Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.594

v2.c35.594

3. Valliya Thera.—He belonged to a brahmin family of Vesāli, and was named Gaṇḍimitta (v.l. Kaṇhamitta). Much struck by the Buddha when he came to Vesāli, he joined the Order under Mahā Kaccāyana. Because he was dull of insight and depended too much on his colleagues, he was called Valliya (creeper), like the ivy which must lean on something in order to grow. Later, following the advice of Venudatta Thera, he developed insight.