He was born in the family of a kinsman of Sáriputta and was given his name because he was a dullard. He heard Sáriputta preach, entered the Order, and became an arahant.
In the time of Padumuttara Buddha he was a brahmin, who became an ascetic. One day he saw the Buddha begging for alms and filled his bowl with sweet fruits. Seven hundred kappas ago he was a king, named Sumangala (Thag.vs.75; ThagA.i.167). He is evidently identical with Phaladáyaka of the Apadána. Ap.i.160f.