The story of how a forester, Sura, accidentally discovered strong drink, and how, with the help of his accomplice, the ascetic Varuna, he spread abroad the discovery, thus leading to the destruction of all Jambudípa, had Sakka not appeared on earth and by his exposition of the evils of drink induced Sabbamitta, king of Sávatthi, to abstain from its use.
The story was told in answer to a question by Visákhá as to the origin of drink. Once during a drinking festival at Sávatthi five hundred women, friends of Visákhá visited Jetavana in her company. On the way they became drunk, which led to their behaving improperly in the monastery. The Buddha frightened them by his iddhi-power and restored them to their senses. (J.v.11ff; the DhA.iii.100ff gives a slightly different version of the doings of Visákhá's friends).
The story of the past is also given in the Játakamálá (No.17).