Who was the Buddha's chief disciple (foremost in wisdom)?

The Buddha’s chief disciple, foremost in wisdom, was Sariputta (Pali: Sāriputta). He shared the position of chief male disciple with Mahāmoggallāna, who was renowned instead for psychic powers.

Sariputta was born Upatissa and became a spiritual wanderer with his close friend Kolita, later known as Mahāmoggallāna. After hearing a short teaching from the Buddha’s disciple Assaji, Upatissa attained stream-entry and brought the teaching to Kolita. Both friends then joined the Buddha’s community.

Buddhist texts portray Sariputta as exceptionally analytical, disciplined and skilled at explaining doctrine. He was given the title “General of the Dhamma” and often helped organize the monastic community, instruct new monks and clarify difficult teachings. Tradition says he attained arahantship two weeks after ordination.

A common mix-up is to call Sariputta the Buddha’s only chief disciple. The traditional pairing matters: Sariputta represented supreme wisdom, while Mahāmoggallāna represented extraordinary meditative powers. Sariputta is also frequently depicted seated at the Buddha’s right side.