Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.359

v2.c29.359

**Bimbisāra.**—King of **Magadha** and patron of the Buddha. He ascended the throne at the age of fifteen and reigned in **Rājagaha** for fifty-two years. The Buddha was five years older than Bimbisāra, and it was not until fifteen years after his accession that Bimbisāra heard the Buddha preach and was converted by him. It is said¹ that the two were friends in their youth owing to the friendship which existed between their fathers.² But according to the **Pabbajā Sutta**³ the first meeting between the Buddha and Bimbisāra took place in Rājagaha under the **Paṇḍavapabbata**, only after the Buddha’s Renunciation. The king, seeing the young ascetic pass below the palace windows, sent messengers after him. On learning that he was resting after his meal, Bimbisāra followed him and offered him a place in his court. This the Buddha refused, revealing his identity. The Commentary adds⁴ that Bimbisāra wished him success in his quest and asked him to visit first Rājagaha as soon as he had attained Enlightenment. It was in fulfilment of this promise that the Buddha visited Rājagaha immediately after his conversion of the **Tebhātika Jaṭilā**. He stayed at the **Supatiṭṭha-cetiya** in **Laṭṭhivanuyyāna**, whither Bimbisāra, accompanied by twelve *nahutas* of householders, went to pay to him his respects. The Buddha preached to them, and eleven *nahutas*, with Bimbisāra at their head, became sotāpannas. On the following day the Buddha and his large retinue of monks accepted the hospitality of Bimbisāra. **Sakka**, in the guise of a young man, preceded them to the palace, singing songs of glory of the Buddha. At the conclusion of the meal, Bimbisāra poured water from a golden jar on the Buddha’s hand and dedicated **Veḷuvana** for the use of him and of his monks.⁵ From this moment up till the time of his death, a period of thirty-seven years, Bimbisāra did all in his power to help on the new religion and to further its growth. He set an example to his subjects in the practice of the precepts by taking the uposatha vows on six days of each month.⁶