ApalÃÂla is a water-dwelling NÃÂga in Buddhist mythology. It is said that ApalÃÂla lived near the Swat River, this area is currently located in Peshawar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. He is known to be a Naga King.
ApalÃÂla was converted to Buddhism by the Buddha; this is one of the most popular legends in Buddhist lore and art. The tale is often told to children of Buddhist parents for them to learn their happiness lies in the Buddhist faith.
The story of ApalÃÂla's conversion (Pali: ApalÃÂladamana) does not seem to be found in the Pali Canon, although his name does appear with other beings that honor the Buddha.
The SamantapÃÂsÃÂdikàmentions that this story was among those not included in the Three Councils. It is evidenced that it was known in Sri Lanka as it is mentioned among the scenes depicted in the relic-chamber of the MahÃÂthà «pa. The DivyÃÂvadÃÂna also mentions that ApalÃÂla's conversion took place shortly before the Buddha's death.