Devadaha

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Devadaha was a township of the Sākiyans (nowadays Nepal). It is near Kapilvastu. The Buddha stayed there during his tours and preached to the monks on various topics[1]. According to the Commentaries[2] it was the city of birth of the Buddha's mother (Mayadevi), and of Pajāpatī Gotamī and their companions, who married the Sākiyans of Kapilavatthu.

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[edit] Origin of the name

The name 'Devadaha' was originally that of a lake, so called either because kings held their sports in it (Pali: devā vuccanti rājāno tesam mangaladaho), or because it came into existence without human intervention, hence divine (Pali: sayañjāto vā so daho, tasmā pi Devadaho). The name was later transferred to the village nearby[3]. According to the Dulva (Rockhill, p.12), the city was founded by Sākiyans from Kapilavatthu, when they grew very numerous. The spot was pointed out by a deva, hence its name.

[edit] Related places and persons

The Lumbinīvana, where the Buddha was born, was near Devadaha.

Suppabuddha of Devadaha was a contemporary of Suddhodana (p.14).

Devadaha was the residence of Devadaha Sakka (Mhv.ii.17; MT.87) and of Pakkha Thera (ThagA.i.114).

[edit] References

  1. ^ S.iii.5f; iv.124f; M.ii.214
  2. ^ J.i.52; BuA.226; MA.ii.924, 1021, etc; ThigA.182
  3. ^ SA.ii.186; also MA.ii.810

[edit] External links

Entry on Devadaha in the Pali Dictionary of Proper Names