Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c8.265

v1.c8.265

1. Isidatta.—A thera. He was the son of a caravan guide at Vaḍḍhagāma (v.l. Veḷugāma) in Avanti. By correspondence he became the unseen friend of Citta-gahapati of Macchikāsaṇḍa. The latter once sent him a letter regarding the excellences of the Buddha, and Isidatta, being pleased with the account given of the Buddha's religion, entered the Order under Mahā-kaccāna and in due course became an arahant. Later, with Mahākaccāna's leave, he visited the Buddha in the Majjhimadesa and was warmly received by him.¹ A verse uttered by Isidatta, in response to the Buddha's enquiry regarding his welfare, is recorded in the Theragāthā.²