Amrapali... was the famous royal courtesan or nagarvadhu of Vaishali... Amrapali grew up to be a woman of extraordinary grace and charm... Amrapali was made the nagarvadhu and Vaishali Janpath Kalyani (the most beautiful and talented girl in the kingdom)... Amrapali was so taken in by the Buddha's presence and his innate peace that she decided to renounce her position as courtesan and chose, instead, to follow in his footsteps, as a Bhikkhuni (female monk or nun)...