The Conversion of Agnibhuti (Ganadharavāda, Višeşāvaśyakabhāşya (gāthās 1606-44))

This tale recounts how Mahāvīra converted Agnibhūti, younger brother of the famous scholar Indrabhūti Gautama. Agnibhūti, like his brothers, was well‑versed in the Vedas and had hundreds of disciples. Hearing that an ascetic without caste claimed to know ultimate truth, the brothers felt their authority challenged and resolved to defeat him in debate. Agnibhūti approached Mahāvīra with pride. Before he could speak, Mahāvīra addressed his doubts and asked him a question that revealed contradictions in his Vedic logic. Agnibhūti realised that his knowledge was limited; he attempted to use mantras but they had no effect. Mahāvīra explained the doctrine of syādvāda (conditional predication), showing that reality can be viewed from multiple standpoints and that absolute statements are false. He also expounded on karma and the need to shed passions. Overwhelmed by this insight, Agnibhūti bowed to Mahāvīra and sought initiation. Mahāvīra accepted him as a disciple and gave him the vows of a monk. The story concludes with Agnibhūti returning to his brothers and persuading them to also meet the prophet. The conversion of these learned Brahmins demonstrates that spiritual truth transcends social status and scriptural pride. It also illustrates Mahāvīra’s compassion: he did not humiliate Agnibhūti but gently led him to self‑realisation.

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