Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c33.131

v2.c33.131

The sutta consists of seventeen verses: the first two contain a request to the devas to receive the homage and offerings of men and protect them in their danger; then follow twelve verses, descriptive of the virtues of the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Saṅgha. It ends with three verses purporting⁴ to have been spoken by Sakka on behalf of all the devas, expressing their adoration of the Buddha, his Dhamma and his Saṅgha. It is also said⁵ that during this visit the Buddha stayed at Vesālī for two weeks, preaching the sutta on seven consecutive days; on each day eighty-four thousand beings realized the Truth. The Sutta seems also to have been known as the Gaṅgārohaṇa Sutta.⁶ When Ceylon was troubled by famine and plague in the reign of Upatissa II., the king had the sutta preached by monks while walking in the streets of the city. All troubles vanished, and he decreed that his successors should do likewise in times of need.⁷ Sena II. had the whole sutta inscribed on a golden plate and held a great festival in its honour.⁸