The World of Courtesans c5.33

c5.33

In the *Vinayavastu* of *Mulasarvastivada*, however, the story of Ambapali has received greater attention. It is related that in Vesali the Lichchhavi Mahanama had a mango grove. There suddenly sprang up a plantain tree which blossomed in course of time. A soothsayer informed Mahanama that on the seventh day the flowers would bring forth a girl. Mahanama marvelled at the prophecy and placed guards round the tree. On the seventh day the garden was swept, sprinkled with sandal water and decorated with incense burners, real silk and flowers, and it resounded with the sound of music. Mahanama entered the grove with his wives and his relatives, and amidst the rejoicing the plantain tree burst open and there emerged a very beautiful girl, who was handed over to the chief wife of Mahanama. She was named Amrapali as she had come forth from a mango grove (*amravana*). Then Amrapali was taken to Mahanama's house where in course of time she grew up to be a very beautiful young woman. Not only the Kraunchas, the Sakyas and princes from different lands, but also the sons of ministers, wealthy men, bankers and merchants came to seek her hand in marriage. Seeing the crowd, Mahanama was perplexed and feared the wrath of those who were likely to be disappointed. Even the Gana had as yet not made any rules to deal with such a situation and, therefore, he decided to approach the *Gana* for help.