Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2353

v2.c31.2353

Dhataraṭṭha, king of the golden geese, who lived in Cittakūṭa, had taken as wife a pakā goose, and at the repeated suggestion of his minister, Sumukha, arrived with his flock of ninety thousand, to see the wonderful pond at Benares. Khemaka saw them and waited his opportunity. On the seventh day he found it, and set a snare in which Dhataraṭṭha was caught. At his cry of alarm the flock fled, with the exception of Sumukha, who stayed and asked Khemaka for permission to take Dhataraṭṭha’s place. When Sumukha heard why they had been caught, he asked that both he and Dhataraṭṭha should be taken before Saṃyama. When Saṃyama heard of Sumukha’s devotion he was greatly touched, and showed the haṃsas every possible honour, after asking their forgiveness for the way they had been treated. Dhataraṭṭha preached to the queen and the royal household, and, having exhorted the king to rule righteously, returned to Cittakūṭa.