02 Visākhā, Builder of Pubbārāma Monastery

Visākhā, who aspired under Buddha Padumuttara to be a foremost lay donor, was born into a family of great merit in Bhaddiya. At age seven, she attained Stream-entry after hearing the Buddha teach. She later married Puṇṇavaḍḍhana in Sāvatthī, where her wisdom and virtue were so profound that she converted her father-in-law, Migāra, who then called her "mother." Her life was marked by unparalleled generosity; she famously sold her invaluable bridal gown for 90 million to fund the construction of the Pubbārāma (Eastern Monastery) for the Saṅgha, with Ven. Moggallāna supervising the project. The donation ceremony lasted four months and cost another 90 million. Renowned for her strength, beauty, and 8,000 great-grandchildren, she earned the Buddha's declaration as the foremost female lay disciple in generosity.