CORNELL UNIVERSnY LIBRARY rmACA,N.Y. 14853 'Hlltllt * * I tT'Miii ' ' Soutii Asia Collection KROCHLTORARY CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 073 631 297 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924073631297 The Mahayansa, o ' PART II. CONTAINING CHAPTERS XXXIX. TO C. TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL PALI INTO ENGLISH, FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF GEYLON, BY L. C. WIJESI^THA, MudaliyAr. TO WHICH IS PREFIXED THE TRANSLATION OF THJ5 FIKST PART (PUBLISHED IN 1837) BY GEORGE TURNOUR, CCS. COLOMBO : G. J. A. SKEEN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, CEYLON. To be Puvohased at the Govbknment Reoobd Office, Oolombo, Price Rs. 7-50. THIS TRANSLATION INTO ENGLISH OF THE MAhIvA^SA, CHAPTERS XXXIX. TO C, IS, BY PERMISSION, RBBpttctfullH 3tp\tattti TO HIS EXCEPLBNCY THE HON. ARTHUR HAMILTON GORDON, G.C.M.G., GOVERNOR OF CEYLON, DURING WHOSE ADMINISTRATION AND BY WHOSE DESIRE IT WAS UNDERTAKEN AND ACCOMPLISHED BY THE TRANSLATOR. CONTENTS. PART I. Contents of Chapteiti List of Kings Chapters I. to XXXVllI. PART II. Preface Analytical Summary of Chapters Chronological Table of Sinhalese Sovereigns from K/Ssyapa I. Context : verses 80 to 114 of Chapter XXX VIII. Chapters XXXIX. to C. Appendix. Professor Rhys Davids' Translation of Chapters XXXIX. and XLYI. Mudaliyftr L. de Zoysa's Translation of Chapter LXVIII. and partofLXXIX. Extracts from Bishop Caldwell's " History of Tinuevelly " ... Index of Principal Names I iv 3 xvn xxix 1 378 ;<8I ;t87 THE fr TRANSLATION OF THE FIRST PART AS PUBLISHED BY GEORGE TTJRNOUR, C.C.S., IN 1836. Witfi Motss anir tSmtnttativintt By L. C. WIJESI^^HA, MudaliyAr. ERRATA ET CORRIGENDA. Page. Line. Note. For Head 29 . . — . . 2 ., , a treatise (name id). , the (treatise named) 36 .. . 8 . , — .. Panduv&sad^va , Panduvfaudlva ; el passim 56 . . — . . 1 .. to take . wherein they miglit take 56 . . — . . 1 .. . to warm .. warm 108 .. . — . . 5 .. rough . fine 108 .. .-— . . 7 .. , marumba ., prepared gravel ; and over it 120 .. . 22 . . — .. . S6nattara .. S6nuttara 124 . . 29 . .. — .. . thither .. hither 160 . , — , .. 13 .. . k&la .. kali THE MAHAVATSTSA. CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS. Chapter I. Author's Introduction — The twenty-four Buddhas who preceded Gautama — Gautama Buddha's three visits to Lagk&— Mahiyaggana, N'^gadipa, and Kalyipi. Chapter II. Genealogy of Buddha from Mah&sammata — The S&kya kings, Bimbisira and Siddh&rtha. Chapter III. Buddha's Parinirvina — First Convocation for the settlement of the Bud- dhist Canon. Chapter IV. King Aj&tasattu's sons — Susunfiga— Second Convocation for the revision of the Sacred Canon. Chapter V. Schisms in the Buddhist Church — As6ka's inauguration — Nigrodha. S&mapera — Conversion of As6ka to Buddhism — Moggaliputta Tissa Th^ra — Third Convocation. Chapter VI. Vijaya — His landing in LagkS. Chapter VII. Conquest of Lagki by Vijaya— His inauguration — ^Embassy to Southern Madura soliciting a princess of Pa^du — ^The arrival of the princess and deposition of Kuveni. Chapter VIII. Vijaya's death — Interregnum — Arrival of Vijaya's nephew Paijduvasudeva rom India — His installation in the sovereignty. Chapter IX. Panduv&Budeva's death and election of his son Abhaya to succeed him — Birth of Papdukibhaya, grandson of Panduvasuddva. Chapter X. Attempts to destroy Parjduk&bhaya — His escapes and romantic adventures — His revolt, and war with his uncles— His coronation — Great improvements made by him in Anuradhapura. Chapter XI. Reign of Mufasiva, son of Panduk4bhaya — Installation of D^vAnampiya Tissa, his son, in the sovereignty — Wonderful productions in Lagka at that period — His embassy to Asdka, who despatches a deputation to anoint him a second time as king of Lagkd. Chapter XII. Account of Buddhist Missions to various countries— Mahinda's nomina- tion as Missionary to Lagkft. 91—87 ( ii ) Chapter XIII. A brief account of Mahinda and his movements preparatory to his depar- ture from India — His aiTival in La^ki. Chapter XIV. D6vtoampiya Tissa's iirst interview with Mahinda at Ambatthala — His visits to the city. Chapter XV. Mahinda's preaching — His acceptance of the king's pleasure garden- Marvellous incidents in connection therewith — Mahinda's account of the visits, of former Buddhas to Lagk4 — Demarcation and consecration of the "8im&" — Preaching and conversions — Buddhist edifices that were built at this period. Chapter XVI. Building and dedication of the Cetiyagiri (S^giri) Vih&ra. Chapter XVII. The acquisition of Belies — Enshrinement of them in the Thdpfir&ma — Building of the C^tiya and Vihdra of that name. Chapter XVIII. Mission to India for bringing over a branch of the great Bo-tree — Incidents. Chapter XIX. Arrival of Sadghamitt^ with the Bo-branch— The planting of it — Build- ing of nunneries. Chapter XX. A domestic incident in the life of Asoka— Enumeration of Buddhist edifices in the order they were built— The Mahfip&li Almonry — Death of Devanampiya Tissa and succession of Uttiya, his brother — Death of Mahinda, of Saiighamitta, and of the other Th^ras. Chapter XXI. Beigns of Mah4siva ; Sdratissa ; Sena and Guttika ; E{&ra. Chapter XXII. Duttha G&mani — His ancestry, birth, and childhood. Chapter XXIH. An account of the ten strong men of Duttha Gdmani. Chapter XXIV. Duttha 6&man!'s flight from his father's Court — His assumption of sovereignty — War between him and Tissa, his brother — Their reconciliation through the intervention of the priesthood. Chapter XXV. Gimani's preparations to invade the North— Account of his campaign against the Damilas —Defeat and death of Elara— Defeat of Bhalluka, El&ra's ally. Chapter XXVI. Building of the Maricavat(i (Mirisv^fiy^) D&goba. Chapter XXVII. Building of the Lohapfis&da (L6v&-mahap&ya). Chapter XXVIII. Discovery of materials and precious things preparatory to the building of the Buvanv^li D&goba. ( iii ) Chapter XXIX. Oeremony of the laying of the foundation stone of the Ruvanv?li Dagoba. Chapter XXX. Erection of the Ruvanv?li D&goba — Incidents connected therewith — The ■great stone coffer forthe Relics — Description of the precious things deposited therein. Chapter XXXI. The procuring of the relics by Sonuttara— History of the Relics — The -enshrinement thereof with great ceremonies. Chapter XXXII. Serious illness of Duttha G4mani — Deathbed scene — His visible departure to heaven — Cremation of his body. Chapter XXXIII. Reigns of S4ddh& Tissa ; Thullatthanaka ; Lajji Tissa; Khallfttanaga ; Vatta G&mani — Defeat of "Vatta G&mani by the Tamils, and his flight — Rule of five Tamil usurpers — Incidents during Vatta G-^ani's flight and exile — His resumption of the sovereignty, and subsequent acts — Schisms in the Buddhist Church — The Buddhist Canon reduced to writing. Chapter XXXIV. Reigns of Mah&ctili Mah4tissa ; CoranSiga ; and Tissa — Reign of Queen Annl& and her paramours— Reigns of K^lakanpi Tissa; Bhitiya I.; and Mah6 D&thika. Chapter XXXV. Reigns of Amanda G4mani ; Kapijinu Tissa ; CdMbhaya ; Sivali ; Ilanfiga ;_Candamukha Siva; Yasalilaka Tissa; Subha ; Vasabha ; Vaiika- nfisika Tissa ; Caja B&hu ; and Hahallaka N4ga. Chapter XXXVI. Reigns of Bh&tika Tissa ; Tissa II.: Cdlanaga ; Kudda N^ga ; Siri NSga ; Vohira Tissa ; Abhaya Tissa ; Siri Naga II. ; Vijaya II. ; SatSghatissa ; Siri .Saiighabodhi ; Goth^bhaya, surnamed Meghavanna Abhaya; and Jettha Tissa. Chapter XXXVII. Reigns of Mah& Sena ; Siri Meghavanna ; The Tooth-relic : Jettha Tissa ; Buddhadfisa ; Upatissa II. ; and Mahan&ma — Account of Buddhaghosa. Chapter XXXVIII. Reigns of Sotthisena; Chattag&haka; Mittasena Fandu, the Tamil usurper Pive other Tamil usurpers ; and Dh&tu Sena. ( iv ) LIST OF KINGS Noticed in Part I., and Approximate Dates of their Reigns. No. Name. or 1 Vijaya 2 TJpatisaa (Regent) 3 FanduT^sudeTa or Patt- ^uvaadey 4 Abhaya... Interregnum 5 Panduk&bhaya 6 Mutasiva 7 Dfivdnampiya Tissa Devfnlp^ Tis 8 Uttiya 9 Maha Siva 10 Slira Tissa 11 SenaandGuttika(foreigu usurpers) 12 Asela ... 13 Eldra (a Tamil usurper) 14 Dutfha G&mani or Dufu Gemunu 15 Sadd'hd Tissa 16 ThuUatthana or Tuluna 17 Lajji Tissa or Ladfi-Tis 18 Khall&taN&ga ' ... 19 Vatta-(i4mani Abhaya or Yala-gam-b&hu 20 Pulahattha Baliiya Panayam&ra ] Pilayam&ra I •■ i DSthiya ; ( 21 Vatta-gimani-abhaya or Yalagambahu (resump- tion of sovereignty) ... 22 Mahacdla Mahatissa or Mahasiln Mahatis ... 23 OoraNdga 24 Tissa or Kud& Tissa ... 25 AnulA... 26 Makalajj Tissa or K61a- kanni Tissa 27 BMtikSbhaya 28 Mah& D&thiya Mah6 N&ga or Mah& Deliya 29 Amapda Gfimani Abhaya 30 Kairiijinu Tissa 31 GiiUbhaya Tissa or Kud^ Abi... ;.. 33 Tamil usurpers j Date. No. Name. Date. B.C. A.C. U3 32 Sivali ... . 35 505 Interregnum of tliree years. 33 Eaniga or Elun& . 38 504 34 Candamukha Siva or 474 Saiidamuhunu 44 454 35 Yasalalaka Tissa . 52 437 36 Subha R&jd . 60- 367 37 Yasabha or Yahap . 66 38 Yapka-n&sika Tissa . . 110- 307 39 Gaja B4hu I. . 113 267 40 Mahallaka Mga or Ma - 257 halu m . 135 247 41 BhAtiya or Bhatika II. . 141 42 E^nittha Tissa or Kanitu 237 Tis"... , 165- 215 43 Cdla N&ga or Sulu Nil . 193 205 44 Kudda N4ga . 195 45 Siri Naga I. . 196 161 46 Yoh&raka Tissa . 215 137 47 Abhaya Tissa . 237 119 48 Siri Naga n. . 245 119 49 Yijaya n. or Yijayindu 247 109 50 Sadgha Tissa I. . 248 51 Siri Saiighabodhi I. or 104 Daham Siri Saiigabo. . 252 103 52 Gothdbhaya or Megha - 100 varnSbhaya . 254 98 53 Jettha Tissa or Detu Tis 267 91 54 Maha Sena or Maha Sen 277 90 55 Kitti-s-Siri-Meghavanna or Kit Siri Mevan '. . 304 56 Jettha Tissall. or Detu 88 Tis . 332 57 Buddhadisa or Bujas . . 341 76 58 Upatissa II. . 370 62 59 Mshknima, 412 50 60 Sotthi Sena . 434 47 61 Chatta-gahaka . 434 62 Mitta Sena . 435 42 63 Pandu 1 r 436 20 Parinda 1 441 A.O. Khudda ) Tamil 9 P&rinda }• usurpers ■ 444 21 Tiritara i 460 30 D4thiya | 460 Pithiya J , 463 64 Dhatusena or DSsenkeliya 463 THE MAHAVAN8A. [The italics are intended to denote the faulty ■words and passages which I have substituted by others in the foot-notes. In compliance with the wishes of Government I have added these mostly to such passages as contain grave oi glaring errors. The only alterations made in the text are in the transliteration of PUi words and the substitution of the crude form a for the case termination o, as adopted by modern P&li scholars. The text still admits of great improvement throughout.— Z.C.TF.] CHAPTER I. Adoeation to him, who is the deified, the sanctified, the omniscient, supreme Buddha 1 Having bowed down to the supreme Buddha, immaculate in purity, illustrious in descent ; ^without mppreBsion or exaggeration, I celebrate the MahAva^sa. That which was composed by the ancient (historians) is in some respects too concise, in others too diffuse, abounding also in the defects of tautology. Attend ye to this (Mah&vagsa) which, avoiding these imperfections, addresses itself to the hearer (in a strain) readily comprehended, easily remembered,' and inspiring sentiments both of pleasure and of pain ; giving rise to either pleasing or painful emotion, according as each incident may be agreeable or afflicting. Our vanquisher (of the five deadly sins) having, in a former existence, seen the supreme Buddha Dipailkara, formed the resolution to attain buddhahood, in order that he might redeem the world from the miseries (of sin). Subsequently, as in the case of that supreme Buddha, so unto Kondaiina, the sage Maygala, Sumana, the Buddha R£wata, and the eminent sage Sobfaita, the supreme Buddha Anomodassi, Paduma, N&rada the vanquisher, the supreme Buddha Padumuttara, and Sumedha the deity of similar mission,' Suj&ta and Piyadassi, the supreme Atthadassi, Dhammadassi, Siddhattha, Tissa, and, in like manner, the vanquisher Phussa, Vipassi, the supreme Buddha Sikhi, the supreme Buddha Vessabhd, the supreme Buddha Eakusandha, in like manner Kop&gama, and Eassapa of felicitous advent, — unto all these twenty-four supreme Buddhas likewise (in their respective existences), ' This is not the sense of the compound term na,nanunadhiUraTta\if, qualifying Mah&vajfsan,. It ought to be rendered thus : " I celebrate the Mah&vapsa, replete with divers comprehensive chapters." Such is the explanation given in the ffka : anehehi adhihdrehi paripuwi.dhikdran' ti attho. 'The words sutitoca updgatof, "come down by tradition,'' contained in the text, have been omitted in this enumeration of the characteristics of the ' Original, Tathdgata. Here, as elsewhere throughout the work, I have not thought it necessary to notice the Knglish rendering of the Pili epithets and of words appertaining to Buddhist terminology. 4 THE mahAva^sa. the indefatigable straggler having vouchsafed to supplicate, by them also his admission into buddhahood was foretold. The supreme Grotama Buddha (thus in due order) fulfilled all the probation- ary courses, and attained the supreme omniscient buddhahood, that he might redeem mankind from the miseries (of sin). At the foot of the bo tree, at Uruvela, in the kingdom of Magadha, on the day of the full moon of the month of visdkha, this great divine sage achieved the supreme all-perfect buddhahood. This (divine) sojourner, dis- playing the supreme beatitude derived by the final emancipation (from the afilictions inherent in the state of transmigration), tarried in that neighbour- hood for seven times seven days. Proceeding from thence to Bar&^asi, he proclaimed the sovereign supremacy of his faith ; and while yet sojourning there during the " vassa," he procured for sixty (converts) the sanctification of " arhat." Dispersing abroad these disciples for the purpose of promulgating his doctrines, and thereafter having himself converted thirty (princes) of the Hmeparably-allied tribe of Bhadda, the saviour, with the view to converting Eassapa and the thousand Jatilians, took up his abode at Uruvela during the "hemanta," devoting himself to their instruction. When the period had arrived for celebrating a religious festival (in honour) of the said Eassapa, of Uruvela, perceiving that his absence from it was wished for, the vanquisher, victorious over death, taking with him his repast from Uttarakuru, and having partaken thereof at the lake of Anotatta' (before mid-day) on that very afternoon, being the ninth month of his buddhahood, at the full moon of the constellation phussa, unattended, visited Lagk4 for the purpose of sanctifying Lagk&. 'It was known (by inspiration) by the vanquisher that in Larj-hd, filled by yakkhas, and therefore the settlement of tJie yakkhas, — that in the said Laykd would (nevertheless) be the place where his religion vmuld be glorified. , In like manner, knowing that in the centre of La|}k&, on the delightful bank of a river, on a spot three yojanas in length and one in breadth, in the agreeable Mahindga garden, in the ^assembling place of the yakkhas, there was a great assemblage of the principal yakkhas in Lagk4 ; the deity of happy advent, approaching that great congregation of yakkhas, — there, in the midst of the assembly, immediately above their heads, hovering in the air, over the very site of the (future) Mahiyaggana dagoba, struck terror into them, by rains, tempests, and darkness. The yakkhas, overwhelmed with awe, suppli- cated of the vanquisher to be released from their terror. To the terrified yakkhas the consoling vanquisher thus replied : "I will release ye yakkhas from this your terror and afilication ; give ye unto me, here, by unanimous consent, a place for me to alight on." All these yakkhas replied to the deity of happy advent : " Lord, we confer on thee the whole of Lagk&, grant thou comfort (in our affliction) to us." The vanquisher thereupon, dispelling their terror and cold ^shivering, and spreading his carpet of skin on the spot bestowed on him, he there seated himself. He then caused the aforesaid carpet, refulgent with a fringe of flames, to extend itself on all sides ; they, scorched by the flames (receding), stood around on the shores (of the island) terrified. The saviour then caused the delightful isle of Giri to approach for them. ' There is nothing to indicate that they were " inseparably allied." ' " For it was known by the vanquisher that Layk^ would be the place where his religion would be most glorified, and that it was needful that the yakkhas by whom Lapkii was inhabited should be removed therefrom." " Yakkha-saAgdma-bhimiyd. " In the battle-field of the yakkhas." Safigdma is war, battle, &o., quite distinct from saiiidgama, which means an assembly, &c. * " and darkness," or " confusion," chaptBr t. 5 Ab soon as they transferred themselves thereto (to escape the conflagration) he restored it to its former position. Immediately the redeemer folded up his carpet and the devas assembled. In that congregation the divine teacher propounded his doctrines to them. Innumerable kotis of living creatures received the blessings of his doctrines : asagkhyas of them attained the salvation of that faith and the state of piety. The chief of the devas, Sumana, of the Sumanakiita mountain, having acquired the sanctification of " scJtapatti," supplicated of the deity worthy of ofEerings, ^ for an offering. The vanquisher, out of compassion to living beings, passing his hand over his head, bestowed on him a handful of his pure blue locks from the growing hair of his head. 'Receiving and depositing it in a superb golden casket on the spot where the divine teacher had stood, adorned (as if) with the splendour of innumerable gems, comprehending (all) the seven treasures, he enshrined the lock in an emerald ddgoba, and bowed down in worship. The th€ra Sarabhii, disciple of the th^ra SAripntta, at the demise of the supreme Buddha, receiving at his funeral pile the " giva^^hi " (thorax bone relic) of the vanquisher, attended by his retinue of priests, by his miraculous powers, brought and deposited it in that identical ddgoba. This inspired personage, causing a dSgoba to be erected of cloud-coloured stones, ^twelve cubits high, and enshrining it therein, departed. The prince Uddhachtilibhaya, the younger brother of king D€v&nampiya Tissa, discovering this marvellous d&goba, constructed (another), encasing it, thirty cubits in height. The king Duffha G-^mani, while residing there during his subjugation of the Malabars, constructed a digoba encasing that one, eighty cubits in height. This Mahiyaggana d%oba was thus completed. In this manner, the supreme ruler, indefatigable as well as invincible, having rendered this land habitable for human beings, departed for Uruvela. The visit to Mahiyaggana concluded. The vanquisher (of the iive deadly sins), the great compassionating divine teacher, the benefactor of the whole world, the supreme Buddha, in the fifth year of his buddhahood, while residing at the garden of (the prince) Jeta, observing that on account of a disputed claim for a gem-set throne between the naga Mahodara and *a similar Ctilodara, a maternal uncle and nephew, a conflict was at hand between their respective armies ; on the last day of the last quarter of the moon of the month citta, at daylight, taking with him his sacred dish and robes, out of compassion to the n&gas, visited N&gadipa. At that time, this Mah(5dara aforesaid was a ndga king in a n^a kingdom half a thousand (five hundred) yojanas m extent, bounded by the ocean ; and he was gifted with supernatural powers. His younger sister (Kidabbika) had been given in marriage to a nSgaking of the Kannavaddham4na mountain. Clilodara was his son. His grandmother having bestowed this invaluable gem-throne on his mother, that nSga queen thereafter died. From that circumstance this conflict of the nephew with the uncle was on the eve of being waged. These mountain n&gas were moreover gifted with supernatural powers. ' "for something worthy of worship," ' " Receiving it in a superb golden casket he placed it on a heap of divers gems, seven cubits in circumference, where the Teacher had stood, and raised a stdpaof emerald over it, and bowed down unto it in worship." I ' " Oloud-ooloured stones." The origiiul is Meda-vaififa-pdiina, ' stones of the colour of /at' ! white marble? *''then«ga." » Vde. 6 taS MahAva^sa. The deva Samiddhiaumana insf antly, at the command of Buddha, taking up the rijiyatana tree which stood in the garden of Jeta, and which consti- tuted his delightful residence, and holding it over the vanquisher's head like an umbreUa, accompanied him to the above-named place. This deva (in a former existence) had been born a human being in N&ga- dipa. On the spot where the r&jdyatana tree then stood he had seen Pacceka Buddhas taking refection. Having seen them he had rejoiced, and presented them with leaves to cleanse their sacred dishes with. From that circumstance he (in his present existence) was born in that tree, which stood at the gate of the delightfully agreeable garden of J^ta. Subsequently (when the Jeta vihara was built) it stood without (it was not built into the terrace on which the temple was constructed). The deva of devas (Buddha), foreseeing that , this place (Kagadipa) would be of increasing advantage to this deva (Samid- dhisumana), brought this tree to it. The saviom- and dispeller of the darkness of sin, poising himself in the air over the centre of the assembly, caused a terrifying darkness to those nagas. Attending to the prayer of the dismayed n&gas, he again called forth the light of day. They, overjoyed at having seen the deity of felicitous advent, bowed down at the feet of the divine teacher. To them the vanquisher preached a sermon on reconciliation. Both parties rejoicing thereat, made an offering of the gem-throne to the divine sage. The divine teacher, alighting on earth, seated himself on that throne, and was served by the n&ga kings with celestial food and beverage. The lord of the universe procured for eighty k6tis of nigas dwelling on land and in waters, the salvation of the faith, and the state of piety. The maternal uncle of Mah6dara, Maniakkhika, the naga king of Kalyi^i, proceeded thither to engage in that war. Having, at the first visit of Buddha heard the sermon on his doctrines preached, he had obtained the state of salvation and piety. There he thus suppUcated the successor of preceding Buddhas : " Oh I divine teacher, such an act of mercy performed unto us is indeed great. Hadst thou not vouchsafed to come, we should all have been consumed to ashes. All compassionating deity 1 let thy protecting mercy be individually extended towards myself : in thy future advent to this land visit thou the place of my residence," The sanctified deity, having by his silence consented to grant this prayer in his future visit, on that very spot he caused the r&j&yatana tree to be planted. The lord of the universe bestowed the aforesaid inestimable rdjdyatana tree, and the gem -throne, on the n&ga kings, to be worshipped by them. " Oh ! n&ga, kings, worship this my sanc- tified tree ; unto you, my beloved, it will be a comfort and consolation." The deity of felicitous advent, the comforter of the world, having adminis- tered, especially this, together with all other religious comforts to the n&gas, departed to th.e garden of Jeta. The visit to N&gadipa concluded. In the third year from that period, the said nfiga king, Maniakkhika, repair- ing to the supreme Buddha, supplicated his attendance (at Kaly&ni) together with his disciples. In (this) eighth year of his buddhahood, the vanquisher and saviour was sojourning in the garden of Jeta with five hundred of his disciples. On the second day, being the fuU moon of the delightful mouth of ves&kha, on its being announced to him that it was the hour of refection, the vanquisher, lord of munis, at that instant, adjusting his robes and taking up his sacred dish, departed for the kingdom of Kaly&oii, to the residence of Maniakkhika. On the spot where the Kaly&ni dagoba (was subsequently built) on a throne of inestimable value, erected in a golden palace, he stationed, himself together with his attendant disciples. The overjoyed n&ga king and his retinue provided the vanquisher, the doctrinal lord and his disciples, with celestial food and beverage. The comforter of the world, the divine teacher OHAPTKK II. 7 the supreme lord, having there propounded the doctrines of his faith, rising aloft (into the air) displayed the impression of his foot on the mountain Sumanakii(a (by imprinting it there). On the side of that mountain he, with his disciples, haying enjoyed the rest of noon-day, departed for Digha- v&pi ; and on the site of the dagoba (subsequently erected) the saviour, attended by his disciples, seated himseW ; and for the purpose of rendering that spot celebrated, he there .enjoyed the bliss of " samAdhi." Rising aloft from that spot, the great divine sage, cognizant of the places (sanctified by former Buddhas), departed for the station where the M^ghavana establishment was subsequently formed (at AnurMhapura). The saviour, together with his disciples, alighting on the spot where the sacred bo-tree was (subsequently) planted, enjoyed the bliss of the ' ' sam&dhi " meditation ; thence, in like manner, on the spot where the great dagoba (was subsequently built). Similarly, at the site of the dagoba Thiipftrfima, indulging in the same meditation ; from thence he repaired to the site of 8il4 dagoba. The lord of multitudinous dis- ciples preached to the congregated devas, and thereafter the Buddha, omniscient of the present, the past, and the future, departed for the garden of Jeta. Thus the lord of La^ki, knowing by divine inspiration the inestimable blessings vouchsafed to Lagkd, and foreseeing even at that time the future prosperity of the devas, nSgas, and others in Lagki, the all-bountiful luminary visited this most favoured land of the world thrice. From this circumstance this island became venerated by righteous men. Hence it shone forth the light itself of religion. The visit to Kaly4ni concluded. The first chapter of the Mahivagsa, entitled " The visits of the successor of former Buddhas," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER II. TAe great divine sage, the descendant of the king Mahdsammata, at the commencement of this " kappa," was himself the said king named Mahdsammata. Roja, Vararoja, in like manner two Kaly&ijas (Kalyina and Varakalya- Qa), Uposatha, two Mandh^tus, Caraka, and Upacaraka, Cetiya, also Mucala, MahS,mncala, Mucalinda, also Sagara, and S&garadeva, Bharata, Bhdgirasa, Ruci, Suruci, Fatdpa, Mah&pat&pa, and in like manner two Fan&das, Sudassana and Ndru, likewise two of each name, — these above- named kings were (in their several generations) his (Mah&sammata's) sons and lineal descendants. These twenty-eight lords of the land, whose existence extended to an asankhya of years, reigned (in the capitals) Kus&vati, R&jagaha, Mithila. Thereafter (in different capitals reigned) one hundred, fifty-six, sixty, eighty-four thousand, then thirty-six kings ; subsequently thereto, thirty- two, twenty-eight, twenty-two ; subsequently thereto, eighteen, seventeen, fifteen, and fourteen ; nine, seven, twelve, twenty-five ; again in the same number (twenty-five), two twelves and nine. Makh&deva, the first of eighty- four thousand ; Eal&rajanaka, the first of eigty-four thousand kings ; and ' The error of constmotion here, though slight, is seriously misleading. It is wot said here that Buddha was born as MahfSsammata, but that he was descended from that mythical personage. The passage ought to be construed thus : — "Now this great sage was born of the race of king Mahfeammata. In the beginning of this kalpa there was a king named Mahdsammata. And these were his sons and grandsons." Then follows the genealogy. 8 THE MAhAvA^SA. the sixteen sons and lineal descendants terminating with Okk&ka : these were those (princes) who separately, in distinct successions, reigned each in their respective capital. Okkakamukha, the eldest son of Okk&ha, became sovereign. Nipura, Chandim^, Chandamukha, SirisaSjaya, the great king Yessantara, G&mi, Sihavdhana, and Sihassara, in like manner, — these were his (Okkakamukha's) sons and lineal descendants. There were eight-two thousand sovereigns, the sons and lineal descendants of king Sihassara. The last of these was Jayas^na, These were celebrated in the capital of Kapilavatthu as Sakya kings. The great king Sihahanu was the son of Jayasena. The daughter of Jayasena was named Yasudhara. In the city of Devadaha there was a Sakya ruler named Devadaha. Unto him two children, AFijana, then Eacch^na, were born. This Eacch&n4 became the queen of king Sihahanu. To the Sakya Aiijana the aforesaid Yasddhara became queen. To ASjana two daughters were born, M&y& and Paj&pati, and two sons of the Sakya race, Dandapfini and Suppabuddha. To Sihahanu five sons and two daughters were born, Suddh()dana, Dhot6dana, Sukkodana (Ghattit6dana), and Amit6dana; Amit& and Pamit& ;— those five, these two. To the Sakya Suppabuddha, Amit& became queen. Subhaddakacch&ni and Devadatta were her two offsprings. May& and Faj&pati both equally became the consorts of Suddhddana. Our vanquisher was the son of the Mah&r&j& Suddhodana and M&y&. Thus the great divine sage was, in a direct line, descended from the Mah&sammata race, the pinnacle of all royal dynasties. To this prince Siddhattha, a bodhisatta, the aforesaid Subhaddakacch^na became queen. R/thula was his son. The princes Bimbisara and Siddhattha wore attached friends. The father of both those (princes) were also equally devoted friends. The bodhisatta was five years the senior of Birabis&ra. In the twenty-ninth year of his age the bodhisatta departed (oh his divine mission). Having ^for six years gone through the probationary courses, and having in due order of succession attained Buddhahood, he repaired in the thirty-fifth of his age to Bimbisara. The eminently wise Bimbis&ra had been installed himself in the fifteenth year of his age, by his father (Bh^tiya), in the sovereignty of his realm. In the sixteenth year of his reign the divine teacher propounded his doctrines (to him). He ruled the kingdom for fifty- two years — fifteen years of his reign had elapsed before he united himself with the congregation of the vanquisher ; 'after his conversion, thirty-seven years — during lohich period this successor of former Buddhas still lived. The weak and perfidious son of Bimbis&ra, Ajatasattu, having put him to death, reigned for thirty-two years. In the eighth year of king Aj&tasattu's reign the divine sage died. Thereafter he reigned twenty-four years. The successor of former Buddhas, who had attained the perfection of every virtue, ^arrived at the final death (from which there is no regeneration by transmigration). Thus, from this example, whosoever steadfastly contemplates Herror-inspiring death, and leads a righteous life, ^he will be transported (after death) beyond the realms of transmigratory misery. The second chapter in the Mah&vagsa entitled, '' The Mahusammatta genealogy," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. ' " Having striven for six years and duly attained Buddhahood. " * " and he reigned thirty-seven years while yet the Buddha lived. " » " and succumbed not to evil passions, did submit to the law of mutability, ' ■' the transitory nature of things. " " Dele. OHAPTBB III. 9 CHAPTER, ni. ' The supreme incomparable, the vanquisher of the Jive deadly sins, who was gifted with five means of perception, having sojourned for forty-five years (aa Buddha), and fulfilled in the utmost perfection every object of his mission to this world, in the city of Kusin&r&, in the sacred arbour formed by two " sal " trees, on the full moon day of the month of ves&kha, — ^this luminary of the world was extinguished. On that spot innumerable priests, princes, brahmins, traders, and sndras, as well as devas, assembled. There were also seven hundred thousand priests, of whom the th^ra Mah& Kassapa was, at that time, the chief. This high priest having performed the funeral obsequies over the body and sacred relics of the divine teacher ; and being desirous of perpetuating his doctrines for ever, on the seventh day after the lord of the universe, gifted with the ten powers, had demised ; recollecting the silly declaration of the priest Subhadda, who had been ordained in his dotage ; and, moreover, recollecting the footing of equality on which he had been placed by the divine sage, by conferring on him his own sacred robes, 'as well as the injunctions given by him for the propagation of his doctrines ; — this all-accomplished disciple of Buddha, for the purpose of holding a convocation on religion, con- vened five hundred priests, who had overcome the dominion of the passions, of great celebrity, versed in the nine departments of doctrinal knowledge, and perfect in every religious attribute. On account of a disqualification (however) attending the thira A'nanda, there was one deficient of that number. Subsequently the thera A'nanda also, having been entreated by the other priests to take part in the convocation, was likewise included. That convocation could not have taken place without him. These universe-compassionating (disciples) having passed half a month, — -in celebrating the funeral obsequies seven days, and in the festival of relics seven days, — and knowing what was proper to be done, thus resolved : " Keeping ' vassa ' in the city of R&jagaha, let us there hold the convocation on religion — it cannot be permitted to other (priests) to 'be present." These disciples making their pilgrimage over Jambudipa as mendicants, administering consolation in their affliction (at the demise of Buddha) to the vast population spread over the various portions thereof , in the month ^asala, during the increase of the moon, ' being the appropriate bright season, these ^ supports of the people in their faith reached B&jagaha, a city perfect in every sacerdotal requisite. These th^ras, with Kassapa for their chief, steadfast in their design, and perfect masters of the doctrines of the supreme Buddha, having arrived at the place aforesaid to hold their " vassa," caused, by an application to king Ajitasattn, repairs to be made to all the sacred buildings, during the first month of " vassa." On the completion of the repairs of the sacred edifices, they thus addressed the monarch : " Now we wUl hold the convocation on religion." To him (the king) who inquired " What is requisite ? " they replied : " A session hall." The monarch inquiring " Where ? " in the place named by them, by the side of the Yebh4ra mountain, at the entrance of the Sattapanni cave, he speedily caused to be built a splendid hall, like unto that of the devas. ' " The incomparable (Buddha) who was gifted with five kinds of vision." > " take up their abode there (during the vassa)." '"A'sMhi." < Dele. ' ■ "men who sought to ground themselves on the truth." There is a play her6 on the words tuhkha-pahhha : in the one place meaning the "bright side;" in the other, truth or virtue, represented by brightness. 91—87 C» 10 THE MAhAvA^SA. Having in all respects perfected this hall, he had invaluable carpets spread there corresponding with the number of the priests. In order that, being seated on the 'north side, the 'south might be faced, the inestimable, pre- eminent throne of the high priest was placed there. In the centre of that haU, facing the east, the exalted preaching pulpit, fit for the deity himself of felicitous advent, was ei'ected. The king thus reported to the theras : " Our task is performed." Those theras then addressed A'nanda, the delight (of an audience) : "A'nanda, to-morrow is the convocation ; on account of thy being still under the dominion of human passions, thy presence there is inadmissible. Exert thyself without intermission, and attain the requisite qualification." The thdra, who had been thus enjoined, having exerted a supernatural effort, 'and extricated himself from the dominion of human passions, attained the sanctification of "arhat." On the second day of the second month of "vassa" these disciples assembled in this splendid haU. Beserving for the th^ra A'nanda the seat appropriate to him alone, the (other) sanctified priests took their places according to their seniority. While some among them were in the act of inquiring " Where is the th^ra A'nanda P " — ^in order that he might manifest to the (assembled) disciples that he had attained the sanctification of " arhat " — (at that instant) the said th€ra made his appearance, ^emerging from the earth, and passing through the air (without touching the floor) ; and took his seat in the pulpit specially reserved for him. All these theras, accomplished supporters of the faith, allotted to the thera Up&li (the elucidation of the) " vinaya ; " and to the thera A'nanda the whole of the other branches of " dhamma." The high priest (Mah&kassapa) reserved to himself (the part) of interrogating on " vinaya," and the ascetic .thera Up&U that of discoursing thereon. The one seated in the high priest's pulpit interrogated him on " vinaya ; the other seated in the preaching pulpit expatiated thereon. From the manner in which the " vinaya " was propounded by this master of that branch of religion, all these theras, by repeating (the discourse) in chants, became perfect masters in the knowledge of "vinaya." ' The said high priest (Mahfikassapa) imposing on himself (that task), interrogated on " dhamma " him (A'nanda) who, from among those who had been ^his auditors, was the selected guardian of the doctrines of the supreme ruler. In the same manner, the th^ra A'nanda, allotting to himself that (task), exalted in the preaching pulpit, expatiated without the slightest omission on " dhamma." From the manner in which that hage (A'nanda) '"south." 2 "north." ' "without being confined to any of the four ascetic postures," This refers to his having attained arhatship while he was in the act of laying down his head on his pillow. He was neither walking, sitting, standing, or lyiTig down at the moment. * " either emerging from the earth (after sinking into it) or passing through the air." , The sudden and unexpected appearance of A'nanda in his seat im- pressed them with the idea that he must have come there by a miraculous exercise of power such as arhats are said to possess. ' " the constant auditors of the Great Sage was the selected guardian of his -doctrines." * " aooompIiBhed sage." Vedeha'trmni,' an epithet of A'nanda, has no reference to the vedas. Vedeha here means " wise," " perfect," &o. CHAPTBB IV. 11 ^aceompUshed in the " wido," propounded the " dhamma," all these priests, repeating his discourse in chants, became perfect in " dhamma." Thus this convocation, held by these benefactors of mankind for the benefit of the whole world, was brought to a close in seven months ; and the religion of the deity of felicitous advent was rendered effective for enduring five thousand years, by the high priest Mah&kassapa. At the. close of this convocation, in the excess of its exultation, the self- balanced great earth quaked six times from the lowest abyss of the ocean, 'by various means in this world, divers miracles have been performed. Because this convocation was held exclusively by ' " salt preserved in horns." ' " going into villages." • " consent." * "kah&panas and such like." * an act of censure involving the obligation of seeking forgiveness from an offended layman by the offending priest. ' " (instead of seeking forgiveness) justified himself before the people of the city." ' suspension from privileges of monkhood, » The translation is altogether wrong. There is a lacuna to be filled up here in order to make the sense clear. " (And the other priests followed him on the journey), and reaching every evening the place which the noble th€ra had left in the morning, they overtook and saw him at (a place called) Sahaj&ti." B£vata being old and infirm wished to journey quietly and by easy stages ; so the priests who had gone to fetch him wished not to intrude on his privacy. OHAPTBB IV. 13 ^At a place (where they had so aesembled), the th^ra Yaaa, under the directions of the chief priest Sambhdta, at the close of a sermon, addressing himself to the celebrated th^ra R^vata, inquired 'what the ten (unorthodox) indulgences ^were. *Having examined those rules, the thira pronounced them " inadmissible," and said, " Let us suppress this (schism). These sinners, with the view to seducing the renowned th€ra B^vata to their party, collecting a vast quantity of priestly offerings, and quickly embarking in a vessel, arrived at the place where the principal priests were assembled : and at the hour of refection set forth the chant of refection. The th^ra S&lha, who was resident at that selected place, and had overcome the dominion of sin, reflecting whether the doctrine of the Path^ya priests was orthodox, it appeared to him to be so. The Maha-Brahma (of the world Suddh4v&sa) descending unto him (Salha) addressed him thus : " Adhere to that doctrine." He replied that his adherence to that faith would be steadfast. Those who had brought the priestly offerings presented themselves to the eminent th^ra B^vata. The th^ra declined accepting the offerings, and dismissed the pupil of the sinful fraternity (who presented them). These shameless characters departing thence for TSs&li, and from thence repairing to the capital Fupphapura, thus addressed their sovereign E41ft- s(5ka : "Wej the guardians of the dwelling of our divine instructor, reside there, in the land of Yajji, in the Mah&vana vih&ra. The priests resident in the provincial viUages are hastening hither, saying, ' Let us take possession of the vihfira.' Oh, Mahir&ja, prevent them." They having (thus) deceived the king, returned to VesMi. In the (aforesaid) selected place wher^ the (orthodox) priests had halted, unto the tMra B6vata, for the purpose of suppressing the schismatic indul- gences, eleven hundred and ninety thousand priests congregated. He had decided (however) not to suppress the heresy at any place but that at which it had originated. Consequently the th^ras, and all these priests repaired to V^sMi. The deluded monarch despatched his ministers thither. Misguided, however, by the interposition of the gods, they proceeded in a different direction. The sovereign having (thus) deputed these ministers (to the priesthood), in the night, by a dream, he saw that his soul was cast into the L6hakumbhi hell. The king was in the greatest consternation. To allay that (terror) his younger sister, the priestess Nandi, a sanctified character, who had over- come the dominion of sin, arrived, travelling through the air : " The act thou hast committed is of the ■ most weighty import : 'ma^e atonement to the orthodox ministers of the faith : uniting thyself with their cause, uphold true religion. By adopting this course peace of mind will be restored unto thee." Having thus addressed him she departed. At the very dawn of day the monarch departed to proceed to Vds41i. Having reached the Mah4vana vih&ra, he assembled the priesthood ; and having examined the controversy by listening to both parties, he decided in favour of the cause of true religion. The sovereign having 'made atonement to all the ministers of true religion, and having avowed his adherence to its cause he said : " Do ye according to your own judgment provide for the due ' Omit italicised words, and substitute "There." ' " about." ' Delete were, * " The thfira rejected them as errors, and said 'Let nshear the case and suppress them,' " 5 « beseech the forgiveness of." • " obtained the forgiveness of." 14 . THE MAHAvA^JSA. maintenance of religion " ; and haying extended his protection to them, he departed for his capital (Pupphapura). Thereupon the priesthood assembled to inquire into these indulgences : there, in that convocation (however) endless and frivolous discussions arose. The thera R^vata himself then advancing into the midst of the assembly, and causing to be proclaimed Hhe ubbdhikd i-ules, he made the requisite arrangements for the purpose of suppressing this heresy. *By the ubb&hik& ^rules he selected, for the suppression of the sacerdotal heresy, four priests of P4oina and four of Paveyya. These were the P&cina priests: Sabbak&mi, S&lha, Khujiasdbhita, and Vfisabhag&mika. These were the four Paveyya priests : R6vata, Sambhuta of S&na, Yasa the son of K&kandaka, and Sumana. For the purpose of examining into these (controverted) indulgences, these eight sanctified personages repaired to T&lukSr&ma vih&ra, a situation so secluded (that not even the note of a bird was heard), and free from the strife of men.* The high priest BSvata, the chief of the interrogating party, questioned the thera Sabbak&mi in due order on these indulgences, one by one. The principal thSra Sabbakimi, who had been thus interrogated by him (RIvata), declared : " By the orthodox ordinances all these indulgences are inadmissible." There (at the VilukSrAma vih4ra), having in due form rejected this heresy, in the same manner in the midst of the convocation at Mah&vana vih4ra (to which they returned), they again went through the interrogations and replies. To the ten thousand sinful priests who put forth the ten indulgences, these principal orthodox priests awarded the penalty of degradation. Sabbak&mi was at that time high priest of the world, and had already attained a standing of one hundred and twenty years in the ordination of Sabbak&mi, Salha, R6vata, Khuj jas6bhita, Yasa the son of Kfika^daka, and Sambhiita, a native of S&na, — these six thSras were the disciples of the th6ra A'nanda. Vasabhag&mika and Sumana, — these two theras were the disciples of the th€ra Anuruddha. These eight pious priests, in aforetime, had seen , the deity who was the successor of former Buddhas. The priests who had assembled were twelve hundred thousand : of all these priests the thSra Revata was at that time the leader. Thereupon, for the purpose of securing the permanency of the true faith, this Revata th^ra, the leader of these priests, selected from those who were gifted with the ^qualifications for aanctification, and were the depositories of the doctrines contained in the three " pitakas," seven hundred sanctified disciples (of Buddha, for the purpose of holding the convocation on religion). All these thSras, having Revata for their chief, protected by king K&l£a<5ka, held the convocation on religion at the Y&lukSr£ma vih&ra. According to the form observed in interrogation and illustration on the former occasion, conducting this meeting precisely in the same manner, it was terminated in eight months. Thus these thiras, who were indefatigable in their caUing, and absolved from all human afSictions, having held the second convocation on religion, in due course attained " nibbuti." ■ " that matters in dispute should be settled according to the Ubblihik& rules of procedure." s << For." • " council," * A verse is missing here : " And the great elder Sabbak&mi, who knew the mind of the great sage, seated himself on a beautiful throne prepared by a young priest." ' " four kinds of highest knowledge." tJBAtTteR V. 15 Hence, bearing in mind the subjection to death of the disciples of the saviour of the universe, who were endowed with the sanctification of " arhat," — ^who had attained the state of ultimate beatitude, — and had con- ferred blessings on the beings of the three " bhavas," recoUeoting also the liability of the rest of mankind to an interminable transmigration, let (the reader) steadfastly devote himself (to a life of righteousness). The fourth chapter in the Mah&vagsa, entitled " The Second Convocation on Religion," composed equally to delight and afflict righteous men. CHAPTER V. The convocation which was held in the first instance by the principal th^ras, having Mahikassapa for their chief, is called the " Theriyi SaiSgiti." During the first century after the death of Buddha there was but that one 'schism among the thdras. It was subsequent to that period that the other schisms among the preceptors took place. The whole of those sinful priests, in number ten thousand, who had been degraded by the theras who had held the second convocation, originated the schism among the preceptors called the Mah4sailgiti heresy. Thereafter arose the G-dkulika and Ekabbohirika schisms. From the Gdkulika schismatics the Pannatti as well as the Bdhulika and C^tiya heresies proceeded.' Those priests, again, gave rise to 'the schisms of the Sabbatthi and the Dhammaguttika priesthood. ' These two (hereaiet) arose simultaneously. Subsequently, from the Sabbatthi schismatics, the Kassapiya schism proceeded. Thereafter the Sadkantika priesthood gave rise to the Sntta schism. * There were twelve schisms, including the Theta schism which was suppressed at the first convocation, in the first year of the first century); together with six schisms named hereafter, there were eighteen inveterate schisms. Thus, in the second century (after the death of Buddha), there arose seven- teen schisms. The rest of the schisms among the preceptors were engendered subsequently thereto. These were the six secessions which took place in Jambudipa (during the second century) : — The Hemavata, R&jagiriy&, and the Siddhatthik4, as well as (that of) the PubbaafiUya and Aparaseliya priest- hood, and the VAjiriya. The Dhammaruchiya and Sigaliya schisms took place in Lagki (in the fifth and eighth centuries after Buddha's death). ' I doubt much whether " schism among the th&as" is the proper rendering of " th6ra-v6da." I should think it rather means " the tradition of the elders " or " the sayings of the elders." This term thira-v&da is used in contradistinction to dcariya-vida in the same verse and subsequent places,. translated by Tiirnour as " schisms among the preceptors," but which I think should be " the sayings of (the subsequent) false teachers." The subject, however, is one for detailed investigation. ' The Batnvantud&va-Sumapgala Recension puts in two and a half verses here, which are said to be found in the Cambodian copy and a Siphalese copy which were used in the collation of the printed text. They run thus :— " These belonged to the Mah& SaQgiti school. Again, from among the Th&a-v&das there sprung two sects, the Mahipstoaka and the Vajji-puttaka priests. And from among the latter (the Vajji-puttakas) there arose (four sects, namely,) the Dhammuttariya, tke Bhadra-yanika, the Ohann&g&rika, and the Sammiti, who were all (denominated) the "Vajji-puttaka priests." "'two." 