Though he was a mere boy, his asceticism was great; he was gifted with great intelligence and many virtues. He was known in the world by the name of Astika.
चीर्णव्रतो बाल एव बुद्धिसत्त्वगुणान्वितः। नाम चास्याभवत्ख्यातं लोकेष्वास्तीक इत्युत॥