Kauśīdyavīryotsāhanāvadāna

This manuscript contains the first chapter of Avadānaratnamālā text, a collection of stories about the previous Buddhas. It is written in a dialogue format between Sage Upagupta and King Aśoka. The first chapter is called Kauśīdyavīryotsāhanāvadāna. It tells the story of a wealthy man, Putraka, and his son, Nanda, who suffered from anemia. Despite his condition, Nanda mastered many sciences and became devout. In search of a cure, Putraka sought help from his guru, a Tīrthika named Pūraṇa, who promised that Nanda would recover if six sages, including himself, appeared before him. However, Nanda remained bedridden and did not greet the sages. The situation grew desperate, and then Lord Buddha intervened by sending golden rays to Nanda, lifting his spirits. Nanda recovered, got up, and greeted the Lord, who blessed him with a sandalwood stick. Buddha told Nanda that striking the stick would bring wealth. Later, Nanda traveled for trade, gained riches, and invited Buddha to a feast. After the meal, when Buddha smiled, Ānanda asked why. Buddha responded that Nanda would eventually become a great Sugata, named Kauśigha. (Mitra, 1882, pp. 197-198).