'Omit. '" So that, including the (original) Th^ra-vfida school, there were twelve ; and these, together with the six afore-mentioned, formed eighteen in all." 16 THE UAhIvA^SA. The schismatic secessions of the preceptors concluded. K&1^6ka had ten sons : these brothers (conjointly) ruled the empire, righteously, for twenty- two years. > Subsequently there were nine ': they also, according to their seniority, righteously reigned for twenty-two years. Thereafter the brahman O&nakka, in gratification of an implacable hatred borne towards the ninth surviving brother, called Dhana-nanda, having put him to death, he installed in the sovereignty over the whole of Jambudipa a descendant of the dynasty of Moriyan sovereigns, endowed with illustrious and beneficent attributes, surnamed Candagutta. He reigned thirty-four years. His son Bindus&ra reigned twenty-eight years. The sons of Bindusara were one hundred and one, the issue of (sixteen) different mothers. Among them, As(5ka, by his piety and supernatural wisdom, became all-powerful. He having put to death, one hundred brothers, minus one, bom of different mothers, reigned sole sovereign of all Jambudipa. Be it known, that from the period of the death of Buddha, and antecedent to ° his installa- tion, two hundred and eighteen years had elapsed. In the fourth year of his accession to his sole sovereignty, this illustriously endowed ruler caused his own inauguration to be solemnised in the city of Pataliputta. At the instant of his inauguration, the establishment of his supremacy was (miraculously) proclaimed, from yojana to y^jana, throughout the air above and over the surface of the earth. The devas caused to be brought daily eight men's loads of water from the lake Andtatta, from which (supplies) the deva of devas (the king) caused the people also to be provided. They also procured from the regions of Himavanta, " n&galat& " teeth-cleansers, sufficient for several thousand per- sons. From the same quarter, the invaluable medicinal "dmalaka"; the precious medicinal "haritaka"; from the same regions the "amba" fruit, superlatively excellent in its colour and flavour. The devas (procured) also cloths of five different colours, and cloths for hand towels of the colour of gold, as well as the sacred beverage from the waters of Chaddanta lake. The elk, wild hog, and winged game, slaughtered in that city (for the king's household), resorting to the royal kitchen, of their own accord, there expire. There, tigers, having led forth herds of cattle to graze, reconduct them into their pens. Elk and wild hog watch over fields, gardens, tanks, &c. The nagas (brought) fine cloths of the colour of the " sumana" flower, wove without seams ; the heavenly " uppala" flower ; also ointment for the body ; and medicinal drugs from the n&ga wilderness. Parrots brought nine hundred thousand loads of hill paddy daUy from the marshes of Chaddanta. Mice, husking that hUl' paddy, without breaking it, converted it into rice. Therefrom the rice dressed for the royal household was prepared. For him (the king), bees constantly deposited honey. In like manner, in his arsenals bears worked with hammers, and singing birds of delightful melody, repairing to the monarch, sang sweet strains. • The inaugurated sovereign Asdka then installed his full younger brother, prince Tissa, in the dignity of sub-king. The installation of Dhamm^tsbka concluded. The father (of Asdka) being of the Brahmanical faith, maintained (bes- towing daily alms) sixty thousand Brahmans. He himself in like manner bestowed them for three years. ' " After them." ' " Add brothers (the Nandas)." » " Asoka's." toHAtTKB V. i'7 As^ka, noticing from the upper pavilion of his palace the ^despicable pro- ceedings of these persons,* enjoined his ministers to bestow alms with greater discrimination. This wise (monarch) caused to be brought to him Hhe ministers of all religions separately ; and having seated them, and discussed their tenets, and given them alma, allowed them to depart. *At a moment when he was enjoying the breeze in his upstair pavilion, observing the s4ma- n^ra Nigrddha passing the palace square, he was delighted with his Sanctified deportment. This royal youth was the son of prince Sumana, the eldest of aU the sons of Bindus&ra. "Asdka, on hearing that Bihdus&ra was on his deathbed, left the kingdom of TJjj^ni, which had been bestowed on him by his father, and proceeded to Pupphapura. As soon as his sire expired, seizing the capital for himself, and putting to death his eldest brother (Sumana) in that celebrated city, he usurped the sovereignty. The consort of prince Sumana, bearing the same name, who was then pregnant, proceeding out of the eastern gate, departed and repaired to a village of can(J&lBs (outoastes). There, the d^vatS, Nigr6dha, addressed her by name ; and having caused an habitation to spring up, conferred it on her. She who was thus protected by the devat&, giving birth on that very day to her son, bestowed on the child the name " Nigr6dha." The chief of the candalas seeing her (in this condition) and venerating her as his own mis- tress, served her faithfully seven years. The thera Maha Varu^ia, seeing this infant born with the attributes requisite for the sanctifioation of " arhat," applied to the mother for him, and ordained him a priest. In the act of shaving his head (for admission into the priesthood) he attained arhathood. Thereafter, while on his way to see his princess-mother, entering the capital by the southern gate, at the moment he was passing through the palace square on his road to the village (of outcastes), the sovereign struck with the extreme propriety of his deportment, ^as if he had been previously intimate with him, an affection arose in his breast towards him. ' In a former existence there were three brothers, dealers in honey : one was the seller, two were the providers. There was also a pacc^ka buddha, who was afflicted with sores. Another pacceka buddha, on his account, was soli- citous of procuring some honey. In his sacerdotal character, begging his subsistence for the day, he entered the city (of BkrAnasi). At that moment a young woman, who was proceeding to fetch water at the watering place of the city, observed him. Having made inquiry, and ascertained that he was solicitious of getting some honey, she said, pointing out the direction with her hand, " Lord, here is a honey bazaar, repair thither." The dealer, well pleased, filled the begging-dish of the pacceka buddha who presented him- self there, with honey to overflowing. Observing the filling, the overflowing, and the streaming on the ground of the honey, he (the dealer) then formed the following wishes : " By the virtue of this offering may I establish an undivided dominion over Jambudfpa : my authority (being recognised) from yojana to ydjana through the air and over the earth." To the brothers, who < "vulgarity." ' " at the distribution of food." ' "divers ascetics of false creeds." < " One day." ' (" Now, the history of Nigrodha Siimanlra is in this wise.") f*or the sake of clearness a paragraph such as this should ie inserted here within brackets. • " was exceedingly pleased with him ; and by (the force of) association in a former birth there sprung a love towards him in his breast." '("Now, the story of the former birth is as follows.") 91—87 D« 18 TllE MAHivA:^8A. (sabsequiBntly) arrired, he thus spoke : " To such a personage (describing him) I have made offerings of honey. According to your shares in that honey, participate ye in the benefits." The eldest brother incensed, thus replied : " Surely he must be an outoaste ; at all times the outcastes wear yellow cloths." The second said : " Send that pacc^ka buddha to the farther side of the ocean." (Subsequently) having listened to the youngest brother's discourse on the benefits derived from offerings, they also accepted the pro- mised blessings. She who had pointed out the honey dealer's bazaar formed the wish of becoming his (the honey dealer's) head queen (in his character of sovereign), and that she should be endowed with a form so exquisitely moulded, that the joints of her limbs should be (" asandhi") imperceptibly united. (Accordingly) the donor of the honey became Asdka. The young woman became the queen Asandhimitti. He who blasphemously called him (the paccSka buddha) " an outcaste," became Nigr6dha. The one who wished him transported became Tiasa (D6w&nampiya Tissa). ' From, whatever circum- stance (it had been the fate of) the outcaste blasphemer to have been born in a village of outcastes, he nevertheless formed the wish to attain "mokkha," and accordingly in the seventh year of his age acquired " mokkha" (by the sanctiflcation of arhat). The said monarch (Asdka), highly delighted, and conceiving the greatest esteem for him (Nigrodha), thereupon caused him to be called in. He approached with decorous self-possession. The sovereign said to him, " My child, place thyself on any seat suited to thee." He, seeing no other priest (present), proceeded towards the royal throne. ' While he was in the act of approaching the royal throne, the king thus thought : " This s4manera will this very day become the master of my palace.' ' Leaning on the arm of the sovereign, he ascended and seated himself on the royal throne under the white canopy (of dominion). The ruler As6ka, gazing on the personage who had thus taken his seat, influenced by the merits of his own piety, he thereupon became exceedingly rejoiced. Having refreshed him with food and beverage which had been prepared for himself, he inter- rogated the said s&manera on the doctrines propounded by Buddha. The samanera explained to him the " appam&davagga " (section on non-procrasti- nation). The sovereign having heard the same, he was delighted with the religion of the vanquisher. He said unto him : "Beloved, I will constantly provide for you food for eight." " Sire," he replied, " that food I present to the superior priest who ordained me." On another eight portions of rice being provided, he gave them to his superior who had instructed him. On the next eight portions being provided, he gave them to the priesthood. On the next eight portions being provided, the piously wise (Nigrddha) accepted thdm himself. 'He who was thus maintained by the king having propounded the doctrines of the faith to the monarch, established the sovereign and the people in those tenets, and the grace to observe the same. The history of Nigrodha concluded. Thereafter, this king, increasing the number from day to day, gave alms to sixty thousand Buddhist priests, as formerly (to the Brahman priests). Having dismissed the sixty thousand heretics, he constantly maintained in ' "He who had blasphemed by calling the saint an ■ outcaste ' was born in a village of outcastes ; but." »" On the second day he went to the palace accompanied by thirty-two priests and after he had been served with food by the king himself he preached the law, and established him and his people in faith and piety." CHAPTER V. 19 his palace sixty thousand Buddhist priests. He being desirous that the sixty thousand priests should (on a certain occasion) be served without delay, haying prepared costly food and beverage, and having caused the city to be decorated, proceeded thither, invited the priesthood, conducted them to the palace, feasted them, and presenting them with many priestly ofierings, he thus inquired : >" What is the doctrine propounded by the divine teacher? " Thereupon, the th^ra Tissa, son of Moggali, entered into that explanation. Having learned that there were eighty-four thousand 'discourses on the tenets of that doctrine, " I will dedicate," exclaimed the monarch, " a vih&ra to each." Then bestowing ninety-six thousand kdtis of treasure on eighty-four thousand towns in Jambudfpa, at those places he caused the construction of temples to be commenced by the (local) rdjahs ; he himself undertook the erection of the AsukS.r4ma <,in Pupphapura). He bestowed daily, from his regard for the religion, a lac separately to the " ratanattaya," to Nigrddha, and to infirm priests. From the offerings made on account of Buddha, in various ways, in various cities, various festivals were constantly celebrated in honour of " thtipas." From the offerings made on account of the religion, the populace con- stantly bestowed the four prescribed offerings on the priests, the repositories of true religion. From the loads of water brought from the lake Andtatta, he bestowed daily four to the priesthood generally, one to the sixty accomplished main- tainors of the " t^pitaka, " one to the queen Asandhimitt^. The great monarch reserved for his own consumption two. To the sixty thousand priests and sixteen thousand females of the palace he gavethe teeth-cleansers called " n&galat!l." On a certain day, having by inquiry ascertained that the supernaturaUy- gif ted Mahak&la, ndga king, whose age extended to a kappa, had seen the four Buddhas (of this kappa) ; for the purpose of bringing him, having sent a golden chain and having- brought him, he 'placed him under the white canopy of dominion, seated on the royal throne. Making to him many flower-offerings, and surrounded by the sixteen thousand women of the palace, he thus addressed him : " Beloved, exhibit to me the person of the omniscient being of infinite wisdom, the chakkavatti of the doctrine, the mahesi." The naga king caused to appear a most enchanting image of Buddha, gifted with the Hhirty attributes of personal beauty, and resplendent with the eighty charms of corporeal perfection, surrounded by the halo of glory, and surmounted by the lambent flame of sanctity. Gazing on this (apparition), overjoyed and astonished, he made offerings thereto, and exclaimed, " Such is the image created by this personage : what must not the image have been of the deity himself of happy advent I " (meditating thus) his joy became greater and greater. The illustrious and powerful monarch (Asdka) then caused a great festival to be solemnised for seven successive days, known as the festival of " sight offering " (the miraculous figure of Buddha being visible during that period). Thus, ' it was foreseen hy the saints of old (who had held the second convoca- tion on religion) that this sovereign would he superlatively endowed, and of great faith ; and that the son of Moggali would become a thira. The conversion (of Asdka) to the religion (of Buddha) concluded. ' " How many (seotionB of) the law have been." ^" sections of the law." ' " caused him to be seated on the royal throne under the white canopy of dominion." *" thirty-two." » " was this ruler of the land endued with great power and faith. (From what follows it will be seen also that) the thera Moggaliputta was foreseen by the saints of old," 20 THE MAHAvA^'SA. The th^ras who held the second convocation, meditating on the events of futurity, foresaw that a calamity would befall their religion during the reign of this sovereign. Searching the whole world for him who would subdue this calamity, they perceived that it was ' the long-lived Tissa, the brahman (of the Brahma Idka world).' Bepairing to him, they thus supplicated the great sage : " Youcbsaf e to be born among men for the removal of this calamity." He, willing to be made the instrument for the glorification of religion, gave his consent unto them. These ministers of religion then thus addressed Siggava and Chandavajji, two ^ adult priests : " In eighteen plus one hundred years hence, a calamity will befall our religion, which we shall not ourselves witness. Ye (though) priests failed to attend on the occasion (of holding the second convocation on religion) : on that account it is meet to award penalties unto you. Let this be your penance. The brahman Tissa, a great sage, for the glorification of our religion, will be conceived in a certain womb in the house of the brahman Moggali. At the proper age, one of you must initiate that noble youth into the priesthood. (The other) must fully instruct him in the doctrines of the supreme Buddha." The thSra Dasaka was the disciple of Updli (the disciple of Buddha himself). S(Snaka was his disciple. The aforesaid two priests (Siggava and Chandavajji) were the disciples of S6naka. * In aforetime (at the termination of the first convocation on religion), in Yes&li, a brahman of the tribe of Sotthi, named Disaka, the superior of three hundred pupils, dwelt with his preceptor. In the twelfth year of his age, having achieved the knowledge of the " vSdas," and while he was making his pilgrimage attended by his own pupils, he met with the thera Upali, who had held the first convocation, sojourning at the temple Yalukfir4ma (in Ves&li). Taking up his residence near him, he examined him on the abstruse passages of the " vedas." He (Up&li) explained those passages. _ The th^ra, with a certain object in view, thus addressed him (the brahman) : '" There is a branch of the doctrine superior to all other branches, which perfects the knowledge of the whole doctrine. What branch of the doctrine is it f " ° The brahman was ignorant of it, and inquired, " What doctrine is it ? " He replied, " Buddha's doctrine." " Impart it to me," said the one. " Only to him who has been admitted into our order can I impart it,'' rejoined the other. Thereupon, returning to his native land, he applied for permission from his preceptor (to become a Buddhist priest), in order that he might acquire a knowledge of that doctrine ; in like manner from father and mother. This brahman, together with three hundred of his brahman followers, was admitted into the Buddhistical priesthood in the fraternity of that thira : and in due course was raised to the upasampada order. The th6ra Up&li ^propounded the whole " pi(akattaya " to his thousand pupils, who had subdued in themselves the dominion of sin, of whom D&saka was the senior. ' The other priests of the fraternity of the said th4ra, who had not attained the ' Omit. * " who had not long to live there." » " young." * (Now the history of these priests is as follows.) » This is a very difficult passage to render correctly and yet clearly in conse- quence of the use therein of the term "dhamma" in different senses. The literal rendering (without putting a sense on the word " dhamma ") would be : " Young man, there is a dhamma which follows all dhammas; and yet all dhammaa descend into or follow that dhamma. What is that dhamma ?" ' " The th£ra said this with reference to the ndma (in contradistinction to the rupa)." ' « taught." • " Others who received instruction in the Pitakas from the thSra,— those who bad entered the paths and those who had not, — were beyond number." CHAtTEB V. 21 sanctification of arhat (which comprised inspiration) i and were incapable of acquiring a knowledge of the " pitakattaya," were innumerable. In the land of K&si, there was a caravan chief's son, by name S6gaka, who came to the mountain-girt city (R&jagaha) on trade, together with his parents, attended by a retinue of fifty-five ^brahmanical devotees who had accompanied him thither. The chief of fifteen years of age repaired to Vfluvana vihira. Becoming acquainted there with the th^ra D^ka as well as with his disciples, overjoyed, he solicited to be admitted into the priesthood. He replied thus : " Ask thy superiors (first.)" The young chieftain Sonaka, having 'fasted for three days, and obtained the consent of his parents to enter into the priesthood, returned.' Together with these noble companions, becoming a priest, then an "upasampada," in the frater- nity of the th^ra Ddsaka, he acquired a knowledge of " pi(akattaya." This S6naka became the superior of a fraternity of a thousand theras, who had overcome the dominion of sin and acquired a perfect knowledge of the " pitakattaya." In the city of P&tali there was one Siggava aged eighteen years, the son of the minister (Sirivaddha), highly gifted with wisdom. He had three palaces for his residences, adapted for all the seasons of the six *utus. Bringing with him his friend Ghandavajji, the son of a minister, and attended by a retinue of five hundred men, having repaired to Kukkut&r&ma vihfira, they saw there the thera S6naka, seated absorbed in the " sam4patti " meditation, with the action of his senses suspended. Perceiving that he was silent while he bowed to him, he questioned the priests on this point. These priests replied, " Those absorbed in the samiipatti meditation do not speak." He then asked of these informants, " Under what circumstances does he rise (from his meditation) ?" Replying, " He rises at the caU of the divine teacher : at the call of the priesthood : at the termination of the period previously resolved on : at the approach of death :" and observing their predestined conversion, they (the priests) het forth the call of the priesthood. He (Sdpaka) rising, departed 'from hence. The young chief, addressing Sdpaka, asked : " Lord, why wast thou silent P" " Because," replied he, " I 'am partaking of that which I ought to partake." He thereupon rejoined, " Administer the same to me." " When thou hast become one of us, it will be permitted thee to partake of it." Thereupon the chiefs Siggava and Chagdavajji and their retinue of five hundred, obtaining the consent of their parents, repaired to the fraternity of the th^ra S(>Qaka, and being admitted into the priesthood became upasampadft priests. These two, residing with the priest-superior who had ordained them, having acquired a perfect know- ledge of the " pitakattaya," in due course attained the mastery of the six departments of doctrinal knowledge. ' This thera Siggava, perceiving (by inspiration) the conception of "Tissa ; during seven years from that date repaired (constantly for alms) to the dwelling in which (he the brahman was conceived). For that period of seven years even the word "begone" had not been addressed to him. In the eighth year, at length, he was told (by a slave girl) " Depart hence." The brahman Moggali, who was returning home, observing him departing, inquired, " Hast thou received anything at our house ? " " Yes," he replied. Going to his house, and having ascertained (that nothing had been given), on the second day, when the priest visited the dwelling, he upbraided him for his falsehood. Having heard the th6ra's explanation (that he only alluded ' " Brahman youths." ' " refused to take three^meala (successively)." ' " and." * " seasons."' " " sent unto him the message." • « thither." ' " was." ' " Now." " Moggali-putta. 22 THE HAHAVA^tiA. to the slave's reproach, "Depart henoe"), the brahman, pleased thereat, gave alms to him constantly from the meal prepared for himself. By degrees all the inmates of that house became attached to him. The brahman himself, haying made him ^aUo an inmate of the house, constantly fed him. In this manner time passed away, and the youth Tissa attained his twentieth year, and succeeded in traversing the ocean of the tiveda (of the brahmans). 'The thSra (knowing by inspiration) that a discussion would be produced thereby' (by a miracle), rendered all the seats Hn the house invisible, reserving only the carpet of this young brahman devotee. As he had descended from the brahma 16ka world, he was scrupulously rigid in preserving his personal purity. On this account he (always) folding his carpet, hung it up. Not finding any other seat, while the th£ra was standing, the people in the house in great confusion spread for him that carpet of his. The young brahman, on returning from his preceptor, seeing him so seated, enraged, addressed him in opprobrious language. The th€ra replied, " Young brahman, ^mhat knowledge dost thou poaaeasf" The youth instantly retorted the same question on the thSra. When the th6ra °wa« in the act of replying, " I do ^possess knowledge," he interrogated the said th6ra on the abstruse passages of the " v£das." The thera instantly explained them. This thera was ''thus, even hohile sojourning in the domicile of a layman, accomplished in the "v4das." Having attained the perfection of 'sacer- dotal sanctity (in the buddhistical creed) ^"why should he not be able to explain them ? " " An idea is conceived in the mind of some (rahat saint) which does not vanish from it : (nevertheless) the idea of that individual will vanish (on his attaining nibbuti), and will not be regenerated. Again, the idea of some other person shall vanish, shall not be regenerated, and yet it does not vanish."* " The thera of perfect self-possession called on the youth for the solution of this paradoxical question on the operations of the mind. He became, as it were, involved in perfect darkness, and inquired of him, " Priest, what "parable is this ?" He replied, " Buddha's parable." On his exclaiming "Impart it tons"; he rejoined, " Only to those do I impart it who have assumed our garb." Obtaining the permission of his parents, he entered into the priesthood for the sake of ^*this parable. The th^ra having initiated him into the priesthood, *'Ae imposed on him, according to the oi-thodox rules, the task of duly qualifying himself. . * This passage is interpreted in various ways with the aid of circumlocution. The above is only intended as a literal translation, with the additions sanctioned by the commentary. — [Sote by Mr. Tui'7iuur.'\ '" sit inside." ""One day." » "in the house." '"therein." ' " knowest thou the mantras (sciences)? " ' " replied." ' Jiele. ' " as." ' " discriminative knowledge." '» " how much more." " This passage is an axiom from the Yamakapprakarana of the Abhidharma Pitaka, and cannot be made intelligible by a simple translation to such as have not mastered the abstruse subject of Buddhist psychology. A literal translation would run thus : " Whose thought (oitta^i) is produced but is not destroyed, his thought will be destroyed and will not be reproduced. On the other hand, whose thought will be destroyed and will not be reproduced, his thought is produced and is not destroyed." K « The th6ra, whose self-possession was great, propounded this question from the ' Gitta-yamaka ' (of the Abhidhamma Fi(aka)." '» " science." » " learning this science." 15 « gave him lessons on the Kamma^hfina (subject and modes of meditation) as befitted him." OfiAPTiK V. i^ 't'hia superlatively gifted person having ^attained that gvalification in a short time, arrived at the sanotifloation of " sotSpatti." The thera having ascertained that fact, despatched him, for the purpose of being instructed, to the th^ra Gha^davajji. In due course the priest Siggava, having made him an upasampad^, taught him the " vinaya"; subsequently the other two branches of religion. There- after the youth Tissa, attaining the " vipassan^ " sanctification, acquired the mastery of the six branches of doctrinal knowledge, and 'ultimately he was elevated to s, i\Ax&. He became as celebrated as the sun and moon. ^Who has heard his eloquence without considering it the eloquence of the supreme Buddha himself I The ^matters cdncerning the th&a Moggaliputta concluded. The sub-king (Tissa) on a certain day, at an elk hunt, saw in a forest a herd of elk sporting. Observing this, he thus meditated : " Elks, browsing in a forest, sport. Why should not priests lodged and fed comfortably in vih6ra8 also amuse themselves ?" Betnrning home he imparted this reflec- tion to the king, who 'conferred the sovereignty on him for seven days 'to solve this question, addressing him thus : " Prince, administer this empire for seven days : at the termination of that period I shall put thee to death." At the end of the seventh day he inquired of him, " From what cause hast thou become so emaciated ?" when he answered, " From the horror of death." The monarch thereupon rejoined, " My child, thou hast ceased to take recreation, saying to thyself, ' in seven days I shall be put to death.' These ministers of religion are incessantly meditating on death ; how can they enter into frivolous diversions ?" He who had been thus addressed by his brother became a convert to that religion. After the lapse of some time, going to an elk hunt, he preceived, seated at the foot of a tree, and fanned by an elephant with the bough of a sal tree, the thdra Mah&dhammarakkhita, perfect in piety, having overcome the dominion of sin. The royal youth indulged in this reflection : " When shall I also, like unto this thSra, be initiated into the priesthood, be a dweller in the forest?" The thera, to incline his heart (to the faith), springing aloft, and departing, through the air, alighted on the surface of the tank of the Asok&r&ma temple, and causing his robes to remain poised in the air, he dived into the tank and bathed his limbs. The superlatively wise sub-king upon seeing this miracle, overjoyed thereat, resolved within himself, " This very day will I be ordained a priest." Repairing to the king, the zealous convert supplicated for permission to become a priest. Unwilling to obstruct his wish, the sovereign, conducting him himself, with a great concourse of attendants, proceeded to the temple. He (the under-king) was ordained by the tWra Mah&dhammarakkhita. On the same occasion with himself, one hundred thousand persons (were ordained). There is no ascertaining the number of those who became priests from his example. The renowned Aggibrahm& ''was the son-in-law of the king, %eing the husband of Sadghamittft, the sovereign's daughter, 'fler and his son, prince Sumana, having obtained the sanction of the king, was ordained at the same time as the sub-king. ' " devoted himself to meditation." ' " acquired the position of a." ' " And the world regarded his words as if they were the words." * " advent of." ' " in order to convince him (of the reason)." ' Omit. ' " the nephew." • " became." " " His son was darned Sumana. He also." 24 TiiB MAHiVA^SA. It was in the fourth year of king As6ka's reign that, for the spiritual happiness of the people, the ordination of the sub-king took place. In the same year this sub-king, gifted with Wisdom, became upasampadi ; and exerting himself, by virtue of his former piety, became Sanctified with the six supreme attributes. 'All these individuals in different towns, commencing the construction of splendid vihdras, completed them in three years. By the merit of the thera Indagutta, and of that of the undertaker of the work, the vihftra called Asdkfi,- rftma was ^also completed in that time. At the places at which the vanquisher of the five deadly sins had worked the works of his mission, the sovereign caused splendid d&gobas to be constructed. From eighty-four thousand cities (of which Pupphapura was the centre), despatches were brought on the same day, announcing that the vih&ras were completed. Having heard these despatches read, the glorious, the superlatively gifted, the victorious sovereign having resolved on having a great festival of offerings at all the temples at the same *moment, caused to be published by b^at of drums through the capital : " On the seventh day from hence, throughout all the kingdoms in the empire let there be a great festival of offerings held on the same day. Throughout the empire, at the distance of each ydjana, let there be 'great offerings bestowed. Let there be decorating of the roads to villages as well as temples. In all vihdras let almsgiving to the priesthood be kept up in every respect, as long as practicable, and liberally as means will allow. At those places, decorated with festoons of lamps and garlands of flowers in various ways, and joyous with every description of music, let a great procession be celebrated. And let all persons 'duly prepared hy a life of righteousness, listen to the doctrines of the faith ; and let innumerable offerings be made on that day." Accordingly, in all places, all persons, in ''all respects, as if they were the felicitous Devaldka heavens, each surpassing the other, bestowed offerings. On that day the king, decorated with all the insignia of royalty, ^and surrounded by his ministers mounted on elephants and horses, with all the pomp and power of state, proceeded, as if cleaving the earth, to the temple built by himself. Bowing down to the chief priest, he took up his station in the midst of the priesthood. In that congregation there were eighty kotis of priests. Among them there were one hundred thousand ministers of religion who had overcome the dominion of sin. There were also ninety lacs of priestesses, of whom a thousand priestesses had overcome the dominion of sin. 'These sanctified persons, for the purpose of gratifying king Dhammdsoka, performed a miracle for the manifestation to the world of the ti-uth of their religion. On account of his '"former sinful conduct (in having murderer) his brothers), he was known" by the name of "Asdka. Subsequently, on account of his "' an Arhat gifted." ' ■' And all the beautiful vih&ras, the building whereof had been duly commenced were completed within three years, By the supernatural power of the th^ra Indagutta, who superintended the work." • " speedily completed." ♦ " time." • " alms given in observance thereof, ' "taking upon themselves the vows of observing the precepts." '"in every possible manner, made offerings, pleasing as those of the Deva lokas, and exceeding even the commands of the King." ' " with his women of the palace and hia ministers, attended by a military array." ' " and these saints wrought a miracle called the ' Loka Yivaiana ' (' a panorama of the world ') that so they might make king Dhammisoka rejoice in the faith." '• Omit, " " formerly." " " Oancjiisoka (' the wicked Asoka ')." ttHAPTilB V. "2^ pioiis character, he was distinguished by the name of Dhammfisdka.' (By the power of 'a miracle) he saw all the yih&ras situated in every direction through- out the ocean-bound Jambudipa resplendent with these offerings. Having thus beheld these vih&ras, exceedingly overjoyed, he inquired of the priest- hood : " Lords ! in the religion of the deity of felicitous advent, whose act of pious bounty has been the greatest?" The th^ra, the son of Moggali, answered the sovereign's inquiry : " Even in the lifetime of the deity of happy advent, a donor of ofEerings equal to thee did not exist." . Hearing this announcement, the king, greatly pleased, again thus inquired of hint : '" Can a person circumstanced as I am become a relation of the religion of Buddha?" The th^ra perceiving the perfection in piety of Mahinda the son, and of Saiighamittd the daughter, of the king, and foreseeing also that it would be a circumstance tending to the advancement of the faith, this supporter of the cause of religion thereupon thus addressed the monarch : " Buler of men ! a greater donor and benefactor to the faith even than thou art can be called only a benefactor ; but he who causes a son or daughter to be ordained a minister of our religion, that person will become not' a ' benefactor,' but a 'relation 'of the faith'." Thereupon the sovereign, desirous of becoming the "relation of the faith," thus inquired of Mahinda and Saiighamitti, who were present : " My children ! it is declared that admission into the priesthood is an act of great merit. What (do ye decide), will ye be ordained ?" Hearing this appeal of their father, they thus addressed their parent : " Lord, if thou desirest it, this very day will we be ordained. The act of ordination is one profitable equally to us and to thee." Even from the period of the ordination of the sub-king and of the Aggibrahma, he and she had been desirous of entering the priesthood. The king, who had resolved to confer the office of sub-king on Mahinda, attached still more importance to his admission into the priesthood. He with the utmost pomp celebrated the ordination of his beloved son Mahinda, distinguished by his wisdom and his personal beauty, and of his daughter Saiighamitti. At that period this Mahinda, the delight of the monarch, was twenty, and the royal daughter Saiighamitt& was eighteen years old. His ^ordination and (elevation to) the upasampadd took place on the same day. Her ''ordination and qtialification (J'or upasampadd not being eligible thereto at her age) also took place on the same day. The th^ra named Moggali was the preceptor, " upaj jh&ya," of the prince. The thera Mahad^va Hnitiated him Hnto the first order of priesthood. The thera Majjhantika performed the " kammav&cS.." In that very hall of upasampada ordination this Mahinda, who had attained the requisites for the priesthood, acquired the sanctification of " arhat." The priestess Dhammap&l& became the upajjhdyd, and priestess A'yupali the instructress, of Sadghamitti. In due course she overcame the dominion of sin (by ^Hhe attainment of arhat). Both these illuminators of the religion were ordained in the sixth year of the reign of DhammSsoka, the benefactor of Lagk&. The great Mahinda, the illuminator of this land, in three years learnt from his preceptor the " pi^akattaya." As the moon and sun at all times illumine the firmament, so the priestess (SaiSghamitt4) and Mahinda shone forth the light of the religion of Buddha. Previously to this period a certain pilgrim, departing from P&taliputta, and while wandering in a wilderness, formed a connection with a ^young female I (' the righteous As6ka.') ' " the aforesaid." '"Can one like me be regarded as," '"only." '"also." ' "robing and ordination." ' " robing and training (for she was not admissible to ordination, being under age)." " " robed." » " Omit." '° " becoming an." 91—87 26 THE mahAva^sa. kuntakinnari (a fabulous animal). By her connection with him she brought forth two children : the elder was called Tissa and the younger Sumitta. In due course of time, these two having entered into the priesthood under the tuition of the th^ra Maha Yaruna, and haying acquired the six perfections of religious knowledge, attained the sanctification of " arhat." Tissa, the elder, was suffering from an ulcer in his foot, occasioned by the ^puncture of a thorn. The younger having inquired (what would alleviate him), he replied, "A palm-full of clarified butter, 'to he used as medicine"; but he (Tissa) interdicted his want being made known to the king ; Hts being supplied from the allowances granted by the king to infirm priests ; or that for the sake of clarified butter he shovdd proceed in search of it (at an unorthodox time) in the afternoon. " If in thy (orthodox forenoon) pilgrimage to beg the (daily) alms thou shouldst receive some clarified butter, that thou mayst bring." Thus the exalted th^ra Tissa instructed the thera Sumitta. A. palm-full of clarified butter not being procurable by him in his alms-pilgrimage, a disease was engendered which could not be subdued by a hundred caldrons of clarified butter. By this very disease the thera was brought to the close of his existence. Preaching to others on " non-procrastination," he prepared his mind for " nibbuti." Seated, poised in the air, pursuant to his own wish, he consumed his corporeal substance by the power of flames engendered within himself, and attained " nibbuti." *From the corpse of the thera flames issuing, it was converted into fleshless ashes ; hut they did not consume any of the hones in the whole of his corpse. The sovereign, hearing of the demise of this thera Tissa, attended by his royal retinue, repaired to the temple built by himself. The king, causing these relics to be collected, and placing them on his state elephant, and having celebrated a festival of relics, he inquired of what malady he died. Having heard the particulars, ''from the affliction created in him, he caused to be constructed at (each of the four) gates of the city a reservoir made of white chunam, and filled it with hnedicinal beverage, saying, " Let there not be a scarcity of medicines to be provided daily for the priesthood." The th&a Sumitta attained " nibbuti " while ''in the act of performing ■ ' chanJoman," (taking his walk oj meditation) in the " cankamana " hall. The world at large, in consequence of this event, became greatly devoted to the religion of Buddha. These two th^ras, descended from the kuntikinnari, attained " nibbuti " in the eighth year of the reign of As6ka. Thenceforward, the ^advantages accruing to the priesthood were great. ^By every possible means the devoted populace kept up these advantages. The heretics who had been deprived of the maintenance (formerly bestowed on them by the king), in order that they might obtain those advantages, assuming the yellow robes (without ordination), were living in the community of the priesthood. These persons, ^"whenever (they set up) a doctrine of their own they propounded it to be the doctrine of Buddha. If there was any act of their own (to he performed), they performed it according to their own wishes (without reference to the orthodox rules). ' " poison of a worm." ' Dele. ' " even though it was permissible to do so for." * " Flames issued from the body of the th^ra and consumed all his flesh without leaving any ashes ; but the bones they consumed not." > " he was filled with amazement and." • " drugs and medicaments." ' " walking in meditation." » " profits." " "by reason of the people who rejoiced after these events having maintained charitable gifts." " " set up their own doctrines as the doctrine of Buddha, and performed other rites and ceremonies (such as brahmanical sacrifiaes, &c.) as it pleased them." CHAPTER V. 27 Thereupon the thfira, son of Moggali, of increasing piety and faith, observing this dreadful excrescence on religion, like unto a boil, and having, by examining into futurity, ascertained by his profound foresight the period at which the excision of this (excrescence would take place) ; transferring his fraternity of numerous disciples to the charge of the thera Mahiuda, he sojourned for seven years in solitude, indulging in pious meditation, at the Ah6gaiiga mountain (beyond the G-anges), towards the source of the river. In consequence of the numerical preponderance and the hchisms of these heretics, the Buddhist priests were incapable of 'regulating their conduct according to the rules of the orthodox faith. From this very cause, in all the Buddhistical temples in Jambudipa, the priests were incapable of observing the rites of "updsatha" and "pavArana" for a period of seven years (as none but orthodox ministers could be admitted to those rites). The superlatively-gifted great king Dhammdsdka, hearing of this (suspen- sion of religions observances for seven years), despatched a minister to the chief temple As6k,1rdma, with these orders : " Having repaired thither, do thou, adjusting this matter, cause the ceremony of "uposatha" to be performed by the priesthood at my temple." This ignorant minister having repaired thither and assembled the priests, thus ^shouted out the commands of the sovereign : " Perform ye the ceremony of uposatha." The priesthood thus replied to the imbecile minister : " We will not perform the ceremony of 'updsatha' with the heretics." The minister, exclaiming " I will have the ' up6satha ' performed," with his own sword decapitated several of the theras in the order in which they sat. The thera Tissa, the younger brother of the king, perceiving this proceeding, ^rushing close to him (the minister), placed himself on the seat '('0/ the thera last slaughtered). The minister recognising that th^ra, repairing (to the palace,) reported the whole of the occurrence to the king. ^Hearing this event, the king, deeply afflicted, and in the utmost perturbation, instantly repairing (to the temple), inquired of the priesthood : " By the deed thus done, on whom will the sin fall ?" Among them, a portion of the ill-informed declared, " The sin is thine " : another portion announced, " Both of you": the well informed pronounced, " TJnto thee there is none." This great king having heard these (conflicting) opinions (exclaimed), " Is there, or is there not, any priest of sufficient authority (among you) who, alleviating my doubt, can restore me to the comforts of religion ?" The priesthood replied to the sovereign : " 0, warrior king 1 the thera Tissa, the son of Moggali, is such a person." The king instantly conceived a great veneration for him. On that very day, in order that the th^ra might be brought on his invitation, he despatched four theras, each attended by one thousand priests ; in like manner, four ministers, each attended by a thousand followers. On the message being delivered by these persons, (the th^ra) did not accept the invitation. Hearing this result to the mission, he despatched eight th€ras and eight ministers, each with a retinue of one thousand followers. As in the former instance, he again declined coming. The king inquired, "' What can the cause le that the thera does not comet" The priests informed him what could procure the attendance of that th&a, thus : " Illustrious monarch, on I "obstinacy." ' "restraining them according to law." ' " proclaimed." ' " made haste and." ' " nearest to him (the minister)." « " When the king heard the whole story he was seized with great conster- nation, and in great anguish of mind hastened to the temple, and." ' " How can the thfira be induced to come I " 28 THK mahIva^sa. sending him this message, ' Lord 1 vouchsafe to ^extend thy aid to restore me to the faith,' the th6ra will come." Again, 'another time the king, adopting that very message, sent sixteen thSras and sixteen ministers, each with a retinue of a thousand persons. He thus instructed (the mission): "Theth6ra ^on account of his great age will not be disposed to mount a conveyance ; do ye therefore transport the th^ra in a vessel by the river." They having repaired thither, delivered their message. *JIe, in the very act of hearing the message, rose. They conveyed the th£ra in a vessel. The king (on his approach) went out to meet him. The monarch (proceeding into the river) till the water reached his knees, with the prof oundest respect, offered the support of his right shoulder to the disembarking thira. The benevolent th6ra, worthy of every offering, out of compassion, accepting the proffered right arm of the sovereign, disembarked from the vessel. The king, conducting the th^ra to the pleasure garden Rativaddhana, bathing his feet and anointing them, caused him to be seated. The sovereign, with the view of trying the supernatural power of the th^ra, said to him : " Lord, I am desirous of witnessing a miracle." On being asked " What (miracle) ? " He replied, " An earthquake." (The thdra) again asked, " The earthquake thou wishest to see ; is it to be of the whole earth or of a limited space ? " Liquiring which is the most miraculous, and learning that " an earthquake confined to a limited space was the most miraculous," he declared that he was desirous of witnessing that. The th^ra — ^within a boundary the four sides of which were a yfijana in extent —having placed (on each side) a chariot, a horse, a man, and a vessel filled with water, by his supernatural power he caused the half of those things, together with the ground within the boundary, to quake (the other half, placed beyond the boundary, not being affected). He manifested this miracle to him who was there seated. The king inquired of the thlra whether a sin had or had not ^been committed, on account of the sacrilegious murder of the priests, by his ^own minister. The thera propounding to the king the j&taka called " tittira," 'consoled him by declaring, " Excepting there be wilful intention, there can be no sin." Sojourning in that delightful royal pleasure garden for seven days, he made the sovereign conversant with the inestimable doctrines of the supreme Buddha. The king within those seven days having sent two yakkhas, caused all the priests in Jambudipa to be assembled. On the seventh day, going to the splendid temple built by himself, he directed the whole priesthood, without any omission, to assemble. Seated together with the thSra within the curtain, and calling up to him, one by one, the heretic priests : " Lord," inquired the sovereign, " Of what religion was the deity of felicitous advent ?" Each, according to his own faith, propounded the " sassata," and other creeds (as the religion of Buddha). The king caused all those heretic priests to be expelled from the priesthood. The whole of the priests thus degraded were sixty thousand. He then asked the orthodox priests, " Of what religion is the deity of happy advent ? " They replied, ■' The religion of Hnvestigated ' « help me to defend the faith." ' Omit. ■ " although well stricken in years." A sick or infirm priest is permitted to travel in a conveyance, but the king thought that the great elder, who was a strict disciplinarian, would not take advantage of this privilege. < " No sooner did he hear the message than he rose." * "accrued to him also." 'Omit. ' " made him to understand that except." ' I would render it " analysis." I do not think the question put by the king to the heretics is correctly rendered, " What did Buddha teach ? " or " What was he ft teacher of \ " would convey the meaning of the question more clearly, CHAPTER VI. 29 (truth)" The sovereign then addressed the th^ra : " Lord I was the supreme Buddha himself of that ' vibhajja ' faith ? " The th£ra having replied " Yes," and the king having heard that answer, overjoyed. " Lord," he exclaimed, ' " if hy any act the priesthood can recover their own purity, hy that act let the priesthood (now) perform the ' tipiisatha.' " Having thus addressed the th^ra, and conferring the royal protection on the priesthood, he re-entered the celebrated capital. The priesthood, restored to unanimity of communion, then held the " updsatha." The th£ra, from many asankhya of jiriests, selected a thousand priests of sanctified character — possessing the six perfections of religious knowledge, and versed in the " t^pitaka," and perfect in the four sacerdotal qualifications — for the purpose of holding a convocation. By them the convocation on religion was held. According as tlie th^ras MahAkassapa and Yasa had performed the convocations (in their time); in like manner the th^ra Tissa (performed) this one. In that hall of convocation the thcra Tissa 'preached a discourse illustrative of the means of suppressing doubts on points of faith. Thus, under the auspices of king Asoka, this convocation on religion was brought to a close in nine months by these priests. In the seventeenth year of the reign of this king, this all-perfect minister of religion, aged seventy-two years, 'condticted in the utmost perfection this great convocation on religion, *and the "pavdranan." At the conclusion of the convocation, on account of the re-establishment of religion, the great earth, as if shouting its " S&dhu I " quaked. The instrument of this mission having left his supreme residence in the brahma loka world, and descended to this impure human world for the advancement of religion, — who, capable of advancing the cause of religion, would demur ? The fifth chapter in the Mah&vaQsa, entitled " The Third Convocation on Religion," composed alike to delight and afflict religious men. CHAPTER VI. In the land of Variga, in the capital of Vaiiga, there was formerly a certain Yaiiga king. The daughter of the king of K&liiiga was the principal queen of that monarch. That sovereign had a daughter (named Suppadevi) by his said queen. Fortune-tellers predicted that she would connect herself with the king of animals (the lion). She grew up lovely in person, and was ardently inflamed with amorous passions. 