He belonged to a wealthy family of Kosala and obtained his name ("Peerless") because of his beauty. When he came of age, urged by the workings of his upanissayakamina (efficient cause), he left the world and dwelt in the forest, practising insight. For some time his mind wandered, but later he put forth great effort and became an arahant (Thag.vv.213-14).
Thirty-seven kappas ago he had offered flowers to a Pacceka Buddha named Paduma (ThagA.i.334-6). He is evidently to be identified with Ankolapupphiya Thera of the Apadána i.287.