Mahānāma
Mahānāma. A Sakyan nobleman and cousin of the Gautama Buddha.[1]
Mahānāma was a devoted follower of the Buddha and wished to understand the Doctrine. The texts record several conversations between him and the Buddha, and Ananda, Godha, and Lomasavangīsa (see Mahānāma Sutta and Lomasavangisa).[1]
Mahānāma had a daughter Vāsābhakhattiyā, born to him by a slave-girl named Nāgamundā, and when Pasenadi asked the Sākiyans to give him in marriage a Sākiyan maiden they met in the Mote Hall, and, following the advice of Mahānāma, sent Vāsabhakhattiyā to him. In order to allay any suspicions, Mahānāma sat down to a meal with her, taking one mouthful from the same dish; but before he could swallow it a messenger arrived, as secretly arranged, and summoned him away. He left, asking Vāsabhakhattiyā to continue her meal (DhA.i.345f.; J.i.133; iv. 145f).[1]
See also the Cūla Dukkhakkhandha Sutta and Sekha Sutta, both preached to Mahānāma.