Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c37.5

v2.c37.5

1. Hamsa Jātaka (No. 502).—Once Khemā, wife of King Bahuputtaka of Benares, dreamed of a golden goose preaching the Law and craved for her dream to come true. The king had a lake, called Khemā, dug outside the city, and put it into it various kinds of food in order to entice the golden geese which lived in Cittakūṭa. They came, led by Dhataraṭṭha the Bodhisatta, who was caught in the snare laid by the king’s hunter. The Bodhisatta gave the alarm, and all the geese fled except Sumukha, his captain, who refused to leave him even though told to do so. When the hunter came, Sumukha persuaded him to let Dhataraṭṭha free and to take him instead. The hunter agreed, but when the Bodhisatta heard of the reason for his capture, he, too, insisted on going before the king. Both geese were, therefore, led before the king, who was overjoyed. Dhataraṭṭha preached the Law and the queen’s craving was appeased; the geese were then allowed to fly away.