Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.1224

v2.c27.1224

Three years later, Viḍūḍabha revolted against his father. In this he was helped by the commander-in-chief, Dīghakārāyaṇa, nephew of Bandhula (q.v.). Bandhula, chief of the Mallas, disgusted with the treachery of his own people, had sought refuge with his former classmate, Pasenadi, in Sāvatthi. Bandhula’s wife, Mallikā, bore him thirty-two sons, brave and learned. Pasenadi, having listened to the tales of his corrupt ministers, contrived to have Bandhula and all his sons killed while they were away quelling a frontier rebellion. Bandhula’s wife was a devout follower of the Buddha’s faith, and showed no resentment against the king for this act of treachery. This moved the king’s heart, and he made all possible amends. But Dīghakārāyaṇa never forgave him, and once when Pasenadi was on a visit to the Buddha at Medatalumpa (Uḷumpa), leaving the royal insignia with his commander-in-chief, Dīghakārāyaṇa took advantage of this opportunity, withdrew the king’s bodyguard, leaving behind only one single horse and one woman-servant, hurried back to the capital and crowned Viḍūḍabha king. When Pasenadi heard of this, he hurried on to Rājagaha to enlist Ajātasattu’s support; but as it was late, the city gates were closed. Exhausted by his journey, he lay down in a hall outside the city, where he died during the night.