Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.3432

v2.c36.3432

It is said² that Suciloma was a lay follower of Kassapa Buddha and used to visit the vihāra eight times a month to hear the Dhamma. One day, when he heard the gong announcing the preaching, he was working in a field near the vihāra, and thinking he would be late if he stayed to wash, he entered the uposatha-hall, where he lay on a very costly rug. As a result of this action, the hairs of his body resembled needles—hence his name. At the end of the Buddha's sermon Suciloma became a sotāpanna.