One of the two chief disciples of Dhammadassí Buddha. J.i.39; Bu.xvi.18.
An eminent teacher of the Vinaya (Vin.v.3) in Ceylon. He was a contemporary of Upatissa, from whose views his own often differed. See Sp.i.263; ii.456, 495; iii. 651, 653; iv. 890.
An incumbent of Katakandhakára in Ceylon. He was among those taking part in the assemblies mentioned in Kuddálaka, Múgapakkha, Ayoghara and Hatthipála Játakas (J.iv. 490; vi. 30). Once Mára, assuming the form of the Buddha, tried to tempt him, but the Elder, seeing this form and deriving joy from its contemplation, became an arahant. Vsm. 263.
One of the chief warriors of Dutthagámaní. He was born in the village of Gavita and his father was Uppala. Once, having gone to the vihára with other boys, he saw a conch shell offered at the bodhi tree and blew on it. All those who heard him stood as if stunned, and he came to be called Ummáda Phussadeva. His father was an archer, and he himself became very skilled in this art (Mhv.xxiii.82f), the best archer in the island (Mhv.xxv.82). In Dutthagámaní's fight with Bhalluka, Phussadeva sat behind the king on the elephant and shot Bhalluka. His arrow grazed the king's ear, causing the blood to flow. In expiation, Phussadeva cut off the lobe of his own ear and showed it to the king. Later the king planted Phussadeva's arrow on the floor, and covering it to its full height with kahápanas, gave the money to Phussadeva. Ibid., 91 ff. See also Ras.ii.100f.