'By loth the king and queen a degrading sense of shame was felt. This (princess) "while taking a solitary walk, 'unattended and disguised, ' " inasmuch as the priesthood has recovered its purity let it now perform the updsatha." ' " recited a treatise (named) ' Kafch&-vatthu-p-pakarapa,' with a view." This treatise now forms the third book of the Abhidhamma Fitaka. ' " concluded." * " at the end of the great ' Pavarapa.' The Pavdraita is the contession of the priesthood at the conclusion of the vassa season." ' " But she was looked upon with disgust by both the king and queen, who felt a degrading sense of shame (on her account)." " " who longed for the pleasure of an independent life (one day)." ' " fled under disguise and joined a caravan that." 30 THE MAHAVA^SA. decamped under the protection of a caravan chief who was proceeding to the Magadha country. In a wilderness in the land of L&la, a lion 'chased away the caravan chief; the rest fled in 'opposite directions : hhe (advanced J in that in which the lion approached. The lion, ^prowling for prey, observing her ^approaching from a distance, inflamed with passion, wagging his tail and lowering his ears, approached her. She observed him ; and recollecting the prediction she had heard of the fortune-tellers, freed from all fear, exciting him, caressed him. By her having thus fondled him, his passion Joeing roused, the lion placed her on his back, and conveying her to his den, he lived with her. In due course of time, by her connection with him this princess gave birth to twins — a son and a daughter. '^They partook of the nature of the lion in the formation of ''their hands and feet. She consequently called him by the name of Sihab&hu, and the daughter %ihasivali. This son, in his sixteenth year, inquiring of his mother regarding a doubt raised in his mind — " My mother," said he, " from what circumstance is it that between thyself, our father, and ourselves there ia a dissimilarity ? " — she disclosed all to him. " Why then do we not depart ? " replied he. " Thy father," she rejoined, " closes up the mouth of the den with a stone.'' He, taking Hhat which closed the mouth of the great den on his shoulders, proceeded and returned a distance of fifty yojanas on the same day. When the lion had gone to prowl for prey, placing his mother on his right shoulder and his sister on the left, he quickly departed. Covering their nakedness with leaves, they proceeded to a provincial vil- lage. At that time (prince Anura), the son of the princess's maternal uncle, was there. This minister, standard-bearer of the king of Yaiiga, was present at this provincial village, superintending cultivation, seated under a " vata " tree. The royal standard-bearer seeing their condition, made inquiries. They replied, " We are the inhabitants of the wilderness." He bestowed clothing on them, which (clothes) by the virtue of their piety became of the greatest value. He gave dressed rice in leaves, which became vessels of gold. The minister, astonished by this (miracle), inquired of them, " Who are ye ?" The princess narrated to him her birth and lineage. This royal standard- bearer, taking with him this daughter of his father's (younger) sister, con- ducted her to the city of Yaiiga, and made her his wife. The lion soon returning to his den, and missing these three individuals, afBicted with grief at the loss of his ofEspring, neither ate nor drank. Seeking these children, he entered the provincial villages ; and whatever villages he visited he chased away the people. The inhabitants of the villages, repairing to (the capital), thus implored of the king : "A lion is laying waste thy country : sovereign lord, arrest this (calamity)." Not being able to find any person to slay him, placing a thousand pieces (of money) on the back of an elephant, he proclaimed through the city, " Let it be given to the captor of the lion." In the same manner, the king successively (offered) two thousand and three thousand pieces. The mother on two of these occasions prevented the lion-born youth (from undertaking the enter- prise). On the third occasion, without consulting his mother, he accepted the ofEer ; and a reward of three thousand pieces was (thus) bestowed on him to put his own father to death. (The populace) presented this prince to the king. The monarch thus addressed him : *' On the lion being '" rushed at the caravan." '"other." "" while she (ran). * " returning from his prey." ' Dele. " " The son. " ' " his." ' " she called," » " the stone." CHAPTER VII. 3l destroyed I bestow on thee that country." He having proceeded to the door of the den, and seeing at a distance the lion approaching, impelled by his affection for his child, — to transfix him, he (Sihab&hu) let fly his arrow at him. On account of the merit of the lion's good intentions, the arrow, recoiling in the air, fell on the ground at the feet of the prince. Even until the third effort it was the same. Then the king of animals, losing his self- possession (by which the charm that preserved his life was destroyed), the impelled arrow, transpiercing his body, passed through him. (Sihabdhn) returned to the city, taking the head of the lion with the mane attached thereto. This occurred on the seventh day after the death of the king of Vadga. The monarch having left no sons, and his virtuous ministers exulting in this exploit (of the prince), having ascertained that he was the grandson of the king, and recognised his mother (to be the king's daughter) they assembled, and with one accord entreated of the prince Sihabfthu, " Be thou king." He having accepted the sovereignty, and conferred it on (Anura) the husband of his mother, taking with him Sihasivali, he himself departed for the land of his nativity. There he founded a city, which was called Sihapura. In a wilderness a hundred y6janas in extent, he formed villages (in favourable situations for irrigation). In that capital of the land of Lfija, making Sihasivali his queen-consort, the monarch Sihabdhu administered the sovereignty. This queen in due course gave birth on sixteen occasions to twin children. The eldest was named Vijaya, the second was named Sumitta ; — altogether thirty- two children. At the proper age the sovereign installed Vijaya in the office of sub-king. Vijaya became a lawless character, and his retinue were the same : they committed numberless acts of fraud and violence. The nation at large, incensed at this proceeding, represented the matter to the king. He censured them (the prince's followers), and his son he severely reprimanded. In all respects the same occurred a second time. On the third occasion, the nation enraged, thus clamoured : "Execute thy son." The king, compelling Vijaya and his retinue, seven hundred in number, to have the half of their heads shaved, and having them embarked in a vessel, sent them adrift on the ocean. In the same manner (in a second vessel) their wives. In like manner their children (in a third). These men, women, and children, drift- ing in different directions, landed and settled in different countries. Be it known, that the land in which the children settled is Naggadipa. The land in which the wives settled is Mahinda. .Vijaya himself landed at the port of Supp&raka (in Jambudipa), but (dreading the hostility of the natives) on account of the lawless character of his band, he re-embarked in his vessel. This prince named Vijaya, who had then attained the wisdom of experience, landed in the division Tambapanni of this land Lagki, on the day that the successor (of former Buddbas) reclined in the arbour of the two delightful sal trees, to attain " nibb&na." The sixth chapter in the Mahivagsa, entitled " The Arrival of Vijaya," composed equaUy to delight and to afBict righteous men. CHAPTER Vn. The ruler of the world, having conferred blessings on the whole world, and attained ' the exalted, unchangeable nihhAna ; ' seated on the throne on which ' " the most exalted state of rest." "" lying on the bed." 32 THE mahAvai^^sa. nibb&na Ha achieved, in the midst of a great asiiembly of devat&s, the great divine aage addressed this celebrated injunction to Sakka, who stood near him : " One Yijaya, the son of Sihab&hu, king of the land of L&la, together with seven hundred officers of state, has landed on Lagk&. Lord of devas ! my religion will be established in Lagkd. On that account thoroughly protect, together with his retinue, him and Lagkd." The devoted king of devas having heard these injunctions of the successor (of former Buddhas), assigned the protection of La|jk& to the deva Uppala- vanna (Yishnu). He, in conformity to the command of Sakka, instantly repaired to LaQk&, and in the character of a " paribb&jaka " (devotee) took his station at the foot of a tree. With Vijaya at their head, the whole party approaching him, inquired, " Pray, devotee, what land is this ? " He replied, " The land Lagk&." Etaving thus spoken, he blessed them by sprinkling water on them out of his jug ; and having tied (charmed) threads on their arms, departed through the air. A menial yakkhini (named K&li) assuming a canine form, presented herself. One (of the retinue), though interdicted by the prince, followed her, saying *" In an inhabited village (alone) are there dogs." There (near a tank) her mistress, a yakkhini named Kuveni, was seated at the foot of a tree spinning thread, Hn the character of a devotee. Seeing this tank and the devotee seated near it, he bathed and drank there ; and while he was taking some (edible) roots and water from that tank, she started up and thus addressed him : " Stop 1 thou art myj prey." The man, as if he was spellbound, stood without the power of moving. By the virtue of the charmed thread she was not able to devour him ; and though entreated by the yakkhini, he would not deliver up the thread. The yakkhini then oast him *bellowing into a subterraneous abode. In like manner, the seven hundred followers also she one by one lodged in the same place. All these persons not returning, Vijaya becoming alarmed, equipping him- self with the five weapons of war, proceeded after them ; and examining the delightful pond, he could perceive footsteps leading down only into the tank ; and he there saw the devotee. It occurred to him : " My retinue must surely have been seized by her." "' Pray, why dost thou not produce my ministers?" said he. " Prince," she replied, ^"from ministers what pleasures canst thou derive? Do drink and bathe (ere) thou departest." Saying to himself, " even my lineage, this yakkhii^ii is acquainted with it," ''rapidly proclaiming his title, and ^bending his bow, he rushed at her. Securing the yakkhini by the throat with a °" ndriicana'" ring, with his left hand seizing her by the hair, and raising his sword with his right hand, he exclaimed, " Slave I restore me my followers, (or) I wiU put thee to death." The yakkhini, terrified, implored that her life might be spared. " Lord 1 spare my life ; on thee I will confer this sovereignty ; unto thee I will render the favours of my sex, and every other service according to thy desire." In order that '"Ae might not be involved in a similar difficulty again, he made the yakkhini take an oath. '"waa." 2 " When there is a village there are dogs in it " ; meaning, that the appear- ance of dogs denote the existence of a village close by. » "as though she were." ' " weeping." » " Woman, hast thou seen my attendants ? " << What need hast thou of attendants 2 " 'Omit. '"quickly seizing." " The word ndrdoa-valaya appears to mean a noose or ring attached to an arrow. An arrow tipped with a hook, or some similar weapon is probabl y meant. '» " she might not prove herself treacherous." CHAPTER Vlt. 33 (Thereafter), while he was in the act of saying, " Instantly produce my followers," she brought them forth. Declaring "These men must be famished," she distributed rice and a vast variety of other articles (procured) from the wrecked ships of mariners who had fallen a prey to her. The followers having dressed the rice and victuals, and having served them to the prince, the whole of them also feasted thereon. ' She likewise having partaken of the residue of the meal bestowed on her by the prince, excited to the utmost pitch of delight, transformed herself (into a girl) of sixteen years of age ; and decorating her person with innumerable ornaments, 'lovely as Mdrdnga herself, and approaching him, quickly inflamed the passion of the chief. Thereupon, she caused a splendid bed, curtained as with a wall, and fragrant with incense, to spring up at the foot of a certain tree. Seeing this procedure, and foreseeing all the future advantages that were to result to him, he passed the night with her. There, his seven hundred followers on that night slept, outside the curtain, surrounding their sovereign. This (destined) ruler of the land, while reposing there with the yakkhiqi, hearing the sounds of song and music, inquired of the yakkhini regarding the same. Thereupon, she being desirous of conferring the whole sovereignty on her lord, ' replied, " I will render this Lagki habitable for men.* " In the city Siri- vattha, in this island, there is a yakkha sovereign (KMasena), and in the yakkha city (Lagk&pura) there is (another) sovereign. Having conducted his daughter (PusamittS,) thither, her mother (Kondanimik4) is now bestow- ing that daughter at a marriage festival on the sovereign there (at Sirivattha) . From that circumstance there is a grand festival in an assembly of yakkhas. That great assemblage will keep up that revel, without intermission, for seven days. This revel of festivity is in that quarter. Such an assemblage will not occur again : Lord I this very day extirpate the yakkhas." Hearing this advice of hers, the monarch replied to her : " Charmer of my affections, how can I destroy yakkhas, who are invisible ?" " Prince," replied she, " placing myself in the midst of those yakkhas, I will give a shout. Guided by the direction of that signal deal out thy blows ; by my supernatural power they shall take effect on their bodies." This prince proceeding to act accordingly, destroyed the yakkhas. The king having put (K&lasena), the chief of the yakkhas, to death, assumed his (court) dress. The rest of his retinue dressed themselves in the vestments of the other yakkhas. After the lapse of some days, departing from the capital of the yakkhas, and founding the city called " Tambapapni," (Vijaya) settled there. At the spot where the seven hundred men, with the king at their head, exhausted by (sea) sickness, and faint from weakness, had landed out of the vessel, supporting themselves on the palms of their hands pressed on the ground, they sat themselves down. Hence Ho them the name of " Tdmba- wanrmpdnaya" (copper-palmed, from the colour of the soil). From this circumstance that wilderness obtained the name of " Tambapaijni." From the same cause also this renowned land became celebrated (uhder that name). By ' whatever means the TMnarch Slhabdhu slew the " siha " (lion), from ' From here as far as verse 68 there are two readings of the text. They do not, however, differ materially. Turnour has followed the reading found In most of the Sinhalese copies ; the printed text, that of the Oambodlan recension and one ortwo Sinhalese MSS. The latter reading agrees with the Tiki. The former is also prefixed to the printed text. 2 "the bewitching woman." I would read varaAgand instead of maraAgand, the V and m being almost alike in Sinhalese writing. » " and thinking within himself." * " replied," ' " their palms became copper-ooloured (' TambapS,oay6'). • " reason of the king Sibabahu having slain the lion (• Siha ')." 91—87 34 THE MAhIva^SA. that feat, his sons and descendants are called " Sihal&," (the lion slayers). This LaQki having been conquered by a Sihala, from the circumstance also of its having been colonised by a Sihala, it obtained the name of " Sihala." Thereafter the followers of the prince formed an establishment, each for himself, all over Sihala, On the bank of the Kadamba river, the celebrated village called (after one of his followers) Anur&dha. To the north thereof, near that deep river, was the village of the brahmanical TTpatissa, called TJpatissa. Then the extensive settlements of Uruvela and Yijita ; (each) subsequently a city. Thus these followers, having formed many settlements, giving to them their own names ; thereafter having held a consultation, they solicited their ruler to assume the ofSce of sovereign. The king, on account of his not having a queen-consort of equal rank to himself, was indifferent at that time to his inauguration. All these chiefs, incited to exertion by their anxiety for the installation of the prince, sent to the southern Madhura (a deputation with) gems and other presents. These individuals 'having repaired thither, obtained an audience of (king) Pa^dlava, and delivering the presents they announced their mission, thus addressing him : " 'It is for a royal virgin. The son of Sihab&hu, named Tijaya, has conquered Lagk& : to admit of his installation, bestow thy daughter on us." The king Pandava having consulted with his ministers, (decided that) he should send to him (Yijaya) his own daughter Yijay& ; and for the retinue of that (king) one less than seven hundred daughters of his nobility. " Those " (said he) " among you who are willing to send your daughters to renowned Sihala, send them. Let them be quickly ranged before their doors decorated in their best attire." Having bestowed many presents on their fathers, he, with their concurrence, assembled the maidens (at the palace) ^ and causing his own daughter to be decorated with every description of gold ornaments befitting her sex and exalted rank, he bestowed on her, as dowry, elephants, horses, chariots, . and slaves. With eighteen officers of state, together with ^seventy-&ye menial servants *(being horse-keepers, elephant- keepers, and charioteers), the monarch dispatched these (maidens), bestowing presents on them. All these persons having embarked in a vessel, from the circumstance of great concourses of people landing there, the port (at which they debarked) obtained the name Mah&tittha. This daughter of Pandava arrived when the yakkhiui, by her connection with Yijaya, had borne him two children, — a son (Jivahatta) and a daughter (DisidS). The prince receiving the announcement of the arrival of this royal maiden, and considering it impossible that the princess could live with him at the , same time with the yakkhini, he thus explained himself to Kuv^ni : " A daughter of royalty is a timid being ; on that account, leaving the children with me, depart from my house." She replied : " On thy account, having murdered yakkhas, I dread these yakkhas ; now I am discarded by both parties ; whither can I betake myself? " " Within my dominions (said he) to any place thou pleasest which is unconnected with the yakkhas ; and I will maintain thee with a thousand ball offerings." She who had been thus interdicted (from reuniting , herself with the yakkhas) with clamourous lamentation, taking her children with her, in the character of an inhuman being, wandered to that very city (Lagkdpura) of inhuman inhabitants. ' "in search of a royal virgin." ' Dele. ""sixty." * Omit this. The other reading gives "one thousand artisans from the eighteen classes (or castes)." CHAPTER VIII. 35 She left her children outside the yakkha city. '4 yakkha who detested her, recognising her in her search/or a dwelling, went up to her. Thereupon another fierce yakkha among the enraged yakkhas (asked J: "Is it for the purpose of again and again spying out the peace we enjoy that she is come ?" In his fury he killed the yakhhitfi with a blow of his open hand. Her uncle, a yakkha (named Kumftra), happening to proceed but of the yakkha city, seeing these children outside the town, ""Whose children are ye?" said he. Being informed " Kuveni's," he said, " Your mother is murdered : if ye should be seen here, they would murder you also : fly quickly." Instantly departing thence, they repaired to the (neighbourhood of the) Sumanakd^a (Adam's Peak). The elder having grown up, married his sister, and settled there. Becoming numerous by their sons and daughters, under the protection of the king, they resided' in that Malayd district. ^ This person (Jlwahatta) retained the attributes of the yakkhas. The ambassadors of king Pandava presented to prince Vijaya the princess and other presents. Vijaya paid to the ambassadors every mark of respect and attention. AcQording to their grades or castes he bestowed the virgins on his ministers and his people. All the nobles having assembled, in due form inaugurated Vijaya into the sovereignty and solemnised a great festival of rejoicing. Thereafter the monarch Vijaya invested with great pomp the daughter of king Pandu with the dignity of queen-consort. On his nobles he ^conferred riches : on his father-in-law (king Pandava) he bestowed annually chanks and pearls, in value two lacks. This sovereign Vijaya, relinquishing his former vicious course of conduct and ruling with perfect justice and righteousness over the whole of Lagk&, reigned uninterruptedly for thirty-eight years in the city of Tambapanui. The seventh chapter in the Mahivapsa, entitled " The Inauguration of Vijaya," composed equally to delight and to afflict righteous men. CHAPTER Vin. This great monarch, Vijaya, when he arrived at the last year of his exis- tence, thus meditated : " I am advanced in years, and no son is bom unto me. Shall the dominion acquired by my exertions perish with my demise ? For the preservation of the dynasty I ought to send for my brother Sumitta." Thereupon, consulting with his ministers, he despatched a letter of invitation thither ; and shortly after having sent that letter, he went to the world of the devas. On his demise, these ministers, waiting for the arrival of the royal per- sonage (who had been invited by the late king), righteously governed the kingdom, residing at Upatissa. From the death of king Vijaya, and prior to the arrival of that royal personage, this land of LaQk& was kingless for one year. In the city of Sihapura, by the demise of king Sihabdhu, his son Sumitta > "The yakkhas, on seeing her enter the city, quickly surrounded her, crying out : ' It is for the purpose of spying us that she has come back.' And when the yakkhas were thus excited, one of them, whose anger was greatly kindled, put an end to the life of the yakkhipl by a blow of his hand." ' " This is the origin of the Pulindas (hill-men)." ' " bestowed wealth." 36 THE mahAva^sa. was the reigning sovereign. By the daughter of the king of Madda he had three sons. The ambassadors (of Yijaya) having reached Sihapura, deli- vered their letter to the king. The monarch having heard the contents of the letter (read), thus addressed his three sons, ^premising many things in praise ofLa^kd: "My children, I am advanced in years; 'go one of you to the land of my elder brother. On his demise, rule there over that splendid kingdom, 'as the fourth monarch (of the Sihala dynasty founded by me)." The youngest prince Panduv&sadSva, foreseeing that it would be a pros- perous mission, decided within himself, " I will go." Beceiving the approval of his parent, and taking with him thirty-two noble youths (disguised) in the character of paribb&jaka (devotees), he embarked in a vessel. They landed (in LaQk&, at G-dnagdmaka-tittha) at the mouth of the Mah&kandara river. The inhabitants of that place seeing these devotees, they rendered them every assistance. These travellers, here inquiring, for the capital, pro- tected by the d6vatas, in due course reached Upatissa. By the desire of the ministers (regents) a chief (not associated in the regency) *had previously consulted a fortune-teller, who announced to him the arrival of a royal personage from abroad, and his lineage ; and, more- over, (thus prophesied :) " On the seventh day from hence the royal personage will reach the capital ; and a descendant of his will establish the religion of Buddha (in this island.)" Accordingly on the seventh day the devotees arrived there. The regents having seen them, made due inquiries, and identified them ; they invested the said Panduv&sadeva with the sove- reignty of LaQk&. So long as he was without a royal consort, he abstained from solemnising his inauguration. ' The Sakya prince Amit6dana (the paternal uncle of Buddha) had a son, the Sakya Fandu : on account of the wars of prince Yidddhabha, taking his own people with him, *6u« alleging some other plea (than that of yielding to the power of his enemy), he (Pandu) retired' beyond the river (Ganges). There founding a settlement, he ruled over that country. He had seven sons and a daughter named Bhaddakacch&n&, the youngest of the family : her complexion had the tint of gold, and her person was endowed with female charms of irresistible fascination. On her account seven kings sent valuable presents to this sovereign, who, becoming alarmed at (the competition of) these royal suitors, and having ascertained (by consulting fortune-tellers) that the mission would be a propitious one, as weU as that an investiture of royalty would ensue, embarked his daughter with thirty-two attendant females in a vessel. Proclaiming, "Let him who is able to take my daughter take her," he launched her into the river (Ganges). They (the suitors) failed in the attempt. The vessel being swift, they reached the port of Gdnag&maka on the twelfth day, and all these females landed there in the disguise of devotees. There, inquiring for the capital, these travellers in due course, protected by the dSvatas, reached Upatissa. The ministers having already consulted the fortune-teller (K^lavSla), and having waited on the females who had arrived (at Vijita) in fulfilment of that prediction, having also made inquiries (there) regarding them and identified them, they presented them to the king (at Upatissa). These ministers, in the plenitude of their wisdom, installed in the sovereignty this Panduv&sad^va, who had thoroughly realised every wish of his heart. ' Omit, ' " go one of you to that excellent and charming land of Lagkd possessed by " • Omit. ' Omit. » "Now " ' " Omit " ' " in disguise." CHAPTER IX. 37 This sovereign of the land having elevated the lovely Bhaddakacch&n& to the station of queen-consort, and bestowed her followers on his followers, reigned in prosperity (at Vijitapura). The eighth chapter in the Mah&vagsa, entitled - " The Inauguration of Panduv&sad^va," composed both to delight and afRict righteous men. CHAPTEE IX. The queen gave birth to ten sons and one daughter. The eldest of them all was Abhaya ; the youngest, their sister Citt&. Certain brahmans, accomplished in the " mantas," and endowed with the gift of divination, having scrutinised her, thus predicted : " Her (Citt&'s) son will destroy his maternal uncles for the purpose of usurping the kingdom." Her brothers proposed, in reply, " Let us put our sister to death." But Abhaya (doubting the truth of the prediction) prevented them. In due course (when she attained nubile years) they confined her in an apartment built on a single pillar : the entrance to that room they made through the royal dormitory of the king, and placed a female slave attendant within, and (a guard of) one hundred men without. From her exquisite beauty, the instant she was seen she captivated the afieotions of men by her fascination. From that circumstance she obtained the appropriate appellation of Umm4da-Citt& (' Cittft the charmer'). The sons of (the Sakya Pan^u) having f uUy informed themselves of the nature of the mission of the princess Bhaddakacch&n& to Lagk&, and being specially commissioned by their mother (Susim&), they repaired hither, leaving one brother (G&mapi with their parents). Those who had thus arrived, having been presented to Panduv&saddva, the sovereign of Lagk&, they commingled their tears of joy with hers on their meeting with their sister. Maintained in all respects by the king, under the royal protection, they (travelled) over LaQk&, selecting settlements for themselves according to their own wishes. ^The settlement calhd Rdmagona was occupied by the prince (who thereby acquired the appellation of) Rama. In like manner, the setttements of Urawila and Anurddha (by princes who thereby acquired those namas). Similarly the village Vijita, Dighdyu, and Roharfa having been selected for settllements, conferred appellations on Vijita, Dighdyu, and Roharfa. 'This mahdrdjd Patfiuvdsadeva formed a tank at Anurddha. To the southward thereof he built a palace. In due course he installed his eldest son Abhaya in the dignity of sub-king, and established him there. Dighag&mani, the son of prince Dighfiyu, having heard of (the transcendent beauty of) Ummida-Citti, and conceiving an ardent passion for her, proceeded (attended by two slaves, Gdpakacitta and K£lav£la) to 'Upatissa, and presented himself before the sovereign. He (the king) assigned to him, conjointly with the sub-king, the charge of the royal household. ' " The place where (the prince) Buma dwelt was called BsmagoQa ; so also were those of Umvela and Anurodha : likewise the settlements of Vijita Dlghtfyu, and Bohana were severally called Vijita-g&ma, Dighiya, and Bohapa." ' " This Anurddha formed a tank on the southern side, and afterwards built a palace and dwelt there. The mah&r&j& Paqduvfisadeva, in due course of time installed his eldest son Abhaya in the office of sub-king." « " the village." •S8 THE MAHAVA^'SA. The aforesaid Citt&, who was in the habit of taking up her station near the door (of her pillared prison) which faced the royal dormitory, having watched this G&mani, inquired of her slave attendant, " Who is that person ? " She replied, " The son of thy maternal uncle." Having ascertained this point, she employed the slave in carrying on an intrigue (by sending the prince presents of betel leaves, and receiving from him fragrant flowers and other gifts). Subsequently, having made his assignation, desiring that the entrance facing the royal dormitory should be closed ; in the night, ascending by 'an iron ladder, and 'enlarging a ventilating aperture, by that passage he obtained admission into the apartment. Having passed the night with her, at the very dawn of day he departed. In this manner he constantly resorted thither. ^The aperture in the wall *remained undetected. By this (inter- course) she became pregnant. Thereupon her womb enlarging, the slave disclosed the circumstance to the mother. The mother satisfied herself of the fact from her own daughter, and announced the event to the king. The king consulting his sons, said : " He (G&mani) is a person to be protected by us. Let us bestow her on himself. Should it (the chUd in the womb) prove to be a son, we will put him to death." They (on this compact) bestowed her on him. When the time .for her delivery arrived, she retired to the apartment prepared for her confinement. The princes doubting whether the slaves Gdpakacitta and Kalavela, who were the adherents of Gimani, could be trusted in this matter, and would give information (as to the sex of the infant), put them to death. These two persons, transforming themselves into yakkhas, watched over the destiny of the unborn prince. Citt& had (previously) by the means of her slave, searched out a woman who was near her confinement. She gave birth to a son, and that woman to a daughter. Cittd, entrusting her own son and a thousand (pieces) to her (sent her away) ; and causing her daughter to be brought, 'sAe reared her in her own family. The princes 'were informed that a daughter was born' ; but the mother and the maternal grandmother both (knew) that the infant was a prince ; and uniting the titles of his grandfather and eldest maternal uncle, they gave him the name of Pandukabhaya. The protector of Lagka, Panduv&sadeva, reigned thirty years, dying at the period of the birth of Faadukibhaya. At the demise of this sovereign, the sons of that monarch ^having assembled, they installed her (Cittd's) brother Abhaya, who had been her preserver, in this renowned sovereignty. The ninth chapter in the Mahivagsa, entitled " The Installation of Abhaya," composed both to delight and to aiHict righteous men. ' It is difficult to Bay what is meant by the term hakkata-yantaha or (as some copies have it) kuhkufa-yantaka., Tantaha is a mechanical appliance ; kakkafa is a crab ; kvkkvfa is a cock. There is nothing in the words that indicate " an iron ladder." * "causing a window to be cut open, thereby entered." ' " There being no." * "the intrigue was." » " laid her by her side." " " having been." ' " were glad." '"assembled themselves together, and with great pomp installed their courageous brother Abhaya in the sovereignty of the kingdom." fcHAt"rteii 't. ^9 CHAPTER X. At the desire of UmmAdacittA, the slave girl (Kumbokati), taking the infant and placing it in a basket-cradle, departed for the village Dvirama?- dalaka. The princes who were elk hunting, meeting the slave at ^Tumbakandura mountain stream, inquired of her, " Whither art thou going ? What is this ? ''lam going to Dvaramandalaka,"' she replied, "with some cakes for my daughter." "Set it down," said the princes. At that critical moment Citta and K&lavela, who had attended her for the protection of the prince, presented to the (princes') view the form of a great wild boar. They eagerly gave chase to the animal. She, taking the infant and the thousand pieces, proceeded to the destined place of concealment, and secretly gave them to the person intended to have the charge of them. On that very day the wife of this herdsman brought forth a son. Giving it out, " My wife has given birth to twin sons,'' he took charge of him (the prince) also. When he attained his seventh year his uncles, having ascertained his existence; ordered the boys who resorted to a certain marsh (in his vicinity) for amusement, to be destroyed. There was a hollow tree growing in the waters (of that marsh), having an aperture under water. He was in the habit of diving and entering by this aperture, and of 'taking up his station frequently there. And when this young prince emerged from thence, on being accosted and questioned by the other boys, he, artfully concealing the deception practised, accounted in some other manner for his (absence). The people (sent by the princes ) having come to that place, surrounded the marsh. The young prince, at the instant these men came, putting on his clothes, and diving under water, placed himself in the hoUow of the tree. 'Counting the number of the clothes Cleft on the bank), and putting to death the rest of the boys, returning they reported to the uncles, " All the boys are destroyed." When they had departed, he (the prince) returned to his *home, the house of the confidential herdsman, and living under his protection attained his twelfth year. At a subsequent period, heariug that the prince was in existence, his uncles again gave orders to destroy all the herdsmen in the village (Dvaramandala). On the day (appointed for the massacre) the herdsmen having succeeded in killing a wild quadruped, sent this prince to the village to bring some fire. He, going home and complaining, " I am leg-wearied," and saying, " Take some fire to the herdsmen, there thou wilt eat roasted meat," sent the ^con- fided herdsman's own son. That youth, on being told this story, carried the fire to the place where the herdsmen were. At that instant, the men who had been sent, surrounding them, put them to death. Having destroyed all the herdsmen, they reported the same to the uncles. Thereafter the uncles again obtained information regarding him in his sixteenth year. The mother sent one thousand pieces (of money) for his use, with written .directions (regarding her son). The 'confided herdsman having explained to ' "'the mountain stream Tumbara." 2 " remaining there for a long while." ' " Having put to death the rest of the boys and counted the number of the clothes (left on the bank, in order to satisfy themselves that none had escaped), they returned and reported to the uncles, saying." • " guardian's house." " guardiam" 40 THE MahAva^'sa. him the contents of his mother's letter, and 'putting him in possession of the thousand pieces and of the written insti-uctions, (pursuant to these instructions) consigned him to the guardianship of Pa^dula. 'The said Pavdula, who was a wealthy brahman, and a proficient in the " vedas," resided to the southward, in the village Pandula. The prince having proceeded thither, presented himself to Hhat brahman Pandula : he inquired, " Child, art thou Pan^uMbhaya ? " On being answered (in the affirmative), receiving him with every mark of attention, he thus predicted (his fate): " Thou wilt be king. Thou wilt reign full seventy years"; and adding, " My child, thou shouldest acquire every accomplishment," he taught him those (his acquirements) simultaneously with his (the brah- man's) son Cauda, and he rapidly perfected his education. For the purpose of enlisting warriors, he (the brahman) bestowed on him (the prince) one hundred thousand pieces. When five hundred soldiers had been enlisted by the latter, he (the brahman) having thus addressed him : " Should the leaves touched by any woman be converted into gold, make her thy queen consort, and my son Oanda your ' purdhita ' minister " ; and having bestowed this treasure upon him, sent him forth with his warriors. There- upon this fortunate prince, causing his name to be proclaimed, departed from thence. At a town near the E&sa mountain, the prince having been reinforced by seven hundred men, to all of whom (he issued) provisions and other necessaries, from thence, attended by his army of one thousand two hundred men, he advanced to the Girikanda mountain. Girika^dasiva, the uncle of Pa^du- k&bhaya, was governing that territory, having obtained it from Paiiduv jsadeva. At that time this prince was superintending the reaping of a harvest of one hundred " kari'sa " of land : his daughter, named P41i, was a lovely princess. She, radiant in beauty, attended by a great retinue, and reclining in a palanquin, was on her way, taking a prepared repast for her father and the reapers. The followers of the prince having discovered this princess reported it to the prince. The prince, quickly approaching her ^parting her retinue in two, ''caused his palanquin to be conveyed close to her's. ^He inquired of her, " Where art thou going, ''together with thy retinue t " While she was giving a detailed, account of herself, the prince became extremely enamoured of her ; and in order to satisfy himself (in regard to the prediction), he begged for some of the prepared repast. The princess, descending from her palanquin at the foot of a nigrddha tree, presented the prince with rice in a golden dish. To serve refreshment to the rest of the people she took the leaves of that nigrddha tree. Those leaves instantly became golden vessels. The royal youth seeing these things, and recollecting the prediction of the brahman, thus exulted : " A damsel has been found worthy of being a queen consort to me." She feasted the whole party : the refreshment scarcely diminished in quantity. It appeared as if the repast of one person only had been taken therefrom. Thus this princess, a pure virgin, endowed with supernatural good fortune and merit, from henceforth obtained the name of Suvannap&li (the golden P41f). ' " giving him the thousand pieces and a slave, sent him to Fapdula," »" Now this Paijdula." »«the" * " with his followers parted." ' " and causing." * jDele together with the preceding full stop. ' J}ule, OHAtTER X. 41 The prince, powerful by the Strength of his army, taking this princess with him, and ascending his palanquin, departed undaunted. Her father haying heard of this event dispatched all his men (after them). They went, engaged, and being defeated by them (the prince's army), that place was afterwards called Kalahanagara (the town of conflict). Her five brothers hearing of this (defeat) departed to make war. All these persons Canda, the son of Pandula, himself slew. The field of battle obtained the name LdhitavdhakhaQiJa (the field of bloodshed). This prince Pandukftbhaya, together with his great force, crossing the river (Mahav^li-gailga), advanced to the Doja mountain. He kept his position there for four years. His uncles obtaining information of this circumstance, leaving the king (in the capital), repaired thither for the purpose of attacking him. Throwing up fortifications near the Dhdmarakkha mountain, the uncles made war against the nephew. The nephew expelling the uncles therefrom, chased them across the river. Taking possession of their fortification, he held that position for two years. They, repairing to Upatissa, reported the result (of their campaign) to the king. The monarch secretly sent a letter to the prince, saying, "Bule over the country beyond the river ; advance not beyond the opposite bank." The nine brothers having heard of this overture, and being highly incensed against the king, thus upbraided him : " It is thyself who hast at all times been a protector of this man : now thou art about to give up the country to him. On this account it is thee (not him) whom we should put to death." He thereupon abdicated the sovereignty to them. They, with one accord, cotLferred the government of the kingdom on their brother Tissa. The monarch Abhaya, the dispeller of fear (in reference to his having rescued his sister from the horrors of a predicted death), reigned there, in the capital of Upatissa, for twenty years. A certain yakkhi^i named OetiyA ^fthe widow of Jutindhara, a yakhha, who was hilled in a battle fought at SirivatthupuraJ having the form, and countenance of a mare, dwelt near the marsh of Tumbariyangana, ai the Dhima- rakkha mountain. A certain person in the prince's retinue having seen this beautiful (creature), white with red legs, announced the circumstance to the prince, saying " There is a mare of such a description," The prince set out with a Tope to secure her. She, seeing him approach from behind, losing her presence of mind from fear, under the influence of his imposing appearance, fled, without (being able to exert the power she possessed of) rendering herself invisible. He gave chas6 to the fugitive. She, persevering in her flight, made the circuit of that marsh seven times. *She made three more circuits of the marsh, and then plunged into the river at the Kacohaka ferry. He did the same ; and (in the river) seized her by the tail, and (at the same time grasped) the leaf of a palmira tree which the stream was carrying down. By his supernatural good fortune this (leaf) became an enormous sword. Exclaiming, "I put thee to death," he flourished the sword over her. " Lord 1" replied she to him, " subduing this kingdom for thee, I will confer it on thee : spare me my life." Seizing her by the throat, and with the point of the sword boring her nostril, he secured her with his rope : she (instantly) became tractable. > " who dwelt at the DhiSmarakkha mountain was wont to walk about the marsh of Tumbariyaiigana in the shape of a mare," ' A verse is inserted here in a few copies, which does not appear in most of the MSS. : " Then, plunging into the great river and landing on the other side of it, she ran round the Dhdmarakkha mountain seven times." 91—87 42 taVi MABiVA^SA. Conducting her to the Dhdmarakkha mountain, he obtained a great accession of warlike power by making her his battle-steed. There, at the Dhdmarakkha mountain, he maintained his position for four years. Depart- ing from thence with his forces, he repaired to the mountain Arit(ha. There, preparing for the impending war, he remained seven years. Leaving two uncles (Abhaya and Girikandaka), the other eight uncles, uniting in hostility against him, approached that mountain Arittha. Throw- ing up a fortification at Nagaraka,' and conferring the command (on the person selected), they surrounded the Ari^^ha mountain on all sides. The prince having consulted with the yakkhini, in conformity with her advice he sent forward a strong party (in the character of a deputation), placing in their charge his insignia of royalty, as well as the usual offerings made as tribute and his martial accoutrements ; and enjoined them to deliver this message (from him) : " Take all these things : I will come to ask your forgiveness." 'When this party had reached Us destination, shouting, "I will capture them, forcing their camp," mounting his yakkha mare, and surrounded by his whole army, 'he (the prince) threw himself into the midst of the fight. The yakkhipi set up a loud shout. His (the prince's) army without, as well as (the deputation) within (the enemy's camp) answered with a tremendous roar. The whole of the prince's army having slaughtered many of the enemy's men, as weU as the eight uncles, they made a heap of their (decapitated) heads. The commander (of the enemy's army) having fled, and concealed himself in a forest, from that circumstance that forest is called the Sen&pati (commander's) forest. Observing the skulls of his eight uncles surmounting the heap of heads, he remarked : " It is like a heap of l&bu (fruit)." From this circumstance (that place) was (from Nagaraka) called L&bug&ma. Thus, this Panduk&bhaya, the victorious warrior, from thence proceeded to the capital of his maternal great uncle Anur&dha. The said maternal great uncle, giving up his palace to him, constructed another residence for himself, and dwelt therein. Having consulted a fortune-teller * versed in the advantages (which a town ought to possess), according to %is directions, he founded an ^extensive city in that very village. Oil account of its having been the settlement of ''Anu- rddha (both the minister of Wijaya, and the brother of Baddakacchdnd), and because it was founded under the constellation Anur&dha, it was called Anurftdhapura. Causing his uncle's canopy of dominion to be brought (from Upatissa) and having 'purified it in the waters of a naturally formed marsh — with the water of that very marsh this Pai^uhdhhaya anointed himself at his inauguration. He raised the princess Suvannapdli to the dignity of queen-consort. He con- ferred on Cauda the office of " purohita " in due form ; on the rest of his officers (he bestowed) appointments according to their claims. Sparing the life of his eldest uncle Abhaya, who had befriended his mother and himself, the monarch assigned to him the sovereignty over the city.' ' Nagaraka may also mean a small city. ' " And they (the enemy) were lulled to security, thinking < We will seize him when he enters our camp' ; then the prince." * Dele. *" and also an expert in the Boience of sites." '"their." '" excellent," ' " the Anurddhas (one, the minister of Vijaya, and the other the brother of Bhaddakacch&n&)," ■ " washed it in the natural tank that was here, this Papduk&bhaya caused himself to be anointed king with the water of that very tank." "Add, "At msht." CHAPTER X. 43 He (thereby) became a " Nagaraguttika,'" conservator of the city. From that time there have been Nagaraguttikas in the capital. Sparing also the life of his ^father's cousin Girikapdasiva, he conferred on 'that maternal uncle the territory Girikapdaka. Having deepened the above-mentioned marsh, he made it contain a great body of water. By his having been anointed with that water, as a conqueror (Jaya), it obtained the name of the Jaya tank. He established the yakkha Kftlav^ja in the eajstern quarter of the city ; and the chief of the yakkhas, Citta, he established on the lower side of the Abhaya tank. He (the king) who knew how to accord his protection with discrimination, established the slave, born of the yakkha tribe, who had formerly rendered him great service, at the 'eastern gate of the city. He established within the* royal palace ^ itself the mare-faced yakkhini, and provided annually demon ofEerings 'and every other requisite for these four (yahTchas). In the days of public festivity, this monarch, seated on a throne of equal eminence with the yakkha chief Citta, caused joyous spectacles, representing the actions of the devaa as well as of mortals, to be exhibited ; ''and delighting in the happiness and festivities (of his people) he was exceedingly gratified. He formed the four suburbs of the city and the Abhaya tanks, 'and to the westward of the palace the great cemetery, and the place of execution and torture. He provided a nigr<5dha tree' for the (devata) Vessavana, and a '" temple for the Vy&dha-deva ; "a gilt hall for his own use, as well as apdkuse distributed into many apartments. These he constructed near the western gate. He employed a body of five hundred cap^&las (low-caste people) to be scavengers of the city, and two hundred capd&Ias to be night men ; one hun- dred and fifty cand&las to be carriers of corpses, and the same number of capdSlas" at the cemetery. He formed a village for them on the north-west of the cemetery, and they constantly performed every work according to " ■< himself devoted to the welfare and happiness of.*' * Orig.: Kaimira-Oandhdraf, as if to designate one country. 