Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2879

v2.c31.2879

1. Migasira Thera.—He belonged to a brahmin family of Kosala, and was so called because he was born under the constellation of Migasira. He acquired brahmin-culture and practised the skull-spell (*chavasi-samanta*), by which he could tap with his nail on the skull and declare the destiny of the dead person. Later, he became a Paribbājaka and visited the Buddha at Sāvatthi. The Buddha, having been told of his claims to knowledge, gave to him the skull of an arahant. Migasira tried his art, but had to confess himself beaten. The Buddha thereupon offered to teach him if he would join the Order. Migasira agreed and soon became an arahant.