Overview
Mirroring the structure of the male order, the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha features its own two designated Chief Female Disciples (Aggasāvikā). They were appointed by the Buddha to manage the legal administration of the female community, provide education to incoming nuns, and serve as the premier models of realization.
The List
- Khemā: The Chief Female Disciple on the Right. Formerly a gorgeous royal queen attached to her beauty, she was converted when the Buddha conjured a vision of a beautiful maiden aging and decaying before her eyes. She was supreme in sharp wisdom (Paññā).
- Uppalavaṇṇā: The Chief Female Disciple on the Left. Named for her beautiful complexion resembling a blue lotus flower, she went forth and mastered the jhānas, being declared supreme in psychic powers (Iddhividha) among the nuns.
Textual References
- Canonical: Etadagga Vagga (AN 1) – The Buddha designates Khemā and Uppalavaṇṇā as the ultimate benchmarks for all nuns to emulate.