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abb

Ambāṭakavana

A grove at Macchikāsaṇḍa, belonging to Cittagahapati. Being pleased with the Elder Mahānāma of Macchikāsaṇḍa, Citta invited him to a meal, and after listening to his discourse, gave the grove to the Order. At the dedication of the gift the earth trembled. Later he built a splendid monastery there, the Ambāṭakārāma, for the use of monks from all parts (AA.i.209; DhA.ii.74). It became the residence of large numbers of monks, and discussions often took place there between Cittagahapati and the resident bhikkhus (S.iv.281-97).

Among eminent Elders who visited the place were

• Isidatta of Avanti (who answered Citta’s questions regarding the reason for the existence of various views in the world) (S.iv.283-8),
• Mahaka (who, by his magic powers, produced rain and thunderstorms and later showed a special miracle to Citta) (S.iv.288-91),
• Kāmabhū (who discoursed to Citta on various topics) (S.iv.291-5), and
• Godatta (S.iv.295-7).
• The Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya also lived there, in solitude, wrapt in meditation (Thag.v.466).

Behind Ambāṭaka was Migapathaka, which was Citta’s tributary village (SA.iii.93) (v.l. Ambāḷavana).

Dictionary of Pāli Proper Names • G.P. Malalasekera