The Bodhisatta was once born as Yuvañjaya, son of Sabbadatta, king of Ramma (Bārāṇasī). He was the eldest of one thousand sons, and Yudiṭṭhila was his younger brother. After he came of age he was on his way early one morning to the park, and saw all around him dew. In the evening, as he returned home, the dew drops were no more to be seen. His charioteer explained that the sun had dried them up. Reflecting on this, the prince realised the impermanence of life and asked his father’s leave to renounce the world.

Both his parents tried to dissuade him but they failed, and he and Yudhiṭṭhila built a hermitage in the Himavā, where they became ascetics.

Yudhiṭṭhila is identified with Ānanda. This story was told in reference to the Buddha’s Renunciation, to some monks who marvelled at the Buddha’s great sacrifice. J.iv.119 ff; the story of Yuvañjaya (Yudhañjaya) is also given in the Cariyāpiṭaka iii.1; CypA.143 ff.