He belonged to a family of the Kaccānas in Magadha, and, having entered the Order, lived in a cave called Bheravā near the Himavā, engaged in meditation. One day there arose a great and unseasonable storm; the clouds massed up in the sky amid thunder and forked lightning. All creatures cried out in fear and trembling. However, Sambula, heedless of the noise and cooled by the storm, composed his mind, developed insight and became an Arahant. Then, filled with joy, he uttered a poem (Thag.vss.189-90).

Ninety-four world-cycles ago he had seen a Pacceka Buddha, named Sataraṃsi, just risen from samādhi and had given him a palm fruit (ThagA.i.313 f).

He is evidently identical with Tālaphaliya of the Apadāna. Ap.i.447.