Amrapali
Amrapali | |
|---|---|
Amrapali greets Buddha", ivory carving, National Museum of New Delhi | |
| Born | c. 500 BCE |
| Died | |
| Occupation | Nagaravadhu (royal courtesan) of the republic of Vaishali |
| Known for | Early follower of Gautama Buddha |
Āmrapālī, also known as "Ambapālika", "Ambapali", or "Amra" was a celebrated nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) of the Republic of Vaishali (located in present-day Bihar) in ancient India around 500 BC. Amrapali also won the title of rajnartaki (court dancer). Following the Buddha's teachings, she became an arahant. She is mentioned in the old Pali texts and Buddhist traditions (āgama sutras), particularly in conjunction with the Buddha staying at her mango grove, Ambapali vana, which she later donated to his order and wherein he preached the famous Ambapalika Sutra.