The Bodhisatta was once born as Vacchanakha, an anchorite living in the Himavā, and on one occasion, having gone to Bārāṇasī for salt and seasoning, he stayed in the king’s garden. A rich man saw him and, pleased with his looks, attended to his wants. A friendship soon grew up between them, and the rich man invited the hermit to give up his robes and share his wealth. However, this offer the hermit refused, pointing out the disadvantages of household life.

The story was told in reference to an attempt of Roja, the Malla, friend of Ānanda, to tempt the latter back to the worldly life by offering him half his possessions. Roja is identified with the rich man of the story. J.ii.231 ff.