In Badi (Moti) Sadhu Vandana, “Gandhar” means the Ganadharas — the chief disciples of the Tirthankaras. The stavan bows to all Ganadharas of the twenty‑four Jinas, and especially remembers the line of Bhagwan Mahavir’s Ganadharas.

Original lines from Badi Sadhu Vandana that mention Gandhar:

• “Chaibīse jin nā, saglā hī gaṇdhar; chaudah saunē bāvan, tē praṇamūṁ sukhkār.”
• “Jinśāsan‑nāyak, dhanya Śrī Vīr Jinand; Gautamādik gaṇdhar, vartāyo ānand.”

Arth (simple meaning):

• We respectfully bow to all the Ganadharas of the 24 Tirthankaras.
• We rejoice in the Jain Order led by Bhagwan Mahavir, along with his Ganadharas beginning with Gautam Swami.

Who are Ganadharas?

• They are the foremost disciples who fully grasp the Tirthankar’s divyadhvani and organize the Sangh. They preserve, systematize, and teach the doctrine for the world.

Mahavir Bhagwan’s 11 Ganadharas (Śvetāmbara tradition): 1) Indrabhuti Gautam (Gautam Swami) 2) Agnibhuti 3) Vayubhuti 4) Vyakta 5) Sudharma Swami 6) Mandikata (Mandit) 7) Mauryaputra 8) Akampita 9) Achalabhrata (Achalabhadra) 10) Metarya 11) Prabhasa

Note on traditions:

• Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara agree on the concept of Ganadharas and that Mahavir had eleven. Some names/spellings vary slightly in Digambara sources (e.g., Mandikata/Mandit, Achalabhrata/Achalabhadra; a few texts list “Maitreya” in place of “Vyakta”). The devotional intent of Badi Sadhu Vandana remains the same in both traditions: respectful salutation to all Ganadharas.

For a simple reference on Ganadhars, see: and a short life‑sketch of Sudharmaswami: