A nun, one of four sisters who all joined the Order, the others being Nandā, Nandavatī, and Sundarī-Nandā.

Thullanandā appears to have had charge of a large company of nuns, all of whom followed her in various malpractices (Vin.iv.211.239, 240, 280).

Thullanandā was well-versed in the Doctrine and was a clever teacher. Pasenadi, king of Kosala, is mentioned as having come on two occasions to hear her teach, and was so pleased with her eloquence that he allowed her to persuade him to give her the costly upper garments he was wearing (Vin.iv.254-256).

She was greedy for possessions, and was later accused of misappropriating gifts intended for other nuns (Vin.iv.245-246, 258).

She was fond of the company of men, and frequented streets and cross-roads unattended that she might not be hindered in her intrigues with men (Vin.iv.270, 273).

She seems to have regarded with sympathy women who succumbed to temptation and to have tried to shield them from discovery (Vin.iv.216, 225, 230 f).

She bribed dancers and singers to sing her praises. She could brook no rival, and especially disliked Bhaddā, whom she deliberately annoyed on more than one occasion (Vin.iv.283, 285, 287, 290, 292).

She was fractious and would wish for something, but when that was procured for her, would say it was something else she really wanted (Vin.iv.248, 250).

She was evidently an admirer of Ānanda, and was greatly offended on hearing that Mahā-Kassapa had called Ānanda “boy,” and gave vent to her displeasure at what she considered Kassapa’s presumption. However, we are told that soon after that she left the Order (S.ii.219 ff ).

She befriended Ariṭṭha when he was cast out of the Order (Vin.iv.218). The Suvaṇṇahaṃsa Jātaka was related in reference to her, and she is identified with the brahmin’s wife of the story (J.i.474 f).