Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c18.95

v1.c18.95

Janasāna (Jarasāna, Jarasoṇa).—An Ājīvaka. He it was who predicted the glory of Asoka by explaining the prenatal desires of his mother. The queen promised him great honour if his predictions should prove true. Later, when Asoka became king and heard the story, he sent a golden palanquin to fetch Janasāna to the palace. On the way, Janasāna visited the Vattaniya hermitage where lived Assagutta, and having heard the latter talk of āyatana, his earlier kamma asserted itself and he became a monk, attaining arahantship.