Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the 'Mahavamsa', the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history

King Ambaherana - Salamevan
1. Silakala's soldiers besieged the city. Prince Kashyapa and his friends had come close to Silakala's forces unknowingly. Suddenly, there broke out fighting. Though Prince Kashyapa and his friends tried their best to win, they could not. Silakala was powerful and great was the strength of his army. Before long, Kashyapa's friends fell, one by one. Prince Kashyapa realized that he could not win.

2. Prince Kashyapa thought it better to take his life away rather than be a prisoner in the hands of Silakala. He looked around, took his sword out and dashed a blow, cutting his neck off, while still being on elephant back. King Upatissa, old and feeble as he was, on hearing of the sad death of his son, died of grief. His rule thus lasted only for 1 ½ years.

3. All Silakala’s wishes were fulfilled. He was crowned in 518 AD, by the name Ambaherana Salamevan. Once he ascended the throne, he gave up his cruel deeds. He became a Buddhist seeking refuge in the Triple Gem and tried to carry on a righteous rule. He is supposed to have observed 'Ata-Sil' on all four poya days. He showered kindness on animals and made a proclamation that 'No animal should be killed'.

4. He generously gave alms. He repaired the 'Mahapali' Hall, where alms were offered to the monks. He made arrangements to make these meals as delicious as those served in the palace. He increased the facilities, which were already available to all the local dispensaries. The salaries of the employees of these dispensaries were increased, so that they would do a better service in caring for the sick. He also organized a ceremony to honour the hair-relics of the Buddha, which he had brought from India. Devotees from distant parts of the country came to honour the relics.

5. People flocked into the city of Anuradhapura once again. The king organized Bodhi-Poojas very often. He was instrumental in getting a number of Buddha statues erected. He offered robes to the monks of the entire country. The waters of the canal 'Rehera' by name, were offered to the Abhayagiri Temple. It was so arranged that once the water was given to the farmers to irrigate their fields, the income that came in, was donated to the temple. The seat named 'Kunthe', which belonged to the Mahavihara and which was in the Eastern temple, was offered to the Sri Maha Bodhi.

6. King Silakala had three sons. They were Mugalan, Dathapabhutika and Upatissa. Prince Mugalan, the eldest was offered the post of 'Epa', in the Eastern Province. So this prince went and settled there and developed that area. The second son, Dathapabhutika was given the Malayarata to rule. He ruled the south and the seas as well.

7. The youngest was made to stay with the king. When the king decentralized power, he turned more towards religion. A youth, a trader, who went to India, during this time, brought a script - 'Dhamma' to Sri Lanka. This was in the 12th year of King Silakala's rule. This king was not intelligent enough to understand the difference between 'Dhamma' and ‘Adhamma'. So he accepted what was brought here as the pristine Buddhism.

8. This book was kept in a house, which was very close to the palace and offerings were made. He made a proclamation that it should be carried to the Jetavana Vihara annually and celebrations held. The king was so pleased with this book that the 'Mahavamsa' compares him to a firefly that gets attracted to the light. Similarly, this king is supposed to have misunderstood the Doctrine.

Back to Mirror Magazine