In Jain Diwali tradition, Mahavira's chief disciple Gautama Swami attained what?

In Jain Diwali tradition, Mahavira’s chief disciple Gautama Swami attained Kevala Jnana.

Kevala Jnana means complete or absolute knowledge, often described as Jain omniscience. Jain philosophy teaches that every soul has this potential, but karmic matter obscures its innate awareness. A liberated or omniscient being reaches this state by eliminating the karmas that limit knowledge and perception.

Jain Diwali primarily commemorates Mahavira’s nirvana, or final liberation, at Pawapuri. Tradition holds that Gautama Swami attained Kevala Jnana shortly afterward, making the festival significant not only as a remembrance of Mahavira’s liberation but also as a celebration of spiritual knowledge.

This distinction causes a common mix-up. Nirvana, moksha and liberation describe Mahavira’s final release from rebirth, while Kevala Jnana describes Gautama Swami’s attainment of perfect knowledge before final liberation. Samadhi is a broader meditative term and is not the canonical answer here. Jain traditions may differ on doctrinal details, but the quiz answer is standard.