Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.2785

v2.c36.2785

In the time of Padumuttara Buddha, before the Buddha’s appearance in the world, Sirimā was an ascetic, named Devala, with a large following, and, having learnt the power of the Buddha through a study of the science of prognostication, he built a sand-thūpa, to which he paid homage in the name of past Buddhas. The Buddha was born in the world, his birth being accompanied by various omens. The ascetic showed these to his pupils, and, having made them eager to see the Buddha, died, and was reborn in the Brahma-world. Later, he appeared before them, inspiring them to greater exertions.¹