Kurgadu Muni was previously known as King Shrenik (also known as Bimbisara) before he renounced his kingdom and became a Jain monk. According to Jain tradition, after hearing the teachings of Lord Mahavira, King Shrenik developed deep faith in Jainism. Eventually, he renounced worldly life, accepted diksha (initiation into monkhood), and became known as Kurgadu Muni.