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A grove at Macchikāsanda, belonging to
Cittagahapati. Being pleased with the Elder
Mahānāma of Macchikāsanda, 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 Ambātakārāma, 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) (S.iv.288-91),
- Kāmabhū (who discoursed to Citta on
various topics) (S.iv.291-5), and
- Godatta (S.iv.295-7).
- The Elder Lakuntaka Bhaddiya also
lived there, in solitude, wrapt in meditation (Thag.v.466).
Behind Ambataka was Migapathaka,
which was Citta's tributary village (SA.iii.93) (v.l. Ambālavana).

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