Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2103

v2.c35.2103

The books describe⁸ at some length the Buddha's last visit to Vesāli on his way to Kusinārā. On the last day of this visit, after his meal, he went with Ānanda to Cāpāla-cetiya for his siesta, and, in the course of their conversation, he spoke to Ānanda of the beauties of Vesāli: of the Udena-cetiya, the Gotamaka-cetiya, the Sattambaka-cetiya, the Bahuputta-cetiya, and the Sārandada-cetiya.⁹ The Buddha generally stayed at the Kūṭāgārasālā (q.v.) during his visits to Vesāli, but it appears that he sometimes lived at these different shrines.¹⁰ During his last visit to the Cāpāla-cetiya he decided to die within three months, and informed Māra and, later, Ānanda, of his decision. The next day he left Vesāli for Bhaṇḍagāma, after taking one last look at the city, "turning his whole body round, like an elephant" (nāgāpalokitam apaloketvā).¹¹ The rainy season which preceded this the Buddha spent at Beluvagāma, a suburb of Vesāli, while the monks stayed in and around Vesāli. On the day before he entered into the vassa, Ambapālī invited the Buddha and the monks to a meal, at the conclusion of which she gave her Ambavana for the use of the Order.¹²