Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c34.409

v2.c34.409

Lohakumbhi Jataka (No. 314).—The Bodhisatta was once an ascetic of great power. The king of Benares, having heard at night four sounds—du, sa, na, so—uttered by four beings who dwelt in hell, was greatly frightened. When he consulted his purohita, the latter ordained a fourfold sacrifice. The Bodhisatta, seeing the fate that lay in wait for numerous creatures, went to the king's park and there, with the help of the purohita's chief disciple—not himself in favour of the sacrifice—explained to the king the meaning of the sounds and had the sacrificial animals released. The purohita's disciple is identified with Sāriputta.