Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2194

v2.c35.2194

Vessavaṇa, like Sakka, was not the name of a particular being, but of the holder of an office. When one Vessavaṇa died, Sakka chose another as his successor. The new king, on his accession, sent word to all the Yakkhas, asking them to choose their special abodes.¹⁸ It was the duty of Yakkhiṇīs to fetch water from Anotatta for Vessavaṇa’s use. Each Yakkhiṇī served her turn, sometimes for four, sometimes for five months. But sometimes they died from exhaustion before the end of their term.¹⁹