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Makkhali Gosala and Mahavira. A diorama in Jain Museum, Madhuban, Giridih, depicting Gosala attacking Mahavira and his disciples. The Bhagavati Sutra states that Gosala became Mahavira's disciple three years after the start of Mahavira's asceticism, and travelled with him for the next six years.
Gosala is believed to have been an acquaintance of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The Jain Bhagavati Sutra depicts Gosala as having been a disciple of Mahavira's for a period of six years, after which the two had a falling out and parted ways.
his picture and to become a disciple of Vira. While Vira was absorbed in meditation, Gosala announced to him his intention of becoming his disciple. Vira had taken a vow of silence and did not reply at all; but Gosala attached himself to him and 'did not leave the Master's side, day or night.' After he had
Gosala also tried to convert Ananda, a well known disciple of Mahavira but failed. These incidents show that Gosala was not happy with the increasing popularity of Mahavira's doctrines. As a matter of fact, he was proclaiming himself to be the last of the Tirthankaras.
The text depicts Gosala as having been a disciple of Mahavira's for a period of six years, after which the two fell out and parted ways. Śvetāmbara text Bhagavati Sutra mentions a debate, disagreement and then "coming to blows" between factions led by Mahavira and by Gosala. Jainism also flourished under the Nanda Empire (424–321 BCE).
One of the disciples of Mahavira was immensely capable of expressing things which are very difficult to express. His name was Goshalak. He was so articulate that, even in the commune of Mahavira, many had become his disciples.
Gosala was aware of Mahavira's glory and his extraordinary life style. He was very impressed by his way of life and expressed his desire to become his disciple. He was however refused by Mahavira. Later Gosala again prayed to Mahavira for taking him as his disciple but he was refused once more.
