King Shrenik of Magadha set out for a forest outing on horseback. As he entered the Madikuli garden, he saw a saintly person meditating under a tree. He was surprised by the sight of such a pleasant face with a glowing forehead and was impressed by the monk. The King wondered what heart-rending and shocking experiences of worldly life might have led him to forsake the joys and pleasures of youth and adopt a saintly life dedicated to penance.
The King bowed before the monk and asked politely, “I request you to kindly set to rest the doubt agitating my mind. What has compelled you to take diksha in the prime of your life? As I look at the unusual beauty of your body and your youthful age, I am prompted to ask what compelled you to forsake your family, wealth, and dear ones at such a young age.”
In a loving tone, the monk said, “O King, I was absolutely lonesome and a helpless being in this world. There was neither any protector nor a friend. I abjured worldly life because of such helplessness.” King Shrenik laughed and said, “O monk, if you feel so insecure and unprotected (anath), I shall be your protector (nath). Moreover, a person like me as your protector will make all the difference, and there shall be no problem in having sincere friends, near ones, and dear ones. In their company, you shall be able to enjoy all the pleasures like wealth, power, and peace. Please renounce this sainthood you accepted at a youthful age and come with me to my grand pleasure palace.”
To this, the monk said, “O King of Magadha, how shall you be my protector when you yourself are unprotected? I also, like you, possessed invaluable wealth and riches, but once, when I had severe pain in my eyes and a burning sensation in my limbs, none could help me. Neither the riches of my father nor any medical help nor the sweet love of my mother could help. My devoted wife renounced all the ornaments, and my brothers and sisters wept and wailed helplessly. I was helpless. They were helpless too. To avoid such helplessness, I decided to take diksha, which I thought was an unfailing remedy for all my pains. I made up my mind to renounce the world if my pain subsided that night. To my utter surprise, it started subsiding immediately. By the time day dawned, the pain had vanished completely. I was perfectly healthy. As per my decision earlier that night, I took diksha, and thus one who was totally unprotected (a-nath) found his protector (nath) in Bhagawan Mahavir.”
Deeply impressed by the preaching of Anathi Muni, King Shrenik decided to seek refuge with Bhagawan Mahavir.