| J.519 |
Sambula Jaataka |
Sambula was the wife of Sotthisena, king of Benares, whose father was the Bodhisatva.
Sambula was very beautiful, but when Sotthisena caught leprosy, left his kingdom
and went into the forest, she went with him and tended him with great devotion. One
day, after fetching food from the forest, she went to bathe, and was drying herself
when she was seized by a yakkha who threatened to carry her away. By her power, Sakka’s
throne was heated and Sakka, coming with a thunderbolt, frightened the yakkha and
put him in chains. It was late when Sambula returned home, and Sotthisena, wishing
to test her love, refused to believe the story. She then performed an Act of Truth,
declaring that she was faithful and sprinkled water on Sotthisena. He was completely
healed and together they went to Benares where Sotthisena’s father was still king.
He made Sotthisena king and became an ascetic. Sotthisena gave himself up to pleasure
and neglected Sambula. The ascetic, returning, found her thin and miserable, and,
learning the reason, admonished Sotthisena. The story was related in reference to
Mallika’s great devotion to her husband. She is identified with Sambula and Pasenadi
with Sotthisena. |
61/489 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.v.088ff. |
loyalty, healing |