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The above account indicated not only the great esteem in which Srenika Bhambhasara held Mahavira, but it also indicates in all probability that this was their first meeting. It is explicit in the account that the queen took precedence, apparently to introduce the king to Bhagavān Mahavira, and thereafter, while taking their seats, she yielded the precedence to the king. According to the Jaina tradition, in his early life, Srenika was the follower of some heretical creed, but Celana imbibed Mahavira's religion in her parental home. It was, therefore, in the fitness of things that she introduced the king, as in a first meeting. The sort of thinking that the monks and nuns had about the great wealth and fortune of King Sreņika and Queen Celanā was also a natural thing for a first meeting.
It has been recorded in the Anuttarovavai -dasao that King Srenika called on Bhagavān Mahavira, and, having attended his sermon, he made the following submission,
"Bhante! Among your 14, 000 monks, Indrabhūti and others, who, in your considered opinion, performs maximum penances and exhausts kar ma fetters to the highest extent"?
Said Bhagavān Mahāvira, "Srenika ! Monk Dhanya has maximum penances and maximum kar ma exhaustion to his credit".
The king was delighted to hear this. He came to Monk Dhanya and said,
"Oh beloved of the gods! You are fortunate. You have the highest merit to your credit".
From there, he came back to Mahavira, paid his homage and obeisance, and went back to his palace(22).
Chapter 13 of the Nayadhammakahao has an account of Srenika's visit to Mahāvira with his household and retinue.
Initiation of the Princes
On the solemn occasion of the initiation of Meghkumāra
