Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.1465

v2.c35.1465

1. Visākha.—Husband of Dhammadinnā. He was a rich merchant of Rājagaha and accompanied Bimbisāra on his visit to the Buddha, who was then at Rājagaha for the first time after his Enlightenment. Visākha, on that occasion, became a sotāpanna, after hearing the Buddha preach; he later became a sakadāgāmī and then an anāgāmī. After he became an anāgāmī his behaviour to his wife completely changed, and when he explained to her the reason, offering her all his wealth and freedom to do as she wished, she asked his leave to join the Order. Visākha informed Bimbisāra of her wish, and, at his request, the king ordered that the city be decked in her honour on the day of her renunciation and that she be taken to the nunnery in a golden palanquin.