Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c12.995

v1.c12.995

Kalandakanivāpa.—A woodland in Veḷuvana. Here food (nivāpa) was regularly placed for the squirrels. It is said that once a certain rājā went there for a picnic and, having over-drunk, fell asleep. His retinue, seeing him sleeping, wandered away, looking for flowers and fruits. A snake, attracted by the smell of liquor, approached the king from a neighbouring tree-trunk, and would have bitten him had not a tree-sprite, assuming the form of a squirrel, awakened him by her chirping. In gratitude the rājā gave orders that thenceforth the squirrels in that locality should be fed regularly.¹ Kalandakanivāpa was evidently a favourite resort of the Buddha and his monks.