Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2540

v2.c31.2540

Once more Māgandiyā conspired with her uncle against Sāmāvatī. They had all the pillars of Sāmāvatī's house wrapt in cloth, soaked in oil, and, when she and her women were inside, the house was set fire to. Sāmāvatī saw the flames spreading and exhorted her women to be self-possessed, and they attained to various fruits of the Path. Udena questioned Māgandiyā very carefully, and became convinced of her share and that of her uncle in the crime. He then sent for all Māgandiyā's relations saying that he wished to reward them. He buried them waist-deep in the palace grounds and covered them with straw; the straw was then set fire to, and when it was burnt he had their bodies ploughed with an iron plough. Pieces of flesh were ripped from Māgandiyā's body, fried like cakes in oil, and Māgandiyā was then forced to eat them.¹