Gautam Swami was the first disciple of Lord Mahavir. Once, during a sermon, Lord Mahavir stated that a spiritual seeker who travels to Mount Ashtapad, bows down to the Lord idols there, and spends a night there, becomes eligible for Moksha (liberation).

"Upon hearing this, Gautam Swami relayed his wish to attain Moksha in this lifetime. He asked for permission to visit Mount Ashtapad. Lord Mahavir granted this permission."

"Gautam Swami was overjoyed. Using his extraordinary spiritual powers, he reached the foothills of Mount Ashtapad with wind speed instantly. At that moment, 3 monks, each accompanied by 500 disciples, were attempting to ascend Mount Ashtapad."

"Upon seeing Gautam Swami, one of the monks remarked, ""Even though we are lean, we are unable to climb this mountain. How will he, with his large physique, be able to climb it?"" Gautam Swami possessed extraordinary spiritual powers, so was swiftly able to climb the mountain and soon disappeared from view."

"One monk expressed, "This great soul must possess extraordinary power. If we meet him again, we shall become his disciples." The next day, the monks were overjoyed to see Gautam Swami. The monks pledged to Gautam Swami to become his disciples. Gautam Swami said, "O monks, I cannot be your Guru."

"One monk asked, "Do you also have a Guru? How great must he be!" Gautam Swami replied that Lord Mahavir is his Guru, and they should all become the Lord's disciples. They all set out to meet Lord Mahavir, and on the way, Gautam Swami arranged a meal for the monks."

"Gautam Swami filled a small bowl with kheer (rice pudding). The monks wondered how such a small bowl will suffice for all of them. Little did they know that Gautam Swami had an extraordinary power that whatever he touched with his thumb would become immense! All the monks ate to their heart's content."

"On the way, the monks and their disciples attained Kevalgnan. Gautam Swami was unaware of this. When they arrived at Lord Mahavir's Samavasaran, Gautam Swami said, "O monks, offer salutation to the Lord." Lord Mahavir said, "O Gautam, one does not speak to Kevalgnanis in this manner. Ask for forgiveness."

Gautam Swami immediately sought forgivenss from the Kevalgnani. He began to wonder, "They have all attained Kevalgnan! Was my pilgrimage to Mount Ashtapad in vain? When will I attain Kevalgnan?"

Lord Mahavir knew his time on earth was coming to an end. He was aware that it was Gautam's prashasta raag (virtuous attachment) towards Him that was preventing Kevalgnan. This attachmented needed to be severed.

Lord Mahavir commanded Gautam Swami to go to a nearby village to enlighten a Brahmin named Devsharma. Doing so will lead to his spiritual upliftment. For Gautam Swami, Lord Mahavir's command was dearer than life. He immediately set out for Devsharma's village to impart spiritual guidance.

After imparting spiritual guidance to Devsharma, Gautam Swami was impatient to return to the Lord immediately. He found it difficult to remain away from Lord Mahavir. Filled with the joy and satisfaction of having obeyed the Lord's command, Gautam Swami was on his way back.

"Meanwhile, at midnight, Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana and Moksha. The People of Pavapuri lit lamps to commemorate the Lord's Nirvana. When Gautam Swami learned of this, his heart shattered and his agony knew no bounds. "

"Tears began to flow from his eyes. Gautam Swami fell into deep thought. "Why did the Lord distance Himself from me by sending me away? Why did He leave me? How will I now attain Kevalgnan?" As his train of thoughts progressed, his gaze changed from the Lord to himself."

A new chain of thoughts arose. "How is the Lord to blame for me not having Kevalgnan? The fault lies with me. Alas! I have made a mistake. I have attachment towards the Lord, yet He is Vitarag. The Lord harbours no attachment or aversion towards anyone. He is full of compassion.

"Finally, the Lord's state of absolute detachment became visible to Gautam Swami. The veils of ignorance lifted. Upon perceiving the Lord's Vitragta, Kevalgnan manifested. On the very day Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana, Gautam Swami attained Kevalgnan. We celebrate this day as Diwali by lighting lamps."