Ambāṭakavana
v.l. Ambāḷavana.– A grove at Macchikāsaṇḍa, belonging to Cittagahapati. Being pleased with the elder Mahānāma of Macchikāsaṇḍa, Citta invited him to a meal, and after listening to his discourse, gave the grove to the Order. At the dedication of the gift the earth trembled. Later he built a splendid monastery there, the Ambāṭakārāma, for the use of monks from all parts (AA.i.209; DhA.ii.74). It became the residence of large numbers of monks, and discussions often took place there between Cittagahapati and the resident bhikkhus (S.iv.281‑97).
Among eminent Elders who visited the place were:
- Isidatta of Avanti (who answered Citta’s questions regarding the reason for the existence of various views in the world) (S.iv.283‑8),
- Mahaka (who, by his magic powers, produced rain and thunderstorms and later showed a special miracle to Citta). See Mahaka Sutta (S.iv.288‑91),
- Kāmabhū (who discoursed to Citta on various topics) (S.iv.291‑5), and
- Godatta (S.iv.295‑7).
- The elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya also lived there, in solitude, wrapt in meditation (Thag.v.466).
Behind Ambāṭaka was Migapathaka, which was Citta’s tributary village (SA.iii.93)