Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c38.378

v2.c38.378

The best known of all Nāgas is Mahākāla, king of Mañjerika-bhavana (q.v.). He lives for a whole kappa, and is a very pious follower of the Buddha. The Nāgas of his world had the custodianship of a part of the Buddha's relics till they were needed for the Mahā Thūpa (Mhv. xxxi. 27 f.), and when the Bodhi-tree was being brought to Ceylon they did it great honour during the voyage (Mbv. p. 153 f.). Other Nāga kings are also mentioned as ruling with great power and majesty and being converted to the Buddha's faith—e.g., Aravāla, Apalāla, Erapatta, Nandopananda, and Paṇṇaka. (See also Ahicchatta and Ahināga.) In the Āṭānāṭiya Sutta (D. iii. 198 f.), speaking of dwellers of the Cātummahārajika world, the Nāgas are mentioned as occupying the Western Quarter, with Virūpakkha as their king.