01 Ven. Mahā Pajāpatī Gotamī

Mahā Pajāpati Gotamī’s spiritual journey began during the era of Buddha Padumuttara, where she aspired to become the foremost senior nun. Across past existences—notably as a head water-carrier and a weaver—she led others in performing meritorious deeds, such as providing shelter and fine robes to Paccekabuddhas. In her final rebirth as a Sakyan princess, she married King Suddhodana and became Buddha Gotama’s stepmother and devoted nurse after Queen Mahā Māyā’s death. Following Suddhodana’s passing, she led 500 Sakyan women on foot to Vesālī to request ordination. Supported by Venerable Ānanda, the Buddha admitted her through the eight principal vows, establishing the female Saṅgha. She subsequently attained Arahatship and was declared foremost among nuns of long standing.