He was the son of a Malla rājā of Pāvā. He joined the Order on the occasion of the Buddha’s first visit to Rājagaha and attained Arahantship together with his friends Godhika, Valliya, and Uttiya. Bimbisāra built a hut for them but forgot the roof; there was no rain until this defect had been made good (Thag.vs.52; ThagA.i.123 f).

Ninety-nine world-cycles ago Subāhu paid homage to Siddhattha Buddha. Thirty-seven world-cycles ago he was king sixteen times, under the name of Agada. He is perhaps identical with Ñāṇasaññaka of the Apadāna. Ap.i.140 f.