Pancapapa, Pañcapāpā: 1 definition

Introduction:

Pancapapa means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Daughter of a poor man of Benares. Her hands, feet, mouth, eyes and nose were hideous, hence her name (the Five Defects); but her touch was ecstatic. The reason of all this was that in a previous birth she had given clay to a Pacceka Buddha with which to tidy his dwelling, but, on first sight, she had looked angrily at him.

One day she happened to touch Baka, king of Benares, and he became infatuated with her. He visited her home in disguise and married her. Later, wishing to make her his chief consort, but fearing the mockery of others because of her ugliness, he devised a plan by which the citizens should become aware of her divine touch.

Afterwards, owing to the jealousy of the other queens, she was cast adrift in a vessel and claimed by King Pavariya. Baka, hearing of this, wished to fight Pavariya, but they agreed to compromise, and from that time Pancapapa lived for a week at a time in the house of each king. The story forms one of the tales related by Kunala, who is identified with Baka. J.v.440ff.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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