Answer

If you mean Indrabhuti Gautam Swami, the first Ganadhara of Lord Mahavira, his main question was about the existence of the soul (jiva) — whether the soul really exists as a separate reality from the body. Jain tradition says this doubt arose from conflicting Vedic statements and their interpretations. Mahavira cleared that doubt, and Gautam accepted initiation along with his 500 disciples. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)

Explanation

In the broader Ganadhara-vada, the 11 chief disciples each had one major doubt. Gautam’s doubt was the first: “Does the soul exist?” The other Ganadharas’ doubts were about karma, whether body and soul are the same, the reality of the five elements, rebirth, bondage, heaven, hell, good and bad destiny, the next birth, and moksha. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)

Spiritual Understanding

This episode is important in Jain Dharma because it shows that truth should be understood through clear reasoning and direct spiritual insight, not blind acceptance. Mahavira answered the doubts of Gautam and the other Ganadharas in a way that was both logical and compassionate. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)

Takeaway

So, Gautam’s central question was: Does the soul exist? Mahavira’s answer became one of the foundation stones of Jain philosophy. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)