Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2171

v2.c35.2171

Vessavaṇa.—One of the names of Kuvera (*q.v.*), given to him because his kingdom is called Visāṇā.¹ He is one of the Cātummahārājāno (*q.v.*) and rules over the Yakkhas, his kingdom being in the north.² In the Āṭānāṭiya Sutta³ he is the spokesman, and he recited the Āṭānāṭiya-rune for the protection of the Buddha and his followers from the Yakkhas who had no faith in the Buddha. He rides in the Nārīvāhana, which is twelve yojanas long, its seat being of coral. His retinue is composed of ten thousand crores of Yakkhas.⁴ He is a *sotāpanna* and his life-span is ninety thousand years.⁵ The books record a conversation between him and Veḷukaṇṭakī Nandamātā (q.v.), when he heard her sing the Parāyaṇa Vagga and stayed to listen. When Cūḷasubhaddā wished to invite the Buddha and his monks to her house in Sāketa, and felt doubtful about it, Vessavaṇa appeared before her and said that the Buddha would come at her invitation.⁶