'Orig.: Yona-Uha. The use of Zoia, ' world,' instead of raffha, 'country,' is suggestive, X think, of distance andlextensiveneBs. •OttAPTElB iit. 47 At that time, a savage nfiga king named A'rav&Ia, who was endowed with supernatural powers, causing a furious deluge to descend, was submerging all the ripened crops in Kasmira and Grandh&ra. The saidth4raMajjhantika, instantly repairing thither through the air and alighting on the kke A'ravAla, walked, ^absorbed in profound meditation, on the surface of the water. The n&gas seeing him, enraged (at his presumption), announced it to their king. The infuriated nftga monarch endeavoured in various ways to terrify him : a furious storm howled, and a deluge of rain poured down, accompanied by thunder ; lightning flashed in streams ; thunderbolts (descended) carrying destruction in aU directions ; and high-peaked mountains tottered from their very foundations. The nfigas, assuming the more terrific forms and surrounding him, en- deavoured to intimidate him. He himself (the n&ga king) reviling him in various ways, spit smoke and fire at him. The th€ra, by his supernatural power, averted all these attempts to terrify him ; and displaying his omni- potence, thus addressed the nAga monarch: "O, n&ga ruler! even if the devas were to unite with the (human) world to strike terror into me, their efforts would prove nugatory. Nay, if uplifting the whole earth, together with its ocean and its mountains, thou wert to ^keep them on my head, even then thou wouldst fail to create in me an appalling terror. '0, ndga monarch, let thy destmction of the crops be arrested." To him who had been subdued on hearing this reply, the thfira propounded his doctrines. Whereupon the n&ga king attained the salvation and state of piety of that faith. In like manner, in the Himavanta (or snowy) regions, eighty-four thousand h&gas, and many gandhabbas, yakkhas, and kumbhandakas (were converted). A certain yakkha called Panoaka, together with his wife H&rita and five hundred youths, attained hdvoan (the first stage of sanctificationj. He then thus addressed them : " Do not hereafter, as formerly, give way to pride of power and vindictive anger ; but evincing your solicitude for the happiness of living creatures, abstain from the destruction of crops : "extend your benevolence towards all living creatures : Hive, protecting mankind." They who had been thus exhorted by him regulated their conduct accordingly. Thereupon the niga king, placing the th6ra on a gem-set throne, respect- fully stood by, fanning him. On that day the inhabitants of Kasmira and G-andh4ra, who had come with offerings to the nSga king (to appease his wrath and arrest the desolation of the crops), ^learning the supernatural character of the thira, bowing down to him (instead of the nSga king), stood reverentially at his side. The thera preached to them the " isivisdpama " discourse (of Buddha). Eighty thousand persons attained Superior grades of religious bliss: one hundred thousand persons were ordained priests by the thera. From that period to the present day the people of Kasmira and Gandh&ra have been fervently devoted to the three branches of the faith, and (the land) has glittered with the yellow robes (of the priests). The tWra MahMeva repairing to the Mahisamapdala country, in the midst of the population preached to them the " d^vadiita " discourse (of Buddha). ' " to and fro." s 11 fling," ' " Only, ndga king, thou wouldst weary thyself thereby.' < " the first stage of f mifcion." » Insert, " all beings desire happiness ; therefore." " " wishing that all men may live happily." ' « went up to the th^ra whose supernatural power was great, and." » " the knowledge of the Law." 48 THE tHAHAVA^SA. Forty thousand persons became converts to the faith ^of sovereign supi-emacy ; and by him forty thousand (more) were ordained priests. Thereafter, the thera Rakkhita, repairing to the Yanav&sa country, poising himself in the air, in the midst of the populace preached the " anamatagga " discourses (of Buddha), Sixty thousand persons attained the ^aanctification of the faith; and by him thirty-seven thousand were ordained priests. The said th^ra constructed five hundred vihdras in that land, and there he also established the religion of the vanquisher. The th^ra Y6naka Dhammarakkhita repairing to the Aparantaka country, in the midst of the populace preached the " aggikkhanddpama " discourse (of Buddha). This (disciple), who thoroughly understood how to discriminate true from false doctrines, poured out to the seventy thousand who had assembled before him the delicious (draught of the) true faith. A thousand males and a still greater number of females, descendants exclusively of Khattiya families, Hmpelled by their religious ardoi^, entered into the priest- hood. The sanctified disciple Mahi-Dhammarakkhita repairing to Mahfirattha, there preached the " mahin&radakassapa J&taka " (of Buddha). Eighty-four thousand persons attained the *sanctiJication of "magga," and thirteen thousand were ordained priests by him. The sanctified disciple Mah&rakkhita repairing to the Y6na country, in the midst of the populace preached the "k&lak^r&ma" discourse (of Buddha). One hundred and seventy thousand living beings attained the *sancti^ation of " magga," and ten thousand were ordained. The sanctified disciple Majjhiina, with four other theras (Kassapa, Milak&deva, Dhandhabinnassa, and Sahasadeva), repairing to the land of Himavanta, preached there the " dhammacakka " discourse (of Buddha). Eighty k60 of living beings attained the *sanctifieation of the " magga." These five thSras separately converted the fire divisions (of Himavanta). In the fraternity of each of these theras, one hundred thousand persons, impelled by the fervour of their devotion to the religion of the omniscient supreme Buddha, entered into the order of the priesthood. Accompanied by the th^ra ITttara the disciple S6na repaired to Suvaona- bhiimi. In those days, as soon as an infant was born," a marine monster emerging from the ocean devoured it and disappeared. At the particular period (of this mission), a prince was born in 'a certain palace. The inhabitants seeing the priests, and taking them to be the ^emissaries of this rakkhasi, arming themselves, surrounded them for the purpose of destroying them. The theras having ascertained what their object was, thus addressed them : " We are pious ministers of religion, and not the Emissaries of the rakkhasi." The monster with her train at this instant emerged from the ocean. ^Hearing of this (visitation), 'this concourse of people gave a great shout of horror. The th6ra causing (by his power of working miracles) ^"another band of terrifying monsters to spring up, "of double that numerical power, surrounded the rakkhasi and her train on all sides. She, concluding " This land has been appropriated by these," terrified, fled. Establishing the protection of the true faith over that land in all quarters, in that assembly the th^ra preached the "brahmajila" discourse (of Buddha). A great multitude of people attained the salvation and the state of piety of that faith. ' Dele. * " knowledge of the Law." » " renounced the world and." * "fruition of the paths." ' Add, "in the palace of the king." * " the palace of the king." ' " accomplices." ' '• Beholding." ' " the multitude," ■" " double that number." " Dele. CHAPTER XIII. 49 Sixty HacB became eminently endowed with the knowledge of its doctrines. Two thousand five hundred 'mere became priests, and one thousand five hundred women, of Harious castes, were admitted into the priesthood. From that period, the princes born in that palace obtained (from Sdna and Uttara) the name of Sonuttara. These (disciples, following the example) of the all-compassionating vanquisher's resignation (of his supreme beatitude), laying aside the exalted state of happiness attained by them, for the benefit of mankind undertook these missions to various countries. Who is there who would demur (when) the salvation of the world (is at stake) ? The twelfth chapter in the Mah&vagsa, entitled " The Conversion of H!w several Foreign Countries," composed both to delight and to afflict righteous CHAPTER Xin. At that period the profoundly sapient great Mahinda was a thera of twelve years' standing. Having been enjoined by his preceptor (the son of MoggaU) and by the priesthood to convert the land Lagka ; while meditating as to its being a propitious period (to undertake the mission) he came to this conclusion : " The monarch Mutasiva is far advanced in years. Let his son succeed to the kingdom." Having formed an earnest desire to visit his relations during this interval ; reverentially taking his leave of his preceptor and of the priesthood, and having also obtained the consent of the king (his father Dhammasoka}, taking with him four theras and the simapera Sumana, the son of Sadghamitta, who was preternaturally gifted, and the master of the six branches of religious knowledge, departed for Dakkhin&giri for the purpose of administering the comforts (of religion) to his (maternal) relations. There this pilgrim passed six months in this avocation. Bfaiving reached ''Cetiyagiri, the capital of his royal mother, he appeared before her. The queen was overjoyed at seeing her beloved son. After serving refreshments to him and his retinue, she established the thera in the superb ^Citiya vihdra which had been erected by herself. nVhUe prince Asoka was ruling over the Avanti country by the appoint- ment of his own father, in a journey to Ujjeni he arrived at ^Cetiya; and while tarrying there, having gained the afEeotions of the lovely princess Ddvi, the daughter of a Setthi, he lived with her. Becoming pregnant by that connection, she gave birth °to the noble (twin) princes Ujjinio and Mahinda, and at the termination of two years to a daughter SaiSghamittft. At this period (of Mahinda's visit) she (the queen) was residing there, in ^'Cetiyanagara. While the thera was sojourning there, he ^Hhxts meditated: "" The period has arrived for undertaking the mission enjoined by my father. May the ^^said Devdnampiya Tisaa, having already solemnised his inauguration with the utmost pomp, be enjoying his regal state. May he, after having ' " thousand." * " youths of good families.'' ' " good families." * " divers." » The revised text reads "Vedisagiri." ' " Vedisagiri vihira." '" Now it so happened that." " '"Vedisa." ' " at Uji^ni to the noble prince." '" " Vedisa." " « knowing that the time for his departure was nigh, made the following aspiration, namely," « Dele. ""great king Odv&nampiya Tissa enjoy the great feast of his inauguration as directed by my father." 91—87 50 THB uahAvaj^'sa. aBcertaiued from my father's ambassador the merits of the three blessed treasures (sent by my father), acquire a right understanding of them (the doctrines of Buddha). May he on the full moon day on the month of " jettha " visit the Missa mountain (Mihintal^), for on that very day shall I myself repair to renowned LaQk&." Mahinda (Sakka, the d^va of d^vas) appearing unto the illustrious thera Mahinda, thus addressed him : " Depart on thy mission for the conversion of . Lagka : it is the fulfilment of the prediction of the supreme Buddha (pronounced at the foot of the s Ala-tree). We also wiU there render our assistance." Bhan^u, the son of the queen's younger sister's daughter, from merely listening to the sermon preached by the th€ra to the queen, attaining the sanctification of "anig^mi," ^became a disciple in tJw fraternity of the thera. Tarrying there a month longer, on the full moon day of " jettha," the supernaturally gifted thera, together with four other th^ras, as well as Sumana (a s&manSra), attended also by the aforesaid Bhandu, who, 'though still a layman, ^had laid aside domestic affections, rose aloft into the air at that very vihara ; and instantaneously alighting on this land, at the superb Missa mountain, stationed himself on the rocky peak of the delightful and celebrated Ambatthala. According to the injunction of the divine sage, pronounced at the moment of his composing himself to attain final emancipation, in his desire to benefit Lagk& by the advantages attendant on its conversion (to his creed) ; and in order that in the accomplishment of his benevolent design there might be employed an agent comparable to the divine sage himself, the predicted (Mahinda), to whom LaQk& was offered up as an offering by the devas, took up his station there (at Ambatthala). The thirteenth chapter in the Mah&vagsa,j entitled "The Advent of Mahinda," composed equally for the delight and aflfliction of righteous men. CHAPTBE XIV. The king Devanampiya Tissa *celehrating a " salila "festival for the amuse- ment of the inhabitants of the capital, ^he himself departed for an elk hunt, taking with him a retinue of forty thousand men ; and in the course of the pursuit of his game on foot he came to the Missa mountain. A certain d6va of that mountain being desirous of exhibiting the theras, having assumed the form of an elk, stationed himself there (in that neigh- bourhood) grazing. The sovereign descrying him, and saying, " It is not fair to shoot him 'standing," sounded his bowstring : the elk fled to the mountain. The king gave chase to the fleeing animal. On reaching the spot where the priests were, the thera ''came in sight of the monarch, but he (the metamorphosed diva) vanished. The th&a conceiving that he (the king) might be alarmed if many persons (of the mission) presented themselves*, rendered himseU alone visible. The sovereign on seeing him was surprised. The thera said to him, " Come hither, Tissa." From his calling him simply " Tissa," the monarch thought he must be a yakkha. " We are the ministers and disciples of the lord of the I " remained with the thfira as his (lay) disciple." '■"'was.'' ' " lingering not on accoimt of." * " having provided aquatic sports." ' Dele. ' " at unawares." ' " was perceived by the monarch, and then he (the d6va) himself vanished.' ' Add," a.t once." CHAPTBU XIV. 51 true faith : in compassion towards thee, Mahfirij^, we have repaired hither from Jambudipa." The thera having thus addressed him, and the king hearing the declaration, was relieved of his terrors ; and recollecting the communication he had received from his ally (Dhammtedka), was convinced that they were the ministers of the faith. Laying aside his bow and arrow, and approaching this " Hsi," and conversing graciously with the said th^ra, he (the king) seated himself near him. At that moment, his retinue arriving stood around them : at the same time the thera produced the other members of the mission. Seeing them, "When came these?" demanded the king. Being answered by the thdra, "With me"; he made this inquiry: "In Jambudipa are there other priests like unto these ? " The thera replied, " Jambudipa itself glitters with yellow robes : there the disciples of Buddha, who have fully acquired the three sacerdotal sanctifications, who are perfect masters of the knowledge which procures the " arhat " bliss, the saints who have the gift of prophecy and divination, 'are numerous. (The king) inquired by what means he had come. (Mahinda) replied, '" / came not either by land or water." The inquirer learnt (thereby) that *(the thira) had come through the air. This gifted personage, for the purpose of ascertain- ing the capacity of the gifted (sovereign), interrogated him. As he ^ashed query after query, the monarch ^replied to him question after question. O king ! what is this tree called ? It is called the amba tree. Besides this one, is there any other amba tree ? There are many amba trees. Besides this amba and those other ambas, are there any other trees on earth ? Lord ! there are many trees, but they are not amba trees. Besides the other amba trees and the trees that are not amba, is there any other? Gracious Lord 1 this amba tree. Ruler of men ! thou art wise. King ! have you relations ? Lord ! I have many. King ! are there any persons not thy relations ! There are many who are not my relations. Besides thy relations and those who not are thy relations, is there, or is there not, any other (human being in existence ) ? Lord ! there is myself. Ruler of men " s4dhu I" thou art wise. The eminently wise thfoa, thus satisfied that he was capable of compre- hending the same, ''propounded to the ruler of the land the " cdlahatthipado- pama " discourse (of Buddha). At the conclusion of that discourse, together with his forty thousand followers, he obtained the salvation of that faith. M« that instant, it being in the afternoon, they brought the king his repast. ' a saint or sage, RisM. ' These renderings of the terms used in Buddhist terminology do not exactly convey their meaning and application. For an explanation of these terms the Buddhist student had better refer to Childers' Dictionary under the words Tevijjd, Iddhi, Cetopariya-fldna, AhhiflHA. ' " We came not by land, nor yet by water." '"they." '' " propounded question after question." " " solved them one by one." ' " expounded." • " In the afternoon of that day." 52 THE mahAvaijsa. The monarch knowing that these personages did not take refreshment at that hour, considered that it was proper to inquire (before refreshments were offered): he (accordingly) inquired of these sanctified personages regarding their taking refection. On being answered, " We do not partake of refresh- ments at this hour"; the king inquired when that hour was. On being informed of it, he thus replied : " Let us, then, repair to the capital." " Do thou go, maMr&j4 ; we (said the th^ra) will tarry here." " In that case, allow this young prince (Bhandu) to accompany us." " Hkjk, this (prince) having attained the sanctification, and acquired a knowledge of the religion (of Buddha), is living in my fraternity, devoutly looking forward to the appointed time for his ordination : we are now about to ordain him. Lord of the land, do thou return (to the capital)." " In the morning (rejoined the king) I will send my carriage : repair ye (then) to the capital, seated in it." Having, thereupon, reverentially taken his leave of the theras, and called aside Bhandu, he made inquiries regarding the theras principally (as well as other matters). He explained all things to the monarch. Having ascertained that the thera (was the son of his ally Dhammisdka) he became exceedingly rejoiced, and thus thought : " This is indeed a benefit (conferred) on me." TAe monarch (when) he ascertained the lay condition of Bha^^u, entertain- ing apprehensions that as long as he continued a layman he might be seduced from his purpose, said, " Let us initiate him into the priesthood {at once)." At that very instant in that " g&masim&" '(ground duly consecrated with land limits) the thera performed the ceremony of ^ ordination, and of elevation to the order of upasampada, of prince Bhandu ; and instantaneously he (Bhandu) attained the sanctification of "arhat." Thereupon the thera addressed himself to the s&man^ra Sumana : * " it is the hour of prayer : sound the call." He inquired, " Lord, in sounding the call, over what portion of the world should '"my voice ' fee heard?" On being told by the thfira "over the whole of Tambapanni (only)"; calling out, by his supernatural power, his shout (resounded) aU over LaQk&. The king ^hearing the call of these pious persons while mounted on his state- elephant near Sorfdipasse(in the eastern quarter of the town), dispatcheda(person) to the residence of the thira, inquiring, whether some calamity had or had not befallen them f He brought back word, " It is not any calamity, but the call announcing that it is the hour to attend to the words of the supreme Buddha." Hearing the call of the s^manera, the terrestrial devas shouted in response, and the said (united) shouts ascended Ho the Brahm& world. In consequence of that call, a great congregation of devas assembled. In that assembly the thera 'propounded the " samacitta sutta," (or the discourse of Buddha "on concord in faith"). 'To an asankhya of devas, ' " The monarch knew the lay condition of Bhapdu, his doubts having been removed by reason of the householder's garb that Bhapdu wore. The th^ra, therefore, proposed to robe him at once (lest he be dissuaded from his purpose by the king)." ' " (village boundary)." » " initiation." ' "Sound the call for hearing the preaching of the Law." ' Insert " I make." 'Dele. ' " who was taking his repast seated in the Niga-oatukka (Hall) hard by the stone spout (So^di), hearing the call, sent an officer to inquire whether any evil had befallen them." " Insert " in succession." •"expounded." ' An asaAkhya of d6vas obtained a perfect knowledge of the IJaw," 10 u CHAPTER XIV. 53 superior grades of blessing of the religion were obtained. Innumerable nkgas and Bupannas ^attained the salvation of the faith. As on the occadion of the preaching of the thera Sfoiputta, so on that of the th£ra Mahinda, there was a great congregation of ddvas. In the morning the king sent his chariot. The charioteer, who repaired (to Mihintald), said unto them (the theras), " Ascend the carriage that we may proceed to the town." " We will not" (replied the priests) " use the chariot ; do thou return, we shall go hereafter." Having sent away the charioteer with this message, these truly pious personages, who were endowed with the power of working miracles, rising aloft into the air, alighted in the eastern quarter of the city, on the site where the first ddgoba (Thdpjtrfima) was built. From this event, to this day the spot on which the theras alighted is called the first cetiya \ddgoba'). ^From, whatever cause it might have been that the ladies of the king's palace, on having learnt from the monarch the piety of the thera, became desirous of being presented to the said th^ra ; *from the same motive the sovereign caused a splendid hall to be constructed within the precincts of the palace, canopied with white cloths and decorated with flowers. Having learnt from the thera (at the sermon of the preceding day) that an exalted seat was forbidden, he entertained doubts as to whether the th^ra would or would not place himself on an ele vated throne. In this interval of doubt, the charioteer (who was passing the spot where the first dagoba was subsequently built) observing the theras (whom he left at Mihintal^ already) there, in the act of robing themselves, overwhelmed with astonish- ment (at this miracle), repairing to the king informed him thereof. The monarch having listened to all he had to say, came to the conclusion (as they would not ride in a chariot), " They will not seat themselves on chairs." And having given directions, " Spread sumptuous carpets," proceeding to meet the theras (in their progress), he bowed down to them with profound reverence. Eeceiving from the hands of the th6ra Mahii-Mahinda his sacer- dotal alms-dish, and (observing) the due forms , of reverence and ofEerings, he introduced the thfira into the city. * Fortune-tellers seeing the preparations of the seats, thus predicted : ' " The land will be usurped by these persons. They will become the lords of this island." The sovereign making ofEerings to the thiras, conducted them within the palace. There they seated themselves in due order on ''chairs covered with cloths. The monarch himself served them with rice-broth, cakes, and dressed rice. At the conclusion of the repast, seating himself near them, he sent for Anuld, the consort of his younger brother Mah&n&ga, the sub-king, who was an inmate of the palace. The said princess Anuji proceeding thither, together with five hundred women, and having bowed down and made ofEerings to the theras, placed herself respectfully by the side of them. The thera preached to them' the " p6tavatthu," the " vimAna," and the " saccasafinutta " discourses. These females attained the first stage of sanctification. The inhabitants of the town hearing of the pre-eminent piety of the thira from those who had seen him the day previous, and becoming impatient to ' " were grounded in the faith." So should the term saranesu pati{{hahi be rendered everywhere, although I have not thought it necessary to notice this before." " (' Pathama cetiya. ') "Inasmuch as." '"so" ""Foretellers," ' " They have taken possession of the land. ' " seats." ' Insert " {tromy 54 THE mahAvai^sa. see him, assembled and clamoured at the palace gate. Their sovereign hear- ing this commotion inquired respecting it ; and learning the cause thereof, desirous of gratifying them, thus addressed them : "For all of you (to assemble in) this place is insufficient ; prepare the great stables of the state- elephants: there the inhabitants of the capital may see these th^ras." Having purified the elephant stables, and quickly ornamented the same with cloths and other decorations, they prepared seats in due order. Repairing thither with the other thSras, this all-eloquent chief thira seat- ing himself there, ^propounded the " d^vaddta " discourse (of Buddha). Hearing that discourse, the people of the capital, who had thus assembled, were overjoyed. Among them a thousand attained the first stage of sanctification. 'This ihira, by having propounded the doctrines (of Buddhism) in the lan- guage of the land, at two of the places (rendered sacred hy the presence of Buddha), insured for the inhabitants of Laykd (the attainment of the termination of trans- migration) within a period of seven kappas (hy their having arrived then at the first stage of salvation). Thus he became the luminary xohich shed the light of religion on this land. The f omrteenth chapter in the Mah&vagsa, entitled " The Introduction into the Capital," composed both to delight and to afSict righteous men. CHAPTER XV. The people who had assembled there, impelled by the fervour of their devotion, declaring " the elephant stables also are too confined," erected pulpits for the th£ras in the royal pleasure garden Nandana, situated with- out the southern gate in a delightful forest, cool from its deep shade and soft green turf. The thera, departing through one of the southern gates, took his seat there. Innumerable females of the first rank resorted thither, crowding the royal garden, and ranged themselves near the thera. The thera ^propounded to them the " b&lapandita " discourse (of Buddha). From among them a thou- sand women attained the first stage of sanctification. In this occupation in that pleasure garden the evening was closing ; and the th^ras saying, " Let us return to the mountain " (Missaka) departed. (The people) made this departure) known to the king, and the monarch quickly overtook them. Approaching the th^ra, he thus spoke : " It is late ; the mountain also is distant ; it will be expedient to tarry here, in this very Nandana pleasure garden." On his replying, " On account of its immediate proximity to the city it is not convenient," (the king) rejoined, " The pleasure garden Mahfi- megha (formed by my father) is neither very distant nor very near ; it is a delightful spot, well provided with shade and water ^ it is worthy, lord I of . being the place of thy residence ; vouchsafe to tarry there." There the thdra tarried. On the spot *(nivatti) where he tarried on the bank of the Kadamba river a d&goba was built, which (consequently) obtained the name of " Nivatti."^ The royal owner of the chariot himself conducted the thera ' " expounded." " Thus this incomparable th^ra, who was like unto the Teacher himself in the advancement of LaQkb, having preached the Law at two places in the language of the island, diffused the good law (among its inhabitants) like unto a light of the land," > " expounded." * Dele (nivatti). > '■• Add, " c^tiya (' the ctftiya of sojourn ')," CHAPTER JCV. 5Jj out of the southern gate of the Nandana pleasure garden into the Mah4- megha pleasure garden by its south-western gate. There (on the western side of the spot where the bo-tree was subsequently planted), furnishing a delightful royal palace with splendid beds, chairs, and other conveniences in the most complete manner, he said, " Do thou sojourn here in comfort." The monarch having respectfully taken his leave of the theras, attended by his officers of state, returned to the town. These theras remained that night there. At the first dawn of day, this reigning monarch, taking flowers with him, visited the theras : bowing down reverentially to them, and making ofEerings of those flowers, he inquired after their welfare. On asking, '" Is the pleasure garden a convenient place of residence f " this sanctified thera thus rieplied to the inquirer of his welfare : " Mah&rija, 'the pleasure garden is convenient."' He then asked, "Lordl is a garden an offering meet for acceptance unto the priesthood ? " He who was perfect master in the knowledge of acceptable and unacceptable things, having thus replied, " It is acceptable," — proceeded to explain how the Veluvana pleasure garden had been accepted (by Buddha himself from king Bimbis&ra). Hearing this, the king became exceedingly delighted, and the populace also were equally rejoiced. The princess Anuli, who had come attended by five hundred females for the purpose of doing reverence to the thSra, attained the second stage of sanctification. The said princess Anulft, with her five hundred females, thus addressed the monarch : "Liege, permit us to enter the order of priesthood." The sovereign said to the thera, " Vouchsafe to ordain these females." The thera replied to the monarch, " Mah&r4j&, it is not allowable to us to ordain females. In the city of Pataliputta there is a priestess. She is my younger sister, renowned under the name of Baiighamittft, and profoundly learned. Despatch, ruler, (a letter) to our royal father, begging that he may send her, bringing also the right branch of the bo-tree of the Lord of saints, — itself the monarch of the forests; as also eminent priestesses. When that th^ri (Saiighamitt4) arrives, she will ordain these females." The king, having expressed his assent (to this advice), taking up an exquisitely beautiful jug, and vowing, " I dedicate this Maham4gha pleasure garden to the priesthood," poured the water of donation on the hand of the th^ra Mahinda. On that water falling on the ground there, the earth quaked. The ruler of the land inquired, " From what cause does the earth quake ? " He replied, on account of the establishment of (Buddha's) religion in the land. He, (the monarch) of illustrious descent, then presented jessamine flowers to the thdra. The th&a (thereafter) proceeded towards the king's palace, and *stood on the south side of it under a "picha " tree and sprinkled eight handsful of flowers. On that occasion also the earth quaked. Being asked the cause thereof, he replied, " Ruler of men, even in the time of the three (preceding) Buddhas, on this spot the 'Malaka' 'had stood : now also it will become to the priesthood the place where their rites and ceremonies will be performed." The thera, proceeding to a delightful pond on the north side of the king's ' " How now, have you fared Well ! " ' Insert, "we have fared well." ' Add, " for recluses." * " and standing on the southern side thereof sprinkled eight handsful of those flowers under a ' pioula ' tree." Ploula is a species of the cotton tree. ' A space consecrated for worship, or ifor performing the functions of the Buddhist priesthood. It is generally a terraced area. h6 ~ THE UAhAVA^SA. palace, sprinkled there also the same number of handsful of flowers. On this occasion also the earth quaked, On being asked the cause thereof, " Liege," he replied, " this pond will become attached to the ^perambulation hall (of the priesthood)." Proceeding close to the portal of the king's palace, the " isi " on that spot also made an offering of the same quantity of flowers. There likewise the earth quaked. The king, his hair standing on end with the delight of his astonishment, inquired the cause thereof. To him the thera (thus) explained the cause : '' Monarch, on this spot have the right branches procured from the bo-tree of (all) the three Buddhas in this kappa been planted. On this very spot, O ruler, will the right branch of the bo-tree of our (deity) the successor of former Buddhas be planted." Thereafter the great thera repairing to the 'spot called " Mah&muchala," on that spot also he sprinkled the same quantity of flowers. There also the earth quaked. Being asked the cause thereof, he replied, " Buler of men, this spot will become the up6satha hall of sacerdotal rites to the priest- hood." The monarch thence proceeded to the Fanhambamfila. The keeper of the royal garden produced to the king a superb full ripe mango of superlative excellence in colour, fragrance, and flavour. The king presented this delicious fruit to the th^ra. (As no priest can partake of food without being seated) the thera, who (at all times) was desirous of gratifying the wishes of the people, pointed out to the necessity of his being seated, and the raj& on that spot had a splendid carpet spread out. To the thera there seated the luonarch presented the mango. The thera, having vouchsafed to eat the same, gave the stone to the king that it might be sown. The sovereign himself planted the stone on that spot. In order that it might sprout ^(instantly) the thera washed his hands, pouring water (on them) over it. 'In the order of nature, (but) in that very instant, from that mango stone a sprout shooting forth became a stately tree, laden with leaves and fruit. Witnessing this miracle, the multitude, including the king, with their hair standing on end (with astonishment and delight), continued repeatedly bowing down to the th£ras. , At that moment the thera sprinkled on that spot eight handsful of flowers. On that occasion also the earth quaked. Being asked the cause thereof, he replied, "Ruler of men, this will become the spot at which the various offerings made to the priesthood collectively will be divided by the assembled priests." Proceeding thereafter to the site where the Catussal& (quadrangular hall was subsequently built), he there sprinkled the same quantity of flowers. In like manner the earth quaked. The sovereign inquiring the cause of this earthquake ; the thera thus explained himself to the king : " (This is) the pleasure garden, which, by its having been accepted by the three preceding Buddhas, (became consecrated). On this spot the treasures of offerings brought from all quarters by the inhabitants having been collected, the three preceding deities of felicitous advent vouchsafed to partake thereof. In this instance, also, O ruler of men, on the very same site the Catussdli will be erected, which will be the refectory of thejpriesthood." Prom thence, the chief thdra Mahinda, the luminary of the land, who, by inspiration could distinguish the places consecrated (by the presence of ■"bath." Jantdghara 01 aggisaldia a house or hall intended for priests to take a hot bath, or to warm their bodies near a fire. ' " (tree)." ' Dele, < " At that very instant a sprout sprang from the stone ; and in due course it." CHAPTteR XV. 57 tormer Buddhas) from those which were not consecrated, repaired to the spot where the great ddgoba (Ruvanv§li was subsequently built). At that time the smaller Kakudha tank stood within the boundary of the royal pleasure garden. At the upper end of it, near the edge of the water, there was a sppt of elevated ground adapted for the site of a d4goba. On the ^high, priest reaching that spot (the keepers of the garden) presented to the king eight baskets of champaka flowers. The king^ sprinkled those champaka flowers on the said elevated spot. In this instance also the earth quaked. The king inquired the cause of that earthquake, and the th^ra explained the cause in due order. " Mah&rija, this place has been consecrated by the presence of four Buddhas ; it is befitting for (the site of) a d4goba for the prosperity and comfort of living beings. At the commencement of this kappa, the first in order was the vanquisher Kakusandha, a divine sage, perfect master of all the doctrines of the faith and a comforter of the whole world. This Mah4m€gha pleasure garden was then called Mahatittha, The city, situated to the eastward on the farther side of the Kadamba river, was called ' Abhayapura.' The ruling sovereign there was ' Abhaya,' and at that time this island was called ' Ojadipa.' . In this land, by the instrumentality of the Rakkhasas (especially Punnakha) a febrile epidemic afBicted its inhabitants. Kakusandha^ impelled by motives of beneficence* for the purpose of* efEecting the conversion of its inhabitants and the establishment of his faith, ^( after) having subdued this calamity, accompanied by forty thousand of his sanctified disciples, repairing to this land through the air, stationed himself on the summit of D^vakdta (Adam's Peak). Instantly, by the supernatural power of that supreme Buddha, the febrile epidemic over the whole of this land was subdued. O ruler, the muni, lord of divine sages, remaining there (on D^vakuta) thus resolved within himself : ' Let all the inhabitants in this land Ojadipa, this very day see me manifested. Let also all persons, who are desirous of repairing to me, repair instantly (hither) without any exertion on their part. The king and inhabitants of the capital, observing this divine sage, effulgent by the rays of his halo, as well as the mountain illuminated by his presence, instantly repaired thither. The people, having hastened thither for the purpose of making ' bali ' offerings to the d^vatSs; conceived that the ruler of the world and his sacerdotal retinue were d6vat&s. This king (Abhaya) exceedingly overjoyed, bowing down to this lord of munis, and inviting him to take refection, conducted him to the capital. The monarch, considering this celebrated and delightful spot both befitting and convenient for the muni and his fraternity, caused on this very site to be constructed, in a hall erected by him, splendid pulpits for the supreme Buddha and the (attendant) priests. The inhabitants of the island, seeing this lord of the universe seated here (where Ruvanveli d&goba was subse- quently built), together with this sacerdotal retinue, brought offerings from all quarters. The king from his own provisions and beverage, as well as from the offerings brought from other quarters, presented refreshments to the lord of the universe and his disciples. In the afternoon that monarch bestowed on the vanquisher, who was thus seated on this very spot, the pleasure garden Mah&tittha,— a worthy dedication. At the instant this Mah&tittha garden, embellished with (even) unseasonable flowers, was accepted of by the Buddha, the earth quaked. The said (divine) ruler taking his seat here, ''propounded his doctrines. Forty thousand inhabitants attained the *sanctification of ' maggaphalan.'' The vanquisher, having ' " tMra." ^ Insert " presented fchem to the thSra, who ." ' Insert "seeing this calamity was." ' Innert " and." » Insert " averting it and." " Dele. ' " expounded." " " the stages of sanctifioation." 91—87 !• 58 THE mahIva^ba. enjoyed his forenoon rest in the Mahdtittha garden, in the afternoon repaired to ^this spot worthy of the reception of his bo-tree. 'Here seated, that supreme Buddha indulged in the sam&dhi meditation. Bising therefrom he thus resolved : ' For the spiritual welfare of the inhabitants of this land, let the chief th^ri ^Sdjanandd, together with her retinue of priestesses, repair hither, bringing with her the right branch of my sirisa bo-tree, (obtaining it from Khema-r&ja at Kh6mavatinagara in Jambudipa).' The th^ri becoming (by inspiration) acquainted with this resolve, thereupon accompanied by the monarch (Kh^ma), approached that tree. That super- naturally gifted king with a vermillion pencil having made a streak on the right branch, she (the th^ri) taking possession of that bo branch, which had severed itself from the tree and planted itself in a golden vase, brought it hither, by miraculous means, attended by her retinue of* priestesses, and surrounded by devatis, and placed the golden vase in the extended right hand of the supreme Buddha. ' This successor of former Buddhas receiving the same bestowed it on king Abhaya, for the purpose of being planted in the pleasure garden Mah&tittha. The monarch planted it accordingly. This Buddha, a divine successor of former Buddhas, departing from thence to the northward thereof, and taking his seat in the court yard of ' Sirisa,' ^pi-o- pounded his doctrines to the populace. There (also), O king (continued Mahinda), twenty thousand persons obtained the blessings of the faith. Proceeding thence farther northward, the vanquisher, taking his seat at (the site of the) Thupiraoia dagoba, and having indulged in the ' sam&dhi ' meditation there, rousing himself from that abstraction, the supreme Buddha ^propounded his doctrines to the attendant congregation ; on that occasion also ten thousand humin beings attained the ^sanctifioation of'maggaphalan.' Hiving bestowed his own ' dhammikaraka ' (drinking vessel) as an object for worship on the paople, and estiblishing the priestess with her retinue hara ; leiving also here his disciple Mihiidlva, together with his thousand sacerdotal brethren, (he repaired) to the south-east thereof ; and standing on the site of the Ritanamala^ square, the said vanquisher, having preached to the people, together with his retinue, departed through the air to Jambudipa. " The second divine teacher, the comforter of the whole world, the om- niscient supreme deity in this kappa, was named Kouagamana. The capital, then called Yaddhamana, was situated to the southward, and this Maharacgha pleasure garden was called then Mahanama. The reigning sovereign there, at that period, was known by the name of Samiddha, and this land was then designated Yaradipa. " Here, in this island, a calamity arising from a drought then prevailed. The said vanquisher K6nagamana observing this visitation, impelled by motives of compassion, for the purpose of" effecting the conversion of its inhabi- tants and the establishment of his faith in this land ^"(after) having sub- dued this calamity, accompanied by thirty thousand of his sanctified disciples, having repaired hither, stationed himself on the summit of Sumanaku(a (Adam s Peak). " By the providence of thatsupreme Buddlia that drought instantly ceased ; and during the whole period of the prevalence of his religion seasonable rains fell. ' " the." ■' •• There." " " lliipananda," ' Insert " live hundred." ' " expounded." " " expounded." ' " stages of sanotifloatiou." ' " Insert (Ruvauveli d4goba).' " Insert " averting it and." '" Hek, CHAPTER XV. 59 " Ruler of men " (continued Mahinda addressing himself to Dev&nampiya Tissa), " the lord of munis, himself the mahd-muni, stationing himself there, thus resolved : ' Let all the inhabitants of this land Varadipa this very day see me manifested. Let also all persons ■who are desirous of repairing to me repair instantly (hither) -without encountering any impediment.' The sovereign and the inhabitants of the capital, observing this divine sage, resplendent by the rays of his halo, as well as the mountain illuminated (by his presence), instantly repaired thither. The people having resorted there for the purpose of (.making ' bali ' offerings, they imagined that the ruler of the universe and his sacerdotal retinue were ddvatis. "The king (Samiddha) exceedingly rejoiced, bowing down to this lord of munis and inviting him to take (refreshment), conducted him to the capital ; and the monarch, considering this celebrated spot both befitting as an offering and convenient as a residence for the muni and his fraternity, caused to be constructed, in a hall erected by him, superb pulpits for the supreme Buddha and his attendant priests. " The inhabitants of the land, seeing this lord of the universe seated here with his sacerdotal retinue, brought offerings from all quarters. The king from his own provisions and beverage, as well as from the offerings brought from all quarters, presented refreshments to the lord of the universe and his disciples. " In the af ternooon he bestowed on the vanquisher, who was seated on this very spot, the pleasure garden (then called) Mahan&ma, — a worthy dedication. At the instant that this Mahanima garden, embellished by (even) flowers out of season, was accepted of, the earth quaked. Herej the said divine ruler taking his seat, expounded his doctrines ; and thirty thousand inhabitants attained the ^sanctiflcation of ' maggaphalan.^ " The vanquisher, having enjoyed his forenoon rest in the Mahdndma garden, in the afternoon repairing to this spot where the preceding bo-tree had been planted, indulged the ' sam&dhi ' meditation. Bising therefrom, the supreme Buddha thus resolved : ' For the spiritual welfare of the inhabitants of this land let the chief theri Kanakadattd, together with her retinue of priestesses, repair hither, bringing with her the right branch of the Udumbara bo-tree (obtaining it from king Sdbhavati, at S<5bhavatinagara in Jambudipa).' " The th4ri becoming (by inspiration) acquainted with this resolve, thereupon accompanied by the monarch (S(5bhavati) approached that tree. That super- naturally gifted king, with a vermillion pencil having made a streak on the right branch, she (the theri) taking possession of that bo branch, which had separated itself (from the main tree) and planted itself in a golden vase, brought it hither by miraculous means, attended by her retinue of priestesses, and surrounded by d^vatds ; and placed the golden vessel on the extended right hand of the supreme Buddha. This successor of former Buddhas receiving the same, bestowed it on king Samiddha, for the purpose of being planted there, in the pleasure garden Mah&n&ma. The monarch planted it there (accordingly). " The supreme Buddha repairing thither, to the northward of the SirisamS- laka, and stationing himself at NigamAlaka (where subsequently Thiilathanaka, prior to his accession, buUt a d&goba, including the SiUsobbhakandaka cetiya), expounded the doctrines of his faith to the people. Having heard that discourse, O king (continued Mahinda), twenty thousand living beings obtained the blessings of religion. Repairing to the northward thereof, to the place (ThupSr&ma) where the preceding Buddha had stationed himself, ' " stages of sanctlfication." ^ Insert " five hundred,." ' Jksert " five hundred." 60 THK mahAva^sa. there seating himself, and having indulged in the ' samddhi ' meditation, rising therefrom, the supreme Buddha expounded his doctrines. From the assembled congregation ten thousand living beings attained the 'bliaa of ' maggaphalan.' Bestowing his belt as a relic to be worshipped by the people, and leaving there the priestess with her retinue, and also leaving there his disciple Mah&summa, together with his thousand priests, the supreme Buddha tarrying for a while 'at the Batanamilaka, Hherea/ter at the Sudassanam&laka, and having preached to the people, together with his sacerdotal retinue, the vanquisher departed through the air for Jambudipa. " The third divine teacher, the comforter of the whole world, the omniscient supreme deity in this kappa, was named ' Kassapa ' from his descent. The capital then called Yis&lfinagara was situated to the westward ; and this Mah&m£gha pleasure garden was called then Mah£s&gara. The reigning sovereign there, at that period was known by the name of ' Jayanta,' and this land was then designated ' Mandadipa.' "At that period, between the said king Jayanta and his younger brother (Samiddha) an awful conflict was on the eve of being waged, most terrifying to the inhabitants. The all-merciful 'muni' Kassapa, perceiving that in consequence of that civil war a dreadful sacrifice of lives would ensue, impelled by motives of compassion, ''as well as for the purpose of effecting the conversion of its inhabitants and the establishment of his faith in this land ^CafterJ having averted this calamity, accompanied by twenty thousand of his sanctified disciples, having repaired hither, stationed himself on the summit of Subhakd(a. " Buler of men " (continued Mahinda addressing himself to Dev&nampiya Tissa), " the lord of munis, himself the mah&-muni, stationing himself there thus resolved : ' Let all the inhabitants of this land Mandadipa this very day see me manifested. Let also all persons who are desirous of repairing to me repair instantly (hither) without encountering any impediment.' The sovereign and the inhabitants of the capital observing this divine sage, efEulgent by the rays of his halo, as well as the mountain illuminated (by his presence), instantly repaired thither. A great concourse of people of either party, in order that they might ensure victory to their cause, having proceeded to the mountain for the purpose of making offerings to the devatas, imagined the ruler of the universe and his disciples were dfevat&s. The king and the prince astonished (at the presence of the Buddha Easaapa) relinquished their (impending) conflict. " The king (Jayanta) exceedingly rejoiced, bowing down to this lord of munis, and inviting him to take refreshment, conducted him to the capital ; and the monarch considering this celebrated spot both befitting as an offering and convenient as a residence for the muni and his fraternity, caused to be constructed, in a hall erected by him, superb pulpits for the supreme Buddha and his (attendant) priests. " The inhabitants of the land, seeing this lord of the universe seated here with his sacerdotal retinue, brought offerings from all quarters. The king from his own provisions and beverage, as well as from the offerings brought from every direction, presented refreshments to the lord of the universe and his disciples. " In the afternoon he bestowed on the vanquisher, who was seated on this very spot, the pleasure garden (then called) Mah&s&gara, — a worthy dedication. At the instant that this Mah&s&gara garden, embellished by (even) flowers ' ■' stages of sanctificatiou." " Dele. « " on this side of," * " in order that he might aVert it and effect," 'Pele. CHAPTER XV. 61 out of season, was accepted of, the earth quaked. Here the said diyine ruler taking his seat, expounded his doctrines ; and twenty thousand inhabi- tants attained the 'aanctification of the ' maggaphalan.' " The vanquisher, having enjoyed his forenoon rest in the Mah&sSgara garden, in the afternoon repaired to this spot, where the preceding bo-trees had been planted, and indulged the ' sam&dhi ' meditation. Rising therefrom, the supreme Buddha thus resolved: 'For the spiritual welfare of the inhabitants of this land let the chief th^ri Sudhamm&, together with her retinue of priestesses, repair hither ; bringing with her the right branch of the nigrddha bo-tree (obtaining it Jrom king Kisa at Bar&nasinagara in Jambudipa).' " The theri becoming (by inspiration) acquainted with this resolve, thereupon accompanied by the monarch (Kisa), approached that tree. That super- naturally gifted king, with a vermilion pencil having made a streak on the right branch, she (the tWri) taking possession of that bo branch, which had separated itself (from the main tree) and planted itself in a golden vase, brought it hither by miraculous means, attended by her retinue of priestesses and surrounded by devatas ; and placed the golden vessel on the extended right hand of the supreme Buddha. This successor of former Buddhas, receiving the same, bestowed it on king Jayanta, for the purpose of being planted there in the pleasure garden Mah&s&gara. The monarch planted it there (accordingly). " The supreme Buddha repairing thither, to the northward of the N4gam&- laka, and stationing himself at As<)ka (where Asoka, one of the younger brothers of Devunampiya Tissa, subsequently built a dagoba) expounded the doctrines of his faith to the people. Having heard that discourse," (continued Mahinda, addressing himself to DevSnampiya Tissa), " O king, to four thousand living beings the blessings of religion were insured. Repairing to the northward thereof, to the place (Thup&rAma d%oba) where the preceding Buddhas had stationed themselves, there seating himself, and having indulged in the ' samMhi ' meditation, rising therefrom, the supreme Buddha expounded his doctrines. From the assembled congregation ten thousand human beings attained the ^bliss of ' maggaphalan.' Bestowing his ' ablution robe ' as a relic to be worshipped by the people, and leaving there the priestess with her retinue, and also leaving there his disciple Sabbanandi together with his thousand priests, the supreme Buddha, at the S6manamilaka (where Uttiya subsequently buUt a d&goba), previously called the Sudassanamdlaka, having preached to the people, departed through the air for Jambudipa. " The fourth divine sage, the comforter of the world, the ominiscient doctrinal lord, the vanquisher of the five deadly sins, in this ' kappa ' was GOTAMA. " In his first advent to this land he reduced the yakkhas to subjection ; and then, in his second advent, he established his power over the n&gas. Again, upon the third occasion, at the entreaty of the nfiga king Ma^iakkhi, repairing to Kalyfini, he there, together with his attendant disciples, partook of refreshment. Having tarried, and indulged in (the 'sam&patti ' meditation) at the spot where the former bo-trees had been placed ; a3 well as on this very site of the (Ruvanveli) d%oba " (where Mahinda was making these revelations to D6v6nampiya Tissa), " and having repaired to the spot where the relics used (by the Buddhas themselves, viz., the drinking vessel, the belt, and the ablution robe had been enshrined); as well as to the several places where preceding Buddhas had tarried, the vanquisher of the five deadly sins, the great muni, the luminary of Lagkfi, as at that period there were no " stages of sanctification.'' ' Insert " five hundred.' ' " stages of sanctification." 