Which king became a dedicated lay follower of the Buddha after offering a meal?

King Bimbisara became a dedicated lay follower of the Buddha after offering him a meal.

Bimbisara was the king of Magadha, one of the most powerful kingdoms in northern India. Buddhist tradition says he first encountered Siddhartha when the latter was still an ascetic. Impressed by his composure, Bimbisara offered him wealth and royal support, but Siddhartha declined and promised to return after attaining enlightenment.

After the Buddha’s awakening, he visited Rajagaha, Bimbisara’s capital. The king listened to his teaching, took refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, and became a lay disciple. He then invited the Buddha and his monks to a meal, personally serving them according to the traditional account.

Bimbisara’s importance went beyond a single meal. He donated Veluvana, or Bamboo Grove, which became one of the earliest permanent residences offered to the Buddhist monastic community. A common mix-up is with Ajatashatru, Bimbisara’s son, who later became a supporter of the Buddha after a troubled reign and his father’s death.