[150] In the city of Bandhumatī I was a carrier of water; I made my living by carrying water, and by that I supported my children.
And I had nothing fit to offer (deyyadhamma) to the unsurpassed field of merit (puññakkhetta); so, going to the gatehouse (koṭṭhaka), I set up [a supply of] water there.
By that deed well performed I went to Tāvatiṃsa; there a well-made mansion (byamha) was mine, created by that carrying of water.
Then indeed I was the foremost of a thousand celestial nymphs (accharā); in ten respects I then surpassed them all.
I held the rank of chief queen (mahesī) to fifty deva-kings; I held the rank of chief queen to twenty universal monarchs (cakkavatti).
I transmigrate through two states of existence only — the divine and then the human; I know of no bad destination: this is the fruit of the gift of water.
On a mountain peak or on a treetop, in the sky or on the ground — whenever I wish for water, quickly do I obtain it.
Should there be a region without rain, and I be scorched and parched, then, perceiving my intention, a great cloud pours down rain.
Sometimes, when I was being escorted along by the company of my relatives, whenever I wished for rain, a great cloud would arise.
Neither heat nor burning distress is found in my body, nor is there dust upon my person: this is the fruit of the gift of water.
Today, pure in mind, rid of evil of mind, with all taints (āsava) utterly destroyed, there is now no renewed existence.
In the ninety-first aeon from now I did that deed; [since then] I know of no bad destination: this is the fruit of the gift of water.
My defilements have been burnt away; all states of existence have been extirpated; like a cow-elephant that has burst her bonds, I dwell free of taints.
Welcome indeed was my coming into the presence of the best of Buddhas! The three true knowledges (vijjā) have been attained; the Buddha's teaching has been done.
The four analytic insights (paṭisambhidā), and also these eight liberations (vimokkha), and the six superknowledges (chaḷabhiññā) have been realized; the Buddha's teaching has been done.
Thus indeed did the bhikkhunī Udakadāyikā speak these verses.
The Apadāna of the Therī Udakadāyikā is concluded.
Summary (Uddāna)
Sumedhā, the giver of the girdle, the pavilion, likewise the crossing;
Naḷamālinī, the giver of alms-food, the givers of the ladleful and of lotuses;
and the givers of the lamps and of water — the verses counted here
are one hundred verses, and seventeen beyond that.
The Sumedhā Chapter, the first.
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The Second Chapter: The Ekuposatha Chapter
First: The Apadāna of the Therī Ekuposathikā (11)
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.