A class of devas. Their world ranks among the five foremost of the rupa-worlds, the Suddhāvāsā (D.ii.52; iii.237; M.iii.103).
Anāgāmīs are born in Avihā and there attain arahantship (ItA.40). Mention is made of seven persons who became arahants immediately after being born in the Avihā world: Upaka, Palaganda, Pukkusāti, Bhaddiya, Kundadeva, Bāhudanti and Pingiya (MA.ii.999).
The name Avihā means “not falling from prosperity” (attano sampattiyā na hāyantīti Avihā) (VibhA.521; DA.ii.480). The duration of life in Avihā is one thousand kappas (DA.iii.740). Uddhamsotas start their career from Avihā and end in Akanitthā (PsA.319; DhA.iii.289-90).
The Buddha once visited Avihā. D.ii.50-1.