Pahārāda.– An Asura chief (D.ii.259). Buddhaghosa says (AA.ii.758) he was one of the three leaders of the Asurā, the others being Vepacitti and Rāhu. He first conceived a wish to see the Buddha on the day of the Enlightenment; but this wish was not fulfilled until eleven years later, when he visited the Buddha at Verañjā. The conversation that then took place is recorded in the Pahārāda Sutta (q.v.)
Pahārāda Sutta.– Taught at the Naḷerupucimanda in Verañjā where Pahārāda (q.v.) visited the Buddha. In answer to a question, Pahārāda tells the Buddha that there are eight wonderful characteristics of the ocean, on account of which Asurā delight in it. The Buddha tells him of eight similar qualities in his own teaching and discipline, wherefore monks find joy in them. A.iv.197 ff.