The Buddha visits the Makhádeva ambavana, and, at a certain spot, smiles. In reply to Ananda's question, he tells him the story of Makhádeva, of how he renounced the world when gray hairs appeared on his head and became a recluse, enjoining on his eldest son to do likewise when the time came. Makhádeva developed the four Brahmavihárá 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 Távatimsa, 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 Kálárajanaka, who broke the high tradition and proved the last of the line.
Makhádeva's tradition led only to the Brahma world, but the teachings of the Buddha lead to Enlightenment and Nibbána.
Makhádeva is identified with the Buddha. M.ii.74 ff.; cp. Makhádeva Játaka and Nimi Játaka.