Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.311

v2.c36.311

1. Saṅkicca Thera.—He was born in a very eminent brahmin family of Sāvatthi. His mother died just before his birth and was cremated, but he was found unburnt on the funeral pyre.¹ The men who burnt his mother’s body, turning the pyre over with sticks, pierced the womb and injured the pupil of the child’s eye. Hence his name (Saṅkunā chinnakkhikoṭitāya = Saṅkicco). When he was discovered, they consulted soothsayers, who told them that if he lived in the household seven generations would be impoverished, but if he became a monk he would be the leader of five hundred. At the age of seven he came to know of his mother’s death and expressed a wish to join the Order. His guardians agreeing to this, he was ordained under Sāriputta. He won arahantship in the Tonsure-hall.²