P hussa, the eighteenth of the twenty-four Buddhas, was born in Sirima-uyyana in Kashi. The name of his father was Jayasena, who was a Khattiya noble. (According to Manorathapurani, a commentary on the Anguttara Nikaya the name of his father was Mahinda). His mother was Sirima. He had a sister named Ambapali; and three step-brothers: one was Uruvela Kassapa. He was married to Kisagotami who bore him a son named Ananda (also called Anupama).

His body was fifty-eight cubit high. He lived in three palaces, namely, Garuda, Hamsa and Suvannabhara for six thousand years. He then renounced the world riding on an elephant. He practised austerities for six years until he attained Enlightenment.

A merchant’s daughter, Sirivaddhaa, offered him milk-rice before his enlightenment under the amalaka (or amanda) tree; and an ascetic Sirivaddha presented him grass for his seat to be laid down under the tree.

His chief disciples were Sukhita and Dhammasena among the men; and Sala and Upasala among the women. His personal attendants were Sambhiya, Dhananjaya and Vishakha among men; and Paduma and Naga among the women. The two women were also his chief patrons.