Buddhist Fables

Buddhist Classics

Life and Legends of Buddha

The Illustrated Jataka & Other Stories of the Buddha by C. B. Varma Introduction | Glossary | Bibliography

101 – Konagamana Buddha

Konagamana was the twenty-third Buddha, and the second among the five Buddhas born in the Bhadda Kappa (Aeon).

Born in Subhagavati Park in Sobhavati, the capital of king Sobha, he was the son of a Brahmin named Yannadatta. Uttara was his mother. His chief wife was Ruchigatta and Satthavaha was their son. He lived as a house-holder for three thousand years in three palaces: Tusita, Santusita and Santuttha. Then he renounced the worldly life by riding on an elephant. He practised austerities for six months. He accepted the milk-rice from a Brahmin woman Aggisoma; and the grass for his seat from Tinduka. His tree of Enlightenment was Udumbara. He preached his first sermon in Sudassana Nagara Park.

He died in Pabbatarama at the age of thirty thousand. His chief disciples among the monks were Bhiyya and Uttara; and Samudda and Uttaraa among the nuns. His chief attendant was Sotthiya. Ugga and Somadeva were his popular lay devotees among the men; and Sivala and Sama were the most popular devotees among the women.

When the Buddha was born, there followed a gold-shower all over the ancient India (Jambu dvipa). The Buddha was therefore called Kanakagamana, which in course of time became Konagamana. During his time Mount Vepulla of Rajgir was known as Vankaka; and the people of the region were called as Rohitassa.

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Konagamana Buddha on the panel Cave 17, Ajanta