Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c34.219

v2.c34.219

According to the Buddhist books, the Licchavis were devout followers of the Buddha and held him in the highest esteem.¹¹ Even careless boys, referred to above as wandering about with hounds and bows and arrows, would lay aside their arms when they saw the Buddha seated under a tree and would surround him with clasped hands, eager to hear him.¹² There were numerous shrines in Vesāli itself, several of which are mentioned by name: Cāpāla, Sattambaka, Bahuputta, Gotama, Sārandada and Udena.¹³ Buddhaghosa says¹⁴ that these shrines were originally Yakkha cetiyas, where various Yakkhas were worshipped, but that they were later converted into monasteries for the Buddha and his Order. It is, however, apparent from the Buddhist books themselves,¹⁵ that Vesāli was also a stronghold of the Jains. The Buddha visited Vesāli at least three times,¹⁶ and is frequently mentioned as staying in Kūṭāgārasālā (q.v.) in Mahāvana. There the Licchavis visited him in large numbers, sometimes¹⁷ disturbing the calm of the spot and obliging resident monks to seek peace in Gosingasālāvana near by. Once, five hundred Licchavis invited the Buddha to a discussion held by them at the Sārandada-cetiya regarding the five kinds of treasures. The Buddha went and gave his opinion.¹⁸