Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2148

v2.c35.2148

In the army was the white elephant, who had been returned because the people of Kāliṅga could not maintain him. There was great rejoicing at the reunion of the family, and the six royal personages fell in a swoon till they were revived by rain sent by Sakka, the rain only wetting those who so wished it. Vessantara was crowned king of Sivi, with Maddī as his consort. After a month’s merry-making in the forest, they returned to Jetuttara. On the day Vessantara entered the city he set free every captive, including even cats. In the evening, as he lay wondering how he would be able to satisfy his suitors the next day, Sakka’s throne was heated, and he sent down a shower of the seven kinds of precious things, till the palace grounds were filled waist-high. Vessantara was thus able to practise his generosity to the end of his days. After death he was born in Tusita.³