He belonged to a brahmin family of Magadha, and, when he grew up, became a forest dwelling monk. Hearing of the Buddha's advent, Mettaji visited him, and questioned him concerning progress and regress (pavattiyo), and, believing, he entered the Order and attained arahantship.
In the time of Anomadassí Buddha he was a householder and built a wall round the Bodhi tree. One hundred kappas ago he was a king named Sabbagghana (Sabbosana) (Thag.94; ThagA.i.194f). He is evidently identical with Anulomadáyaka Thera of the Apadána. Ap.i.173.