The Bodhisatta was once born as Janasandha, son of Brahmadatta, king of Bārāṇasī. He studied at Takkasilā. On becoming king he built six almonries and there daily distributed six thousand pieces of money. He ruled righteously and his kingdom was free from all wickedness. On the fifteenth day of every month he assembled all his people, beginning with the women of his household, and taught them the ways of righteousness.

The story was related to Pasenadi when he gave himself up to sin, became remiss in his duties and refrained from visiting even the Buddha for a long time. J.iv.176 ff.