The Bodhisatta was once born as Brahmadatta, king of Bārāṇasī. Seeing that his subjects were much given to offering sacrifices to the gods in course of which animals were killed and other immoral deeds committed, he made proclamation, soon after becoming king, that he had made a vow to offer in sacrifice all those of his subjects who were addicted to the five immoral deeds and walked upon the ten paths of unrighteousness. His ministers were sent to look for such people, and the proclamation had the desired effect (J.i.259 f).

For the introductory story see the Mahākaṇha Jātaka.