Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c29.746

v2.c29.746

1. Bodhi, called Bodhirājakumāra.—He lived at Sumsumāragiri in the Bhagga country and built a palace called Kokanada (q.v.). When the palace was completed, the Buddha was staying at Bhesakalāvana near by, and Bodhi sent a message by Sañjikāputta, inviting the Buddha to the palace, that he might bless it by being its first occupant. The Buddha agreed to come and, the next day, arrived with the monks for a meal. Bodhi came, with his retinue, to meet them at the foot of the steps and asked the Buddha to step on to the carpeting which was spread there. Three times the request was made, three times the Buddha kept silence. Thereupon Ānanda asked for the carpeting to be removed, saying that the Buddha’s refusal to step thereon was as an example to future generations. After the meal, Bodhi had a discussion with the Buddha,¹ recorded in the Bodhirājakumāra Sutta (q.v.).