Khitaka Thera
Khitaka Thera:1.Khitaka Thera.-An arahant.He was born in a brahmin family in Sāvatthi,and having heard of the supernormal powers of Mahā Moggallāna entered the Order,wishing to attain to a like proficiency.He developed sixfold abhiññā and great supernormal powers.
In the time of Padumuttara Buddha he was a yakkha chief,and when he saw the Buddha and greeted him,the Buddha,to his great joy,preached to him.Eighty kappas ago he became king under the name of Sumangala (Thag.v.104; ThagA.i.209f).He is probably identical with Supāricariya of the Apadāna.Ap.i.181.
2.Khitaka Thera.-An arahant.He was born in a brahmin family of Kosala and,having heard the Buddha preach,entered the Order,in due course winning arahantship.Later he dwelt in the forest,stirring enthusiasm in the forest-dwelling monks.
In the time of Vipassī Buddha he was a park-keeper,and having seen the Buddha going through the air offered him a coconut fruit,which the Buddha stopped to accept (Thag.vv.191-2; ThagA.315f).
He is probably identical with Nālikeradāyaka Thera of the Apadāna (Ap.ii.447f).His Apadāna verses are also found under the name of Kundala Thera.ThagA.i.72.