Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.102

v2.c29.102

Mallikā bore twin sons sixteen times; each of them became perfect in the various arts, and each had a retinue of one thousand men. One day, Bandhula retried a case which had been unjustly decided by the judge and his decision was greatly applauded. The king, hearing the applause and learning the reason, appointed him judge.¹ But the former judges poisoned the king’s mind against Bandhula, and the king, listening to them, sent Bandhula and his sons to quell a frontier rebellion, giving orders that they should all be murdered on the way home. This was done, and the news of the massacre was brought to Mallikā while she was entertaining five hundred monks led by the two Chief Disciples.² Mallikā read the message, and placing it in a fold of her dress, went on with her duties. Sāriputta discovered her fortitude at the end of the meal and greatly praised her. Mallikā, sending for her daughters-in-law, broke the news to them, urging them to harbour no resentment against the king. The king’s spies, discovering this, brought the news to Pasenadi. The king was greatly moved, and having sent for Mallikā, begged her forgiveness and granted her a boon. She chose as her boon that she and her thirty-two daughters-in-law should be allowed to return home to Kusinārā. Bandhula’s nephew, Dīghakārāyāna, was appointed commander-in-chief, but he never forgave the injury to Bandhula, and, in the end, brought about Pasenadi’s deposition and consequent death.³