62 THE mahAvaijsa. human beings in the land, having expounded his doctrines to the congregated dcvas and the n&gas, departed through the air to Jambudipa. " Thus, king, this is a spot consecrated by the four preceding Buddhas. On this spot, mah&rdj6, there will hereafter stand a d%oba to serve as the shrine for a " do;^a " of sacred relics (obtained) from Buddha's body, in height one hundred and twenty cubits, renowned under the name of ' Hdmam&li ' (Euvanveli)." The ruler of the land thus replied : " I myself must erect it." " king, unto thee there are many other acts to be performed, do thou execute them. A descendant of thine will accomplish this work. Yatiilatissa, the son of thy younger brother, the sub-king Mah6n6ga, will hereafter become a ruling sovereign ; his son named Goth&bh4ya will also be a'king. His son will be called K&kavanna. Mahfi,rajd I the son of that sovereign, named Abhaya, will be a great monarch, gifted with supernatural powers and wisdom,— a con- queror renowned under the title of ' Duttlia Gdmani.' He wiU construct the d^goba here." The thera thus prophesied ; and the monarch having caused that prophecy to be engraven (on stone) Hn the very wonh of the thera, raised a stone monument (in commemoration thereof). The sanctified and supematurally gifted chief th^ra Mah& Mahinda accepted the dedication made to him of the delightful Mahdmcgha pleasure garden and Tissfirfima (where the vihira of that name was subsequently built). This personage, who had thoroughly subdued his passions, after having caused the earth to quake at the eight sacred spots, entered, for the purpose of making his alms-pilgrimage, the city (in expanse) like unto the great ocean. Taking his repast at the king's palace, and departing from the royal residence, and seating himself in the Nandana garden, he expounded the "aggikkhandha" discourse (of Buddha) to " tank at the N^gaoatukka." 2 " The thSia, who was a perfect master of the Khaudhakas (' sections of the Vinaya '), expounded to the king the section relating to the observance of the ' vassa.' " » " thereto." * Dele. ' " admitted to the priesthood." ° Dele. ' Dele, ' Insert " around the site of the (future) Kantaka-cStiya and." ° " The th^ra, who >had crossed the boundary (of sinful desire), set up the boundary of that vihtCra and of the thirty-two Mulakas, and on the selfsame day conferred the rite of ordination on all of them who were looking forward thereto, first of all at the Tumbaru Miilaka which had been set up by himself," '» " arhats." " " conferred." " " And hosts of dSvas and men came unto this chief of thSras and to his disciples, whose fame for piety had spread abroad, and ministered unto them ; and thus laid up for themselves heaps of merit." CHAPTER XVII. 67 CHAPTER XVn. ^The " vassa " which had been held, having terminated on the full moon day of the month of " kattika," this great th^ra of profound wisdom thus spoke : " Mah&r&j&, our divine teacher, the supreme Buddha, has long been out of our sight : we are sojourning here 'unblessed by his presence. In this land, O ruler of men I we have no object to which offerings can be made." (The king) replied, " Lord, 'most assuredly it has been stated to me, that our supreme Buddha had attained ' nibbuti,' *(and that a loch of his hair and the ' glvaffhi ' relic have been enshrined at MahiyanganaJ." '" Wherever his sacred relics are seen our vanquisher himself is seen," (rejoined MahindEt). " I understand your meaning " (said the monarch), " a thdpa is to be constructed by me. I will erect the thdpa : do ye 'pi-ocure the relics." The th^ra replied to the king, " Consult with Sumana." The sovereign then addressed that s&maip^ra: " From whence can we procure relics ? " " Ruler of men (said he), having decorated the city and the highway, 'attended by *a retinue of devotees, mounted on thy state elephant, bearing the canopy of dominion, and 'cJieered by the music of the ' tdldvacara ' band, repair in the evening to the Mahdndga pleasure garden. There, king ! wilt thou find %-elics." Thus "to the piously devoted monarch spoke Sumana, who fully knew how the relics of Buddha had been distributed, "The delighted th^ra proceeding irova the palace to the Cetiya mountain, "consulted with ^Hhe equally delighted Sumana s&mai^^ra, "to whom this im- portant mission was to he confided. "" Hither, thou piously virtuous Sumava proceeding to the celebrated city Pupphapura, "deliver unto the sovereign (DhammSsoka), Hhe head of thy family, this my injunction. ' M.ahiikj&, thy ally the Mahar&j4 surnamed Maruppiya ('Tegsra-the-delight-of the d^vas), converted to the faith of Buddha, is anxious to build a d&goba. Thou possessest many corporeal relics of the ' muni ' ; bestow some of those relics, and the dish used at his meals by the divine teacher.' ' Taking (continued Mahinda addressing himself to Sumana) ' that dish filled with relics, and repairing to the celebrated capital of the d^vas, thus deliver my message to Sakka, the deva of d^vas : ' King of devas, thou possessest the** right canine-tooth relic, as well as the right collar-bone relic, of the deity worthily worshipped by the three worlds : continue to worship that tooth-relic, but bestow the collar-bone of the divine teacher. Lord of d6vas ! demur not in matters (involving the salvation) of the land of La^kCi.' " Replying, " Lord, most willingly," this supematuraUy gifted B&ma^^ra instantly departed to the court of Dhammsiadka. There he had his audience of (the king), who was in the midst of the celebration of the festival of * Transferred from Dantapura to Ceylon in A.D. 310 ; and now enshrined in the Dalad " women of the king's palace." " Dele. ' " seated in his palace by the side of the thdra." ' " and." CHAPTER XTin. 71 hoilUng, repairing to the court of Dhamm&s6ka, to escort hither the great bo-tree and the th4ri Saiighamitt& ? " " Gracious lord, I am ^willing to bring these from thence hither ; provided, on my return to this land, I am per- mitted to enter into the priesthood." The monarch replying, " Be it so " — deputed him thither. He, ^conforming to the injunction both of the thfira and of the sovereign, respectfully took his leave. ^The individual so delegated, departing oh the second day of the increasing moon of the month " assayuja," embarked at Jamb(}k61a pat^ana. ^Having departed, under the C divine) injunction of the thera, traversing the ocean, he reached the delightful city of Pupphapura on the very day of his departure.' '" The princess Anula, together with five hundred virgins, and also with five hundred of the women of the palace, having conformed to the pious observances of the ' dasasila ' order, clad in yellow garments, and strenuously endeavouring to attain the superior grades of sanctification, Hs looking forward to the arrival of the theri to enter into the priesthood ; ^Heading a devotional life of piety in a delightful sacerdotal residence provided (for them) by the king in a certain quarter of the city (which had previously been the domicile of the minister D6na). The residence occupied by "such pious (up&siki) devotees "has hecome, from that circumstance, celebrated in Lagk& by the name of " "UpdsiM." ^*Thus «pofceMah4rittha, the nephew (of D6v&- nampiya Tissa), announcing the message of the king as well as of the th^ra to Dhammfts6ka ; ^^and added, " Sovereign of elephants I the consort of the brother of thy ally, the king (of Lagk&), impelled by the desire of devoting herself to the ministry of Buddha, is unremittingly leading the life of a pious devotee. For the purpose of ordaining her a priestess, deputing thither the th&i Saiighamittft, send also with her the right branch of the great bo-tree." He next explained to the th&i herself the intent of the message of the thera (her brother Mahinda). The said th&i obtaining an audience of her father (Dhammfts6ka), communicated to him the message of the th^ra. The monarch replied (addressing her at once reverentially and affectionately) : " My mother ! bereaved of thee, and separated from my children and grand- children, what consolation will there be left wherewith to alleviate my affliction." She rejoined, " Mah&r6j&, the injunction of my brother (Mahinda) is imperative ; and those who are to be ordained are many ; on that account it is meet that I should repair thither." The king (thereupon) thus meditated : "' " The great bo-tree is rooted to the earth: it cannot be meet to lop it with any uxapon : by what means then can I obtain a branch thereof ? " This lord of the land, by the advice of the minister Mahad^va, having invited the priesthood to a repast, thus inquired (of the high priest) : " Lord ! is it, or is it not, meet to transmit (a branch of) the great bd-tree to La^kfi? " The chief priest, the son of Moggali, replied, " It is fitting that it should be sent"; and expounded to the monarch the five important resolves of (Buddha) the deity gifted with five means of perception. The lord of the land, hearing this reply, rejoicing thereat, ordered the road to the bo-tree, distant (from P&taliputta) seven ydjanas, to be swept, and perfectly decorated, in every respect ; and for the purpose of. having the ' " able." ' " able." ' " taking charge of the message." <»and." ' Dele. '"and," ' Add, " by the power of the th&a's will." » Insert " At that time." 'Dele. ""lead." ""these." " " became." " " Upisikii vih&ra," " " And." " " thus spoke ; " " " It is not meet to lop with any weapon the great bodhi tree," 72 THE mahAvaijsa. vase made collected gold. Yissakamma himself, assuming the character of a jeweller and repairing thither, inquired " Of what size shall I construct the vase ? " On being told " Make it, deciding on the size thyself," receiving the gold, he moulded it (exclusively) with his own hand, and instantly perfecting that vase, nine cubits in circumference, five cubits in depth, three cubits in diameter, eight inches in thickness, and in the rim of the mouth of the thick- ness of the trunk of a fuU-grown elephant, he departed. The monarch causing that vase, resplendent like the meridian sun, to be brought ; attended by the four constituent hosts of his military array, and by the great body of the priesthood, which extended over a space of seven y^janas in length and three in breadth, repaired to the great bo-tree ; which was decorated with every variety of ornament ; glittering with the variegated splendour of gems ; decked with rows of streaming banners ; laden with oSerings of flowers of every hue ; and surrounded by the sound of every description of music. Encircling it with this concourse of people, he screened (the bo-tree) with a curtain. ^A body of a thousand priests, with the chief thira {son of MoggaliJ at their head, and a body of a thousand inaugurated monarchs, with this emperor (Dhammdsdka) at their head, having (by forming an inner circle J enclosed the sovereign himself as well as the great bo-tree most completely, ivith uplifted clasped hands (Dhammdsdka) gazed on the great bo-ia-ee. While thus gazing (on the bo-tree) a portion thereof, being four cubits of the branch, remained visible, and the other branches vanished. Seeing this miracle, the ruler of the world, overjoyed, exclaimed, " I make an offering of my empire to the great bo-tree." The lord of the land (thereupon) invested the great bo-tree with the empire. Making flower and other offerings to the great bo-tree, he walked round it. Having bowed down with uplifted hands at eight places, and placed that precious vase on a golden chair, studded with various gems, of such a height that the branch could be easily reached, he ascended it himself for the purpose of obtaining the supreme branch. Using vermilion in a golden pencil, and therewith making a streak on the branch, he ^pronounced this confession of his faith ; " If this supreme right bo-branch Hetached from this bo-tree is destined to depart from hence to the land of Lagki,* let it, self -severed, instantly transplant itself into Hhe vase ; 'then indeed I shall have implicit faith in the religion of Buddha." ' The bo-branch, severing itself at the place where the streak was made, ^havered over the mouth of the vase (which was) filled with scented soil. The monarch then encircled the branch with '(two) streaks above the original streak, at intervals of three inches : from the original streak the principal, and from the other streaks minor roots, ten from each, shooting forth '"and brilliant from their freshness, descended (into the soil in the vase). The sovereign, on witnessing this miracle, (with uplifted hands) set up a shout, while yet standing on the golden chair, which was echoed by the ' Lit. " Surrounding himself and the great bodhi tree most completely with a body of a thousand priests who were the heads of fraternities, and with more than a thousand of kings who had received anointment, he gazed on the great bodhi with clasped hands. Then the (small) branches of its right branch vanished, leaving only portions of about four cubits and the stem thereof (adhering to the main trunk)." < << made this solemn declaration and invocation ": the Buddhistic SaooaMriyA partakes of the nature of both. 'Dele. * Insert "and if my faith in the religion of Buddha be unshaken, then." » " this golden vase." '^Bele. ' "(And lo 0" ' " rested on the top." * " nine." " " like a network." CHAPTER XVIII. 73 surrounding spectators. The delighted priesthood expressed their joy by shouts of " s&dhu," and the crowding multitude, -waving thousands of cloths over their heads, cheered. Thus this (branch of the) great bo-tree established itself in the fragrant soil (in the yase) with a hundred roots, filling with delight the whole atten- dant multitude. The stem thereof was ten cubits- high: there were five branches, each four cubits long, adorned with five fruits each. From the (five main) branches many lateral branches, amounting to a thousand, were formed. ^Such was this miraculous and delight-creating ho-tree. The instant the great bo branch was planted in the vase, the earth quaked, and numerous miracles were ^performed. By the din of the separately heard sound of various musical instruments — by the " s&dhus " shouted, as well by d£-vas and men of the human world, as by the host of dSvas and brahmas of the heavens — by the howling of the elements, the roar of animals, the screeches of birds, and the yells of the yakkhas as well as other fierce spirits, together with the crashing concussions of the earthquake, they constituted one universal chaotic uproar.' From the fruit and leaves of the bo branch, brilliant rays of the six primitive colours issuing forth, illuminated the whole *" cakka/e&la" Then the great bo branch, together with its vase springing up into the air (from the golden chair), remained invisible for seven days in the sno-wy regions of the skies. The monarch, descending from the chair, and tarrjring on that spot for those seven days, unremittingly kept up, in Hhe fullest formality, a festival of ofEerings to the bo branch. ^At the termination of the seventh day, the spirits which preside over elements (dispelling the snowy clouds J, the heams of the moon enveloped the great ho branch. The enchanting great ho branch, together with the vase, remaining poised in the cloudless firmament, displayed itself to the whole multitude. Having astounded the congregation hy the performance of many miracles, the great ho branch descend^ to the earth. This great monarch, overjoyed at these -various miracles, a second time made an offering of the empire to the great '60. Having thus invested the great '60 with the whole empire, making innumerable offerings, he tarried there for seven days longer. On the fifteenth, being the full moon day of the bright half of the month " assayuja," (the king) took possession of the great bo branch. At the end of two weeks from that date, being the fourteenth day of the dark half of the month " assayuja," the lord of chariots, havmg had his capital fully orna- mented, and a superb hall built, placing the great bo branch in a chariot, on that very day brought it in a procession of offerings (to the capital). On the first day of the bright half of the month " kattika," having deposited the great bo branch under the great sal-tree in the ^south-east quarter (of P&taliputta), he daily made innumerable offerings thereto. On the seventeenth day after he had received charge of it, its new leaves ' Lit. " Thus was this great bodhi tree endued with a fullness of beauty that entranced the mind." ' " manifested." ' The rendering of this passage is rather highly ornamented. • " universe." ' " divers ways." " " At the end of the seven days all the snow-clouds, together with the six- coloured rays, were absorbed into the great bbdhi branch, which, resting on the vase and poised in the cloudless firmament, displayed itself unto all che people ; and while divers miracles were yet being manifested, the great bodhi branch descended to the earth, astonishing the people greatly." ' " bodhi." ' " eastern." 91—87 ^* 74 THE mahAya^ha. sprouted forth simultaneously. From that circumstance also the monarch, overjoyed, a third ti me dedicated the empire to the great bo-tree. The ruler of men, having thus finally invested the great bo branch vith the whole empire, made various offerings to the said tree. (It was during the celebrations of these festivals that Suma^a entered P&taliputta to apply to Dhammfisbka for the relics).> *Thus waa, celebrated in the capital (appropriately called) " the dty-of-the- Idke of flowers" mchanting the minds of divas as well as men, this styaerh, pre- eminent, grand, lo branch processional-festival, graced by innumerable superb streaming banners (of gold and silver, and other pageantry). The eighteenth chapter in the Mahfivagsa, entitled " The obtaining the great Bodhi Branch (by DhammSsfika )," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XIX. The lord of chariots assigned for the custody of the great bo branch eighteen personages of royal blood, eighteen members of noble families, eight of the brahman caste, and eight of the heffhi caste. In like manner, eight of each of *the agrictdtural and domestic castes, as well as of weavers and potters; and of aU other castes ; as also nagas and yakkhas. This delighter in do- nations, bestowing vases of gold and silver, eight of each (to water the bo branch with), embarking the great bo branch in a superbly decorated vessel on the river(Ganges) ; and embarking likewise the high priestess SaiSghamittli with her eleven priestesses, and the ambassador Ari^tha at the head (of his mission) ; (the monarch), departing out of his capital, and preceding (the river proces- sion with his army) through the wilderness of Yifijh&, reached T£malitta on the seventh day. The dSvas, n&gas, and men (during his land progress) kept up splendid festivals of ofEerings (on the river), and they also reached (the port of embarkation) on the seventh day. The sovereign, disembarking the great bo branch on the shore of the main ocean, again made an offering of his empire. This delighter in good works having thus finally invested the great bo branch with the whole empire on the first day of the bright half of the moon in the month of '' maggasiia," thereupon he (gave direction J, that the great bo branch, which was deposited (at the foot of the sal-tree J, should be lifted up by the aforesaid four high castetribes, (assisted) by the other eight persons of each of the other castes. The elevation of the bo branch having been effected by their means, (the monarch) himself descending there (into the sea) till the water reached his neck, most carefully deposited it in the vessel. Having thus completed the embarkation of it, as well as of the chief th€ri with her priestesses, and the illustrious ambassador Mah^itfha, he made this > This must have been meant for a note made by the learned translator, > " Thus this excellent and pleasing (piooessional) festival of the great bodhi branch, radiant with the mingling of divers streaming banners, celebrated in Pupphapura (' the city of flowers '), became the means of expanding the hearts of dSvas and men (as the sun doth the lotuses)." ' Some MSS. read vessa = vaiiya. * In the original, gopaha, ' herdsmen' ; taraoeha, ' workers in precious metals '; huUAga, doubtful. * "in order that, it might be removed from thenoe (to the ship), raised the great bodhi, assisted by the (companies of) eight persons from the high caste families assigned for its service at the foot of the s&la-tree (in P&taliputta), and himself going down." OkAPTteK XlX. 75 address to them : " I have oil three occasions dedicated my empire to this bo branch ; in like manner, let my ally, your sovereign, as fully make (to it) an investiture of his empire." The Mahfi,r4j4 having thus spoke, stood on the shore of the ocean with up'- lifted hands; and, gazing on the departing bo branch, shed tears in the bitterness of his grief. In the agony of, parting with the bo branch, the disconsolate DharamSsdka, weeping and lamenting in loud sobs, departed for his own capital. The vessel in which the bo-tree was embarked briskly dashed through the water ; and in the great oceauj within the circumference of a y6jana, the waves were stilled : 'flowers of the five different colours blossomed around it, and various melodies of music rung in the air. Innumerable offerings wore kept up by innumerable dSvas ; (but) the n&gas had recourse to their magical arts to obtain possession of the bo-tree. The chief priestess SadghamittI, who had attained the 'sanctijication of "abhinfia," assuming the form of the " supaijBia," terrified those n&gas (from their purpose). These subdued n&gas, respectfully imploring of the chief priestess, (with her consent) conveyed the bo-tree to the settlement of the n&gas : and for seven days innumerable offerings having been made by the n4ga king, they themselves, bringing it back, replaced it in the vessel. On the same day that the bo-tree reached this land at the port of Jambdkola, the 'universally beloved monarch D6v&- nampiya Tissa* having, by his communications with Sumai;i4 s&maigiSra, ascertained the (approaching) advent (of the bo branch) ; and from the first day of the month of " maggasira," in his anxiety to prepare for its reception, having, with the greatest zeal, applied himself to the decoration of the high road from the northern gate (of Anur&dhapura) to Jambiik61a, had (already) repaired thither. "While seated in a hall *o» the sea-beach, by the miraculous powers of the thera (Mahinda), he was enabled to discern (though stUl out of sight) the bo branch which was approaching over the great ocean. In order that the hall built on that spot might perpetuate the frame of that miracle, it became ' celebrated there by the name of the " SamuddSsanna-silfr." Under the auspices of the chief thera, attended by the other th6ras, as well as the imperial array of his kingdom, on that very day, the nobly formed mah&r&j&, chanting forth in his zeal and fervour, " This is the bo from the bo-tree (at which Buddha attained buddhahood)," rushing into the waves up to his neck, and causing the great bo branch to be lifted up collectively by the sixteen castes of persons on their heads, and lowering it down, deposited it in the superb hall built on the beach. The sovereign of Lagk& invested it with the kingdom of Lagki ; and unto these sixteen castes, surrendering his sovereign authority, this ruler of men, taking on himself the office of sentinel at the gate (of the haU) for three entire days, in the discharge of this duty, made innumerable offerings. On the tenth day of the month, elevating and placing the bo branch in a superb car, this sovereign, who had by inquiry ascertained the consecrated places, escorting the monarch of the forest, deposited it at the' Paoina|vih£ra; and entertained the priesthood, as well as the people, with their morning meal. There (at the spot visited at Buddha's second advent) the chief thera Mahinda narrated, without the slightest omission, to this monarch, the triumph obtained over the nftgas (during the voyage of the bd branch) by the deity gifted with the ten powers. Having ascertained from the th£ra the particular ' Insert " lotus." ' " powers." 'Dele. * /rasert "whose heart was set on the welfare of his people.' * " near unto." ' Imert (' the seaside hall.') ' Xmert " site of the." 76 I'HlE mah1va^*sa. spots On which the divine teacher had rested 'or taken refreshment, those several spots he marked with monuments. The sovereign stopping the progress of the boibranch at the entrance of ' the village of the brahman Tivakkaj as well as at the several aforesaid places, ^(each of which) was sprinkled with white sand, and decorated with every variety of flowers, 'with ■ the road (approaching to each) lined with banners and garlands of flowers ; — and keeping up offerings, by night and by day uninterruptedly, on the fourteenth day he conducted it to the vicinity of Anur&dhapura. At the hour that shadows are most extended, he entered the superbly decorated capital by the northern gate, Hn the act of making offer- ings ; and passing in procession out of the southern gate, and entering the Mah&m^gha garden hallowed by the presence of the four Buddhas (of this kappa) ; and arriving, under the directions of Sumana himself, at the delightful and decorated spot at which the former bo-trees had been planted ; — ^by means of the sixteen castes, who were adorned with all the ' insignia of royalty (which they assumed on the king surrendering the sovereignty to them), raising up the bo branch, he contributed his personal exertion to deposit it there. The instant it extricated itself from the hand of man, springing eighty cubits up into the air, self -poised and resplendent, it cast forth a halo of rays of six colours. These enchanting rays illuminating the land, ascended. to the brahma heavens, and continued (visible) till the setting of the sun. Ten thousand men, stimulated by the sight of these miracles, increasing in sanctification, and attaining the state of " arhat," consequently entered into the priesthood. Afterwards, at the setting of the sun, the bo branch descending, under the constellation " rohi^i," placed itself on the ground ; and the earth thereupon quaked. Those roots (before described) rising up out of the mouth of the vase, and shooting downwards, descended (forcing down) the vase itself into the earth. The whole assembled populace made flower and other offerings to the planted bo. A heavy deluge of rain fell around, and dense cold clouds completely enveloped the great bo in its snowy womb. For seven days the bo-tree remained there, invisible in the snowy womb, occasioning (renewed) delight in the populace. At the teimination of the seventh day all these clouds dispersed, and displayed the bo-tree and its halo of six-coloured rays. The chief th^ra Mahinda and Saiighamitt&, each together with their retinue, as well as his majesty with his suite, assembled there. The princes from *Kacaraggdma, the princes from Candanagg&ma, the brahman Tivakka, as also the whole population of the land, by the interposition of the dSvas, exerting themselves to perform a great festival of offerings (in honour) of the bo-tree, assembled there ; and at this great congregation they were astounded at the miracles which were performed. °0a the south-eastern branch a fruit manifested itself, and ripened in the utmost perfection. The thira taking up that fruit as it fell, gave it to the king to plant it. The monarch planted it in a golden vase, filled with odoriferous soil, which was prepared at the Mah&sana. While th^y were all still gazing at it, eight sprouting shoots were produced, and became vigorous plants, four cubits high each. The king, seeing these vigorous bo-trees, delighted with astonishment, made an offering of, and invested them with, his white canopy (of sovereignty). ' " he carried it along the road, which." ' " and." • Dele. * " K^jaiagama : Kataragama. * " While the people were looking on, a ripe fruit from the eastern branch fell, and the th^ra took it up and." CHAPTER XIX. 77 Of these eight, he planted (one) at Ja,mhuk6h,pa.\\amL, on the spot where the bo-tree was deposited on its disembarkation ; one at the village of the brahman Tivakka ; at the Thiip&r&ma ; at the Issarasamai^aka vih&ra ; at the Fafhama Odtiya ; likewise at the Wtiya mountain vih&ra ; and at E4jara- g&ma, as also at Candanag&ma (both villages in the Rdhana division); one bo plant at each. ^ These bearing four fruits, two each (produced) thirty io plants, which planted themselves, at the several places, each distant a yojana in circumference from the sovereign bo-tree, by the providential interposition of the supreme Buddha, for the spiritual happiness of the inhabitants of the land. The aforesaid Anuld, together with her retinue (of five hundred virgins, and five hundred women of the palace), entering into the order of priest- hood, in the community of the th^ri Sadghamitti, attained the sanctification of "arhat." Ari^tha, together with a retinue of five hundred personages of royal extraction, obtaining priestly ordination in the fraternity of the th^ra, also attained " arhatship." Whoever the eight persons of the se^fhi caste were, who escorted the bo-tree hither, they, from that circumstance, obtained the name of b6dh&har& (bo-bearers). The theri Sadghamitta, together with her community of priestesses, sojourned in the quarters of the priestesses, which obtained the name of the "Up&sik&vih&ra." There (at the residence of Anuli, before she entered into the priesthood) (the king) formed twelve apartments, three of which were the principal ones. In one of these great apartments (called the Cdladgana) he deposited the (kdpayat^hika) mast of the vessel which transported the great bo ; in another (called Mah&aiigana) an oar (piya); in the third (called the Sirivaddha) the aritta rudder. From these (appurtenances of the ship) these (apartments) were known (as the EiIpaya^thi(hapanSg&ra). Even during the various schisms (which prevailed at subsequent periods) the Hatthalhaka priestesses uninterruptedly maintained their position at this establishment of twelve apartments. The before-mentioned state elephant of the king, roaming at his wUl, placed himself at a cool stream in a certain quarter of the city, in a grove of kadamba trees, and remained browsing there ; — ascertaining the preference given by the elephant to the spot, Hhey gave it this nams of '' Hatthd[halea." On a certain day, this elephant refused his food : the king inquired the cause thereof of the th&a, Hhe dispenser of happiness in the land. The chief th^ra, replying to the monarch, thus spoke : " (The elephant) is desirous that Hhe thApa should be built in the kadamba grove." The sovereign, who always gratified the desires of his subjects, without loss of time, built there a thdpa, enshrining a relic therein, and built an edifice over the thiipa. The chief th6ri Sadghamittft, being desirous of leading a life of devotional seclusion, and the situation of her sacerdotal residence not being sufficiently retired for the' advancement of the cause of religion, and Yor the spiritual comfort of the priestesses, was ''seeking another nunnery. Actuated by these pious motives, repairing to the aforesaid delightful and charmingly secluded thdpa edifice, this personage, sanctified in mind and exalted by her ^doctrinal knowledge, enjoyed there the rest of noonday. I " Thirty-two bodhi plants, produced from four other fruits, planted them- selves in the several vihfiras throughout the island at a distance of a ydjana each, by virtue of the glory of Buddha inherent in the bqdhi tree." ' " they planted there a post (' 41haka') (to secure the elephant ' hatthi,' thereto at night)." « " who had effected the conversion of the island." < « a thfipa." •Jiwert "purpose ; seeking also the." 'JJele. '"anxious to obtain." '"knowledge of the higher life." 78 TBB mahIva^sa. The king repaired to the temple of the priestesses to pay his respects to the thSri, and learning whither she had gone, he also proceeded thither, and reTerentiaUy bowed down to her. The mah&r&ji, DSvanampiya Tissa, who could distinctly divine the thoughts of others, having graciously ^consulted her, inquired the object of her coming there, and having folly ascertained her wishes, erected around the thilpa a charming residence for the priestesses. This nunnery being constructed near the Hatth&lhaka hall, hence became known as the " Hatthdlhaka vih&ra." The chief theri Saiighamitti, sumamed Sumitti, from her being the benefactress of the world, endowed with 'divine wisdom, sojourned there in that delightful residence of priestesses. Thus this (bo-tree), monarch of the forest, endowed with many miraculous powers, has** stood for ages in the delightful MahUm^gha garden in Lagki, promoting the spiritual welfare of the inhabitants of Lagka, and the propaga- tion of the true religion. The nineteenth chapter in the Mah4vagsa, entitled " The Arrival of the Bo- Tree," composed equally for the delight and afBiction of righteous men. CHAPTER XX. In the eighteenth year of the reign of DhammSsdka, the bo-tree was planted in the Mah&mSghavana pleasure garden. In the twelfth year from that period the beloved wife of that monarch, Asandhimitt&, who had identified herself with the faith of Buddha, died. In the fourth year from (her demise) the r&j& DhammSsdka, under the influence of carnal passions raised^ to the dignity of queen-consort *an attendant of Ma (former wife). In the third year from the date this ^raalieume and vain creature, who thought only of the charms of her own person, saying, " This king, neglecting me, lavishes his devotion exclusively on the bo-tree," — ^in her rage (attempted to) destroy the great bo with the ^'goi^mid fang of a toad. In the fourth year from that occurrence, this highly gifted monarch Dhamm&adka fulfilled the lot of mortality. These years collectively amount to thirty-seven. The monarch Dev&nampiya Tissa, impelled by his ardour in the cause of religion, having completed his iindertaking at the Mah&vih&ra, also at the ThdpSrkna, as well as at the O^tiya mountain, in the most perfect manner ; — thus inquired of the thera, the dispenser of joy to the land, who was endowed with the faculty of answering all inquiries : " Lord, '/ shall build many vih&ras in this land : Whence am I to obtain the relics to be deposited in the thtipas? " He was thus answered by the th^ra : " O king, the relics brought hither by Sumapia, filling the refection dish of the supreme Buddha, and deposited at the C^tiya mountain, are sufficient ; transfer them hither on the back of a state elephant." Accordingly he brought the relics, and con- structing vih&ras at the distance of one y6jana from each other, at those places he enshrined the relics in thdpas, in due form ; and depositing the refection dish of the supreme Buddha in a superb apartment of the royal residence, constantly presented every description of offerings (thereto). ♦ In reference to the period at which the first portion of the Mah^va^isa was composed, between a.d, 459 and 478.— [iVote by Mr. Turnour.'] ' " conversed with." " " great." •Jjwert "the princess Tissfirakkhtf." * Sole, '"young." 'The original word wia^jiM-Sa^^fca may also mean the " thorn of the maiD^u tree." There are several plants that bear the name of niait^u or nuirt4^ka. ' " I am about to build." ' " how can I obtain." CHAPTER XX. 79 The place at which the five hundred (Issar^) hminmtty pious persons, who had been ordained by the chief th^ra, Bojourned, obtained the name of " iBsarasama^aka." The place at which the five hundred (Tess^) 'brahmans, who had been ordained by the chief th€ra, sojonrned, obtained the name of " Yessagiri." Wherever were the rock ceUa, 'whether at the Getty a mountain or elsewhere, at which the thgra Mahinda sojourned, those^ obtained the name of " Mahinda- guhft." In the following order (he executed those works) : in the first place, the Mah&vihira ; secondly, the one called C6tiya ; thirdly, completing previously the splendid Thdpa, the Thdp^4ma vih&ra ; fourthly, the planting of the great bo ; fifthly, the designation of the sites of (future) d&gobas, by (an inscription on) a stone pillar erected on the site of the Mah&thdpa (Bu- vanv^li), as well as (the identification) of the shrine of the " Gfvatthi " relic of the supreme Buddha (at Mahiyadgana) ; sixthly, the Issarasamai^a ; seventhly, the Tissa tank ; eighthly, the Fa^hamathiipa ; ninthly, Vessagiri vih&ra ; lastly, the delightful np&sik& vih&ra and the Hatthilhaka vih&ra, both these at the quarters of the priestesses, for their accommodation. 'As the priests who assembled at the Hatth&lhaka establishment of the priestesses to partake of the royal alms (distributed at that place), acquired a habit of Mtering there; (he constructed) a superb and completely furnished refeetionhall, called the Mahdpdli, provided also with an establishment of servants ; 'and there annually (he bestowed) on a thousand priests the sacerdotal requisites ofEered unto them at the termination of " pav&ra^a." (He erected also) a vih&ra at the port of Jambukdla in N&gadipa ; likewise the Tissamahft vih&ra and the F&cina vihfira ''(both at Anurddhapura). ' Thus this ruler of Lagka, Dev&nampiya Tissa, blessed for his piety in former existences, and wise (in the administration of human affairs), for the spiritual benefit of the people of Lagk& executed these undertakings in the first year of his reign ; and delighting in the exercise of his benevolence, during the whole of his life, ^realised for himself manifold blessings. ^This land became wnto this monarch an establishment (perfect in every religious ' requisite). This sovereign reigned forty years. At the demise of this king, his younger brother, known by the name of prince TJttiya, righteously reigned over this monarchy, to which there was no filial successor. The chief th6ra Mahinda, having propagated over Lagk& the supreme religion of the vanquisher, his doctrines, his church discipline (as contained in the whole '' pitakattaya "), and especially the means by which the fruits of the state of sanctification are to be obtained in the most perfect manner, (which is the Navavidhal6kuttara dhamma ;) moreover this lord of multi- tudinous disciples, — a luminary like unto the divine teacher himself, in dispelling the darkness of sin in Lagk&, — having performed manifold acts for '"lords." '"vaisyas." 'Dele, * Insert, "cells in the rock vxhdras." ' The sense of this passage h^s been entirely misunderstood. It is a continu- ation of the preceding paragraph, and should be rendered thus : — " And so that the priestesses might assemble at the Hatth&lhaka convent and go together with the priests for the partaking of food at the distribution of alms, he built the refeetionhall called the Mah« " a garland of Water'lilies," " " water-lily." 86 THE MAHAvA]^8A. Boever will discover a honey-comb of such a deBcription, to him will the king give a proportionate reward." A native of that district seeing a oanoe which was turned 'up on the beach 'near the waves, filled with honey, reported the same to the king. The ikjk conducted the queen thither ; and Hn a commodious building erected there, she had the means of partaking of the honey- comb according to her longing. For the purpose of gratifying her other longings, the ruler assigned the accomplishment of the task to the warrior named Yelusumana. He, repairing to Anur&dhapura, formed an intimacy with the groom of the king (El&ra's) charger (named Sammata), and constantly assisted him in his work ^Perceiving that the groom had relaxed in his vigilance, at the dawn of day, (previously) concealing some ^uppala flowers and a sword on the bank of the Kadamba river, without creating the slightest suspicion, leading the state charger (to the river), mounting him, and seizing the ^uppala flowers and the sword, and proclaiming who he was, darted oS at the full speed of the horse. The king (El&ra), hearing of this event, dispatched his warrior (Nandis£rathi) to seisse him, mounted on the next best charger (Sirigutta). That warrior chased (the fugitive). (Yelusumana) stationed himself in ambuscade in a forest (called the nigrodha forest in the Rohana division), retaining his seat on his horse. On the approach from behind of his pursuer, he drew his swordi and held it out (neck high). From the impetus of the horse, the pursuer's head was struck off. Taking possession of the head and of both chargers on the same evening he entered Mahagama ; and the queen, according to her desire, gratified her longing. The king conferred favours on the warrior proporti6nate to his great services. This queen, in due course, gave birth to 'a son endowed with marhs predictive of the most propitious destiny. By the preternatural good fortune of the (infant prince), on the same day, seven ships laden with treasures arrived 'in different {parts of the island). By the same good fortune, a state elephant of the " Chaddanta " breed, bringing a young elephant (of the same breed) and depositing it here, departed. On the same day, an angler named Eaijidula, finding this (young elephant) in a ^marsh near the harbour, reported it to the king. The r&j4 sending elephant 'keepers and having it brought , reared it. From its having been discovered by the fisherman Ka^dula, it was named Kandula. Report having been made to the king that ships had arrived laden with golden utensils and other goods, the monarch caused them to be brought (to Mahigima). At the festival held on the day on which the king conferred a name on his Bon, he invited about twelve thousand priests, and thus meditated : " If my son be destined, after extending his rule over the whole of Lagk&, to cause the religion of Buddha to '° show forth ; let at least eight thousand priests, all provided with robes and with uncovered dishes, now enter (the palace). Let ' " upside down." ' " of the Oo^ha sea." Go^ha is the name of the sea called by Sinhalese writers OopAimlmda, " the Dumb sea," most probably on account of its calmness. ' " in a well-f umished hall erected there, caused her to partake of the honey as she pleased." * " Assuring himself of the groom's friendship." '"water-lilies." * " a noble son endowed vrith good fortune ; and there was great joy in the king's household thereat." ' " from divers countries,'' " " thicket en the border of a pond," » " catchers." " " shine." OHAPTKR XXII. 87 them uncover with one hand their drinking basons, and let them cross the threshhold with their right foot foremost. ■ Let the th6ra Gdtania undertake the office of naming my son, and let him ' inculcate on him tJie life of righieo us- ness which leads to salvation." All (these silent supplications) were fulfilled accordingly. Seeing every anticipation realised^ the monarch exceedingly rejoiced, pre- senting the priesthood with rice dressed in milk, caused the ceremony to be performed of naming his child. Uniting in one the ' appellation* of " Mah&- g&ma" the seat of his government, and ("Abhaya") the title of his own father, he called him " Gdmani- Abhaya." On the ninth day (from that event), while residing at Mah&gdma, (the king) renewed connubial intercourse with the queen, whereby she became pregnant. On a son being born, in due course, the Tk]k conferred on him the name of Tissa. Both these children were brought up in great state. On the day of the festival of ^piercing the ears of the two (princes), this affectionate (parent) again bestowed the alms of milk-rice on five hundred priests. The monarch, assisted by the queen, having collected into a golden dish a little from each of the partially consumed contents of the priests' dishes, and bringing (this collection to the princes) he put (a handful thereof in the mouth of each) and said : "My children, if ye ever become subverters of the true faith, may this food, when admitted into your stomachs, never be digested." Both the royal youths, fully understanding the imprecation addressed to them, accepting the milk-rice, as if it had been heavenly food, swallowed it. When these two boys had respectively attained their tenth and twelfth years, the king, wishing to ascertain their sentiments, having as before enter- tained the priesthood, gathering the residue of their repast into a dish, and placing it near the youths, thus addressed them, dividing the contents of the dish into three portions : "My children, eat this portion, vowing ye will never do injury to the priests, who are the tutelar d^vatds of our dynasty. Again vowing ' We two brothers will ever live in amity without becoming hostile, eat this portion.' " Both of them ate these two portions, as if they had consisted of celestial food. (The king then said,) " Bat this, vowing ' we will never make war with the damilas.' " On being called upon to make this vow, Tissa flung the portion from him with his hand. Gdmani also spurned away his handful of rice, and retiring to his bed laid himself on it, with his hands and feet gathered up. The princes' mother following G&mani, and caressing him, inquired, " My boy, why not stretch thyself on thy bed and lie down comfortably P" " Confined (replied he) by the damilas beyond the river (Mahav^liganga) and on the other side by the ^unyielding ocean, how can I (in so confined a space) lie down with outstretched limbs?" The monarch on hearing the import of his reply, was speechless (from surprise). The prince, in due course, increasing in piety, prosperity, wisdom, ''good fortune, and martial accomplishments, attained his sixteenth year. ' This is ' rather a broad rendering. " Impart the confession of faith (' sarana ') and the precepts of the law (' sikkh& ')," would be literal. It must here be borne in mind that it is customary with the priesthood to ad- minister the confession of faith (' sarapa ') and the five precepts (' paiica slla ') to the assernbly before the commencement of any ceremony r otherwise one would be led to suppose that these were administered to the child. ' " rule over." ' " giving rice to,'' Alluding to the ceremony of weaning and making the child swallow a' few mouthfuls of boiled rice as solid food. * " Gotha sea." ' " strength," 88 THE mahAvaijsa. TAe destination ef every mortal creature being involved in uncertainty (from the frailties of mortality), it is only by a life of piety that the desired destination can be ensured. Bearing this truth constantly in mind, the wise man sJiould indefatigably exert himself to earn the rewards of a pious life. The twenty-second chapter in the Mah&vaQsa, entitled ' " Origin of G&mani," composed equally for the delight and afiliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXIII. ' The before-mentioned magnificent state elephant Ka^dttla, supematurally gifted with strength and symmetry of form, was invaluable from his speed and docility. (G&mani) had also ten powerful warriors, viz., Kahdimitta, Sdranimila, Mah&sdna, G6thaimbara, Th^raputtftbhaya, Bharaiia, Telusumana, as also KhanjadSva, Phussad^ya, and Labhiya Yasabha. King EjSra had a minister named Mitta. In his *native village Kammanta- gdma, situated in a division to the ^south-east, near the Citta mountain, lived his sister's son, Hoho had a peculiarity of formation in certain members, and bore the name of his maternal uncle. (His parents) were compelled to tie a' stone, with a band round his waist, to this infant son of theirs, who had acquired the habit of wandering far away. 'This thong (nandij with which he was tied to the stone, by (the boy's) constantly rubbing it backward and forward against the ground at the threshold of the house, wearing through, was broken. Hence he obtained the apeUation of Nandimitta, and acquired the strength of ten elephants. On attaining manhood, repairing to the capital, he attached himself to his uncle. At that time, on a damila being detected in offering any indignity to the d&gobas or other sacred edifices, this powerful (Nandimitta) was in the practice, after placing his feet on one of his (the offender's) thighs, seizing the other with his hand, and splitting him in two, of pitching the corpse beyond (the barrier of the town). The d^vas rendered invisible the corpses thus thrown away by him. Reports were made to the king of the obvious diminution of the damilas ; and on being answered, " Seize him with the aid of the warriors," they were not able to enforce that order. This Nandimitta ' I think this translation is rather too free. The following would accord better with the original : — " Even in this changeful life's journey men reach their desired destination by walking in the path of virtue. Bememberiug this let the wise man strive with great earnestness to acquire virtue." 2 "The Birth." ' " The elephant Kaiidula grew and became a huge beast, excelling others in strength, beauty, and form ; in majesty, speed, and other great qualities." * " village of tenants.'' I think the word hammanta-gdma, " service village" is equivalent to the nindagama of the present day. It is a village, the tenants of which are liable to render services to the landlords. » Dele. ' The original Jcisohita-guyha is too delicate to be literally translated. ' Insert " grinding." ■ " But he would (nevertheless) crawl along the ground dragging the stone after him ; and in crossing the threshold (one day) the thong (' nandi '), where- with he was tied to the stone, broke." The threshold of a native peasant's cottage generally forms part of the door frame, and projects a little above the level of the floor. What is meant here is, that the strength exerted by the child in hauling, the rope, when the stone oame in contact with the projecting threshold, was so great as to cause it to snap. So great was his natural strength even in childhood I CHAPTER xxiir. 