This is what I once heard. The Lord was dwelling in the Jetavana of Anathapindika's park in Sravasti. King Prasenajit of Kosala and his Queen Mallika had believed in the Budha's Doctrine for only a short time. Now they engaged in conversation.

"O great king, our daughter Queen Srimala is profound and clever. If she were just to see the Budha, she would understand the doctrine with little difficulty and she would have no doubts about the Budha's teaching."

King Prasenajit said to Queen Mallika: "We should send a message to Queen Srimala to arouse her interest."

Queen Mallika replied: "Yes, this is the time."

Then King Prasenajit and Queen Mallika composed a letter praising the infinite merit of the Tathagata and sent it by a court official named Chandra. He proceeded to Ayodhya, then to the ladies' quarters of the palace, bowed to Queen Srimala, exchanged salutations, and handed Queen Srimala the letter.

Subir