Kings and Patrons

King Bimbisara of Magadha became a follower of the Buddha and offered a monastery near Rajgir, the capital of Magadha, which became very important historically for the development of the sangha. His son, King Ajatashatru also followed the Buddha’s teaching. The Buddha spent a great deal of time mainly in the region of Rajgir and Vaishali, moving from place to place and living on alms. King Prassenajit of Kosala was also a dedicated follower of the Buddha. The merchant Anathapindika offered Jetavana in Shrasvasti to the Buddha and his sangha of monks. It was at the grove of Jetavana that the Buddha and his monks spent 25 annual rain retreats. There were many female devotees of the Buddha including Amrapali, the renowned courtesan of Vaishali. She transformed her life after meeting the Buddha, transitioning from a celebrated, wealthy woman to an enlightened bhikkhuni (nun).