Grammatical Analysis
Saddhammapajjotikā: [f.] The Illuminator of the True Dhamma. Formed by saddhamma (true doctrine) + pajjotikā (illuminating, lighting up).
Orthodox Definition
The Saddhammapajjotikā is the commentary on the Niddesa (both the Mahāniddesa and Cūḷaniddesa). It was authored by Venerable Upasena, a monk who resided at the Mahāvihāra in Sri Lanka.
Because the Niddesa itself is already a canonical commentary (attributed to Sāriputta) on the archaic Suttanipāta, Upasena’s work functions essentially as a sub-commentary to Sāriputta’s exegesis. Upasena clarifies the ancient etymologies and Abhidhammic lists that Sāriputta used, ensuring that the precise Mahāvihāra interpretations of these extremely difficult texts were not lost.
Textual References
- Subject Matter: Commentary on the Niddesa.
- Author Note: Upasena states he wrote the commentary at the request of a monk named Deva, drawing upon the ancient Sinhalese traditions.