MAHA PAJAPATI GOTAMI REQUESTING FOR PERMISSION FROM THE BUDDHA TO ESTABLISH THE ORDER OF NUNS (BHIKKUNI SASANA).

The Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sasana) was founded in the fifth year of the Buddha's Enlightenment. After the death of King Suddhodana, Maha Pajapati Gotami, who was His former foster mother desirous of joining the Order, approached the Buddha who was then residing at Kapilavathu and begged permission for women to be admitted into the Order. After hearing and turning down their pleas, the Buddha returned to Vesali for the Rains Retreat. Undaunted by the rebuff, Maha Pajapati Gotami cut off her hair and wearing yellow garments went on foot to Vesali, accompanied by many other Sakyan ladies. They stood outside the porch of the Pinnacled Great Hall in Mahavana where the Buddha was residing. Interceded by Venerable Ananda, the Buddha finally consented to establish the Bhikkhuni Sasana when Maha Pajapati Gotami and other Sakyan ladies agreed to observe the Eight Disciplinary Rules for nuns. Henceforth Maha Pajapati Gotami and other Sakyan ladies were admitted into the Order. Later, the Nuns Khema and Uppalavanna were appointed the two Chief Female Disciples; as were Sariputta and Moggalana the two Chief Male Disciples.