He was born in a noble Sakyan family of Vedehanigama (? Devadaha) and was one of the five hundred youths given by the Sakyan and Koliyan chiefs to provide an escort to the Buddha, as an acknowledgement of his having prevented war between them. When the Buddha taught the Kuṇāla Jātaka, Rakkhita, realising the dangers of sensuality, developed insight, and later became an Arahant.

In the time of Padumuttara Buddha he heard the Buddha teach and praised his eructation (Thag.79; ThagA.i.173). He is evidently identical with Sobhita Thera of the Apadāna. Ap.i.163 f.