Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2597

v2.c31.2597

When the Buddha descended from Tāvatiṃsa, after preaching there the Abhidhamma, he was accompanied, on the left, by Mātali, offering celestial scents, garlands and flowers.⁵ Both in the Bilārakosiya and the Suddhābhojana Jātakas (q.v.) Mātali is spoken of as the son of Suriya. Ānanda is said to have been Mātali during several lives⁶; so also Mahā Kassapa.⁷ In the Mahāsamaya Sutta,⁸ Mātali is described as a Gandhabba chief, while in the Āṭānāṭiya Sutta⁹ he is mentioned among the chief Yakkhas to be invoked by followers of the Buddha in time of need.