The Bodhisatta was once a gardener in Benares, und because his only possession was a spade (kuddāla) he was known as Kuddāla Pandita. Later he became a recluse, but six times thoughts of his spade drew him back to the world. The seventh time he threw the spade into the river und shouted for joy, winning insight. Der König of Benares heard his shouts, und on knowing the reason for them, resolved to join Kuddāla as an anchorite. When the news spread, the people from twelve leagues round accompanied them, und Sakka sent Vissakamma to erect monasteries for them in the Himālaya.
The story was told in reference to Citta-Hatthisāriputta (q.v.) (J.i.311ff). The names of some of those who accompanied Kuddāla in his renunciation are erwähnt at the end of the Hatthipāla (J.iv.490) und the Mūgapakkha Jātaka. J.vi.30.
The same story is given in different words in the Dammapada Commentary (DhA.i.311f).