1. Rakkhita Thera. He was born in a noble Sākyan family of Vedehanigama (? Devadaha) and was one of the five hundred youths given by the Sākyan and Koliyan chiefs to provide an escort to the Buddha, as an acknowledgement of his having prevented war between them. When the Buddha preached the Kunāla Jātaka, Rakkhita, realizing the dangers of sensuality, developed insight, and later became an arahant.

In the time of Padumuttara Buddha he heard the Buddha preach and praised his eructation (Thag.79; ThagA.i.173). He is evidently identical with Sobhita Thera of the Apadāna. Ap.i.163f.

2. Rakkhita Thera. He was sent to the Vanavāsa country to convert it at the end of the Third Council. Floating in the air amid the people, he preached the Anamatagga Samyutta. Sixty thousand people embraced the new religion and thirty seven thousand joined the Order, five hundred vihāras being founded. Mhv.xii.4, 31ff.; Dpv.viii.7; Sp.i.63, 66.

Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, G P Malalasekera (1899-1973), which is available as printed version from

Rakkhita Thera. See Buddharakkhita.

Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, G P Malalasekera (1899-1973), which is available as printed version from