Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c10.224

v1.c10.224

In the **Dhammika Sutta**² Erāvaṇa is mentioned among the devas who visited the Buddha to pay him homage. He is also mentioned among the Nāgas present at the preaching of the **Mahāsamaya Sutta**.³ It is emphasised in several places⁴ that Erāvaṇa is a devaputta and a Nāga only by birth (*jātiyā*). The *Jātakas*⁵ mention Sakka as riding Erāvaṇa, particularly when making comparisons between kings parading on the backs of elephants.⁶ Erāvaṇa is one of the chief features of Tāvatiṃsa.⁷