Gautama Maharishi was a Vedic sage in Hinduism, and also was mentioned in the sacred texts of Jainism and Buddhism. He had authored some portions of Rig Veda. He was the son of Rahugana. The sons of Gautama are Vamadeva and Nodha.
His wife is Ahalya, and he cursed her to become a stone, since she was seduced by Lord Indra. And after several years, she was liberated from the curse by Lord Rama.
IMPORTANCE
He was a great sage and one among the saptharishis. Brahmins belonging to Gouthama gotra were the descendants of Sage Gouthama.
He was well versed in all the vedas, puranas and various devotional texts. He occupies a great place among the rishis. According to Devi Bhagavatham, the river Godavari is so named due to its spiritual connection with Rishi Gautama.
IMPORTANT DISCIPLES
1. Praachina-yogya
2. Shaandilya
3. Gaargya
4. Bharadwaja.
Gautama was also the author of Gautama Dharmasutra.
There is one ancient temple in Pushkar dedicated to Maharishi Gautama and his wife Mata Ahalya.
He lived a holistic life through his severe penance on gods, and by leading a spiritual life. According to ancient legends, it is believed that he is living in the Saptharishi Mandala along with Mata Ahalya.
CONCLUSION
A great maharishi who was well-known for his great spiritual powers, may bless us for our well-being. Let him guide us and protect us, and show us the way to move towards the right path in order to leave peacefully in this world, and finally to reach the divine abode of the god. Let us pray sincerely to him and be blessed.
“OM SREE GOUTHAMA MAHARISHIYE NAMAHA”
“OM SREE MATA AHALYA DEVIYE NAMAHA”
“JAI SREE RAM”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR