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These words of praise about Sulasa uttered by no less a person than Bhagavan Mahavira made people think that she must be a highly meritorious and fortunate lady about whom the Lord spoke so eloquently. But Ambaḍa had a different thought in his mind. He became inquisitive about the special qualities of Sulasa and he decided that he must hold a test. So guised as a 'parivrājaka monk, he came to Sulasa's house and said to her,
"Pious lady! Give me some food. In doing so, you will acquire great merit".
Sulasa- "Sir! I know well what offer earns merit and what offer is just a matter of course".
The monk went away. He started wonderful penances and in padmasana posture, he remained pending in the sky. It was a wonderful feat. Thousands of people were attracted to see it. Thousands came from far-off districts and they spoke eloquently about the great powers of the monk. Sulasa heard all about him, but she felt no curiosity to see, nor did she make any inquisitive enquiry about him. People invited the monk to receive food at their homes, but the monk declined to everyone. This surprised the people all the more. They asked him wherefrom would he receive his food. The monk's instant reply was,
"From Sulasa".
People at once turned their steps towards Sulasa's home. Within a short time, a vast crowd had assembled there. The people brought her the good news that the exceptional monk had chosen her for receiving his food. They said,
"This great monk has expressed a desire to receive tood from your hands even though you have not extended any invitation to him. Now, we think, you should come forward and make a formal request to him to receive food. You are such a lucky woman".
But a curt reply from Sulasa disheartened them all. She said,
