Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c26.512

v2.c26.512

Naḷakāra.—The Bodhisatta, born as a deva in Tāvatiṃsa. In his previous life he had been a farmer in Benares. One day, while going to his fields, he saw a Pacceka Buddha. Thereupon he turned back, took the Pacceka Buddha home, fed him, and, with his son, built for him a hut with reed walls, on the banks of the Ganges, looked after him in the rains and gave him robes to wear. When Sumedhā, queen of Suruci, yearned for a son, Naḷakāra agreed to be born as her son, at Sakka’s request; he then came to be called Mahāpanāda¹ (q.v.). Regarding his son, see s.v. Saṅkha.²