He was born in the family of a kinsman of Sāriputta and was given his name because he was a dullard. He heard Sāriputta preach, entered the Order, and became an arahant.
In the time of Padumuttara Buddha he was a brahmin, who became an ascetic. One day he saw the Buddha begging for alms and filled his bowl with sweet fruits. Seven hundred kappas ago he was a king, named Sumangala (Thag.vs.75; ThagA.i.167). He is evidently identical with Phaladāyaka of the Apadāna. Ap.i.160f.