Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.758

v1.c7.758

When the king and the citizens heard that the Yakkha had become a follower of the Buddha, they built for him a special abode near that of Vessavaṇa and provided him with endless gifts of flowers, perfumes, etc., for his use.³ Āḷavaka’s abode was thirty leagues from Sāvatthi, and the Buddha covered the whole journey in one day.⁴ The abode was near a banyan tree and on the ground (bhummattham,) well protected with walls, etc., and covered on the top by a metal net, it was like a cart enclosed on all sides. It was three leagues in extent, and over it lay the road to Himavā by air.⁵ Ascetics, having seen the glittering palace, often called to find out what it was. Āḷavaka would ask them questions regarding their faith, and when they could not answer he would assume a subtle form, and, entering their hearts, would drive them mad.⁶