He belonged to a Sakyan family of Kapilavatthu, and was called Nandiya because his birth brought bliss. He left the world at the same time as Anuruddha, Kimbila and the others, and he soon attained Arahantship. Thereafter he dwelt with his companions in the Pācīnavaṃsadāya (Vin.i.350 f. It was to them that the Upakkilesa Sutta was taught, M.iii.155. Later, they seem to have lived in the Gosiṅgasālavanadāya, M.i.205). It is said that Māra appeared before him in a terrible form, but Nandiya drove him away.

In the time of Padumuttara Buddha, Nandiya built an altar of sandalwood at the Buddha’s cetiya and held great celebrations. Fifteen world-cycles ago Nandiya was eight times born as king under the name of Samatta (Samagga) (Thag.25; ThagA.82 f ) He is probably identical with Saparivāriya (q.v.) of the Apadāna (i.172).

According to the Mahāvastu (iii.177) Nandiya (Nandika) was the son of Sukrodana.

He was a special friend of Kimbila. ThagA.i.276.