According to Buddhist tradition, Sariputta was known as the foremost in wisdom among the Buddha’s disciples.
Sariputta, also called Shariputra in Sanskrit, was one of the Buddha’s two chief male disciples. Early Buddhist texts praise him for his deep understanding of the teaching and identify him as the disciple foremost in wisdom. His close companion and fellow chief disciple was Moggallana, traditionally regarded as foremost in supernatural abilities.
Sariputta first encountered the Buddha’s teaching through the monk Assaji, one of the original group of five. He then became a leading figure in the Buddha’s community and is frequently portrayed explaining doctrine to other monks.
Sariputta is sometimes confused with Ananda, who was renowned for memory and service, or Upali, who was associated with monastic discipline. His death is traditionally placed before the Buddha’s final passing.