Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c33.343

v2.c33.343

After the Buddha’s death, Rājagaha was chosen by the monks, with Mahā Kassapa at their head, as the meeting-place of the First Convocation. This took place at the Sattapaṇṇiguhā (q.v.), and Ajātasattu extended to the undertaking his whole-hearted patronage.¹⁶ The king also erected at Rājagaha a cairn over the relics of the Buddha, which he had obtained as his share.¹⁷ According to the Mahāvamsa,¹⁸ some time later, acting on the suggestion of Mahā Kassapa, the king gathered at Rājagaha seven doṇas of the Buddha’s relics which had been deposited in various places—excepting those deposited at Rāmagāma—and built over them a large thūpa. It was from there that Asoka obtained relics for his vihāras.