He was the son of Bimbisára (Thag.vss.608-19). His brother, Ajátasattu, wished to kill him, but failed, owing to Sílavá's destiny. The Buddha, discerning all this, sent Moggallána to fetch Sílavá. The prince, seeing the Elder, descended from his elephant and did obeisance to the Buddha.
The Buddha preached to him, and he entered the Order, becoming an arahant. He lived in Kosala. Ajátasattu sent men to kill him; but Sílavá taught them and converted them, and they, too, entered the Order. ThagA.i.536f.