A tonk (temple-shrine) on Samet Shikhar is there to honor a specific Tirthankar or Ganadhar (the chief disciple). The Gautam Swami tonk is the very first shrine on the climb and is dedicated to Gautam Swami, who was Mahavira’s Ganadhar. It serves as a resting/ritual space for pilgrims and as a place to honor his role and virtues.

Key points:

• Gautam Swami is the first Ganadhar and Mahavira’s close disciple. The tonk named after him is placed at the beginning of the Shikharji ascent and contains footprints and images related to Gautam Swami. This tonk, along with others along the route, forms a line of sacred shrines for the Tirthankaras and their Ganadharas. ( jainknowledge.com)
• The system of tonks at Shikharji is meant to help pilgrims pray, reflect, and remember the lineage of Jain teachers who spread the teachings. There are tonks for many Tirthankaras and Ganadharas, arranged along the ascent. The Gautam Swami tonk is the first one encountered. ( jainknowledge.com)
• Digambar and Śvetāmbara Jains both revere the tonks at Shikharji, and the main temple complex is shared between the two sects, with tonks and dharma significance recognized by both traditions. ( jainknowledge.com)

You can read more about Samet Shikar Tirth and the Gautam Swami tonk here