1. Visákha. Husband of Dhammadinná. He was a rich merchant of Rájagaha and accompanied Bimbisára on his visit to the Buddha, who was then at Rájagaha for the first time after his Enlightenment. Visákha, on that occasion, became a sotápanna, after hearing the Buddha preach; he later became a sakadágámí and then an anágámí. After he became an anágámí his behaviour to his wife completely changed, and when he explained to her the reason, offering her all his wealth and freedom to do as she wished, she asked his leave to join the Order. Visákha informed Bimbisára of her wish, and, at his request, the king ordered that the city be decked in her honour on the day of her renunciation and that she be taken to the nunnery in a golden palanquin.
After Dhammadinná had joined the Order, she left the city and retired into the country, returning to Rájagaha after she had attained arahantship. Visákha, hearing of her return, visited her at the nunnery and asked her various questions regarding the Buddha's teachings, all of which she answered (MA.i.514f.; ThigA.15, 19). Their conversation is recorded in the Culla Vedalla Sutta (M.i.299f.; cf. DhA.iv.229f.; AA.i.197). Visákha then visited the Buddha and reported their conversation to him, winning the Buddha's praises for Dhammadinná.
In the time of Phussa Buddha, Visákha and Dhammadinná had been husband and wife. (For details see PvA.20ff.; of. KhpA.202f.; DhA.i.86f. AA.i.144f.) Visákha had been the treasurer, appointed by the three sons of Jayasena, in charge of the provisions given by them for the almsgiving held in honour of Phussa Buddha and his monks.
Visákha is mentioned (SA.iii.223) as one of the seven lay disciples in the time of the Buddha who had each five hundred followers.
2. Visákha. Called Pańcáliputta. He was son of a provincial governor (mandalikarájá) of Magadha, and was called Pańcáliputta because his mother was the daughter of the Pańcála king. (AA.ii.511 calls him the son of Pańcálibráhmaní). He succeeded his father, and, hearing one day that the Buddha had arrived near his village, he visited him, heard him preach and joined the Order. He then accompanied the Buddha to Sávatthi, where he became an arahant. Later, out of compassion, he visited his relations.
One day he was asked how many qualities were necessary to a man in order that he should be considered a skilful preacher of the Dhamma. Visákha's answer is included in the Theragáthá (Thag. vs. 209 10; ThagA.i.331f).
Fourteen kappas ago he was a poor householder, and one day, while searching in the forest for fruit, he saw a Pacceka Buddha and offered him a vallí fruit. He is evidently to be identified with Valliphaladáyaka of the Apadána (Ap.i.296).
Visákha was evidently a clever and arresting preacher, and the books mention that the Buddha heard him preach and praised him. S.ii.280; A.ii.51.
3. Visákha Thera. He was a rich householder of Pátaliputta who, hearing that there were many shrines in Ceylon, made over his property to his family and left home with one single coin wrapt in the hem of his garment. He had to spend one month at the port waiting for a ship, and, during that time, made one thousand by his skill in trade. Arrived at the Mahávihára, he asked to be ordained, and when, at the time of his ordination, the money was discovered, he distributed it among those who were present. After five years he set out travelling, and, with the help of a devatá, found his way to Cittalapabbata vihára, where he stayed for four months. As he was about to leave, the devatá of the jambu tree which stood at the head of his cankamana appeared before him weeping, and explained that while the Thera was there the nonhumans lived in peace, but that when he had gone they would start quarrelling and talking loudly. Several times he tried to leave but was thus prevented, until, at last, he became an arahant and died there. Vsm.i.312f; the story is referred to at AA.ii.865.
4. Visákha. One of the chief lay supporters of Mangala Buddha. Bu.v.25.
5. Visákha. One of the chief lay supporters of Phussa Buddha. Bu.xix.21.
6. Visákha. A minister of Dutthagámani. He and Sirideva were in charge of the arrangements for the Foundation Ceremony of the Mahá Thúpa. MT. 517.
7. Visákha. See also Vesákha.