Gautama Maharishi was a sage in Hinduism and son of Brahmin sage Dirghatamas who is also mentioned in Jainism and Buddhism. Gautama is mentioned in the Yajurveda, Ramayana, and Gaṇeśa Pūrana and is known for cursing his wife Ahalya. Another important story related to Gautama is about the creation of the river Godavari, which is also known as Gautami.
Gautama Maharishi’s Mentions:
Ramayana – Gautama’s eldest son with Ahalya is Shatananda.
Mahabharata – According to the Adi Parva of Mahabharata, he had two sons named Sharadvana and Cirakari. Sharadvana was also known as Gautama, hence his children Kripa and Kripi were called Gautama and Gautami respectively. A daughter of Gautama is referred too.
In the Sabha Parva, he is described as begetting many children through Aushinara (daughter of Ushinara), amongst whom the eldest in Kakshivata. Gautama and Aushinara’s wedding takes place at Magadha, the kingdom of Jarasandha.
Vamana Purana – According to the Vamana Purana, he had three daughters named Jaya, Jayanti, and Aparajita.
Gautama is also said to be the ancestor of Shvetaketu, son of Uddalaka Aruni in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.
Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad – He speaks to Yajñavalkya with Uddālaka Āruṇi, Gārgī Vāchaknavī and other Kuru and Pañcāla sages in King Janaka’s kingdom to test to see if Yajñavalkya is a great sage.
He also has a conversation with Pravāhaṇa Jaivali after Jaivali meets Śvetaketu and requests to meet his father. Jaivali promises to grant Gautama a boon, describes the beauty and depth of the physical world, and teaches him how to perform yajña.
