The Bodhisatta was once born in Molinīnagara (Bārāṇasī) as a very rich brahmin, named Saṅkha. He spent six thousand daily on almsgiving. He had a ship built, equipped and prepared to sail for Suvaṇṇabhūmi. A Pacceka Buddha, seeing him with his divine-eye, and foreseeing the danger in store for him, appeared before him on the way to the seaport. Saṅkha paid him all honour and presented him with his shoes and umbrella.

Saṅkha’s ship sprang a leak on the seventh day. Taking with him one companion, he dived overboard and swam in the direction of Molinī. He swam thus for seven days, until Maṇimekhalā, seeing his plight, came to his rescue and offered him food. However, this he refused, as he was keeping the fast. The goddess told him that his purity in worshipping the Pacceka Buddha had been the cause of her coming to his aid and offered him a boon. He chose to be sent back to Molinī. The goddess provided him with a ship full of treasure, and he returned safely to Molinī with his attendant.

The story was related by way of thanks to a pious layman of Sāvatthi, who, having entertained the Buddha and his monks for seven days, presented shoes to the Buddha and to the members of his Order.

Ānanda is identified with Saṅkha’s attendant and Uppalavaṇṇā with Maṇimekhalā (J.iv.15-22). The story is also called the Saṅkhabrāhmaṇa Jātaka. e.g., ibid., 120.