before the buddha attained enlightenment, there was a kingdom situated near gisa gi yi, now known as zinkyaik mountain. the king of this region was tissa dama gyaik and his queen was thi yi kappar dawi. they ruled the kingdom well, therefore it was calm, rich, and well-developed. the pair had two sons, who had been mentioned before in prophecy by wise men. the oldest son resembled his father in build and appearance. a brahman had prophesied to king tissa dama yaza that the prince would "have the traits of a moral principles, good character, politeness, cleverness, and great skill." when the king heard this, he was pleased and gave the prince the name tissa kumaya, after himself. when the youngest son was born, he was a beautiful child. on both of the soles of his feet, he had markings that looked like lions. so, the king named him thiha kumaya.