Siddhattha was the 'best boy on the block' and there were many fathers who wanted him to marry their daughter. The young girls were brought before him and he gave them all a present - but wasn't much interested in any of them. Arriving late, his cousin Yashodara asked if there was a present for her. All gone, said the Prince, but gave her his own necklace (some say ring). Yashodara's father may have thought Siddhattha a bit of a wimp (all that compassionat swan saving stuff?) and said that there were many other young men who wanted to marry Yashodara. So, a contest was held between all these young men to see who was best.

All the traditional martial arts were tested - archery, wrestling, horse riding and swordmanship. Devadattta (the bad cousin) was also in the contest and cut a whole tree with his sword - the ladies were impressed. Siddhattha swished his sword at TWO trees. They remained standing - Oh. But ... a gust of wind ... and they toppled, so clean was his cut.