A man and his wife, householders of Sumsumáragiri in the Bhagga-country. When the Buddha visited the village and stayed at Bhesakalávana, they went to see him. They immediately fell at his feet, calling him "son" and asking why he had been so long away. It is said that they had been the Bodhisatta's parents for five hundred births and his near relations for many more. The Buddha preached to them and they became sotápannas. The Buddha visited their village once more when they were old. They entertained him, telling of their devotion to each other in this life and asking for a teaching which should keep them likewise together in after-life. The Buddha referred to this in the assembly of the Sangha, declaring them to be the most intimate companions (vissásiká) among his disciples. (A.I.26, A.II.61f, AA.i.216f, 246; ii.514; SA.ii.182)
Once, when Nakulapitá lay grievously ill, his wife noticed that he was fretful with anxiety. She assured him there was no need for anxiety on his part, either on behalf of her or his children. She spoke with such conviction that Nakulapitá regained his composure of mind and grew well. Later he visited the Buddha and told him of this, and was congratulated by the Buddha on having such an excellent wife. (A.III.295ff)
The Samayutta Nikaya (S.3.1, S.4.116; A.IV.268) contains records of conversations between Nakulapitá and the Buddha. Both husband and wife are mentioned in lists of eminent disciples. (A.iii.465; A.iv.348).
It is said that' Nakulapitá's desire for eminence was first conceived in the time of Padamuttara Buddha. He was then a householder of Hamsavati, and was present at an assembly where the Buddha declared someone to be chief of the vissásikas. A.I.216.
The first chapter of the Khandha Samyutta. S.3.1-21.
Nakulapitá visits the Buddha at Bhesakalávana and asks for a teaching to comfort him since he is now old and always ailing. The Buddha advises him to train his mind. Nakulapitá, then visits Sáiriputta and asks him to explain the Buddha's teaching on this point. Sáiputta explains in detail that training of the mind implies the getting rid of thoughts of self with regard to the khandhas. S.iii.1 ff.
Nakulapitá visits the Buddha at Bhesakalávana and asks him why some beings are wholly set free in this very life, while others are not. This has to do with grasping, says the Buddha, and then proceeds to explain it. S. iv. 107, 116.