Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c16.437

v1.c16.437

Cāṇakka.—A brahmin of Takkasilā, who killed King Dhanananda and placed Candagutta on the throne.¹ In his youth Cāṇakka looked after his mother, and finding that she was worrying lest he, who was destined for kingly power, should leave her, he broke his tooth, having been told that there his luck resided. One day, on going for alms to Dhanananda’s palace, he was insulted, and in order to avenge the insult he kidnapped the king’s son, Pabbatakumāra. He then adopted Candagutta and, finding him better fitted for kingship than Pabbata, he contrived that the latter should be killed. When preparations had been made, he induced Candagutta to rise in revolt against Dhanananda, and, finally, to kill him and ascend the throne.²