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alms, Varadatta had a memory of the past birth, Such is the reference found in the Katha of Varadatta Muni. }
In Buddhist literature Pasenadi, the king of Koshala has been portrayed in altogather a variant way. Samyatta third Buddhist work is composed of 25 Kathas and each of them refers to this ruler. He had been educated in Takshila the celebrated University of those days. He was enthroned soon after he returned from study. With the reins of government in his hand displayed efficiency. He had love for all creeds. When this king heard the sermons of Buddha his father's sister Suman was considered a Sthavira (a Veteran nun). This king Pasenadi in one place has been also called Agnidatta so it may be that • Pasenadi' was a royal status and 'Agnidatta' was his correct name.
Pasenadi desired to enter into an alliance with the Buddha family so he requested the Shakya kings to give him one princess in marriage. The rulers sat in a conclave and came to a conclusion that it was humiliating to them all to give a daughter in marriage to him. Then they arranged to send the daughter of the kept of the chief ruler. This maid was Vrsabhkhattiya. King Pasenadi had one son by a union with her. The son was Vidudabh by name.
Vidudabha having subsequentiy learnt of this fraud was highly exasperated and he resolved to wreak vengeance and as soon as he ascended the throne he invaded their dominion. He took possession of their capital and massacred several males and females old and young indiscriminately. This event finds no place in old Bauddha Literature, but there is, however a reference of his having a battle with Shakyas. This bears out its being a historical event. It is believed that this occurred just a year or two previous to Buddha's Nirvaga.
Some of these facts appear to be far-fetched. One fails to utrderstana why a small Tribe like Shakyas would have considered it debasing to be united in marriage with the royal family
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