Answer

There is no major difference in respect for Gautam Ganadhar between Digambar and Shwetambar traditions. Both accept Gautam Swami / Indrabhuti Gautam as the chief Ganadhara of Bhagwan Mahavir.

Explanation

The difference is mainly in some story-details and textual emphasis, not in his spiritual importance:

• Shwetambar tradition

- Commonly describes Gautam Swami as Bhagwan Mahavir’s principal disciple. - Gives strong emphasis to the episode of his attachment to Bhagwan Mahavir and his later attainment of kevaljnan.

• Digambar tradition

- Also reveres Gautam Ganadhar as the chief disciple of Bhagwan Mahavir. - Places more emphasis on his role as a great Ganadhara and the discipline of detachment. - Some narrative details about his life and liberation are presented differently in Digambar texts.

Spiritual Understanding

In both traditions, Gautam Ganadhar represents:

• deep devotion
• great wisdom
• obedience to the Tirthankar
• the path from attachment to detachment

So the core teaching is the same: even a great disciple must ultimately rise above attachment to attain liberation.

Takeaway

Mainly, the difference is in narration, not in reverence. Both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions honor Gautam Ganadhar as a very important and sacred figure in Jain Dharma.