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Maghādeva Sutta

v.l. Makhādeva.– The Buddha visits the Maghādeva-ambavana, and, at a certain spot, smiles. In reply to Ānanda’s question, he tells him the story of Maghādeva, of how he renounced the world when grey hairs appeared on his head and became a recluse, enjoining on his eldest son to do likewise when the time came. Maghādeva developed the four Brahmavihāra and was reborn in the Brahma world. Eighty-four thousand of his descendants, in unbroken succession, followed the tradition set by him; the last of the kings to do this was Nimi, and his virtue having been remarked by the gods of Tāvatiṃsa, Sakka invited him there. Nimi accepted the invitation, but later returned to earth to rule righteously and to observe the four fast days in each month. Nimi’s son was Kāḷārajanaka, who broke the high tradition and proved the last of the line.

Maghādeva’s tradition led only to the Brahma world, but the teachings of the Buddha lead to Enlightenment and nibbāna.

Maghādeva is identified with the Buddha. M.ii.74 ff; cp. Maghādeva Jātaka and Nimi Jātaka.