He was born in a brahmin family of Bārāṇasī and entered the Order under Somamitta Thera, who encouraged him to attain Arahantship. In the story of Somamitta, however, Vimala is said to have been his teacher. For details see Somamitta. In the days of Padumuttara Buddha he was a householder, and, when the Buddha’s body was being carried to the pyre for cremation, amidst impressive celebrations, he offered sumana flowers in his honour. ThagA.i.377; three verses ascribed to him occur in Thag.vs.264-6.