Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c30.375

v2.c30.375

Bhātikābhaya once heard of a skilful judgment being given by Abhidhammika-Godha Thera and laid down a rule that all disputes should be taken to the Elder for settlement.² On another occasion he appointed a brahmin minister, named Dīghakārāyaṇa, to settle a controversy between the monks of Abhayagiri and those of the Mahāvihāra.³ He had a queen called Sāmadevī who was the daughter of a cattle-butcher. A large number of cattle-butchers were once brought before the king, but as they were unable to pay the fine demanded, he appointed them as scavengers in the palace. One of them had a beautiful daughter, and the king fell in love with her and married her. Owing to her, her kinsmen, too, lived in happiness.⁴