Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c12.643

v1.c12.643

Kanthaka (v.l. Kaṇṭhaka).—The horse on which Gotama left his father's palace, accompanied by his attendant Channa. It is said that when Kanthaka was saddled for the journey, he realised the importance of the hour and neighed loudly for joy, but the gods muffled the sound of his neighing as also that of his footsteps as he galloped through the streets; ordinarily the sound of his neighing and galloping could be heard throughout Kapilavatthu. He was eighteen cubits long from neck to tail and proportionately broad, quite white in colour, like a clean conch-shell.