Funday Times

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

The Master of the South
1. King Aggabodhi died suddenly. His brother became the Master of the South. He was Prince Dappula by name. He was able to free the south of all enemy attacks. He made the province prosperous. Peace prevailed and the people were able to move about freely. They began to love and respect Prince Dappula. The prince too showed a lot of love to his subjects and they began to call him, Maha-Swami - the Great Lord. Elsewhere in the country too, people began to talk about the peace and prosperity that prevailed in the south.

2. The other Yuvarajas too began to imitate Prince Dappula. They wanted to have friendly relations with him. A king named Siladatha, gave his daughter in marriage to Prince Dappula. He was given a lot of wealth and appointed Yuvaraja. (There is not much reference to King Siladatha). Sons of King Siladatha - including Prince Mana - were pious people. They were good to the people and were able to win their hearts. It is during this time, that a monk from the island of Pana came here.

3. This monk was a great orator. Prince Dappula who listened to his preaching, was quite pleased with him. Prince Dappula built the Rohana Vihara and donated it to this monk. The monk kept it open for the use of all the Buddhist monks of the island. The Yuvaraja Dappula, built a number of temples out of which 'Ambamal Vihara' is one. He got devales erected for various gods and repaired a number fo religious buildings, including the Siriwaddana Palace at Anuragama.

4. This Yuvaraja repaired the 'Tak-ambale' temple and got thirty monks to reside there. Arrangements were made to offer alms to these monks, daily. A number of villages were offered to various temples; Gongama to Raja Vehera, Karithigama for Ariyakar Vihara - were some of them. He built a number image houses too.

5. He got a 16 cubic foot high statue of the Maitree Buddha and kept it in Ariyakara temple. When Yuvaraja Dappula was engaged in these religious activities, Prince Mana was in the East. He organized his army and came to Ruhuna. There he joined his father's army and both of them together, set out to fight King Dathopatissa.

6. King Dathopatissa too marched forward with his army. Both armies met at a village called ‘Tambalagama’. A severe battle followed. Prince Mana died in battle. Seeing the prince falling dead on the battle-field, King Dappula was greatly moved. Being unable to bear up this loss, he died of a heart attack. He was a good king, who worked for the welfare of his subjects. He ruled only for seven days in Anuradhapura and for three years - in the South - Ruhuna.

7. In 659 AD, Prince Dathopatissa was crowned. At first too, he conquered the capital city by chasing King Dappula and Prince Mana. That he did seven days after the death of King Kasyapa. He went as Dathopatissa 11, after his coronation. He however was a nephew of King Dathopatissa 1. Now King Dathopatissa offered the post of Yuvaraja to the son of his father's sister.

8. The prince was named Aggabodhi. As he was made the Yuvaraja, along with it, he became the ruler of the South. King Dathopatissa 11 was a king who valued gratitude. He gave suitable positions to those who helped him and supported him. They were all well-placed. He donated Seragama to the Kasun Vehera. He also donated Mahagala Wewa to the monks who lived in the Meditation Hall.

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