Gautam Swami and the Magic Kheer

Gautam Swami (Indrabhuti Gautam) was the first and foremost disciple (Ganadhar) of Lord Mahavira. He possessed immense knowledge, devotion, and special spiritual powers called Labdhis, which he never used for personal gain.

One day, while returning to Mahavira's assembly, Gautam Swami reached Mount Ashtapad. There, he saw 1500 hermits who were engaged in severe penance. They had been fasting for a long time and were extremely weak and hungry.

Gautam Swami felt deep compassion for them. He had a small bowl of Kheer (rice pudding) that he had received as alms. He invoked the 'Akshinmahanasi Labdhi', a miraculous power that prevents food from depleting.

He invited all 1500 hermits to sit and eat. With his thumb dipped in the bowl, he began serving the Kheer. Miraculously, no matter how much he served, the bowl remained completely full. All 1500 hermits ate until they were fully satisfied.

The hermits were astounded by this miracle. When they realized that Gautam Swami was merely a disciple of Lord Mahavira, they thought, "If the disciple has such power, how great must the Master be!"

All 1500 hermits followed Gautam Swami to Lord Mahavira, listened to his discourse, and accepted Jain initiation (Diksha).