He belonged to a rich family in Sāvatthi, and having heard the Buddha teach, became a Stream-winner. When a son was born to him he joined the Order and took to meditating in the forest. Later he dwelt in a charnel-field near Sāvatthi. There he was visited by his wife and child who hoped to win him back, but, seeing them from afar, he made a special effort and became an Arahant, teaching his wife as she approached (Thag.vs.299-302; ThagA.i.395 f).

Thirty-one world-cycles ago he was a tree-sprite, and having seen the Pacceka Buddha Sudassana, gave him a kuṭaja-flower. He is probably identical with Kuṭajapupphiya Thera of the Apadāna. (ii.451; the same verses are also ascribed to Hārita).