89 then thus meditated : " From my present proceedings there is only a diminution of the people. There is no revival of the glory of our religion. In B(>hapa there are sovereigns, believers in the ' ratanattaya.' Establishing myself in their courts, and capturing all the damijas, and conferring the sovereignty on those royal personages, I will bring about the revival of the glory of the religion of Buddha." "With this view he repaired to the court of G&mani and disclosed his project. The prince, having consulted his mother, received him into his service. The warrior Nandimitta, who was so befriended, established himself at the (prince's) court. The monarch K&kavanna Tissa, for the purpose of keeping the damilas in check, established guards at all the ferries of the principal river. This king had a son named Digh&bhaya by another wife (than Vihira Devi); by him the passage of the Kacchaka ferry was guarded. In order that he might protect the country within the circumference of two y6janas, he called out, to attend that duty, a man from each family. In the village Kaha^^avit^hika, in the Eottbiv&la division, there was 'an miinent caravan chief named Sangha; his seventh son Nimila had the strength of ten elephants, and the prince, desirous of enlisting him, sent a messenger for him. His six brothers derided his helplessness in every way, and his want of skilfulness ; his parents therefore refused their consent to the invitation of the prince. Enraged with all his brothers, departing at dawn of day, before t he rise of the sun, he reached that prince's post, a distance of three ydjana. (The prince) to put his powers to the test, imposed upon him the task of performing distant journeys. " In the village Dvfiramapdala, near the C6tiya mountain (said he) my friend, the brahman named Kuiadala, resides. In his possession there are rich articles (such as frankincense, sandalwood, &o.) imported from beyond the ocean. Repairing to him, bring hither such articles as may be given by him." Having put this injunction on him, and given him refreshment, he despatched him giving him a letter. Reaching this capital Anur&dhapura in the forenoon, being a distance of nine ybjanas from the (Kacchaka) ferry, he met that brahman. The brahman observed : " My child, come to me after thou hast bathed in the tank." As he had never visited (the capital) before, bathing in the Tissa tank, making ofierings at the great bo-tree and the Thupfirama d&goba, and for the purpose of seeing the whole capital, entering the town and purchasing aromatic drugs from the bazaars, he departed out of the northern gate, and gathering 'uppala flowers from the uppala planted-marshes, presented himself to that brahman. On being questioned by him, he gave an account of his previous journey (in the morning) and his present one. The brahman astonished, having listened to his statements, thus thought : " This is a supematuraUy gifted man. Most assuredly if Elira knew him, he would engage him in his service. It is therefore inexpedient that he should even lodge among the damilas. It will be desirable that he should be established in the service of the father of prince (G&mani)." Embodying all this in a letter (the brahman) gave it to him ; committing also to his charge some " punnavaddhana " cloths and many other presents ; and having fed him, dis- patched him to his 'prince (GdmanV). This (Nimila), reaching the prince's court at the hour at which shadows are most extended, delivered to the royal ' " a chief named SaAgha, who was the head of a family, and had seven sons. The prince, desirous of enlisting one of his sons, sent a messenger to him also. Now his seventh son, Nimila, although he had the strength of ten elephants, was naturally indolent ; and on that account his six brothers despised him and wished that he should go j but his parents wished not. Being therefore enraged," &o. « " blue lilies from the lily-marsh." ■ " friend." 91—87 N* 9Q I'HB mahAvaijsa. youth the despatch and the presents. Pleased (at his feat, the prince addressing himself to his courtiers), said, " Reward him with a thousand pieces." The prince's other courtiers ^(from jealousy) irritated Mm (by derisionj. He (G-I.mani) pacified the young m^n by giving him ten thousand (and issued these directions to these courtiers) : " Let them reconduct him into my presence after having ' shaved his head and bathed him in the river, decked in two of the ' punnava^dhana' cloths, in beautiful fragrant flowers, and in a rich silk turban." ^C These orders having been complied with,) the king caused his repast to be served by his own retinue. This royal personage more- over bestowed on the warrior, to sleep on, his own state bed, which had cost ten thousand pieces. Collecting all the presents together, and conveying them to the residence of his parents, he bestowed the ten thousand pieces on his mother and the state bed on his father. On the same night returning to his post, he stationed himself there : (from which circumstance he derived the appella- tion of Sdra-nimila.) In the morning, the prince hearing of this feat was exceedingly pleased, and bestowing ^(severally) ten thousand pieces for himself and for the fornia- tion of his own suite, deputed him to the court of his father (K&kavauna). The warrior conveying ^his ten thousand pieces to his parents and giving them to them, repaired to the court of K&kavanua Tissa. This monarch established him in the service of prince G&mani, and the said warrior con- tinued in his service." In 'a certain village, ' Hunadari, which has a tank named Kannika, in the Kulumbari division (of Rdha^a), lived one S6na, the eighth son of a person called Tissa, who in the seventh year of his age could pull up young 'cocoanut plants f and who in his tenth year, acquiring great bodily strength, tore up (full grown) ^"cocoanut trees. In due course he attained the physical power of ten elephants. The king hearing of his being such a person, taking him from his father, transferred him to prince G&mani. The young hero who had been thus sent, protected by (the prince,) lived in his establishment. In the village Niccelavi{(hika, in the Giri division (of Bdhana), one Mah&n&ga had a son possessing the strength of ten elephants. Being of low stature he obtained the name Gd^haka, and " he ivas addicted to frivolous amusements. ^^He had six brothers senior to himself, who having undertaken the cultivation of a crop of mfisa, and felled the forest trees standing on the ground, — ^reserving his portion of the forest, returning home, told him of it. He starting instantly, rooting up the imbara trees growing there, and level- ling the ground, returning, reported the same. The brothers proceeding thither and beholding this wonderful feat, returned to his residence applauding his exploit. From that circumstance he acquired the name of Gdthayimbara. As in the former instance, the king established him also in the service of the prince. In the vicinity of the Kdfi mountain, ''at the village Kittigdma, there lived ' " became jealous (and vexed him)." " " cut his hair." ' " And when they brought him, thus arrayed, before the king, he caused food to be served to him from his own repast." * " on him arms and attendants and ten thousand pieces, sent him on." » " the." " Add, "being treated well (by his master)." ' "the." ' " Hundari-v&pi in the Kulumbari-kapaika." " " palm trees." '" " palm." " " his six elder brothers were wont to jest at him." " " They." " "there lived a landed proprietor named Rdhana, who was lord of the village Kitti. He conferred on the son born unto him the same name as that of king Gothakabhaya. The child grew exceeding strong, At the age of ten or twelve years," &c, CHAPTER XXIli. 9t a wealthy landed proprietor named Rdha^a. The son of king GothdkdbJiaya conferred on his (jRdAa?!ffl'») son the same name (^Ahhaya). He, about his tenth or twelfth year, acquired great strength. At that age he could toss about stones which four and five men could not lift, as if he were playing at hand balls. His father had made for him, when he attained his sixteenth year, a stafE thirty-eight inches in circumference and sixteen cubits long. Striking with this instrument the trunks of palmyra and cocoanut trees, he levelled them to the ground : from this feat he became 'o celebrated hero. The king established him also, in like manner, in the service of prince Q-toani. His (Abhaya's) father was the patron and supporter of the thera Mah&summa. This wealthy person, having heard the doctrines of Buddhism preached by the thira Mah^umma at the vih4ra of the Koti mountain, attained the sanctification of " sotipatti." Thereafter being ^disgusted (with a lay life), announcing his intention to the king, and transferring his property to his son, he entered into the priesthood in the fraternity of that th^ra. Excelling in his calling, he attained the sanctification of " arhat." From this circumstance his son was known by the name of " Theraputt&bhaya."' A certain chief of the village Kappakandara had a son named Bhara^a. When he became ten or twelve years old, repairing to a 'wilderness with other boys, he chased many hares ; and kicking them with his foot, brought them down cut in two. When he had attained his sixteenth year, Hhe villagers revisited this wilderness : he in the same manner expeditiously brought down Hlie gdkannaha elk and wild hogs. From this exploit ''this hero became celebrated. Him also, in the same manner, the king established in the service of prince 04mani. In the district called G-iri, in the village KutiyaiSgana, there lived a wealthy chief named Vasabha. He had (two) attached friends, ^a native of the Villi division&'oA one Sumanaof (Mah&g&ma) Hn the Giri division. At the birth of his (Vasabha's) son both these persons, preceded by presents, visited him, and gave their own name (Velu Sumaija) to this child. The chief of Giri brought up this boy in his own house. He possessed a charger of the "sindhava" breed, which no man could mount. This (animal) on seeing Velu Sumana, thinking " This is a man worthy of backing me," delighted, neighed. The owner comprehending its meaning, said to the youth, " Mount the steed." He, leaping on the charger, pressed him into full speed in a ring. (The animal) presented the appearance of one continuous horse in every part of the circus. Poising himself by his own weight on the back of the flying steed, the fearless youth repeatedly untied and rebound his scarf. The multitude who witnessed this exploit gave him a simultaneous cheer. This wealthy proprietor of Giri bestowed ten thousand pieces on him, and (saying to himself): " This is a person worthy of being in the service of the king," rejoiced in presenting him to his majesty. The monarch established the said V6JU Sumapa in his personal service, conferring on him many honours and other favours. "In the Mahindaddnika division, in the village Kannikdya, nmr the city Nakula, the youngest son of one Abhaya, named Deva, was endowed with great bodily strength. Being (khaBja) deformed in his foot, he became known by the name of KhaHjad^va. At that period, this individual going out with ' " celebrated as a giant." » " stricken with horror (at the evils incident to the life of a householder)," ' Add, "('Abhaya, the son of the thera')." ' " jungle (to htmt)." » "he went with the villagers to hunt in the jungle, and." " " elk deer." ' " he became celebrated as a giant." ' " one Velai a native of the province." '» " chief of." « " In the Nakula-naga division, in the village Mahinda-dopika." &2 THE MAHAvA^SA.. the villagers elk-hunting, ^and chasing the cattle which came to him, scared tliem by hie dreadful shouts. This person would also, seizing them by the leg and whirling them over his head, and dashing them on the ground, reduce their bones to powder. The king, hearing these particulars, sent for Khanjadeva and established him in the service of G&mani. Near the vihira on the Cittala mountain, in the village Kapi(tha, lived the son of one Uppala named Fhussad^va. This valiant youth repairing to that vihara, accompanied by other young men, 'and making offerings to the bo-tree, taking up his chanJc, sounded it. His blast was like a loud peal of thunder. All these youths were terrified unto (TJmmida) stupefaction. From this exploit he acquired the name of Umm&da-phussad^va, and his father taught him Hhe bow exercise, which was the profession of their caste. He became a " sound archer," who shot guided by sound only (without seeing his object) ; a " lightning archer," *(who shot as quick as lightning); 'a " sand archer," who could shoot through a sandbank. 'CThe arrow J shot'by him, transpierced through and through a cart 'filled with sand, as weU as through hides a hundred-fold thick ; through an Asdka (wood) eight inches, and an Udum- bara plank sixteen inches thick, as well as a plate of iron too, and a plate of brass four inches thick. On land his arrow would fly the distance of eight usabbas, and through water one usabha. The Mahar&j& hearing of ''this dexterity, sending for him from his father's house, established him in the service of Qamani. Near the Tul&dhara Hihdra, in the village 'Vapigdma, lived one Yasabha, the son of Mattakufumbi. As he was endowed with great personal beauty, he acquired the appellation Labhiya Yasabha.'" At twenty years of age he attained extraordinary physical power, and was held in great repute. This powerful and extensive landholder, assembling a few labourers, undertook the formation of the tank (near the Tul&dh&ra vih&ra). He individually lifting up baskets of earth, which ten and twelve stout labourers could alone raise, expeditiously completed the formation of the embankment of the tank. From this feat he became celebrated. The king enlisting him also, and conferring favours on him, assigned him to G&mani. The field (irrigated by this tank) became celebrated under the name of "" Udakavdra of Vasabha." Thus Labhiya Yasabha was established in the service of G-kmani. At that period the sovereign (K&kavapna) conferred '%g royal protection on these ten eminent heroes, in the same degree that he protected his son. Assem- bling these warriors, that provincial monarch issued these commands : " Let the ten warriors each enlist ten men." They enlisted soldiers accordingly. To these hundred warriors similarly the ruler gave directions that each should enlist (ten men). They engaged troops accordingly. Then the king again directed these thousand soldiers to select in like manner (ten men each). They also enlisted soldiers accordingly. The whole number embodied were eleven thousand one hundred and ten.'^ ' " would give chase to big wild buffaloes as they were startled one after another, and seizing them by the leg whirl them round hib head, and break their bones to pieces by dashing them against the ground." 2 " took up a chank that was offered to the bodhi tree and blew." ' "archery." * " (who shot by the flash of the lightning)." ' " A hair archer," (who could shoot through a horse-hair held as a target)." ' " With his arrow he would pierce." ' " his." " " mountain." ' " Vih&ra V4pig&ma." '" Add, " C the oovetable Vasabha ')." " " Vasabha's auiout." >' " the same favours on these ten strong men as he did on his own son," " Add, " All these persons always found favour in the sight of the ruler of the land, and were maintained on the establishment of his royal son Gamani 0'fiAl>*EK XXIV. 9^ I'hus a truly wise man, delighting in having listened to a wonderful result righteously brought about, avoiding the ways of uiu-ighteousness, should incessantly delight in pursuing the paths of righteousness. The twenty-third chapter in the Mahft,vaflsa, entitled The ' " Embodying of the Warriors" composed equally for the delight and afEiction of righteous CHAPTER XXIV. This prince Gi.mani, who was skilled in the elephant, horse, and bow exercises, as well as in stratagems, was then residing at MahSgima ; and the king had stationed his (second) son Tissa, with a powerful and efficient force, at Digliav&pi, for the protection of his dominions (against the invasions of the damilas). After a certain period had elapsed, prince G4mani, having held a review of his army, proposed to his royal father, " Let me wage war with the damilas." The Iring, oidy looking to his (son's) personal safety, interdicted (the enterprise) ; replying, " Within this bank of the river is sufficient." He, however, renewed the proposition even to the third time ; (which being still rejected) he sent to him a female trinket, ^with this message : " It being said my father is not a man, let him therefore decorate himself with an ornament of this description." The monarch, enraged with him, thus spoke (to his covu-tiers) : " Order a gold chain to be made, with which I shall fetter him ; not being able to restrain him by any other means." He (the prince) indignant with his parent, retiring (from his court) fled to (Kdta in) the Malaya district. From this circumstance of his having become (" duttha ") 'inimical to his father, he acquired from that day the appellation " Du(tha G&mani." Thereafter the king commenced the construction of the Mah&nuggala cetiya. The ruler assembled the priesthood ******* twelve thousand priests from the Cittala mountain ; and from other places twelve thousand assembled there. ^When the great Cetiya vihdra was completed, assembling all the warriors in the presence of the priesthood, Hhe king made • them take an oath. They thus swore : '" We will not repair to the scene of conflict between thy sons." ^From this circumstance they (theprinces) did not engage in that war. The monarch (Kik&v&?na Tissa) having caused sixty-four vihdras to be constructed, and survived as many years, then demised. The queen placing the corpse of the king 'ora a low hearse, and removing it to the Tissamah&vih&ra, ^"introduced herself to the priesthood. Prince Tissa hearing of this event, hastening thither from Dighavapi, performed his father's funeral obsequies with great pomp. Taking charge of his mother and of the state elephant Kaijdula, this powerful prince, dreading the attack of his brother, quickly departed thence (from Tissavih&ra) to Dfghav4pi. ' "The Acquisition of Warriors." ' " remarking, ' Friends, my father, if he be a man, would not say so ; let him, therefore, wear this.' ' ' " undutif ul." < The words left out are evidently niffiite eitiya, " when the cetiya was completed," which should precede saAgJia^ sannipdtayi hhdpati, " the ruler assembled the priesthood." » " After he had held the cetiya festival, the king." ' Dele. ' " We will take no part in the impending conflict," &o. » " Therefore they (the warriors) took no part in that war." » " in a covered." " " informed the priesthood thereof." 94 THE mahAva^sa In order that this event might be made known at the court of Dutfha Gimani, all (his father's) ministers haying assembled and prepared a report, despatched (a messenger) to him. He (the prince) repairing to Guttah&la, and having despatched emissaries thither, repairing thence himself to Mah&g&ma, effected the assumption of the sovereignty. Having sent a despatch to his brother, on the subject of his mother and the st^te elephant Eapdula, and his application having been refused even to the third time, he approached him in hostile array. A great battle was fought between these two princes at Guladganiyapi^thi, and many thousands of the king's men fell there, The king, his minister Tissa, and his mare Bighathti- lik& all three fled ; and the prince pursued them. The priests raised up a mountain between these two (combatants). He (Tissa) seeing this (miracle), desisted from his pursuit, declaring, " This is the act of the priesthood." The king on reaching the Jivamdli ferry of the Kappakandara river, addres- sing himself to his minister Tissa, said, " We are famished." The (minister) presented to the (monarch) some dressed rice, placed in a golden dish (which he had kept concealed under his mantle). In order that he might not break through a rule invariably observed by him, of presenting a portion to the priesthood before he himself partook of it, dividing the rice into four portions, he said, " Set up the call of refection." Tissa accordingly set forth the call. The th^ra (G6tama) resident in the isle of Piyaiigu,'who had been the preceptor in religion of the king, having heard this call by his super- natural gifts of hearing, directed a thSra named Tissa, the son of a certain Ku^imbika, to answer it ; who accordingly repaired thither through the air. Tissa (the minister) receiving the refection dish from his hand, presented it to the king : the monarch deposited in the dish his own portion, as weU as that reserved to the thera ; Tissa (the minister) con- tributed his portion also : the mare likewise rejecting her portion, Tissa deposited that share also in the dish. The king presented this filled dish of dressed rice to the thera ; who, departing through the air, gave it to Gotama thSra. The said th6ra having bestowed Hhese portion^ of rice on five hundred priests who were willing to partake thereof, with the remnants left by them, at the place where the meal was served, filling the dish again, he remitted it back through the air to the king. Tissa (the minister) watching the progress of the approaching dish, and taking . possession of it, served the monarch with his meal. The ruler having taken some refreshment himself, and fed the mare, the said rijk 'gathering his royal insignia into a bundle, iogetlier with the dish, launched them into the air, 'and they found their way to (Gdtaina). Proceeding thence to Mah^gama, *and taking loith him an army of sixty thousand men, and hastening to make war, engaged in a personal contest with his brother. In the field of battle, in the course of the conflict, the two brothers approached each other ; the king mounted on his mare, and Tissa on the state-elephant Kapdula. The king galloped his mare in a circle round the elephant ; but even then detecting no unguarded point, he decided on leap- ing his charger (at the object of his attack). Accordingly springing his steed over the *head of his brother on the elephant, he launched his javelin at Viim, ' " a ball of rice each." , ' " having made a rest (' oumba(a ') for the dish with his coat of mail, seat it back." The " camba(a " is a circular rest for the round refection bowl of Buddhist monks. It is made in the form of a ring. The king twisted his coat into such a form, placed the bowl on it, and sent it back to the owner. » Dele. * " he gathered an army of sixty thousand men, and hastened to make war with his brother." '"his brother." CHAPTER XXIV. 95 SO that it might 'pass crossways between the hack and the shin drmouf of the elephant (jra order that he might display his superiority without iryuring the animal which was his own property"). In that conflict many thousands of the prince's men fell in battle there; and his powerful armywas I'outed. The elephant, indignant with his rider at the thought of having been mastered. by ^an opponent of the female sex (the mare), rushed at a tree, with the intention of shaking him (the prince) off. Tissa, however, scrambled up the tree ; and the elephant joined his '(destined) master (G&m4ni), who, mounting him, pursued the retreating prince ; who, in his dread of his brother, seeking refuge in a (neighbouring) vih^ra, entered the apartment of the chief th6ra there, and laid himself down under his bed. That priest Hhrew a robe on the bed (to screen him). The king arriving, tracing him by his footsteps, inquired, " Where is Tissa ? " The th^ra replied to him, " Rij4, he is not on the bed." The monarch knowing from this reply that he was under the bed, at once left the premises, and planted guards round the vih&ra. (In order to prevent the violation of the sanctity of the temple) having placed him (Tissa) on a bed, and covered him with a robe, four young priests lifting up the bed by the four posts, carried the prince out, as if he were the corpse of a priest. The king at once, detecting who the person carried out was, thus addressed him : " Tissa, dost thou think it right to ride mounted on the heads of our tutelar gods ? It is not my Hntention to take from our tutelar saints that which they appropriate to themselves. However, never again forget the admonitions of those sanctified characters." From that very spot the monarch repaired to Mahig&ma, and had his mother conveyed thither with aU the honours due to a royal parent. That sovereign, a devoted believer in the doctrines of Buddha, who lived (altogether) sixty-eight years, built in the Rdhana division (alone) sixty- eight vih&ras. This child of royalty, Tissa, who had been protected by the priests, departed at once for Dighav&pi in the guise of a common person ; and to the thira Tissa, who was afflicted with a cutaneous complaint, which made his skin scaly like that of 'the " godha," he thus addressed himself: "Lord, I am a guilty, fallen man; obtain for me my brother's forgiveness.'' This thera, taking with him Tissa in the character of 'a junior sdmatfira, the servitor of five hundred priests, repaired to the king. Leaving the royal youth at the foot of the stairs, the thera entered the palace with his frater- nity. The pious monarch, having offered them seats, presented them with rice-broth and other refreshments. The th^ra covered his dish (in token of declining the refreshment). On being asked, " Why ?" he replied, " '/ have come accompanied by Tissa." 'The instant (the king J had said, "Where is that traitor?" (the th^ra) mentioned the place. '"The queen Vi-^ h&ra D^vi rushing out, folded her son in her arms (to protect him from violence). The monarch thus addressed (the thSra) : " Is it now that ye have discovered "that we are in the condition of slaves to you ? Had ye sent a B&manira of seven years of age even, most assuredly, neither the sacrifice of the lives of my people, nor our deadly strife, would have taken place. The ' " out the armour on his back." ' " a female." . ' ■Oele.\ ' " spread": patdrayi meaning that a robe was so spread as to fall down the sides of the bed and screen the prince from view. » " custom to take aught by force from our tutelar saints ; howbeit, thou shouldst always remember their kindness." " " an iguana." ' " a servitor, and a company." " "We." '"Being asked (again)." '" Insert " (At that moment)," " " our submissiveness." 96 THE MAHAVAl^SA. fault (added the king) is that of the priesthood." ^(The thira pleading guilty thereto, ryoinedj, " The priesthood will perform penance." " The im- pending penalty shall be inflicted on you at once : partake of rice-broth and other refreshments " (said the king), presenting them to the priests himself. 'Call- ing out for his brother, in the midst of the assemblage of priests, and seated with his brother, he ate out of the same dish (in token of perfect reconcilia- tion) ; and then allowed the priests to depart. He immediately sent back Tissa (to Bighavdpi) to superintend the agri- cultural works in progress. He similarly employed himself also, calling out the people by the beat of drums. Thus good men being sensible that violent resentment, engendered hastily by many and various means, is pernicious ; what wise man would fail to 'entertain amicable sentiments towards others P The twenty-fourth chapter in the Mah&vagsa, entitled, " The War between the Two Brothers," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXV. Thekeaftek the ikjk Dut^ha G&mani having made provision for the welfare of his people, and having enshrined in the point of his sceptre a sacred relic (of Buddha); accompanied by his military array, repairing to the Tissa- vih&ra, and reverentially bowing down to the priesthood, thus delivered him- self : " I am about to cross the river for the restoration of our religion. Allot some priests Y'"' ''^>' spiritual protection. Their accompanying us ioill afford both protection and the presence of ministers of religion (which will be J equivalent to the observance of the services of our religion." The priesthood accordingly allotted five hundred ministers of the faith (to attend the king in his campaign) as a ^self-imposed penance. The monarch,' accompanied by the priesthood, departed. Having had a road cleared through the 'Wilderness for his march thither, mounting his state elephant Eandula, and attended by his warriors and a powerful force, he took the field. His army formed one unbroken line from Mah&gfima to Guttah&la. Beaching Mahiyaiigana, he made the damila chief Chatta prisoner ; and putting the damijas to death here, he moved on to the Amba ferry. For four months he contended with a most powerful ^damifa chief at the post of the Amba ferry, which was almost surrounded by the river, without success. He then brought his mother forward (on the pretence of entering into a treaty of marriage), and by that stratagem made him prisoner. This powerful r&jfi thereupon 'pouring down on the damilas Hhere, on the same day, took them prisoners. He conciliated the attachment (hMmo) of his great force ; and distributed the riches (of the plunder among them). Prom this circumstance the place obtained the name of EhSmSr&ma. He captured '"at D6na "among the marshes in the great division Kofa, the chief Gavara ; at > " They will therefore have to perform penance. But the business about which you have come will be successful. Partake now," &o. ' Insert " Then," " " cherish a spirit of forgiveness." * " that we might render homage unto them : their presence (among us) will be even as a festival unto us, andaffordus protection." ' " punishment for breaches of discipline." " " Malaya country,'' ' " and experienced dami{a chieftain named Titthamba, at that post." » " making a descent." ' " from that post took seven of their chiefs prisoners in one day. Having ensured the eeouxityf Khemajot the place he distributed the riches (of the plunder) among his forces." ■" Insert " at Antarlaobbha, the chief Mah&kot(ha." " Vale. CHAPTER XXV. 97 H&lakulii, the chief ^ofthat place ; at the Nftji marsh, the chief N&jika ; at D igh&bhayagallaka, the chief DighSbhaya ; and, after the lapse of foui? months, the chief Kapisisa, at the Kaccha ferry ; at the town Ed^a, the chief of that name ; and subsequently, H&lavabh&naka ; at Vahiftha, the damila of that name ; and at G&mani, the chief of that name ; at Eumb4gima, the chief Eumba ; at Kandig&ma, the chief Kandika ; in like manner he took prisoner the chief Kh&nu at Eh&nug&ma ; and at the ^town Tumbuno, two chiefs, an uncle and nephew named ^Tumbo and Unno ; as well as the chief Jambu. Each village gave its name to him (the Malabar chief in charge of it). The king having heard this report, viz. : " His army is destroying his own ^subjects, without being able to distinguish them;" made this solemn invoca- tion : " This enterprise of mine is not for the purpose of acquiring the pomp and advantages of royalty. This undertaking has always had for its object the re-establishment of the religion of the supreme Buddha. By the truth of this declaration may the arms and equipments of my army (in the hour of battle, as a mark of distinction,) flash, as if emitting the rays of the sun." It came to pass accordingly. AU those damilas who had escaped the slaughter along the bank of the river threw themselves for protection into the (fortified) town called Vijita ; and he also threw up a (khandh&vira) fortification in an open plain, on a spot well provided (with wood and water) ; and that place became celebrated by the name of Ehandh^v&rapi^thi. While this monarch was revolving in his mind the plan of attack on the town of Vijita, seeing Nandimitta passing by, he let loose the state elephant Eandula after him. Nandimitta, in order that he might arrest the charging elephant, seizing his two tusks in both his hands, planted him on his haunches. ^Wherever tJie place, and whatever the circumstance under ivhich the elephant and Nandimitta wrestled ; from that circumstance the village formM in that place obtained the name of Hatthipdra (the elephants contest). The r&jS, having satisfied himself (of the prowess) of both, commenced his- assault on the town of Vijita. At the southern gate, there was a terrific conflict between the warriors (of the two armies). At the eastern gate, the warrior Velusumana, mounted on the charger (carried away from the stables of El&ra), slew innumerable damilas. The enemy then closed the gates ; and the king Hent the elephant Karfdula and the warriors Nandimttta and Surani- mila to the southern gate. The warriors Mahdsdna, Gdiha, and Thiraputta, these three were at that time assailing the other three gates. That city was protected by three lines of lofty battlements and an iron gate impenetrable by human efforts. The tusk-elephant, placing himself on his knees, and battering a stone wall which was cemented with fine Ume, made his way to the iron gate. The; damilas who defended (that gate) hurled upon him every kind of weapon,, heated lumps of iron, and ''molten lead. Thereupon, on the ^molten lead falling' on his back, the agonised Eaadula rushing to water submerged himself therein. Gdthaimbara thus addressed him : " This is no ^"assuaging lotion for ' " IsBariya." ^ " towns Tamba and UpQama.'' ' " Tambaka and Unnama." * " men." ' " Byreason whereof the village that WBs(afterwardB)formedwhereNandimitta wrestled with the elephant received the name of Hatthip6ra (' elephant flght')." " " advanced his warriors, Eapdula (the elephant) and Nandimitta and Siira- nimila charged the southern gate ; Mahdsdna, G-o^ha, and Thiraputta, these three, charged the other three gates." ' Insert " trenches and." ' Orig. " melted resin." ' Insert " and smoking." "> " soothing drink." Orig. strong drink. 91—87 98 THE. hahAya^ka. thee : Returning to the demolition of the iron portal' batter down that gate." This ^monarch of elephants recovering his courage, and roaring defiance, emerging from the water, stood up with undaunted pride. The king, ^appointing elephant medical practitioners for that purpose, caused remedies to be applied to the (wounds occasioned by the) ^molten, lead ; and mounting on his back and patting him on his head, said, "My favourite Kandula, I confer on thee the sovereignty over the whole of LaQk&." Having thus gladdened him and fed him with choice food, he wrapped him with a linen cloth ; and causing a leather covering to be made, formed of well softened buffalo hide seven-fold thick, and adjusting that leather cloak on his back, and over that again spreading an oiled skin, he sent him forth. Roaring like the thunder of heaven, and 'rushing into the sphere of peril, with his tusks he shivered the gate ; with his foot battered the threshold ; and the gate fell together with its ''arch and superstructure, with a tremendous crash. Nandimitta opposing his shoulder to the mass of 'superstructure, consisting of the watch tower and other materials of masonry, which was tottering over the elephant, hurled it inwards. The elephant witnessing this feat, overwhelmed with gratitude, ^for the first time forgave him for the mortijication of having thrown him by his tusks. This ^Hord of elephants Eandula, in order that he might enter the town close behind (Nandimitta), stopping there, looked around for the warrior. Nandimitta resolving within himself, "Let me not enter by the passage opened by the elephant," charged with his shoulder a rampart ^hiihich was in height eighteen cubits and in h'eadth eight " usabhas." It fell, and he looked towards Sdranimila ; who, disdaining to enter by that passage, leaped over the battlements into the heart of the town. Gb^ha and S>6i^a,, each battering down a gate, likewise entered. The elephant seized a cart wheel, Nandimitta "also a cart, wheel, Gd(ha a ^'palmyra tree, Nimila an enormous sword Mahasd^a a '*coeoanut tree, and Th^raputta a great club ; and severally slaughtered the damilas, wherever they were met with scampering through the streets. The king, demolishing (the fortifications of) Yijita in four months, and proceeding from thence to the attack of Girilaka, slew Giriya the damila. Marching on the town of Mah£la, which was surrounded on all sides with the thorny kadamba creeper, within which was a great triple line of fortification, in which there was but one gate of di£&cult access ; the king besieging it for four months, got possession of the person of the r&jk of Mah^la by diplomatic stratagem. The sovereign then, preparing to assail Anur&dhapura, threw up a fortification at the foot of the Efisa mountain, "in the month " jeffham'&la," and made a reservoir of water. He held "a festival there to celebrate the completion of the reservoir. The village formed there acquired the name of Posona." The reigning monarch El&ra, hearing of the approach of the ikjk Duttha ' " return." ' " Insert " and." ' " noble elephant." * " detailed an elephant doctor and." ' Orig. " melted resin." ° "daring all danger." ' " door and bolts." ' " materials falUug from the watch tower." * "put away from him the hatred he bore (to Nandimitta) for having hurt his tusks at first." '» " noble elephant." " " It, (the rampart) eighteen cubits high and eight " usabhas " long, fell." " " the body of a cart." " " ooooanut tree."' " " palmyra." " "and in the mouth ' Je^^hamiila ' (June-July) made there," '• " acquatio sports." " Poson is the Sinhalese for " June," CHAPTER XXV. 99 G^mani with hostile intent, assembled his ministers, and thus addressed these personages : " This r&jfi is himself a hero : he has also many valiant warriors (in his army) : counsellors, what should be done : what do ye advise ?" These warriors of king E)&ra, commencing with Dighajantu, came to this resolution : " To-morrow we wiU attack him." The rkjk Du(.tha G6mani also consulted with his mother. At her recommendation he formed thirty-two strong ramparts. The king displayed in each of these posts personifications of himself, with a royal standard-bearer attending on him ; while the monarch himself remained in an inner fortification. King E]4ra, accoutred for battle and supported by his military array, mounted on his state elephant Mah&pabbata, advanced on him. At the commencement of the onset the valiant Dighajantu, with sword and shield in hand, striking terror by the fury of his attack, springing up eighteen cubits into the air, and piercing the figure which represented the king, took the first rampart. In this manner, having carried all the other posts, he approached the fortification defended by G&mani, the rkjk himself. The powerful warrior Suranimila, shouting out his own name to him who was rushing at the king, taunted him. The one (Dighajantu) incensed, and replying, " Let me slay him first," made a leap at him. The other met the assailant with his shield. Saying to himself, " I wiU. demolish him and his shield at once," (Dighajantu) slashed at the shield with his sword. The other cast the shield at him. Dighajantu plunging at that unresisting shield, fell with it ; and SdranimUa springing up, slew the prostrate (enemy) with his sword. Phussadeva sounded his chank, and the army of damijas gave way : Elira rallied it, and many damilas were slain. The -water of the tank at that place was discoloured by the blood of the slain ; and from that circumstance the tank has been celebrated by the name of " Kulattha."' The monarch Duttha G&mani then making this proclamation by beat of drums, " No other person but myself shall assail El&ra; " accoutred for combat, mounted on his well-appointed state elephant Kandula, in his pursuit of Elara, reached the southern gate. These two monarchs entered into porsonal combat near the southern gate of the city. E^ara hurled his spear : G^mani evaded it ; and making his own elephant charge with his tusks the other elephant, 'and hurling at the same time his javelin at E}6ra, 'he and his elephant both fell together there. There this conqueror, in the field of victory, surrounded by his martial might, reducing Lagk4 under (the shadow of) one canopy of dominion, entered the capital. Summoning within the town the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, within the distance of a ydjana, he held a festival in honour of king El&ra. Con- suming the corpse in a funeral pile on the spot where he fell, he built a tomb there ; and ordained that it should receive honours (like unto those conferred on a Cakkavatti). Even unto this day, the monarchs who have succeeded to the kingdom of Lagki, on reaching that quarter of the city, ^whatever the proceBsion may be, they silence their musical band.' In this manner, Duftha GAmani, having made prisoners thirty-two dami^a chieftains, ruled over Lagk4 sole sovereign. * These honours oontinaed to be paid to the tomb of Ej&ra, up to the period of the British occupation of the Kaudyan territory, — [iVoie hy Mr, Tournour.'\ ' A kind of edible pulse which, when boiled, yields a soup of a blood-red colour." 2 "hurled." 'Full stop: "He." • " in procession, pay the same honour, and." loo THl! MAflAVA^SA. On being defeated at Vijita, the warrior Di'ghajantu reminding Elira that his nephew was a warrior of repute, sent a mission to the said nephew Bhalluka to hasten hither. Beceiving this invitation, he landed on this island on the seventh day after Elira's cremation, at the head of sixty thousand men. He who had thus debarked, though he heard of the death of his king, con- sidering it a disgrace (to retreat), and deciding, " I will wage war ; " advanced from Mah&tittha hither (to AnurMhapura), and fortified himself at the village Kolambah&laka. On receiving intimation of his landing, the raja, who was fully equipped with an army of elephants, cavalry, chariots of war, and infantry, accoutring himself with his martial equipments, and mounting his elephant Kandula, set out to give him battle. The warrior Umm&da Phussadeva, the most expert archer in the land, equipped with his five weapons of war, and the . rest of the warriors also set out. When the conflict was on the point of taking place, Bhalluka, who was also accoutred for battle, charged immediately in front of the r&j&. Kapdula, the monarch of elephants, to break the shock of that attack, backed rapidly ; and with him the whole army receded alertly. The king remarked to Phussadeva, " What does this mean ? he has never before given ground in the previous twenty-eight battles he has been engaged in." "Victory (replied Phussadeva) is in the rear. This elephant, seeking that field of triumph, is receding. king, he will make his stand on the spot where victory awaits us." The elephant continued retreating in the direction of the temple of Puradeva (on the northern side of the great cemetery) ; and steadily planting himself there, took up his position within the consecrated boundary of the Mah&vihdra. When the elephant thus made his stand, Bhalluka the damila, presenting himself before the protector of the land, ridiculed him on his retreat. The king guarding his mouth with (the handle of) his sword, reproached him in return. Retorting, "Let me strike the tkjk's mouth"; (Bhalluka) hurled his spear at him. The said javelin striking the handle of the sword (which guarded the raja's mouth) fell to the ground. Bhalluka having vauntingly announced his intention, "Let rae hit him in the mouth,'' set up a shout (at the effect of this throw). The valiant warrior Phussadeva, who was seated behind the king (on the elephant), hurling his javelin at the mouth of this (boasting enemy), happened to graze the ear-ornament of the monarch. Throwing a second spear at him (Bhalluka) who was thus falling (backwards) with his feet towards the r&j4, and hitting him on the knee, the ^said expert elephant-rider quickly fell (respectfully) with his head presented to the king. At the fall of the said Bhalluka the shout of victory was set up. Phussadeva, to manifest his contrition on the spot (for having grazed the ear-ornament of the king with the spear), split his own ear at the part in which the ring is inserted ; and himself exhibited to the monarch his stream- ing blood. Witnessing this exhibition, the king asked, " Why, what is this ? " He replied to the monarch, " It is a punishment inflicted by myself for an offence committed against majesty." On inquiring, " What is the offence committed by thee ? " he replied, " Grazing the ear-ornament." " My own brother I (exclaimed the king) what hast thou been doing ; converting that into an offence which is the reverse of one I " Having made this ejaculation, the monarch, who knew how to appreciate merit, thus proceeded ; ' ".il reward awaits thee from me, proportionate to the service rendered by the throw of tJie javelin." ' " skilful archer felled him." ^ liit. "A great reward awaits thee, worthy of thy (unfailing) arrow." Ohapter xXv. iol After having subdued all the damilas, the victorious monarch (on a certain Hay) ascending the state apartment, and there approaching the royal throne in the midst of his officers of state ; and while surrounded by the charms of music and revelry, caused PhussadSva's 'javelin to be brought, and 'to he deposited formally on the royal throne hy this assembly ; and heading (goldj over and over again above this Javelin, and thereby concealing it with kahapanas, at once made a present (hereof to Phvasadiva. On a subsequent occasion, while seated on this throne, which ■was covered with drapery of exquisite value and softness, in the state apartment lighted up with aromatic oils, and perfumed with every variety of incense, and spread with the richest carpets, attended by musicians and choristers decked (as if belonging to the court of the d^va Sakka); this monarch was pondering over his exalted royal state, and calling to his recollection the sacrifice of countless lives he had occasioned ; and peace of mind was denied to him. The sanctified priests resident at Piyaiigudipa, being aware of this visitation of affliction, deputed eight " arhat " priests to administer spiritual comfort to the monarch. These personages, arriving in the night, descended at the palace gate ; and with the view of manifesting that they had journied through the air, they rose (through the air) to the upstair state apartment. The Mah&r6j4 bowing down to them, and showing them every mark of attention (by washing their feet and anointing them with fragrant oil), caused them to be seated on the throne ; and inquired the object of the visit. " O ruler of men I (said they), we have been deputed by the priesthood at PiyaAgudipa to administer spiritual comfort unto thee." Thereupon the rSjfi, thus replied : " Lords I what peace of mind can there be left for me, when under some plea or other I have been the means of destroying great armies, an akkh<)hini in number ? " "Supreme of men! from the commission of that act there will be no impedi- ment in thy road to " sagga " ('salvation) : herein no more than two human beings have been sacrificed ; — the one person had been admitted within the pale of the salvation of the faith ; the other had attained the state of piety which enabled him to observe the five commandments. The rest *being heretics are sinners, and on a par with wild beasts;" and added : " As thou wilt cause the religion of Buddha to shine forth in great splendour ; on that account, O ruler of men, subdue this mental affliction." The Mah&rd,j&, who had been so admonished, and who had been restored to peace of mind, having bowed down to, and allowed them to depart ; thereafter, extended on his bed, thus medita,ted : " In my childhood, my father and mother administered an oath to me, that I should never take a meal without sharing it with the priesthood. Have I, or have I not, ever partaken of a meal with- out sharing it with the priesthood ? " While pondering thus, he recollected that (he had ate) a round ohUly at his morning meal, in a moment of abstraction, without reserving any part of it for the priesthood ; and decided thereupon, " It is requisite that I should perform penance on that account." ^Reflecting on the numberless kofis of human lives sacrificed by these per- sons (Duffha G&mani and his army) ; a truly wise man, influenced by his ablwrrence of such indiscriminate slaughter, pondering on this calamity, ' " arrow." ' " causing it to be placed upright on its feather end, heaped gold thereon so as to cover the top thereof, and presented them forthwith to Phussad^va." « " heaven." ' " are heretics and sinners who are." » " The good man should bear in mind the numberless ororea of human beings sacrificed for the sake of ambition, and the evils attendant thereon. He should also steadfastly keep in mind the instability of all things, with a view to attain enduring happiness. Thus will he obtain before long a deliverance from sorrow or a happy departure (from this world)." 