Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c14.953

v1.c14.953

On his return to Rājagaha³⁴ the Buddha resides in the Sītavana. There Sudatta, later known as Anāthapiṇḍika, visits him, is converted, and invites him to Sāvatthi. The Buddha accepts the invitation and journeys through Vesāli to Sāvatthi, there to pass the rainy season.³⁵ Anāthapiṇḍika gifts Jetavana, provided with every necessity, for the residence of the Buddha and his monks. Probably to this period belongs the conversion of Migāra, father-in-law of Visākhā, and the construction, by Visākhā, of the Pubbārāma at Sāvatthi. The vassa of the fourth year the Buddha spends at Veḷuvana, where he converts Uggasena.³⁶ In the fifth year Suddhodana dies, having realised arahantship, and the Buddha flies through the air, from the Kūṭāgārasālā in Vesāli where he was staying, to preach to his father on his death-bed. According to one account³⁷ it is at this time that the quarrel breaks out between the Sākiyans and the Koliyans regarding the irrigation of the river Rohiṇī. The Buddha persuades them to make peace, and takes up his abode in the Nigrodhārāma. Mahāpajāpati Gotamī, with other Sākiyan women, visits him there and asks that women may be allowed to join the Order. Three times the request is made, three times refused, the Buddha then returning to Vesālī. The women cut off their hair, don yellow robes and follow him thither. Ānanda intercedes on their behalf and their request is granted.³⁸