He belonged to a poor brahmin family of Sāvatthi, and was so called because at birth he was wrapped in an antelope skin. He saw the presentation of Jetavana and, impressed by the majesty of the Buddha, joined the Order and later became an Arahant. However, because of past misdeeds he remained unhonoured and unknown, and on this account was despised by worldly novices (Thag.129-30; ThagA.i.250 f).

He is evidently to be identified with Ghatamaṇḍadāyaka Thera of the Apadāna (Ap.ii.436). In a previous birth he gave butter as medicine to the Pacceka Buddha, Sucintita.