102 THE mahAvajjsa. and ateadfqstly contemplating the principle of mortality ; by these means the said pious man will speedily attain " mohhha '' (the emancipation from all human affliction); or, at least, will be horn in the world of the d&vas (which leads to that final emancipation J. The twenty-fifth chapter in the Mah&vagsa, entitled " The Triumph of DutfthaG&mani," compoBed equally for the delight and afiliction of righteous CHAPTER XXVI. This potent monarch, having reduced the dominions of Lagk^ under one Grovernment, according to their deserts conferred honorary distinctions on his warriors. The hero Theraputtfibhaya rejected the reward offered to him : and being asked, " What does this mean ? " replied, " The war is not over." (The king) again asked, " Having by war reduced this empire under one Govern- ment, what farther war can there be ? " He thus rejoined, ' "/ will make war to gain the righteous victory over our insidious enemies, the sinful passions." Again and again the raj& attempted to dissuade him : but again and again TheraputtS.bhaya, renewing his application, with the king's consent entered into the priesthood. Having been ordained, in due course he 'attained " arhat," and became the head of a fraternity of five hundred sanctified ministers of religion. On the seventh day after the elevation of his canopy of dominion, this inaugurated, fearless monarch, (hence also called) Abhaya rajd, with a splendid state retinue, (proceeded to) the Tissa tank to celebrate an aquatic festival with every description of rejoicing ; and to keep up a custom observed by his anointed predecessors. The whole of the king's royal attire, as well as a hundred tributes (presented to him during that festival) were deposited on (a certain spot, which became) the site of theMaricavafti Yih&ra ; and the royal suite, who were the sceptre- bearers, in like manner deposited in an erect position, on the site of the (future) dagoba of that name, the imperial sceptre. The Mah&r&ja, together with his suite (thus undressed), having sported *about (in the Tissa tank); in the afternoon, he said, " Let us depart : my men, take up the sceptre." The royal suite, however, were not able to move the said sceptre. Attended by all the guards who accompanied the monarch, they made offerings thereto of garlands of fragrant flowers. The rij&, witnessing this great miracle, delighted thereat, posting a guard round the spot (to which the sceptre was fixed), returned to the capital. Thereafter, he inclosed the sceptre in a cetiya, and encompassed that diigoba with a vih&ra. In three years that vih&ra was completed, and the monarch invited the priesthood to a great festival. Those who assembled on that occasion, of priests, were in number one hundred thousand ; and there were ninety thousand priestesses. In that assembly, the ruler of the land thus addressed the priesthood : " Lords I forgetting the priesthood, I have (in violation of a vow) ate a chilly : ^for that act, this infliction is visited on me. (In expiation tlmreof) I have constructed this delightful vih&ra, together with its c6tiya : may the priesthood vouchsafe to accept the same." Having made this address, relieved in mind, pouring the water of donation on the hand of the priesthood. ' " I will wage war with enemies whom it is very hard to conquer.'" ' " became an." ^Dele. ' " in the water during the day," ' " in expiation of that act." CHAPTER XXVII. 103 he bestowed this vih6ra on them. ^Having caused a superb banqueting hall to be erected around that vihdra, he there celebrated a great festival of alms- offering to the priesthood. 'The hall thus erected, on one side reached the Abhaya tank : — who will undertake to describe the (dimensions of the) other sides f For seven days having provided food and beverage, he then bestowed every description of sacerdotal equipments of the most costly kind. The first offering of sacerdotal equipments was worth one hundred thousand, and the last a thousand pieces. The priesthood exclusively obtained all these. Independently of the incalculable amount of treasures expended, com- mencing with the construction of the thupa, and terminating with the alms-festival, in making offerings to the " ratanattaya " ; the rest of the wealth (laid out) on this spot, by this monarch, — who was as indefatigable in war as in acts of charity, sincerely attached to the " ratanattaya," endowed with purity of mind, (and wise in the application of hia means,) — amounted to nineteen kd^is. If by men endowed with wisdom the five evils (loss by confiscation, by robbery, by water, by fire, and by the animal creation) attendant on the acquisition of wealth were thoroughly understood, they would thereby realise the five rewards of virtue (love of mankind, good-will of pious men, character for piety, lay-sanctity, and regeneration in the Devaloka heavens). The wise man therefore ought to secure to himself the treasure of this knowledge. The twenty-sixth chapter in the Mah&vapsa, entitled " The Festival of Offerings at the Maricavatti Vihira," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXVn. 'Subsequently (to the construction of the Maricavatti vihdra and citiya) this monarch, v>ho was endowed with superlative good fortune, and with wisdom as well as beneficence, was meditating on a tradition which originated (with Mahinda), and had been perpetuated to his time (from generation to generation) without interruption. The thira (Mahinda), who had shed the light of religion on this land, had thus prophesied (to D^v&nampiya Tissa,) Hhe ancestor of the king : " Thy descendant, Duttha Gr&mani, a most fortunate prince, will hereafter build the great splendid thdpa Sonnam&li (Ruvanveli), in height one hundred and twenty cubits ; as well as the Ldhap&s&da, to serve as an " up6satha hall," embellished in every possible manner, and having nine stories." The mon- arch (Duttha G6mani) reflecting (on this tradition), and searching for a record thereof, ^stated to have been deposited in the palace; and by that (search) finding in a vase an inscribed golden plate, he thereon read as follows: " Here- ' " In the vih&ra itself and in a superb hall which he built around it, he." ' " That hall extended even over the waters of the Abhaya tank in which pillars were caused to be erected (for a platform). What need is there to speak of other open spaces (into which the hall was extended) ? " ' "After that the king deeply meditated on, a tradition that was (then) well- established and wide-spread, in this wise, namely, " It is said that, the th&a (Mahinda)," &o. * " my royal ancestor." » " found in a vase deposited in the king's palace an insoribed golden plate, the writing whereof he read as follows," 104 THB hahAva^sa. after, at the termination of one hundred and ^fifty-»ix years, the monarch Duttha Gftmani, son of K&kavanna, will construct such and such edifices in such and such manner." The dehghted monarch, overjoyed at hearing this (inscription) read, clapped his hands ; and early on the following morning repairing to the magnificent Mah&m6gaha garden, and convening the priest- hood, thus addressed them : " I will build for you a palace like unto that of the d^vas : send to the world of the devas, and procure for me a plan of their palace." Accordingly they despatched thither eight priests, all sanctified characters. 'In the time of the divine sage Kassapa, a certain brahman named Asdka %ad made a vow that he would give daily alma sufficient for eight priests. He said to his slave-woman named Bhara^i, " Provide them always." She, during the whole course of her life, zealously providing them ; thereafter dying, was born again in a superb and delightful residence in the (C&tum- mah&r&jika) heavens, surrounded always by a heavenly host of a thousand attendants. Her enchanting golden palace was in length twelve y6janas and in circumference forty- eight yojanas ; having nine stories, provided with a thousand apartments and a thousand dormitories. It had four faces, each having in number a thousand windows, like so many eyes ; and the eves of the roof were decorated with a fringe tinkling (with gems). In the centre of this palace was situated the Ambalatthika hall, decorated with a profusion of banners all around. The aforesaid eight th€ras, in their way to the T&vatiQsa heavens, seeing this palace, immediately made a drawing of it on a *leaf with a vermilion pencil ; and returning from thence, presented the drawing to the priesthood, who sent it to the court of the king. The monarch, on examining the same, delighted therewith, repairing to the celebrated garden (Mah&megha), accor- ding to the plan of that renowned palace, constructed the pre-eminent L6hap&sfida. The munificent r4ja at the very commencement of the undertaking deposited at each of the four gates eight lacs (to remunerate the workmen). He deposited also at each gate, severally, a thousand suits of clothing, as well as vessels filled with sugar, buffalo butter, palm sugar, and honey ; and announced that on this occasion it was not fitting to exact unpaid labour ; placing therefore ^high value on the work performed, he paid (the workmen) with money. This quadrangular pakce was one hundred cubits long on each of its sides, and the same in height. In this supreme palace there were nine stories, and in each of them one hundred apartments. All these apartments were highly 'embellished ; they had festoons of heads, resplendent (like) gems. The flower-ornaments appertaining thereto were also set with gems, and the tinkling festoons were of ''gold. In that palace there were a thousand dormi- tories having windows with ornaments ^(lihe unto) jewels, which were bright as eyes. Having heard of the beauty of the conveyance used by the females attached to the d6va Yessavana, he (Du^^ha Gfimani) caused a gilt haU to be con- structed in the middle of the palace in the form (of that conveyance). The hall was supported on golden pillars, representing lions and other animals, as '"forty." '"Now." " " was wont to give ticket-food," * " cloth." ' " a (proper)." • " finished with silver ; and the cornices thereof were embellished with gems,' ' "silver," » Pete, CHAPTEll XXVII. 105 well as the d^vat&s. At the extremity of this hall, it was ornamented with ^festoons of pearls, and all around with beads as before described. Exactly in the centre of this 'palace, which was adorned with (all) the seven treasures, there was a beautiful and enchanting ivory throne, floored with boards. On one side (of this throne formed) exclusively of ivory, there was the emblem of the sun in gold ; on another, the moon in silver ; and (on the third) the stars in pearls. From the golden corners or streaks, in various places as most suitable in that hall, bunches of flowers, made of various gems, were (suspended).' On this most enchanting throne, covered with a cloth of inestimable value, an ivory fan" of exquisite beauty was placed. On the footstool (of the throne), a pair of "slippers ornamented with beads, and above the throne the white canopy or parasol of dominion, mounted with a sQver handle, glittered. The eight " mangalika* " thereof (of the canopy) were Hihe unto the seven treasures, and amidst the gems and pearls were rows of figures of quadrupeds ; at the points of the canopy were suspended a row of silver bells. The edifice, the canopy, the throne, and the (inner) haU were all most superb. ' The king caused it to be provided suitably with couches and chairs of great value ; and in like manner with carpets of woollen fabric : ^even the ladle (usually made of a cocoanut shell J of the rice boiler was of gold. Who shall describe the other articles used in that palace ? This edifice,- surrounded with a highly polished wall, and having four embattled gates, shone forth like the ( Vejayanta) palace in the TAvatigsa heavens. This building was covered with brazen tiles ; hence it acquired the appellation of the "brazen palace." At the completion of this palace the r4ja assembled the priesthood. They attended accordingly, as in the instance of the Maricava((i festival. There, on the first floor, the "puthujjana" priests (who had not attained the state of sanctification) exclusively arranged themselves. On the second floor, the priests who had acquired the knowledge of the " t^pijaka." On the three succeeding floors, commencing with the third, those arranged themselves who had acquired the several grades of sanctity, commencing with the "sotApatti." On the four highest floors, the " arhat " priests stationed themselves. The raja having bestowed this palace on the priesthood, pouring the water of donation on their right hand ; 'and, according to the former procedure, ^having kept up an alms-festival of seven days. Independent of the cost of the invaluable articles provided for this palace-festival, the expenditure incurred by this munifloent monarch amounted to thirty kotis. Some truly wise men, even from perishable and unprofitable wealth derive (the rewards of) imperishable and profitable charity. By setting aside the pride of wealth, and seeking Hheir own spiritual welfare, they bestow like unto him (Dut^ha G&manf) largely in charity. The twenty-seventh chapter in the MahSvapsa, entitled " The Festival of the Ldhap&s&da," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. * The fan home by the Buddhist priests ; which, till very recently, has been bestowed in Ceylon on the appointments of a chief priest, as the ofBoial emblem of his oflace.— [iVote by Mr. Tumour.] 1 " festoons of pearls all around, and cornices." « " hall." ' Add "and between golden creepers there were representations of the Jatakas." * Bight objects considered as auspicious : namely, a lion, a bull, an elephant, a water-jar, a fan, a flag, a trumpet or chank, and a lamp, • "made of the seven gems." " « even the laver and its ladle (for washing the hands and feet of priests, kept at the door of the temple) were made of gold." ■•Dele. 'Dele. »" the welfare of others." 91—87 P* 106 THE MAHAVAlglSA. CHAPTER XXVIII. Thereafter, this monarch caused a splendid and magnificent festival of offerings to the bo-tree to be celebrated, expending a sum of one hundred thousand. Subsequently, while ^residing in this capital, noticing the stone pillar planted on the (intended) site of the Ruvanveli thdpa, and recurring to the former tradition, delighted with the thought, he said : " I will construct the great thdpa." Beascending his upstair palace, and having partaken his evening repast, reclining on his bed, he thus meditated : " The inhabitants of this land are stiU suffering from the war waged for the subjection of the dami]as : it is not fitting 'to exaet compulsory labour ; hit in abandoning the exercise of that power, how shall I, who am about to build the great thdpa, procure bricks without committing any such oppression ? " The tutelar deity who guarded the canopy of dominion knew the thought of the personage who was thus meditating. Thereupon a discussion arose among the divas. Sakka, obtaining a knowledge thereof, thus addressed himself to Yissakamma : " The r&j& G&mani is meditating about the bricks for the citiya. Bepairing to the bank of the deep river (Kadamba), a yojana from the capital, there do thou cause bricks to be produced." Yissakamma, who had been thus enjoined by Sakka, proceeding thither caused bricks to be produced. In the morning a huntsman repaired with his dogs to the wUderness in that neighbourhood. The dcvatb of that spot presented himself to the huntsman in the form of 'a " gddha." The sportsman chasing the *" godha " came upon, and saw the bricks ; and from the circumstance of the *" gddha " vanishing, he there thus thought : " Our sovereign is desirous of constructing the great thdpa, this is a (miraculous) offering to him." Hastening (to the king) he reported the same. Hearing this agreeable report of the huntsman, the overjoyed monarch, delighting in acts of benevolence towards his people, conferred on him great favours. In a village named A'c&ravitthig&ma, situated three ydjanas to the north- east of the capital, on a space of ground sixteen karisa in extent, ^golden sprouts of various descriptions sprung up, in height one span, (with a root J one inch under ground. The villagers discovering this ground covered with gold, taking a cupful of this gold and repairing to the king, reported (the circumstance). At the distance of seven ydjanas, Hn the south-east direction from the capital, on the bank of the river (Mahaveligaiiga) in the Tambapit(bi division, a ''brazen metal rose to the surface. The villagers taking a cupful of these ^brazen sprouts, and repairing to the r&ja, reported the circumstance. In the south-east direction from the capital, at the village Sumanavipi, distant four y6janas, a quantity of gems rose to the surface ; "among which there were intermingled the cinnamon stone and sapphire. The villagers taking the same in a cup, and repairing to the r&j&, reported the circumstance. Eight y6janas to the southward of the town, in a cave called Ambafthakdla, ' " entering the capital (one day)," ' " therefore that I should levy taxes, but on remitting those revenues." ' " an iguana." * " iguana." ' " were found nuggets of gold of divers sizes, the largest about » span and the smallest an inch long. The inhabitants discovering that the ground was full of gold, took a plateful thereof to the king, and reported the matter to him." " " to the east of the city, beyond," &c. ' " mine of copper." " " nuggets of copper," * "intermingled with." cttAi'TiSn xxviih lot silver was produced. A certain merchant of the capital, who was proceed- ing to the Malaya division to procure safiron and ginger in the said Malaya division, taking many carts with him, wishing to get a switch, stopping his carts in the neighbourhood of this cave, ascended a hill. Observing a fruit of the size of a '" cAti " attached to a 'branch of a jak tree, which yr«t'< was bending with its weight, and* resting on a rock : severing the same (from the branch) with ^an adze, at the stalk of the fruit, and saying to himself, " This is precious : I must give it (to the priesthood) ;" in the fervour of his devo- tion, he set up the call of refection. Four sanctified priests presented themselves. This delighted and devoted person, bowing down to them and causing them to be seated, with his 'adze paring all round the point at which the stalk adhered to the fruit (so that no skin was perceptible), and pulling out (that stalk) he poured into their dishes the juice with which (the cavity of) the stalk was filled. The four brimming dishes of jak fruit juice he presented to them. They accepting the same; departed. And (the merchant again) shouted out the call of refection ; and four other sanctified characters presented themselves there. Receiving their dishes also from them, he filled them with the pods of the jak fruit. Three of them departed : one remained. This particular (priest) in order that he might point out the silver to him,' seating himself at the month of the cave partook of the jak pods. The merchant having ate as much of the rest of the pods as he wished, taking the residue in a 'jar, he followed the footsteps of the priest. Having reached this spot, he beheld the thera there, and showed him the usual attentions ; and the fli&a pointed out to him the path to the entrance of the cave. (The merchant,) bowing down to the th^ra and proceeding by that (path), discovered the cave. Stopping at the mouth of the cave, he perceived the silver. By chopping it with his 'adze, he satisfied himself that it was silver. Taking a " handful of the silver and hasting to the carts, and leaving his carts there, this eminent merchant conveying this handful of silver, quickly repairing to Anur&dhapura, and exhibiting it to the ikjk, explained the particulars. To the westward of the capital, at the distance of five y<5janas, at the Uruv^lapattana, pearls of the size of " ^^nelli " fruit, together with coral beads, rose to the shores from the ocean. Some fishermen seeing these, gathering them into one heap, and taking (some of) the pearls and coral in a dish, and repairing to the king, reported the event to him. To the northward of the capital, at the distance of seven ydjanas, in the" stream flowing Hhrmigh the broken embankment of the tank of P^livipig4ma, four superb gems, in size "a span and four inches, and of the colour of the umm4 flower, were produced. A huntsman discovering these, repairing to the court, reported, " Such and such gems have been discovered by me." It was on the same day that this most fortunate monarch heard of the ^^manifestation of these bricks and other treasures, to be used in the construc- tion of the Mah&thdpa. The overjoyed (king) conferred favours on those persons (who brought the news of these miraculous productions), "ow in the ' " a large pot or pan." " " young." 3 j)glg_ ■• Insert " its fruit." »" knife." _ ""knife." » Insert "descended from the hill and." •"bundle." ""knife" _ '""lump;' " « A'malaka (emblic myrobalan), interspersed with coral," i» Insert " sandbanks of the." " " into." » " about a small grindstone." IS " discovery." '* " ftnd placihg; them as guards thereof.' 108 thS MahAva^sa. former instance (to the huntsman) ; and maintaining them under the royat protection, caused all these things to be brought (to the capital). Thus, he who delights in the accumulation of deeds of piety, not being deterred by the apprehension of its being attended by intolerable personal sacrifices, readily finds a hundred sources of wealth. From this (example) the really religious man should devote himself to (deeds of) piety. The twenty-eighth chapter in the MahAvapsa, entitled "The A.oquire- ment of the Materials for the construction of the Mah&thdpa," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXIX. Thcs the collection of the materials being completed, (DuUha G4mani) on the full moon day of the month of " vesakha," and under the constella- tion "vesakhsi," commenced the MahSthtipa. The protector of the land, removing the stone pillar' (which bore the inscription); and in order that '(the structure) might endure for ages, excavated by various expedients a foundation for the thupa there, one hundred cubits de^. This monarch, who could discriminate 'possibilities from impossibilities, causing by means of his soldiers (literally giants) round stones to be brought, had them well beaten down with pounders ; and on the said stones being pounded down accordingly, to easure greater durability to the foundation, he caused (that layer of stones) to be trampled by enormous elephants, whose feet were protected in leathern cases. AJ Satatatintaka, — the spot where the aerial river (flowing out of tile Andtatta lake) descends, spreading the spray of its cataract over a space of thirty y(>jaua3 in extent, — there the clay is of the finest description: the same being thus exquisitely fine, it is called the " navanita "* clay. This clay, sanctified s&mauera priests (by their supernatural powers) brought from thence. The monarch spread this clay there, on the layer of stones trod down (by elephants); and over this clay he laid the bricks; over them a coat of 'astringent cement : over that, a layer of " kuruvinda " stones ; over that 'a plate of iron ; on the top of that, the ruler of the land spread Hhe incense of the devas brought by the s&maneras from Himavanta ; over that 'layer of " pbalika" stone, %e laid a course of common stones. In every part of the work the clay used was that which is called the " navanita." Above the layer of common stones he laid a plate of brass, eight inches thick, embedded in a cement made of the gum of the " kapittha" tree, diluted in the water of the small red cocoanut. Over that, the lord of chariots laid a plate of silver, seven inches thick, cemented in vermilion paint, mixed in the " tila " oil. The monarch, in his zealous devotion to the cause of religion, having made these preparatory arrangements at the spot where the Mah&thdpa was to be built ; on the fourteenth day of the bright half of the month " &s&lhi," causing the priesthood to be assembled, thus addressed them : " Severed lords 1 initiative of the construction of the great c^tiya, I shall to-morrow lay ' Insert "that was there." ' " ho might in every way make the thiipa firm and stable, digged a founda- tion for it seven cubits deep." Most MSS. have mtta, " seven"; the I'ikd has sata, "hundred." " " the advantages and disadvantages of things." ' Insert " (butter)." ' " rough." ' " an iron network." ' Insert " marumba, a fragrant (substance) brought," &o. » " a " '" and over that." CHAPTER XXIX. 109 the festival-brick of the edifice : let all our priesthood assemble there." This sovereign, ever mindful of the welfare of the people, further proclaimed : " Let all my pious subjects, provided with Buddhistical bfEerings, and bringing fragrant flowers and Other obktions, repair tO-morrow to the site of the MahAthdpa." He ordered his ministers (V^sakha and Sirideva) to decorate the place at ■which the c4tiya (was in progress of construction). Those who were thus enjoined by the monarch, in their devotion and veneration for the divine sage (Buddha), ornamented that place in every possible way. The ruler of the land (by instructions to other parties) had the whole capital, and the road leading hither, similarly decorated. The ruler of the land, ever mindful of the welfare of the people, for the aceommodation of the populace, provided, at the four gates of the city, numerous ^baths, barbers, and dressers ; as well as clothing, garlands of fragrant flowers, and savoury provisions.' The inhabitants of the capital, as Well as of the provinces, 'preparing according to their respective means tributes of these kinds, repaired to the thdpa. The *diy>emer of state honours, guarded by his officers of state decked in all the insignia of their full dress, himself captivating by the splendour of his royal equipment, surrounded by a throng of dancing and singing women- rivalling in beauty the celestial virgins-nJecorated in their various embellish- ments ; attended by forty thousand men ; accompanied by a full band of all descriptions of musicians ; thus gratifying the populace, this monarch in the afternoon, as he knew the Bacred from the places that were not sacred, repaired to the site before-mentioned of the Mah^thupa, as if he had himself been (Sakka)the king of d^vas. The king, moreover, deposited in the centre ^and at the four corners (of the thdpa) a thousand, plus eight, bundles of ^made-up clothing. The various descriptions of cloths (not made up J the sovereign deposited in a heap ; and for the celebration of the festival, he caused to be collected there honey, clarified butter, sugar, and the other requisites. From various foreign countries many repaired hither. ^Who will he able to render an account of the priests of the island who assembled here ? The prO' found teacher Indagntta, a sojourner in the vicinity of R&jagaha, attended, accompanied by ^ eight thousand theras. The Mah& tMra Dhammasfina bringing with him twelve thousand from the fraternity of the Isipatana temple (near B4r&nasi), repaired to the site of the thiipa. The Mahfethera Piyadassi from the J6ta vih&ra (near S&vatthipura) attended, bringing with him sixty thousand priests. The thfira Buddharakkhita attended from the MahAvana vihira of "Vesfili, bringing eighteen thousand priests. The chief th^ra Dhamma- rakkhita, attended from the Q-hosita temple of Kdsambiya, bringing thirty thousand priests with him. The chief thera Dhammarakkhita, bringing forty thousand disciples from Dakkhindgiri temple of Ujj^ni, also attended. The th^ra named Mittinna, bringing' sixty thousand priests from his fraternity '"of one hundred thousand d.t the Asoka temple at Pupphapura. The thcra Vtivws,, bringing from the Easmira country two hundred and eighty thousand priests. The great sage Mahadeva with ^^fourteen lacs and sixty thousand priests from Pallavabhogga ; and Mahi Dhammarakkhita, thera of 1 "1 " bath-attendants." ' Add " according as they were required." « Dele. * " lord of the land." » Jjele. «" clothes, and caused divers (other) cloths to be collected on the four sides thereof." ' " What need of speaking then about." > ■■ eighty." » Insert " one hundred and." '« SeU. " " four." ilO i'HE mahAva^sa. Y6na, accompanied by thirty thousand priests ^from the vicinity of A lasadda, the capital of the Ydna country, attended. The thdra Uttara attended, accom- panied by sixty thousand priests from 'the Uttania temple in the wilderness of Vinjha. The Mah& thera Oittagutta repaired hither, attended by thirty thousand priests from the Bddhimapda. The Mah& thera Candagutta repaired hither, attended by eighty thousand priests from the Tanavasa country. The Mah& thSra Suriyagutta attended, accompanied by ninety-six thousand priests from theK€lasa vih&ra. The number of the priests of this island who attended is not specifically stated by the ancient (historians). From all the priests who attended on that occasion, those who had overcome the domi- nion of sin alone are stated to be ninety-six kdtis. These priests, leaving a space in the centre for the king, encircling the site of the cStiya in due order, stood around. The rkj& having entered that space, and seeing the priesthood who had thus arranged themselves, bowed down to them with profound veneration ; and overjoyed (at the spectacle), making offerings of fragrant garlands, and walking thrice round, he stationed himself in the centre, on the spot where the " punppaghata " (filled chalice) was deposited with all honours. This (monarch) superlatively compassionate, and regardful equally of the welfare of 'the human race and of spirits, deHghtiag in the task assigned to him *by means of a minister, illustrious in descent and fully decorated for the solemn occasion, to wJu>m he assigned a highly polished pair of compasses made of silver, pointed with gold, having at the place hef ore- mentioned prepared himself to describe the circle of the base of the great eitiya, by moving round (the leg of the compass ; at that instant) the inspired and profoundly prophetic great thira, named Siddhatha, arrested the monarch in the act of describing (the circle), saying, " The monarch is about to commence the construction of a stupendous thupa: at the instant of ^ta completion he is destined to die : the magnitude also of the thupa makes the undertaking a most difficult one." For these reasons, looking into futurity, he prohibited its being formed of that magnitude. The raj^, although anxious to build it of that size, by the advice of the priesthood, and at the suggestion of the thSras, adopting the proposal of the thera (Siddhattha), under the direction of that thera described, for the purpose of laying the foundation bricks thereon, a circle of moderate dimensions. The indefatigable monarch placed in the centre eight golden and eight silver vases, ^and encircled them with eight (silver) and eight (golden) bricks. He also deposited one hundred and eight new (enrthen) vases, and around each of the eight bricks he deposited one hundred and eight pieces of cloths. Thereupon by means of the especially selected minister, who was decorated with ' " from Alasand^." " " Vattaniya, their dwellings." ' " all beings.'' < " caused a minister of noble descent, well attired, to hold the end of a fine rod of silver that was fitted into a gold pivot, and began to make him walk round therewith along the prepared ground, with the intent to describe a great circle to mark the base of the c^tiya. Thereupon a great th&a of great spiritual power, by name Siddhattha, who had an insight into the future, dissuaded the king, saying to himself, ' The king is about to build a great thdpa indeed ; so great that while yet it is incomplete he would die : moreover, if the thdpa be a very great one it would be exceedingly hard to repair. ' " ■ " and surrounded them with one thousand and eight fresh vases and with cloth in quantities of one hundred and eight pieces. He then caused eight excel- lent bricks to be placed separately (one in each of the eight quarters) , and causing a minister, who was selected and arrayed in every manner for that pui-pose, to take up one that was marked with divers signs of prosperity, he laid the first auspicious stone in the fine fragrant cement on the eastern quarter ; and lo I when jessamine flowers were offered thereunto, the earth quaked." CHAPTER XXX. Ill all the iiuignia of state, causing to he taken up one of those bricks, which was surrounded with all the pageantry of festivity, (the king) deposited it there on the eastern side, with the prescribed formalities, in the delicious fragrant cement formed out of the jessamine flowers which had teen presented in offerings : and the earth quaked. The other seven bricks also he caused to be laid (severally) by seven state ministers, and 'celebrated great festivals. Thus those bricks were laid during the bright half of the month " 4s&lhi," on the fifteenth day, when the moon attains its utmost plenitude. The overjoyed monarch having in due order bowed down and made ofEerings to these Mah& th^ras, victors over sin, at each of the four quarters at which they stood ; repairing to the north-east point and bowing down to the sanctified Maha thera, Piyadassi, stationed himself by his side. The said (Mahd th^ra) on that spot raising the " jayamaiigala" chant, expounded to him (the monarch) the doctrines of the faith. That discourse was 'to that (assembled) multitude an elucidation (of those doctrines'). Forty thousand lay persons attained ^superior grades of sanctity ; forty thousand attained the state " sfitipatti" ; a thousand "sakad&g&mi"; the same number "anagdmi"; and a thousand also, in like manner, attained " arahatta." Eighteen thou- sand priests and fourteen thousand priestesses also attained the sanctification of " arahatta." ^ From this example (of Duftha Gdmani) by the truly wise man, whose mind, in his implicit faith in the " ratanattaya," is bent on the performance of charitable actions, and who is devoted to the welfare of the human race, the conviction being firmly entertained that the advancement of the spiritual salvation of the world is the highest attainable reward; imbued by the spirit of faith and by other pious impulses, he ought zealously to seek that reward. The twenty-ninth chapter in the Mah^vagsa, entitled, '" The Prepara- tion for the (construction of the) ThUpa" composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXX. The Mah!kxk]k reverentially bowing down to the whole priesthood, thus ^addressed them : " Whatever the term of the period may be, during which the cetiya mil be in process of completion, (for that period) accept your maintenance from me." The priesthood did not accede to this (proposition). He then by degrees (reducing the term of this invitation), solicited them to remain seven days. Having succeeded in gaining their acceptance of the seven days' invitation from one-half of the priesthood, the gratified monarch causing edifices to be erected on eight different spots round the site of the thdpa, for the priests who had accepted the invitation, there he maintained the priesthood by the assignment of alms for seven days. At the termination thereof he allowed the priesthood to depart. Thereafter, by the beat of drums, he expeditiously assembled the brick- layers : they amounted to five hundred in number. One of them being asked ' " caused auspicious ceremonies to be performed over them.'" ' " attended with great benefit to the multitude." ' " the knowledge of the Law." « " Seeing that the highest good of humanity is brought about by means of him whose mind delighteth in the Three Gems, and whose heart is inspired with a love of mankind and a spirit of self-sacrifice, — a man should cherish a love of faith and other virtuous impulses." » « The Commencement (of the building) of the Thitpa." " " invited them : ' Be pleased to accept my alms until the cfitiya is completed,' " 112 THE MAHAvA^SA. by the king, " How much work canst thou perform ?" he replied to the monarch, '" Z will in one day complete woi-k sufficient to contain the earth draiun by « hundred mm in carta." The rkjk rejected him.* Thereafter (each of the five hundred bricklayers) decreasing the quantity of work by half, at last they stated two " ammanans " of sand. The four bricklayers (who gave this answer, also) the rijk dismissed. Thereupon an intelligent and expert bricklayer thus addressed the monarch : " I (will do the work of) one 'ammanan' of -sand, having (first) pounded it in a mortar, sifted it in a sieve, and ground it on a grinding stone." On this offer being made, the ruler of the land, omnipotent as Sakka himself, being aware that on this thdpa no grass or other weed ought to be allowed to grow, inquired of him, " In what form dost thou propose to construct the cctiya ?" At that instant Yissakamma '(invisibly) came to hie aid. The bricklayer, filling a golden dish with water, and taking some water in the palm of his hand, dashed it against the water (in the dish) ; a great globule, Hn the form of a coral bead, rose to the surface ; and he said, " I will construct it in this form." The monarch delighted, bestowed on him a suit of clothes worth a thousand, a splendid pair of slippers, and twelve thousand kah&pauas. In the night the ikjk thus meditated : " How shall I transport the bricks without harassing labourers ? " The devas divining the meditation, night after night brought and deposited at the four gates of the cetiya bricks suf&cient for each day's work. The delighted monarch being informed of this (mira- culous proceeding), commenced upon the construction of the cctiya ; and caused it to be proclaimed, " It ia not fitting to exact unpaid labour for this work." At each of the gates he deposited sixteen lacs of kah&panas ; a vast quantity of cloths ; food together with beverage, served in the most sumptuous manner ; garlands of fragrant flowers ; sugar and other luxuries ; and the five condiments used in mastication (and issued these directions :) " Having performed work according to their inclination, let them take these things according to their desire." Pursuant to these directions the royal servants, permitting the workmen to make their selection, distributed these things. A certain priest, desirous of contributing his personal aid in the erection of this thilpa, brought a handful of earth prepared by himself (in the manner before described). Bepairing to the site of the cctiya, and eluding the king's overseers (who had been enjoined to employ paid labourers only) delivered that (handful of earth) to a bricklayer. He, the instant he received it, detected (the difference).' 'This evasion of the king's order being made known, it led to a disturbance. The kinff hearing of the affair, repairing to the spot, interrogated the bricklayer. (He replied), " Lord ! priests are in the habit, holding flower-offerings in one hand, of giving me a handful of earth with the other : I am ''only able, lord, to distinguish that such a priest is a stranger, and sucha priest is a resident person here ; Qbut I am not personally acquainted with them)." The rdji having heard this explanation,' in order that (the bricklayer) might point out the priest who gave the handful of earth, sent with him a " balattba "' (one of the messengers who enforce the authority of the king). He pointed ' " I will exhaust, in one day (in my work), the earth drawn in a cart by an hundred men." * Add " (as so large a portion of earth mixed in the masonry would have the effect of producing trees in the edifloe)." a " inspired him." * " like unto a ball of crystal." • Add "and suspected the priest from his manner." s II '[he rumom' spread gradually, and reached the ears of the king, who." ' » not." ' " as." CHAPTER XXX. 113 out the (offending priest) to that enforcer of authority, who reported him to the r&j&. The king (in order that he might fulfil his own tow of building the d&goba exclusively with paid labour, yet without compelling the priest to violate the rule that priests should never accept any reward or remuneration) had three jars filled with ^fragrant jessamine and mugreen flowers deposited near the bo-tree ; and by the management of his messenger he contrived that they should be accepted by the priest. To the said priest who, was standing there (at the bo-tree) after having made an offering (of these flowers), without having discovered (the trick played), the messenger disclosed the same. It was then that the priest became conscious (that the merit of the act performed by him had been cancelled by the acceptance of these flowers). A certain th^ra, the relation of the aforesaid bricklayer, resident at Piyad- galla in the K^liviita division, impelled by the desire of contributing towards the construction of the cdtiya, and having ascertained the size of the bricks used there, and manufactured such a brick, repaired thither ; and deceiving the superintendents of the work, presented the brick to the bricklayer. He used the same, and a great uproar ensued. The instant the r&jS was informed of it, he inquired of the bricklayer, " Canst thou identify that brick ? " Though he knew it, he replied to the king, " I cannot identify it." (The monarch) again asking, " Dost thou know the thera ? " thus urged, he said " I do." The monarch, that he might point him out, assigned to him a " ba- lattha.'' The said messenger having identified (the priest) by means of him (the bricklayer) ; pursuant to the commands of the raja, proceeded to the KatthahUa parivena ; and sought the society of, and entered into conver- sation with, this thera. Having ascertained the day of the thera's intended departure, as well as his destination, he said, " I wiU journey with thee to thy own village." AU these particulars he reported to the rk]k, and the king gave him a couple of ^ most valuable woollen cloths, with a thousand pieces; and having also provided many sacerdotal offerings, sugar, and a " nali " f uU of scented oil, despatched him on this mission. He departed with the th&a ; and on the following day, at the Piyaiigallaka vihara, having seated the priest at a cool, shady, and well-watered spot, presenting him with sugared water, and anointing his feet with the scented oil, and fitting them with the slippers, he bestowed on him the priestly offerings with which he was entrusted. '" This pair of cloths and other articles belonged to a certain thira who is attached to me as if he were a son : accepting them from him, I now give them all to thee." Having thus spoke, and presented (the th^ra) with these things ; Ho him who was departing, having accepted them, the "balattha" in the precise words of the king, delivered the royal message. ^Many asanhiyas of paid labourers, in the course of the construction of the thupa, becoming converts to the faith, went to " sugati."" The wise man bearing in mind that by ''conversion alone to the faith the supreme reward of being born in heaven is obtained, should make offerings also at the thiipa.' Two women who had worked for hire at this place, ''after the completion of the great thupa were born in the Tavatigsa heavens. ^"Both these (women), endowed with the merits resulting from their piety in their previous existence. ' " jessamine flower buds." ^ " cloths worth." s " These priestly articles were bought by me for a certain thfoa who ia attached to me, and this couple of cloths for my son." * " and having bowed unto him who had accepted them, and departed." ' " A. great number." ° " heaven." ' " only taking a delight in Buddha." ' Add " (as the following story will illustrate)." " " (died), and." '" Insert " After the completion of the great thilpa both " &o. 91—87 Q* 114 THE MAHAvA^SA. calling to mind what the act of piety of that prcTious existence was, and preparing fragrant flowers and other offerings, descended ^(at a subsequent period) to this thdpa to make oblations. Haying made these flower and other offerings to the cetiya, they bowed down in worship. At the same instant the th£ra Mah&siva, resident at the Bhdtivaiika vih&ra, who had come in the night time, ^saying, " Let me pray at the great tMpa"; seeing these females, concealing himself behind a great " sattapanni " tree, and stationing himself unperceived, he gazed on their miraculous attributes. At the termination of their 'prayers he addressed them thus : " By the efful- gence of the light proceeding from your persons the whole island has been illuminated. By the performance of what act was it, that from hence ye were transferred to the world of the devas ? " These d^vatas replied to him: " The work performed by us at the great thdpa." Such is the magnitude of the fruits derived from faith in the ''successor of former Buddhas ! ^ Asby the bricklayers the thupa was successively raised three times to the height of the ledge on which the jlower-offeritigs are deposited, (on each occasion) the inspired (thiras) caused (the edifice) to sink to the level of the ground. In this manner they depressed (the structure) altogether nine times. There- upon the king desired that the priesthood might be assembled. The priests who met there were eighty thousand. The r&j& repairing to the assembled priesthood, and making the usual offerings, bowed down to them, and inquired regarding the sinking of the masonry. The priesthood replied, " That is brought about by the inspired priests, to prevent the sinking of the thdpa itself (when completed) : but now, MahSr4j4 1 it will not occur again. Without entertaining any further apprehensions, proceed in the completion of this undertaking." Receiving this reply, the delighted monarch proceeded with the building of the thdpa. At the completion for the tenth time up to the ledge on which flower-offerings are deposited, ten kutis of bricks (had been consumed). The priesthood, for the purpose of obtaining (m^ghavanna) cloud-coloured stones for the formation of the receptacle of the relic, assigned the task of procuring them to the s&maneras Uttara and Sumana, saying, " Bring ye them." They, repairing to Uttarakuru, brought six beautiful cloud-coloured stones, in length and breadth eighty cubits and eight inches in thickness, of the tint of the " ganthi " flower, without flaw, and resplendent like the sun. On the flower-offering ledge, in the centre, the inspired thiras placed one (of the slabs), and on the four sides they arranged four of them in the form of a box. The other, to be used for the cover, they placed to the eastward, where it was not seen. For the centre of this relic receptacle, the r&j& caused to be made an exquisitely beautiful bo-tree Hn gold. The height of the stem, ^including hen reduced to atoms, and conducing to the spiritual welfare of man- hind, being both duly weighed ; each act of piety will appear of equal importance (with the other); and as if unto the living deity himself of felicitous advent, he would render offerings to the relics of the divine sage. The thirtieth chapter in the Mah&vagaa, entitled " The Description of the Receptacle for the Relics," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXXI. The vanquisher of foes (Dutfha G&mani) having perfected the works to be executed within the relic receptacle, convening an assembly of the priest- hood, thus addressed them : " The works that were to be executed by me in the relic receptacle are completed ; to-morrow I shall enshrine the relics. Lords, bear in mind the relics." The monarch having thus delivered him- self, returned to the city. Thereupon the priesthood consulted together as to the priest to be selected to bring the relics ; and they assigned the office of 'escorting the relics to the disciple named Sdnuttara, who resided in the Pdjft parivena, and was master of the six departments of doctrinal knowledge. ^During the pilgrimage (on earth of Buddha) , the compassionating saviour of the world, this personage had (in a former existence) been a youth of the name Nanduttara ; who, having invited the supreme Buddha with his disciples, had entertained them on the hanks of the river (Ganges). The divine teacher with his sacerdotal retinue embarked there at PaySga-pattana in a vessel ; and the thera Bhaddaji (one of these disciples), master of the six branches of doctrinal knowledge, and endowed with supernatural powers, observing a great whirlpool (in the river), thus spoke to the fraternity: " Here is sub- merged the golden palace, twenty-five ydjanas in extent, which had been occupied by me, in my existence as king Mahapan&da (at the commencement of the " kappa").