jain world.
All this is evidence of the uniqueness of Gautam Swami.
In Antakriddashu Sutra the name of Gautam Ganadhar finds mention at many places. In context of the codes of a!?s-seeking of ascetics 'jaha goyam sumi' (like Gautam Swami) has been mentioned frequently. For example- In the eighth chapter of the third section when six brother ascetics (the sons of Devaki, brought up by Sulasa Gathapatni) get ready to go into Dvarka for alms-seeking it is mentioned 'jaha goyam sami' (like Gautam Swami
This indicates that the procedure followed by Gautam Swami for alms-seeking is considered ideal in Jain tradition.
The alms-seeking of Gautam Swami was unique. In other words he had set an ideal for Jain Shramans seeking alms.
The procedure he followed was like this--The day he had to break his fast he would indulge in studies during the first quarter of the day, meditation during the second quarter, and during the third quarter he would carefully inspect his dress, Mukh-vastriku (a strip of cloth to cover mouth) and alms-pots. He would then put the pots in a jholi (carrying bag made of a square piece of cloth) and go to Bhagavan Mahavir. He would pay homage and seek Bhagavan's permission to go out for alms-seeking.
He would go into the city after getting the permission. Seek alms from high, medium and low status families. Collect prescribed, pure and suitable food, bring and show it to Bhagavan Mahavir and with his permission swallow the food and water without any attention to its taste. The food went into this stomach as a snake enters its hole.
This procedure of alms king has become the basis of the codes of alms-seeking followed by Jain Shramans and continues even today. Even today a Shraman takes his food only after showing it to his charya, guru or senior Shramans and seeking permission.
In the sixth section, in the chapter titled Atimuktak Kumar more details have been given about Gautam Swami. Besides his alms-seeking many other virtues like empathy. simplicity, knowledge of child psychology etc. have been mentioned there.
For his virtues, divine powers, attaining the highest spiritual status, power of endowing endless riches etc., Gautam Ganadhar is considered to be the brightest star of the Jain world.
Antakriddasha Mahima
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