Husband of Dhammadinnā. He was a rich merchant of Rājagaha and accompanied Bimbisāra on his visit to the Buddha, who was then at Rājagaha for the first time after his Enlightenment. Visākha, on that occasion, became a Stream-winner, after hearing the Buddha teach; he later became a Once-returner, and then a Non-returner. After he became a Non-returner his behaviour to his wife completely changed, and when he explained the reason to her, offering her all his wealth and freedom to do as she wished, she asked his leave to join the Order. Visākha informed Bimbisāra of her wish, and, at his request, the king ordered that the city be decked in her honour on the day of her renunciation and that she be taken to the nunnery in a golden palanquin.

After Dhammadinnā had joined the Order, she left the city and retired into the country, returning to Rājagaha after she had attained Arahantship. Visākha, hearing of her return, visited her at the nunnery and asked her various questions regarding the Buddha’s teachings, all of which she answered (MA.i.514 f; ThigA.15, 19). Their conversation is recorded in the Cūḷavedalla Sutta (M.i.299 f; cf. DhA.iv.229 f; AA.i.197). Visākha then visited the Buddha and reported their conversation to him, winning the Buddha’s praises for Dhammadinnā.

In the time of Phussa Buddha, Visākha and Dhammadinnā had been husband and wife. (For details see PvA.20 ff; of. KhpA.202 f; DhA.i.86 f. AA.i.144 f ) Visākha had been the treasurer, appointed by the three sons of Jayasena, in charge of the provisions given by them for the almsgiving held in honour of Phussa Buddha and his monks.

Visākha is mentioned (SA.iii.223) as one of the seven lay disciples in the time of the Buddha who had each five hundred followers.