Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa’, the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history
Meeting the Goddess Swarnamalee
It was a special day for the entire country. All the people were jubilant. Work on the ‘Maha Stupa’ (the Great Dagoda) commenced. To clear the site for construction work, a huge ‘Thelambu’ (Indian Almond) tree had to be uprooted. When the king’s men attempted to cut the tree, a tree goddess appeared and scared them away. The men went and complained to the king. The king then came to the site.

The king instructed the men to cut the tree, while he was there. Just as they attempted to cut, the goddess re-appeared. “I can’t let you cut down this tree”, she said. “I am the Goddess Swarnamalee”. When the king wanted to know why she did not allow to cut it, she explained. “This is my ‘Vimana’ (abode). I have been living here for a long time. Once the tree is cut, I lose my place of residence. I have nowhere to go”.

The king could not accede to her request. He asked her to find another place, saying that he had already decided to build the ‘Maha Stupa’ there and that too going by the request of King Devanam piyatissa – one of his ancestors. He explained that he could not change his decision and begged of her to look for another place as her residence. But the goddess would not agree.

King Dutu-gemunu felt sorry for her. But he could in no way, alter his plan of building the stupa. The king thought for a while and addressed Swarnamalee thus. “I feel sorry for you Swarnamalee. Yet, there is nothing I could do about it. I am duty bound to protect the doctrine of the Buddha, in this country. This stupa has to be built here. Please understand my plight. I am ready even to sacrifice my life to this task”.

Swarnamalee was touched by the king’s words. She still did not descend from the tree. The king then went up to her and said. “Show compassion. Be genereous. Please descend from the tree”. She then gave in. The king added, “Swarnamalee, please do come down. I will build this stupa and name it ‘Swarnamalee”. As long as Buddhism lasts in this country, your name will be remembered. Everytime they speak about the stupa, they will be repeating your name. So you will go down in history”.

The goddess Swarnamalee descended from the tree and went away. The men uprooted the huge Indian almond tree. Thereafter, they dug deep to lay the foundation. Then came the 14th day of the month of Esala. The laying of the foundation stone was scheduled for that day. The Buddhist priests from far and near arrived at Anuradhapura. Priests from neighbouring countries too were invited for this ceremony. The entire city of Anuradhapura was decorated.

Among the invitees were many priests from neighbouring India. Priests from Rajgir were from Issipatana and Jetawana temples. There were monks from Vaislai, Kosambi and even Udeni. King Dutugemunu worshipped all of them. After paying due respect to all the invitees, the king commenced the task of digging. The Chief Priest Siddharta, stopped the king from proceeding. Realising that the area allocated earlier, was too huge, he tried to limit it. Then eight pots of silver and gold were buried. Upon them a layer of scented mud was spread. On top of that was placed the first brick.

Venerable Piyadassi of Jetawana then preached a discourse. The king organized alms to be served at eight centers. For seven days consecutively all the monks were offered meals. Meals were also served for the thousands of people who participated in the proceedings. Even accommodation was provided for people who came from far.

By Halaliye Karunathilaka
Edited and translated by
Kamala Silva.
Illustrated by
Saman Kalubowila

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