Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.783

v1.c7.783

Āḷavakā (v.l. Āḷavikā).—A name given to the monks of Āḷavī. Buddhaghosa¹ says that all children born in Āḷavī were called Āḷavaka. The Āḷavakā-bhikkhū are mentioned several times in the Vinaya² in connection with offences relating to navakamma (repairing and reconstruction of buildings), and rules are laid down by the Buddha restricting these monks in their activities. Once when one of the monks was cutting down a tree which was the abode of a devatā, the sprite was sorely tempted to kill him, but restraining her wrath she sought the Buddha and complained to him. The Buddha praised her forbearance and preached the Uraga Sutta.³