Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c12.2441

v1.c12.2441

Kuddāla Jātaka (No. 70).—The Bodhisatta was once a gardener in Benares, and because his only possession was a spade (kuddāla) he was known as Kuddāla Paṇḍita. Later he became a recluse, but six times thoughts of his spade drew him back to the world. The seventh time he threw the spade into the river and shouted for joy, winning insight. The king of Benares heard his shouts, and on knowing the reason for them, resolved to join Kuddāla as an anchorite. When the news spread, the people from twelve leagues round accompanied them, and Sakka sent Vissakamma to erect monasteries for them in the Himālaya.