Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.160

v2.c36.160

In the Sarabhaṅga Jātaka⁶³ mention is made of four daughters of Sakka—Āsā, Saddhā, Hirī and Sirī. His wife, Sujā, accompanied him everywhere on his travels,⁶⁴ even into the world of men, because that was the boon she had asked for on her marriage to him.⁶⁵ Vessavana was Sakka's special friend,⁶⁶ and when one Vessavana died, it was Sakka's duty to appoint a successor.⁶⁷ Matāli (q.v.) is Sakka's charioteer and constant companion. Vissakamma (q.v.) is his "handy-man." Sakka has twenty-five million handmaids and five hundred dove-footed nymphs (kakuṭapādiniyo), famed for their beauty. It was the sight of these which tempted the Buddha's step-brother, Nanda, to give up thoughts of Janapadakalyāṇī-Nandā.⁶⁸ Sakka's special weapon is the Vajirāvudha (*q.v.*), and his special drum the Ālambara (*q.v.*). His voice is sweet, like the tintinabulation of golden bells.⁶⁹