Distinguished as Upāli-Gahapati. He lived at Nāḷandā and was a follower of Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta.

He was present when Dīghatapassī reported to Nāṭaputta an account of his visit to the Buddha in the Pāvārika Mango-grove. Upāli undertook to go himself to the Buddha and refute his views, in spite of the protestations of Dīghatapassī. At the end of his discussion with the Buddha, which is recorded in the Upāli Sutta, Upāli is converted and invites the Buddha to a meal. Although the Buddha enjoins upon Upāli that his benefactions to the Nigaṇṭhā should not cease because of his conversion, Upāli gives instructions that no Nigaṇṭha be admitted to his presence, but that if they need food it shall be given to them. Hearing a rumour of his conversion, first Tapassī, and later Nāṭaputta himself, go to Upāli’s house, where they learn the truth. When Nāṭaputta is finally convinced that Upāli has become a follower of the Buddha, hot blood gushes from his mouth (M.i.371 ff).

According to Buddhaghosa (MA.ii.621, 830), Nāṭaputta had to be carried on a litter to Pāvā, where he died shortly after.

Upāli became a Stream-winner (sotāpanna) (MA.ii.620).

He is mentioned, with Ānanda, Citta-gahapati, Dhammika-upāsaka and Khujjuttarā, as one who had acquired the four types of Analytical Knowledge (paṭisambhidā) while being yet a learner (sekha). Vism.ii.442; VibhA.388.