Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c34.151

v2.c34.151

Lājā.—A goddess (*devadhītā*). She was once the watcher of a field of paddy-rice in Rājagaha, and when Mahā Kassapa, out of compassion, approached her, she took some of the parched rice and, with devout heart, poured it into his bowl. Almost immediately she was bitten by a snake, and was reborn after death in Tāvatiṃsa. Realizing that it was to Kassapa that she owed her good fortune, she decided to wait on him, sweep his cell, etc. As soon as Kassapa discovered this, he forbade her to come near him any more. Lājā was much distressed, and the Buddha, noting her despair, sent a ray of light to console her.¹