Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.1834

v2.c35.1834

Buddhaghosa says² that the mountain was so called because its base was covered with a forest-belt, which looked like a jewel-railing (maṇi-vedikā). On the mountain lived an owl, who would accompany the Buddha half-way to the village when he went for alms, and return with him. One day the owl stood with lowered wings, its claws clasped together. The Buddha smiled when he saw it, and, in reply to Ananda’s question, said that the owl, after spending one hundred thousand kappas among gods and men, would become a Pacceka Buddha named Somanassa.³