Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2139

v2.c35.2139

Vessantara Jātaka (No. 547).—Vessantara (the Bodhisatta) was the son of Sañjaya, king of Sivi, and queen Phusatī, and was so called because his mother started in labour as she passed through the *vessa*-street in the city of Jetuttara, and he was born in a house in the same street. He spoke as soon as he was born.¹ On the same day was also born a white elephant named Paccaya. At the age of eight, Vessantara wished to make a great gift and the earth trembled. He married Maddī at the age of sixteen, and their children were Jāli and Kaṇhajinā.