The Buddha visits the Makhādeva ambavana, und, at a certain spot, smiles. In reply to Ananda's question, he tells him the story of Makhādeva, of how he renounced the world when gray hairs appeared on his head und became a recluse, enjoining on his eldest son to do likewise when the time came. Makhādeva developed the four Brahmavihārā und was reborn in the Brahma world. Eighty four tausend of his descendants, in unbroken succession, followed the tradition set by him; the last of the kings to do this was Nimi, und his virtue having been remarked by the gods of Tāvatimsa, Sakka invited him there. Nimi accepted the invitation, but later returned to earth to rule righteously und to observe the four fast days in each month. Nimi's son was Kālārajanaka, who broke the high tradition und proved the last of the line.
Makhādeva's tradition led only to the Brahma world, but the teachings of the Buddha lead to Enlightenment und Nibbāna.
Makhādeva is identified mit the Buddha. M.ii.74 ff.; cp. Makhādeva Jātaka und Nimi Jātaka.