Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.2235

v2.c36.2235

Sāmāvatī.—One of the three chief consorts of King Udena. She was the daughter of the seṭṭhi Bhaddavatiya of Bhaddavatī, who was a friend of Ghosaka of Kosambī. When plague broke out in Bhaddavatī, she and her parents fled to Kosambī, and there obtained food from the alms-hall provided by Ghosaka. On the first day Sāmāvatī asked for three portions, on the second two, on the third only one. For her father had died after the meal on the first day, her mother on the second. When, on the third day, she asked for only one portion, Mitta, who was distributing alms, teased her, saying: “Today you know the capacity of your belly.” She asked what he meant, and when he explained his words, she told him what had happened. Mitta pitied her and adopted her as his daughter.