Vasuladatta, Vāsuladatta, Vāsuladattā: 1 definition
Introduction:
Vasuladatta 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 NamesA Naga of Manjerikabhavana. He was the nephew of Mahakala, and when Sonuttara went to the Naga world to obtain the Buddhas relics for the Maha Thupa, Mahakala signed to Vasuladatta to hide them. Vasuladatta assumed a huge Naga form, three hundred leagues long, with a head one league in extent, and having swallowed the casket containing the relics, lay down at the foot of Sineru. But Sonuttara, by his iddhi power, put his hand into the Nagas stomach and removed the invisible relics. Mhv.xxxi.52ff.
-- or --
Wife of Udena, king of Kosambi. She was the daughter of Candappajjota.
When Pajjota heard that Udenas splendour surpassed his own, he resolved to capture him. He was told that Udena could charm elephants with his magic lute, and had a wooden elephant made in which he placed sixty men. A woodsman was sent to inform Udena of the new elephant which had appeared in the forest, and he set out to capture it. The men inside the elephant caused it to run, and, in the course of the chase, Udena was separated from his retinue and taken captive.
For three days Pajjota feasted in celebration of his victory, and Udena asked him either to release him or order his death. Pajjota promised release if Udena would teach him the elephant charm; but Udena would teach only to one who paid him homage as a teacher, and this Pajjota would not do. Then Pajjota contrived that Udena should teach it to Vasuladatta. A curtain was hung between them, Udena was told that his pupil was a hunch backed woman of the court, while Udena was described to the princess as a leper who knew a priceless charm.
For many days Udena tried to teach the charm, but the princess could not learn it. In impatience, Udena said: Dunce of a hunchback, thy lips are too thick and thy cheeks too fat; Ive a mind to beat thy face in. And the princess replied: Villain of a leper, what meanest thou by calling me hunchback? Udena lifted the fringe of the curtain and they saw each other. From that moment they planned to escape and marry. There was no more learning of charms nor giving of lessons. When their plans were complete, Vasuladatta told her father that she needed a conveyance and the use of a gate in the city wall. To work the charm, she explained, a certain herb was necessary, which must be obtained at night, at a time indicated by the stars. Thus she secured the use of Pajjotas female elephant, Bhaddavati, and permission to use a certain door at any time.
And one
day, when Pajjota was out on pleasure, the two filled several bags with gold and
silver coins and they started off on Bhaddavati. The harem guards gave the alarm
and the king sent men in pursuit. Udena opened first a sack of gold and then one
of silver, scattering the coins, which delayed his pursuers, greedy for the
coins. He, meanwhile, 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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text: Sonuttara, Avanti, Bhaddavati, Udena, Pajjota.
Relevant text
Search found 5 books and stories containing Vasuladatta, Vāsuladatta, Vāsuladattā; (plurals include: Vasuladattas, Vāsuladattas, Vāsuladattās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Amaravati Art in the Context of Andhra Archaeology (by Sreyashi Ray chowdhuri)
The Story of Udayana and his Queens < [Chapter 3 - Amarāvatī and the Formative Stage of the Buddhist Art]
A Historical Study of Kaushambi (by Nirja Sharma)
Historical Background of Kaushambi < [Chapter 2]
Political History of Vatsa < [Chapter 2]
Mahavamsa (by Wilhelm Geiger)
The Great Chronicle of Buddhas (by Ven. Mingun Sayadaw)
Part 2 - The Story of Prince Bodhi < [Chapter 26 - The Buddha’s Eighth Vassa at the Town of Susumaragira]
Biography (3-4): Khujjuttarā and Sāmāvatī < [Chapter 45b - Life Stories of Female Lay Disciples]
The Buddha and His Disciples (by Venerable S. Dhammika)