He belonged to a brahmin family of Vesāli, and was named Gandimitta (v.l. Kaṇhamitta). Much struck by the Buddha when he came to Vesāli, he joined the Order under Mahā-Kaccāyana. Because he was dull of insight and depended too much on his colleagues, he was called Valliya (creeper), like the ivy which must lean on something in order to grow. Later, following the advice of Venudatta Thera, he developed insight.

In the time of Sumedha Buddha he was a rich brahmin, well versed in learning. Later, he renounced eight hundred million of wealth, and, after becoming an ascetic, lived on a river bank. There the Buddha visited him, and, seated on an antelope skin, taught the Doctrine. The ascetic paid him great honour and gave him mangoes and perfume and flowers.

In the Apadāna verses, quoted in ThagA., it is said that Valliya was born in the city of Vebhāra, built by Vissakamma, and that he left the household at the age of five. ThagA.i.292 f; two verses addressed by him to Venudatta are included in the Thag. (167-8).

He is probably identical with Candanamāliya Thera of the Apadāna. Ap.ii.423 f.