* The incredulous among the priests (on board), 'ore approaching the whirlpool in the river, reported the circumstance to the divine teacher. The said divine teacher (addressing himself to Bhaddaji) said, " Remove this scepticism of the priesthood." Thereupon that individual, in order that he might manifest his power over the Brahmaloka heavens, by his supernatural gift springing up into the air to the height of seven palmjrra trees, and stretching out his arm, brought to the spot (where he was poised) the Dussathupa, (in which the dress laid aside by Buddha as prince Siddhattha, on his entering into priesthood was enshrined in the Brahmaloka heaven, for its spiritual welfare) and exhibited it to the people. Thereafter, having restored it to its former position, returning to the (vessel on the) river, by his ' " Offerings presented in (sincere faith) by a lover of mankind unto the blessed, the iidorable, the supreme, and the enlightened Buddha while he yet lived, and those offered unto his relics which were dispersed (at his death), — are both equal in merit. Bearing this in mind, let the wise man, adorning himself with the ornaments of faith and virtue, make offerings unto the relics of the Sage as unto the living Lord himself." ' " procuring." ' " (Now at one time), during the pUgrimage of our Lord on earth for the bene- fit of mankind, a certain youth, by name Nanduttara, who dwelt on the banks of the Ganges, invited the supreme Buddha with his disciples and entertained them." * Insert " The stream of the Ganges comes in contact therewith at this place, (and thus creates this whirlpool)." « Dele. 118 THE iUAHAVAlJSA. supernatural powers he raised from the bed of the river the (submerged) palace, by laying hold of it, by a pinnacle, with his toes ; and having exhibited it to the people he threw it back there. The youth Nanduttara, seeing the miracle, ^spontaneously (arrived at this conviction): "It will he permitted to me to bring away a relic appropriated by another." On account of this ocourreace (which had taken place in a former existence) the priesthood selected 'Sdnuttara a {admaifera) priest, sixteen years of age, for the execution of this commission. He inquired of the priesthood " From whence can I bring relics ?" The priesthood Hhus replied to this thera : " The relic are these. The ruler of the universe, when seated on the throne on which he attained ' parinibbdna,' in order that he might pi'ovide for the spiritual welfare of the world by means of relics, thus addressed himself to (Sakka) the supreme of d^vas, regarding these relics : ' Lord of devas, out of eight ' ddnas ' of my corporeal relics one ' d6na ' will be preserved^ as an object of worship by the people of Koliya (in Jambudipa) : it will be transferred from thence to Nagaloka, where it will be worshipped by the nagas ; and ulti- mately it wUl be enshrined in the Mahathdpa, in the land Lagkii.' " The pre-eminent priest, the thira Maha Kassapa, being endowed with the foresight of divination, Hn order that he might be prepared for the extensive requisition which would be made (at a future period) by the monarch Dhamm^a6ka ^for relics, (by application) to king Aj&tasattu caused a great enshrinement of relics to be celebrated with every sacred solemnity, in the neighbourhood of Bdjagaha, and he transferred the other seven d6nas of relics (thither) ; but being cognizant of the wish of the divine teacher (Buddha), he did not remove the ' duna ' deposited at Bamag&ma. " The monarch Dhamm£s6ka seeing this great ^shrine of relics, resolved on 'the distribution of the eighth dona also. ' When thi day had been fixed for enshrining these relics in the great th&pa at (Pupphapura, removing them from Rdmagim/i), on that occasion also the sanctified ministers of religion prohibited Dhammdsdka. ^"The said thiipa, which stood at Ramagama on the bank of the Ganges, by the action of the current (in fulfilment of Buddha's predic- tion) was destroyed. The casket containing the relic being drifted into the ocean, ^^stationed itself at the point where the stream (of the Ganges) spreads in two opposite directions (on encountering the ocean), "on a bed of gems, dazzling by the brilliancy of their rays. Higas discovering this casket, repairing to the n&ga land Maiijdrika, reported the circumstance to the n&ga rjljd Kala. He proceeding thither attended by ten thousand k6tis of n&gas, and making offerings to the said relics, with the utmost solemnity removed them to his own realm. Erecting there a thiipa of the most precious materials, as well as an edifice over it, with the most ardent devotion he with his nlgas incessantly made oflerings to the same. It is guarded with the greatest vigilance ; (nevertheless) repairing thither bring the relics hither : ■ •< made this aspiration, namely, " May I (in a future existence) be endued with the power of bringing away a relic that is in the possession of another." " " the monk Soputtara, albeit he was only sixteen years old." * " then described the relics to the th^ra in this wise : ' The Chief of the world while lying on his bed of final emancipation,' " &c, * " at R&mag&ma. ' " seeing that an extensive diffusion of relies. ' Dele. ' " collection of relics for enshrinement. ' " procuring. * " But the sanctified priests who were there dissuaded Dhamm&soka, saying, ' It has been reserved by the Conqueror (Buddha) for enshrinement in the great thiipa (Buvanv§li).' " 10 u Uow the." " " rested on a bed of gems," >2 "and remained there covered with a halo of rays." CHAPTER XXXI. 119 to-morrow the protector of the land will celebrate the enshrining of the relics." Having attentively listened to the address thus made to him, and replying " SSdhu," he returned to his own pariv^pa, meditating as to the period at which he ought to depart on his mission. The monarch (Dutjha Q-fimani), in order that all things might be prepared in due order, caused proclamation to be made by beat of drums : " To-morrow the enshrining of relics will take place ;" and enjoined that the whole town, as well as the roads leading (to the Mah&vih4ra), should be decorated, and that the inhabitants of the capital should appear in their best attire. Sakka, the supreme of d^vas, sending for Vissakamma, had the whole of Lagk& decorated in every possible way. At the four gates of the city the ruler of men provided, for the accommodation of the. people, clothing and food of every description. Ou the full moon day, in the evening, this popular (monarch), wise in the administration of regal affairs, adorned in all the insignia of majesty, and attended by bands of singers and dancers of every description ; by his guard of warriors fully caparisoned ; by his great military array, consisting of elephants, horses, and chariots, resplendent by the perfection of their equipment ; mounting his state carriage, (to which) four perfectly white steeds of the Sindhava breed (were harnessed), stood, bearing a golden casket for (the reception of) the relics, under the white canopy of dominion. Sending forward the superb state elephant Kandula fully comparisoned to lead the procession, men and women (carrying) one thousand and eight exquisitely resplendent "punnaghata" (replenished vases) encircled the state carriage. Females bearing the same number of baskets of flowers and of torches, and youths in their full dress bearing a thousand and eight superb banners of various colours, surrounded (the car). From the united crash of every description of instrumental and vocal music, and the sounds heard from different quarters, produced by the movements of elephants, horses, and carriages, the earth appeared to be rending asunder. This pre-eminently gifted sovereign, progressing in state to the Mahdm^gha garden, shone forth like the king of d^vas in his progress to his own garden Nandana. The priest S6(iuttara, while yet at his pariv^na, hearing for the first time the burst of the musical sounds which announced the procession to be in motion, instantly diving into the earth, and proceeding (subterraneously) to the land of nftgas, there presented himself to the n&ga n'lja. The n4ga king rising from his throne, and reverentially bowing down to him, seated him (thereon) ; and having shown him every mark of respect, inquired from what land he had come. On his having explained himself, he then asked the thera for what purpose he had come ; who, after detailing all the principal objects, then delivered the message of the priesthood : " For the purpose of enshrining at the Mah4thdpa, pursuant to the predictive injunction of Buddha, do thou surrender to me the relics which have fallen into thy hands." On hearing this demand, the n&ga r&j6, plunged into the deepest consternation, thus thought : " Surely this sanctified character is endowed with power to obtain them by forcible means ; therefore it is expedient that the relics should be transferred to some other place"; and ' (secretly) signi- fied to his nephew, who was standing by, '" By some means or other (let this he done)." That individual, whose name was Visuladatta, understanding his uncle's intention, hastening to the relic apartment swallowed the relic casket ; and repairing Vo the foot of mount Mdru (and by his supernatural powers extending his own dimensions) to three hundred ydjanas, with a hood ' intimated his purpose by a sign." ' Dele. 120 THE mahAva^sa. ^ forty yfijanas broad, coiling himBelf up, remained there. This preter- naturally-gifted nfiga, spreading out thoueands of hoods and retaining his coiled-up position, emitted smoke and ' lightning; and calling forth thousands of snakes similar to himself, and encircling himself with them, remained coiled t here. On this occasion, innumerable ddvas and nigas assembled at this place, saying, " Let us witness the contest between these two ^parties, the snakes (and the thira)." The uncle, satisfying himself that the relics had been removed by his nephew, thus replied to the thera : " The relics are not in my possession.'' The said th^ra, revealing to the naga r&ja the travels of these relics from the commencement (to their arrival in the land of n&gas), said, " Give up those relics to me." The ophite king, in order that he might ^indicate to the thera (that he must search) elsewhere, escorting and conducting him to the relic apart- ment, proved that (point) to him. The priest beholding the cetiya and the citiya apartment, both exquisitely constructed, and superbly ornamented in various ways loith every description of treasure, exclaimed, "All the accumulated treasures in Layka would fall short of the value of the last step of the stair (of this apartment) ; who shall describe the rest!" ''(The ndga king, for- getting his previous declaration that the relics were not there, retorted): " Priest, the removal of the relic from a place where it is preserved in so perfect a manner, to a place inferior in the means of doing honour to it, surely cannot be right ?" (Sdnattara replied) : " NSga, it is not vouchsafed unto you n&gas to attain Hhe fovA' superior grades of sanctiflcation : it is quite right, therefore, to remove the relics to a place where ''the four superior grades of sanctification are attainable. TathSgatas (Buddhas) are born to redeem beings endowed with existence from the miseries inseparable from sags&ra (interminable transmigration). In the present case also there is an object of Buddha's (to be accomplished). In fulfilment thereof I remove these relics. On this very day the monarch (of Layk&) is to effect the enshrinement of the relics. Therefore, without causing unavailing delays, instantly surrender the relics." The nAgi Hnsidicmsly rejoined : " Lord, ^as thou (of course) seesi the relics, taking them begone." The thera made him repeat that declaration three times. Thereupon the thera, without moving from that spot, miraculously creating an invisibly attenuated arm, and thrusting its hand down the mouth of the nephew (at mount MSru) instantly possessed himself of the relic casket. Then saying (to K&la), " Nfiga, rest thou here "; rending the earth, he reascended at his pariv^na (at Anur&dhapura). The n&ga vkji, then sent a message to his nephew to bring back the relics, informing him at the same time, " The priest is gone, completely deceived by us." In the meantime, the nephew becoming conscious that the casket was no longer in his stomach, returning, imparted the same to his uncle with loud lamentations. Then it was that the ndga r4j4, exclaiming, " It is we who are deceived," wept. The afflicted n&gas also all mourned (the loss of the relic). The devas assembled (at Meru to witness the conflict), exulting ' " one y6jana.'' "" fire." ' " n&gas." The word ndga means a serpent as well as a chief or magnate used here to apply to both the snake and the th^ra. < " make an impression on the thSra in another way, took him to the c€tiya house and praised the beauty thereof, saying, ' Behold, O priest, this cetiya and the house which covers it, so exquisitely built aud adorned with divers gems.' All the," &c. ■ > Dele. • " to an understanding of the four Great Truths.'" ' "an understanding of the four Great Truths is." » Dele. ' " if thou seest the relics, take them and depart." CttAPTBR XXXII. 121 at the priest's victory over the niga, and making offerings to the relidi) accoittpanied hittl (hither). The n^as, who were in the deepest affliotioti at the tehioval of the rfelidi, also presenting themselves, full Of lamentation, t6 the th^ras (at AsiMiiAhk' pura), wept. The priesthood, out of compassion to them, bestowed 6n thfeifl 'as trifling relic. They delighted thereat, departing (to the land of hkgAS); brought back treasures worthy of being presented as bfEeringd. Sakka, with his host of d^vas, repaired to this spot, taking trith hitt A gem-set throne and a golden casket ; and arranged that throne in a SUperb golden hall, Constructed by Yissakamma himself, on the Spot Where the th^ra waa to emerge from the earth. Receiving the Casket of relics from the hands of the said th6ra (as he emerged), atid encasing it in the casket (prepared by himself), deposited it on that superb throne. Brahma tra^ in atteildance bearing his parasol ; SantUsita with his " c&mara "; Suy&ma With his jewelled fan ; and Sakka with his chank filled with consecrated Water. The four great kings (of the C&tummah4r&jika heavens) stood there with drawn swords; and thirty- three supernaturally-gifted d6vas bearing baskets of flowers.' There stood thirty-tWo princesses ^mahing offerings of "pdric- chatta " flowers ; and twenty-eight yakkha chiefs, *mih lighted torches, ranged themselves as a guard of protection, driving away the fierce yakkhas. There stood Paficasikha striking the harp ; and Timbaru, with his stage arranged, dancing and singing ; innumerable devas singing melodious strains ; and the n&ga rkjk Mah6k4la rendering every mark of honour. The host of d6vat4s kept up their celestial music, poured forth their heavenly songs, and caused fragrant showers to descend. The aforesaid thera Indagutta, in order that he might prevent the inter- ference Of MAra (Death), caused a metaUie parasol to be produced Which covered the whole " cakkavMa." In the front of the relics, at five several places, all the priests kept up chants. The delighted VoaMtajk Duttha Gdmatli repaired thither, and depositing the relics in the golden casket which he had brought in proeession on the crown of his head, placed them on the throne ; and having made offerings and bowed down in worship to the relics, there stationed himSeU, With elas|>ed hands uplifted in adoration. Beholding theSe divine paraSols and Other paraphernalia, aiid heavenly fragrant (flowers and incense), and hearing all this Celestial musid, While at the same time Brahma and the d^vas were invisible (to him), the monarch delighted and overcome by the Wonders of these miracles dedicated his canopy of dominion to the relics, and invested them with the sovereignty of Lapkd ; exclaiming in the exuberance Of his joy, " Thrice Over do I dedicate my kingdom to the ^redeenter of the World, the divine teacher, the bearer of the triple canopy— the canopy of the heavenly host, the canopy of mortals, and the canopy Of etefhal emancipation"; and accordingly he dedicated the empire of Lagkd three times successively to the relics. The monarch attended by dgvas and men, and bearing oil his head the casket containing the relics, making presentations of offerings thereto, and surrounded by the priesthood, marched in procession round the thupa; and then ascending it on the eastern side, he descended into the relic receptacle. Surrounding this supreme thiSpa on all sides, stood ninety-Six " ktitis " of " arhat " priests with uplifted olaSped hands. WhUe the ruler of men, having descended to the relic receptacle, was in the act of deciding, " Let me deposit them on this invaluable splendid altar"; the relics, together with the casket ' " a few relics." ' Add " and making offerings of ' pftricohatta flowers.' ' ' " bearing lighted torches." * ^ele. , . » " lord." 91—87 R* 133 THE MAHAvA^'SA. rising up from his' head to the height of seven palmyra trees, remained poised in the air. The casket then opened spontaneously, and the relics disengaging themselves therefrom and assuming the form of Buddha, resplendent with his special attributes, according to the resolve made by the deity of felicitous advent while living, they worked a' miracle '0/ two apposite results, similar to the one performed by Buddha at the foot of the gau<]amba tree. On witnessing this miracle, twelve k6(is of dSvas and men, impelled by the ardour of their devotion, attained the sanctification of " arhat." The rest who attained the other three stages of sanctification are innumerable. These (relics) relinquishing the assumed personification of Buddha, reverted to the casket, and then the casket descended on the head of the vkjk. This 'chief of victors (Duttha GrSmani), together with the th^ra Indagutta and the band of musicians and choristers, Entering the relic receptacle, and moving in procession round the ^pre-eminent throne, deposited it on the golden altar. ^Bathing his feet and hands with the fragrant water poured on them, and anointing them with the four aromatic unctions, the ruler of the land, the delight of the people, with the profoundest reverence opened the casket, and taking up the relics made this aspiration : " If it be destined that these relics should per. manently repose ''anywhere, and if it be destined that these relics should remain enshrined (here), providing a refuge of salvation to the people ; may they, assuming the form of the divine teacher when heated on the throne on which he attained ' parinibbdna,' recline on the superb invaluable altar already prepared here." Having thus prayed, he deposited the relics on the supreme altar ; and the relics assuming the desired form reposed themselves on that pre-eminent altar. Thus the relics were enshrined on the fifteenth day of the bright half of the month " &s&lhi," being the full moon, and under the constellation " uttar6s&lha." ^From the enshrining of the relics the great earth quaked, and in various ways divers miracles were performed. The devoted monarch dedicated his imperial canopy to the relics, and for seven days invested them with the sovereignty over the whole of La^kS, ; and while within the recep- tacle he made an offering of all the regal ornaments he had on his person. The band of musicians and choristers, the ministers of state, the people in attendance, and the d6vatls did the same. The monarch bestowing on the priesthood robes, cane sugar, buffalo butter, and other offerings, kept up throughout the night chants hymned by the priests. Next day this regardful monarch of the welfare of his people caused it to be proclaimed by beat of drums through the capital : " Let all my people during the ensuing seven days worship the relics." The chief thSra Indagutta, pre-eminently gifted with supernatural powers, formed this aspiration : " May the inhabitants of La^ki, who are desirous of worshipping the relics, instantly repairing hither, worship the relics ; and in like manner return to their respective homes 1" His prayer came to pass accordingly. This indefatigable great monarch having kept up alms-offerings for seven days, without interruption, to the great body of priests, thus addressed them : *' The task assigned to me within the relic receptacle has been accomplished : let the priesthood who are acquainted therewith proceed to close the receptacle." The priesthood allotted the task to the two samaneras (Uttara and Suma^a), who closed the relic receptacle with the stone brought by ' Insert " biform." " Dele. ' " illustrious chief." * Dele. <' relic receptacle, entered it and deposited the casket." " " Washing his hands." ' '' undisturbed by any (enemies)." ' " lyin^ on the bed," ' " Simultaneously with." OtlAi'TER ixxit. 123 them. The sanctified ministers of religion moreover formed these aspirations : " May the flowers ofEered here never perish I May these aromatic drugs never deteriorate I May these lamps never be extinguished I May no injury, from any circumstance whatever, be sustained by these ! May these cloud- coloured stones (of the receptacle) for ever continue joined, without showing an interstice !" ^All this came to pass accordingli/. This regardful sovereign then issued this order : " If the people at large are desirous of enshrining relics, let them do so." And the populace, according to their means, enshrined thousands of relics on the top of the shrine of the principal relics (before the masonry dome was closed). Inclosing all these, the r&j& completed (the dome of) the thiipa : at this point (on the crown of the dome). he formed on the o6tiya its square capital, (on which the spire was to be based). 'Thm ( like unto Duftha Gdmani,8ome) truly pious men, for the purpose of indi- vidually earning for themselves the supreme of all rewards (nibbuti), accumulate acts of the purest piety ; and again (also like unto Duffha Gdmanl, other) men endowed viith the purest spirit of piety, horn in every grade in society (from the khattiya and the hrahma to the lowest class J, on account of the spiritual welfare of the human race at large perform f similar acts of pious m^rit). The 'thirty-first chapter in the Mahivapsa, entitled " The Enshrining of the Relics," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXXn. When the construction of the spire and the plastering of the c^tlya alone remained to be completed, the r4j& was afflicted with the disease which ter- minated his existence. Sending for his younger brother Tissa from Digha - vipi, he said to him, " Perfect the work still left unfinished at the thdpa." As his brother was in the last stage of weakness (and as he was desirous of exhibiting the cetiya to him in its completed form) this prince caused a case, made of white cloths, to be sewed by seamsters, and enveloped the cetiya therewith. He also employed painters to paint the pannelled basement ; and thereupon rows of filled vases, and ornaments radiating like the five fingers (were represented). He employed parasol-frame- weavers to form the frame of a temporary) spire, made of bamboos ; and in the same manner with "kharapatta" he formed & (temporary) parapet round the pinnacle, repre- senting thereon the sun and the moon ; and having painted the ssCme most beautifully with red stick lac and " kugkuma," he made this announcement to the king : " The work which was to be performed at the thtipa is dom-' pleted." The ruler of the land repaired thither, carried extended on his " siviki"; and causing himself to be borne in the " sivik4 " round the cetiya, and having bowed down thereto in worship ^near its southern entrance, — extending himself on a carpet spread on the ground,* and turning on his right side, he gazed on this pre-eminent Mah&thilpa ; and then turning on his left side, he fixed his eyes on the magnificent L6hap&s&da ; and finding himself at the same time encircled by the priesthood, he was filled with joy. The number of priests who congregated on that occasion to inquire after the patient were ninety-six ' Dele. ' " So do good men, pure in heart, themselves perform, and also cause others to perform, pure actions, which are the means of securing the highest of all blessings as well as of obtaining a multitude of followers of divers kinds." ' Omit. ' Insert " near its southern entrance," 124 THE MAhIvA^SA. " kd(is." These miniaters of religion, in their separate fraternities, hymned forth their prayers (for the royal patient's spiritual conaolatipn), The monarch noticing that the thira Th^raputt&bhaya was not present on t^XS occasion, thus meditated : " There was a great warrior, who had fought twenty-eight pitched battles by my side, undaunted, and without retreating a step : but now that he is a th^ra, by the name of Thdraputt&bhaya, though hf| sees me struggling with death, and on the eve of being vanquished, does not approach me." The said thera, who was resident at the Pan jali mountain, ^t tl)6 source of the river Karinda, cognizant of his meditation, attended by a retinue of five hundred sanctified disciples, and, by their supernatural pp-vf er, travelling through the air, descended, and arranged themselves around t^9 inonarch. The r&j4, overjoyed at beholding him, Eind causing him to be seated imme^ di^t^ly in front of him, thus addressed him : " In times past, supported by i\\^e, (pn^ of) my ten warriors, I engaged in 'vyar : now-single handed I have cpmqienced my conflict with Death. It will not be permitted to me to over- oonte this mortal antagonist." Th^ tl\&Ta replied : " Mah&rdji, rul^r of men, pompose thyself. Without sub- duing the dominion of the foe, gin, the power of the foe, Death, is invincible, !^or l)y pur diviue teacher it has been announced, that all that is launched intp thi.9 transitory world will most assuredly perish ; the whole creation, therefore, is perishable. This principle of dissolution (continued Th^ra- puttfibhaya) uninfluenced by the impulses of shame or fear, exerts its power even over Buddha. From hence impress thyself with the conviction, that created things are subject to dissolution, afiBicted with griefs, and destitute of immortality. In thy existence immediately preceding the present one (in the character of the s&man6ra priest, resident at the Tissirima vih&ra) Hm- bited with tJie purest of piety while on the eve of transmigration to the ' Divalolea ' WQt'ld, relinquishing that heavenly beatitude, and repairing thither, thou didst perfpnu m.^nifoId acts pf piety in various ways. 'By thy having reduced this r^alm under one sovereignty, ^and restored the glorification of the faith, *a gnat service has been rendered. Lord t call to thy recollection the many acts of piety p^rf orp^ed Irpm that period to the present day, and consolation will be ineyitjvbly d^FJv^d by thee." Th? r4j& 01) ^P^ring this exhortation of the th^ra, received the greatest relief ; ftpd thna addressed him : '" Tlioit, supportest me Hhen even in my struggle with De^th," The consoled (monarch) instantly causing to be brought th§ " pui)@^pQtth^t:a,g " (register of deeds of piety), commanded his secretary t() r<^ad (its Qoptent^), who accordingly read aloud the said record : " One hundred, minus one, vih&ras have been constructed by the Mah&raj&. The ]yi^ripa,vat(i Tihira ppst nineteen k6tis ; the pre-eminent Ldhap&s&da was built for thirty k6\ia ; in the construction of Mah&thupa twenty invaluable treasures werp exppndpd ; the rest of the works at the Mahithdpa, executed by thi? truly wise personage, cost a thousand kdtis." "O Mah4r&j4 (con- tinued the secretary), during the prevalence in the Kotthaka division of a faminp, to such fi^n extent that the inhabitants lived on the young sprouts of trpes, i^i (therefore) called the ' aggakkhiyika ' famine, two invaluable ear- prnapxpnts were givpn a,wfty, in the fervour of thy devotion, in order that thou ' " Uiy ambition tq do good was truly great ; for when the world of the gods was then even nigh unto thee (and thou oouldst have been born therein) thou didst renounce." « " The object of thy." ' " was that thou mightest restore the glory." * Omit. » " Verily, thou." •Omit. CftAPlER XXXII. 125 mightest become the eminent donor of a mess made of ^kangu, seed, which had already commenced to get sovm, to five eminent thfiras, -vrho had overcome the dominion of sin.' ' On (the secretary) proceeding to read " On the defeat at the battle fought at OiSlaiiganiya, in his flight, .the call of refection being set up, disregardf ul of himself, to a sanctified minister who approached travel- ling through the air, the repast contained in his golden dish was given," — the monarch interrupting him (proceeded to narrate his acts after, his accession) : ' " The festivals of seven days at. the great (Maricava^fi) vihfira ; in like manner' the festival at the (L6ha) p&s&da ; as also 'the festival of seven days at the MahAthApa ; in like manner at the enshrining of the relics, to the priest- hood of both sexes, who had come from the four quarters of the globe, a sumptuous alms-offering had been kept up, without the slightest omission, by me in great profusion. I have celebrated the great ' vesAkha ' festival four and twenty times. I have bestowed, on three separate occasions, on the whole priesthood in the island the three garments (which constitute the sacerdotal robes). On five several occasions I have conferred, with the most gratified feelings, on the national church, the sovereignty over this land, for a term of seven days in each instance. I have constantly celebrated, in ofEerings to the deity of felicitous advent, in twelve different places, an illumination of seven thousand lamps, lit with clarified butter and white wicks. I have daily main- tained at eighteen different places (hospitals) provided with suitable diet; and medicines prepared by medical practitioners for the infirm. I have bestowed at four and forty places rice prepared with sugar and honey ; and at the same number of places rice prepared with butter ; at the same number of places confectionery dressed in clarified butter ; at the same places, ordinary rice, constantly. I have provided monthly *all the vihdras in La^k^ with lamp oU, for the ^eight ' uposatha ' days in each month. Having learnt that the ofiice of expounding the scriptures was an act of greater merit than the bestowal of offerings, ' I will to-morrow,' I exclaimed, ' in the midst of the priesthood, ascend the pulpit on the ground floor of the L6hap&s4da, and expound the ' maiigala ' discourse of Buddha to the priesthood ' ; but when I had taken my place, from reverential deference to the ministers of religion, I found myself incapable of uttering. From that period, I have caused the preaching of religious discourses to be kept up in the vihdras in various parts of Lagki, supporting the ministers of religion who were gifted with the power of preaching. I have caused to be provided for each priest endowed with the gift of preaching, clarified butter, sugar, and honey, a ' n£li ' of each ; I have provided a 'piece of liquorice of the ''breadth of the four fingers of the hand ; '/ have provided also two cloths for each. But all these offerings having been conferred in the days of my prosperityj do not afford me any mental relief. The two offerings made by me, disregardf ul of my own fate, when I was 'apious character afflicted in adversity, are those which alone administer comfort to my mind." The aforesaid Abhayath^ra, hearing this declaration of the r6j&, explained ^"from various passages (of the " tepitaha "^ the causes which led to the monarch being especially comforted by the recollection of those two offerings ; (and thus proceeded) : " The chief th6ra MAliyaddva, one of the five priests who had accepted the kadgu mess, dividing the same among five hundred of the fraternity resident at the mountain Sumana, himself also p^took of it, ' " kangn and acidulated sanoe." KaAgu is a sort of millet, panick seed, which, when boiled, makes an excellent meal, «"Atthe." ' Insert '• at." '" the eight vihdras." •Omit. • " handful." ' " length." •"and.'' •Omit. "Omit. l26 I'HE MAflAVA^SA. (Another of these five) the thSra Dhammagutta, the ^earthquaker, partook of his portion with five hundred of the fraternity of Kaly&ni vih&ra. (The third) the th^ra Dhammadinna, of Taladga, partook of his portion, dividing it with twelve thousand of the fraternity of Piyadgudipa. (The fourth) the thdra Khuddatissa, endowed with miraculous powers, resident at Madgana, partook of his share, dividing it with sixty thousand of the frater- nity of K^Msa. (The fifth) the chief th^ra Mah&byaggha, partook of his portion, dividing it with five hundred of the fraternity of Ukkunaga vih&ra. The thera (Tissa, the son of a certain kutumbaka) who had accepted the rice offered in the golden dish (at the Kappakandara river) partook thereof, dividing it with twelve thousand of the fraternity of PiyaiSgudipa." The thdra Abhaya having thus spoken, administered mental comfort to the king. The r&j& having derived consolation, thereupon replied to the thera ; " For four and twenty years have I been the patron of the priesthood : may even my corpse be rendered subservient to the protection of the ministers of the faith ! Do ye, therefore, consume the corpse of him who has been (as submissive as) a slave to the priesthood, in some conspicuous spot in the yard of the ' up6satha ' hall 'at the Mah&thdpa." Having expressed these wishes, he addressed his younger brother : " My beloved Tissa, do thou complete, in the most efficient and perfect' manner, all that remains to be done at the Mahlthdpa : present flower-offerings morning and evening at the Mah&thtipa ; keep up three times a day (the sacred service with) the full band of musicians at the Mah&thupa. Whatever may have been the offer- ings prescribed by me to be made to the religion of the deity of felicitous advent, do thou, my child, keep up, without any diminution. My beloved, in no respects, in the offices rendered to the priesthood, let there be any intermission." Having thus admonished him, the ruler of the land dropped into silence. At that instant the assembled priesthood simultaneously chanted forth a hymn ; and from the six devaldkas devatas presented themselves in six chariots. These d4vas remaining in their cars, separately (implored) the monarch : " B&ja, repair to our delightful devaloka." The king hearing their (clamorous) entreaty, silenced them by a signal of his hand, which implied, " As long as I am listening to the doctrines of Buddha, so long must ye wait." The priests, imagining that he wished to arrest the progress of the hymn, (abruptly) ceased their chant. The rdja inquired the cause thereof. They answered, " Because by the signal made (we understood thee) to say 'stop.'" The king rejoining, "Lords, not so," explained what the signal meant. On hearing this explanation, some of the assembly (as the devas and chariots were invisible to them) observed : " Surely this (monarch) is thus supplicating, overawed by the dread of death." For the purpose of removing this misconception, the thira Abhaya thus addressed the monarch : " What should be done to make manifest that they (the d^vas and chariots) are in attendance f" The all- wise king ^flung wreaths of flowers into the air. They, attaching themselves separately one to each chariot, remained pendent. The multitude witnessing these pendent wreaths were disabused of their misconception. The raj& then thus addressed himseU to the th^ra : " Lord I which is the most delightful devaldlia ?" He replied, " It has been held by pious men, viji, that Tusitapura is a delightful d^val(3ka. The all-compassionate Bodhisatta, Metteyya, tarries in Tusitapura, awaiting his advent to Buddha- hood." ' The epithet used in the text ib pa(havi-pilaka,Yrh.idh, even when applied to a holy monk, can only mean " the saviour or preserver of mankind." » " within sight of." ' " caused to be flung." OHAPTEn XXXIII. 127 Having received this explanation from the th€ra, this pre-eminently wise Mah&Tkjk ^expired in the act of gazing on the Mahithdpa, stretched on his bed. Instantly (his spirit) disengaging itself (from his mortal remains), and being regenerated in the chariot which had been sent, his hearenly figure manifested itself standing up in the said oar. In order that he might display the realised reward of his pious life, exhibiting his '(regenerated J person, adorned in the utmost perfection, to the multitude, and retaining his position in the chariot, he drove round the Mahathdpa three times ; and then bowing down to the Mah&thiipa as well as the priesthood, departed for Tusita. 'From the circumstance of the women of the palace having assembled there, and wept with dishevelled (maJcufa) hair, the hall built on the spot (to commemorate where the monarch expired) v)as called Makuta-mutta-sAld. At the instant that the corpse of the rijk was placed on the funeral pile, the multitude (arivi) set forth their clamorous lamentation. From that circumstance the edifice erected there obtained the name of Rftvavatti sUa. On the spot where they burnt the corpse of the r&j&, in a yard without the consecrated ground (devoted for religious purposes), a Mdlaka square was formed, which obtained the name of the Saj&-m&laka. This Duttha Gr&mani raja, eminently worthy of his exalted state, will hereafter become the chief disciple of the sanctified Mette yya Buddha. The father of the rijk will become the father, and his mother the mother, of the said Metteyya (Buddha) ; and his younger brother Saddhi Tissa will become his second disciple. The son of this monarch, the prince royal Sili, will become the son of the sanctified Metteyya Buddha. *Thus (like unto Duifha Gdmani) he who is intent on acts of piety, and leads a virtuous life, eschewing the innumerable sins which are undefinable, enters the heavenly mansions as if they were his own habitation. From this circumstance, the truly pious man will be incessantly devoted to the performance of acts of piety. The thirty-second chapter in the Mahdvapsa, entitled, " The Departure for Tusitapura," composed equally for the delight and afBiction of righteous CHAPTER XXXin. During the reign of the rkji Duttha Gftmani the nation enjoyed great prosperity. He had a son renowned under the designation of the royal prince Sdli, gifted with good fortune in an eminent degree, and incessantly devoted to acts of piety. He became enamoured of a lovely female of the caniddla caste. Having been wedded in a former existence also to this maiden, whose name was As6kam&M, and who was endowed with exquisite beauty, fascinated therewith he relinquished his right to the sovereignty (to retain his low-born wife). ' " closed his eyes while yet." " " divine re-embodied." ' The meaning of this passage is somewhat obscure. The Ba^uvantn^ave- SumaAgala version makes it, " The hall built at the spot where the dancing women, came and took off the (dead king's) crown was called the Makuta-mutta- eiU," {' the hall where the crown was taken ofE '). The word nd(ahittM means, here as well as elsewhere in these Chapters, women of the palace, kept to amuse the king with singing, dancing, &c. — artistes. Makufa may mean a crown or a knot of dressed hair. Here it evidently means the latter. * A more literal rendering would have been preferable : — " Thus he who is ever intent on good works and does them covers a multitude of venial sins, and enters into heaven as freely as he does into his own house. Therefore should the man of wisdom be constantly diligent in good works." 128 THE mahAva^sa. Saddh& Tissa, the brother of Dutt^a G&iaanf, on his demise succeeding to the monarchy, ^completed eighteen years during his reign. This monarch, whose name implies the sincerity of his faith, completed the pinnacle, the plastering (of the dome), and the enclosing parapet wall, decorated with figures of elephants, of the Mah^thdpa. 'The Ldhap&sdda, which had been constructed in this island (by the late king J, did not endure: (the present monarch) subsequently built it seven stories high, and the edifice cost nine " kdtis." In the course of his reign he erected the Dakkinigiri and the Kallakallena vih&ras, as well as the KulumbSla, the PettaiSgavMi, the VllangaviUii the Dubbalav&pitissa, the Duratissakav&pi, as alsohismother'svih&ra, and ^Digha- vdpi vihdra, distant each one ydjana from the other. *At the same time with Dighavdpi vihdra he huilt the citiya of that name ; the pinnacle of that citiya he decorated with every description of gems. Thereon, at appropriate places, he suspended exquisite flowers made in gold, of the size of a chariot wheel. This most fortunate monarch made eighty-four thousand offerings to the eighty-four thousand " dhammakkhandas," 'of Buddha. Having performed these numberless acts of piety, this ruler of the land, on severing himself from his mortal frame, was regenerated in the Tusita heavens. While the raja Saddhi Tisaa yet resided atDigbavapi, his eldest son Lajji- tissa constructed the delightful Gririkumbhila vihSra. A younger (the second) son, Thullatthanaka, built the vih&ra called Kandara. At the time that his father repaired to the court of his brother Duttha G&mani, Thullatthanaka accompanied him, 'giving over the charge of his vihdra to the priesthood. On the demise of Saddhdtissa, all the ofiicers of state assembled, and having convened a meeting of priests at the Thdp^ama, hinder the advice of the priesthood, for the purpose of providing for the administration of the country, they inaugurated Thullatthanaka. On hearing of this proceeding, Lajjitissa hastened hither (to Anur&dbapura), and seizing (Thullatthanaka, put him to death), and assumed possession of his rightful sovereignty. The r&j& Thullatthanaka reigned only one month and ten days. This Lajjitissa continued for three years displeased with the priesthood, *as they had set aside his prior right of succession, and refused to patronise them. Subsequently the monarch 'forgave the priesthood ; and as a penance, contri- buting three lacs, caused three altars, formed entirely of stone, to be erected at the Mah&thlipa. The ruler of the land caused also, by expending a lac, the ground around the Mah&thlipa and the Th)ipirdma to be levelled ; and at the ThiipElrama establishment he enclosed the citiya in a superb case of stone. In front of the ThtipSr&ma he built the thiipa of stone (therefore called) Silk- thbpa, and the hall (called after the king) Lajjitissa, for the accommodation of the priesthood. Expending another lac, '"he built a cetiya at the Citiya ' " reigned full eighteen years." ' The meaning of this passage has been entirely mis-appieheuded. It should be rendered thus: — "(Audit happened that in this king's reign) the stately L6hap£sada caught fire from a lamp and was burnt down. He (Saddha Tissa) built it up again and formed a seven-storied building. It was then worth only ninety lacs (nine millions)." The original building, consisting of nine stories, cost D€v£nampiya Tissa thirty hi(ia, or crores, equal to three hundred millions. " " and also vihsras as far as Dfghavfipi." * " He alao built the Dighavipi vihtf ra together with a o6tiya, and made for it a covering (of network) resplendent with divers gems. On the seams thereof " to. » "sections of the Law." ' "in order thathemightgive." ' " with the consent." '" saying, ' They oared not even for the order of seniority,' and reviled them," • " sought forgiveness from." i» " he encased with stone the citiya at tie CItiyagiri vihfira." CHAPTER XXXIII. 129 vihara, and encased it with aUmi. ' Unto the sixty thousand priests resident at the GiriJcumhhila vih&ra he made offerings of the garments composing the sacerdotal robes. He built also the Ari^vha and the Kandarahinaka vihAras, and for the itinerant priests he supplied medicinal drugs. Inquiring always of the priestesses, " What do ye need ?" he provided' the rice requisite for their maintenance. He reigned in this land nine years and eight monthsj On the demise of Lajjitissa, his younger brother Khall^tan£ga (succeeded, and) reigned for six years. For the embellishment of the L6hap^&da he constructed thirty-two edifices 'adjacent to it. Enclosing the beautiful great thiipa Hcmamdlt, he formed a square strewed with sand, with a wall built round it. This monarch also constructed the Kurundap&saka vihara and caused *every observance of regal piety to be kept up. The minister Mah£- rattaka, 'assuming the character of the ruler of the land, seized, the r&jA Khal- Ift^anAga in the very capital (and put him to death). The younger brother of that king, named Vatta G&manf, putting that per- fidious minister to death, assumed the sovereignty. He adopted as his own son Mah&culika, the son of his late elder brother Khall&tan%a ; and con- ferred on his mother Anuld the dignity of queen-consort. To him who thus assumed the character of a father, the people gave the appellation of " father-king." In the fifth month of the reign of the monarch who had assumed the sovereignty under these circumstances, a certain brahman 'pi-ince of the city of Nakula, in Bdhana, believing the prophecy of a certain' brahman 'Tissa (who predicted that he would become a king), in his infatuation became a marauder ; and his followers increased to great numbers. 'Seven damilas with a great army landed at Mah&tittha. 'TAe brahman and the seven damilas" despatched a letter to the reigning monarch to demand the surrender of the sovereignty. The king, who was gifted with the power of divination, sent an answer to the brahman to this effect : " The kingdom is thine from this day : subdue the (invading) damijas." He replying, " Be it so," attacked the damilas, who made him prisoner. These damijas there- upon waged war against the king, and the sovereign being defeated in a battle fought at the outskirts of KojambUaka, mounting his chariot, fled through the Titth&r&m4 gate. This Titthdrfimft had been built by Pandukfibhaya, and had always been assigned, as a residence (to people of foreign religions) during the reign of twenty-one kings (including the B6hapa sovereigns). A certain "professor of a different religion, named Giri, seeing him in his flight, shouted out in a loud voice, " The great black Sihala is flying." The MahS,- rfiji hearing this thus resolved within himself : " Whenever my wishes are realised, I will build a vihAra here." Deciding within himself, " I am bound to save the pregnant queen Anul.6, as well as Mah&ciila, and my own child Mah&nSga," the king retained them with him : and in order that the weight of the chariot might be diminished, with her entire consent he handed the (other) queen Somadivi out of the carriage, bestowing on her "a small beautiful jewel. '"At the feast of the Girikumbhila yihdra he made ofEerings unto sixty thousand priests." ' Insert " what they wanted and." ' " around." < " other works of merit also to be performed." ' Omit. " " youth," cefaka. This word is also used to signify a young servant,— a "boy." ' Insert " f ooUsh." ' " Tiya." ' TnseH "(About this time)." '° " Thereupon the brahman Tlya." " Insert " also." " " Nigaptha " (one of a sect of Hindu anchorites). " " his beautiful crest-gem," 91—87 130 UHB MAUAVA^SA. When he set out to engage in battle, ^he had taken iheprinceB and the queen» with him, but omitted to remove the refection dish of the vanquisher. 'Per- plexed by Ma anxiety (regarding the safety of these objects J he was defeated ; and flying, concealed himself iii the Yessagiri forest. The thera Kutthikkula Mabatissa meeting him there, presented him with a meal, huithout misappropriating his accepted alms-offerings. The ruler, grati- fied thereat, dedicated (certain lands) for the support of his fraternity, recording the grant on " a ketaka leaf," (no other writing materials being procurable). Departing from thence, he sojourned at Silfi-sobbhakapdaka ; and quitting that retreat also, he repaired to the *Vilanga forest in the neighbourhood of S&lagalla (since called MoraguUa in Malaya). There the monarch again met the priest whom he had before seen (in the Yessagiri forest), who enjoined ''aTanaaiva (a wild hunter), who was his own attendant, to serve (the fugitive monarch) most attentively. The r&j& sojourned here, in the habitation of this °iia(teA;a-Tanasiva' fourteen years, dependent on him for support. From amongst the seven (invading) damijas, one greatly enamoured of the queen S6madevi, taking her prisoner, quickly recrossed the ocean : another of them appropriating the refection dish of the deity of ten powers, which had been left at Anuradhapura, and satisfied with that prize alone, also re-embarked without delay. The damila Pulahattha, appointing the damila named B&hiya his minister, reigned three years. B&hiya, putting the said Pulahattha to death, reigned two years. Panayam&ra was his minister. Panayam&ra, putting the said Bfihiya to death, reigned seven years. Pilayam&ra was his minister. Putting that Panayamara to death, the said Pilayamara was king for seven months. D&thiya was his minister. The said Da^hiya dami{a, putting Pilaya- m&ra to death, reigned at Anur&dhapura for two years. Thus the term (of the reigns) of these five damija kings was fourteen years plus seven months. *In this Malaya division the queen AnulA went (as usual to the house of the Tanaslva) to receive her daily supply of provisions ; and the Tanasiva's wife (on this occasion) kicked her basket away. She, outraged at this treatment, weeping aloud, ran to the king. The Tanasiva, hearing what had occurred (and dreading the resentment of the king), sallied forth with his bow. On receiving the queen's account (of this outrage), before he (the Tanasiva) could arrive, the king attempted to make his escape, taking his consort and two children with him : (at that instant, however, seeing) Siva (the hunter) rushing at him with his bent bow, the chief of Sfvas (the king) shot him. Then proclaiming himself to be the Mahar&j&, he rallied the population round him. He found himself at the head of eight officers of rank, 'and a great array of warriors: both the army and the monarch's suite were very numerous. This most fortunate monai'ch making his appearance before Kumbhilaka Tissa th^ra, celebrated a festival of offerings unto Buddha at the Acchagalla vihdra. ' " being doubtful of victory, he caused the princes and the queens to be taken with him, but could not have removed," &c. 2 " Being defeated he fled, and." ' " which he had first partly partaken of." A priest cannot give away any food put into his bowl by the faithful .without first partaking of a portion thereof, except in certain specified instances. '"M&tu.velalig-a." ' " Tanasiva, (a chief) who ministered unto him." ' Dele. ' Insert " the chief of the district. " ' This story is somewhat loosely and obscurely related in the original. " Now the queen Anul&, who had gone to the Malaya country, (was ill-treated by) Tana- siva's wife, who kicked her basket away," &c. " " who were reputed as great warriors," CHAPTER XXXlll. 131 While the minister Kapisi'sa, who had ascended to the cctiya — which was constructed on an eminence — ^for the purpose of sweeping it, was descending, the monarch, who was accompanied by his queen, was ascending (for the purpose of making ofEerings), and noticed the said minister Kapisisa seated in their path. Exclaiming, " Will he not ' rise f " he slew him. On account of this deed, 'perpetrated by the king, the other seven officers fied, terrified, and absconded as they best could. On their road, being completely stripped {even to their clothes) by robbers, seeking refuge in the Hambugallalca vihdra, they presented themselves to the learned thera Tissa. The said thera, who was prof oundly versed in the four "nikayas," bestowed on them, from the alms 'made unto himself, clothes, beverage, oil, and rice, sufficient for their wants. When they had recovered from their tribulation, the th^ra inquired, " Whither are ye going? " They, 'without concealing what regarded themselves, imparted to him what had occurred. Being asked, *" With whom will it avail you most to co-operate for the cause of the religion of the vanquisher : with the rkjk or with the damijas ? " they replied, "'It will avail most with tlie rAjd. Having thus ''made this admission, the two th^ras Tissa (of Kutthikkula) and Mah&tissa (of Kumbhilaka), conducting these persons from thence to the king, reconciled them to each other. The king and these officer^ thus sup- plicated of the theras: " When we send for you, after our enterprise has been achieved, ye must repair to us." The theras promising to comply with their invitation, returned to the places whence they had come. This fortunate monarch then marching to Anur&dhapura, and putting the damila D&lhika to death, resumed his own sovereignty. Thereafter this monarch demolished the aforesaid Niganth4r&ma (at which he was reviled in his flight), and on the site thereof built a vih4ra of twelve parive^as. This devoted sovereign completed the Abhayagiri vih&ra in the** two hundred and seventeenth year, tenth month, and tenth day after the foundation of the MahavihSra. Sending for the aforesaid theras, the grateful monarch conferred the vihara on the th&"a Mah4 Tissa, who was the first to befriend him of the two. 'From a certain circumstance {already explained) the temple had borne the name of Giri (the Nigaitfa); on that account this king, surnamed also Abhaya, who built the temple (on its site) called it the Abhayagiri vihdra. Sending for his queen Somadevi, he restored her to her former dignity; and to commemorate that event he built the S6m£r&ma, and called it by her name. At the spot at which this female had descended from the chariot (in the king's flight) and concealed herself in the Kadambapuppha forest, she noticed a young s^map^ra priest (who even in that seclusion) modestly covered himself with his hand, while he was in the act ot " " " The ikj&, being told of this (act of delicacy) by her, constructed there also a vih&ra. ' The Mah&vihira having been founded B.C. 306, according to this date the Abhayagiri was completed B.C. 89.— [iV»«e by Mr. Tumour.] ' " prostrate himeelf (before me) ? " ' " the other seven officers were disgusted with the king and fled from his presence ; and while they were journeying at leisure they were set upon by robbers on the road and stripped of all they had, so that they sought refuge in the Hambugallaka vihara, and," &c. " " offered." ' " made themselves known, and." ' "With whom is it possible for you to further." ' " With the lija. it is possible." ' " convinced them." ' " By reason of the A'r&ma having belonged to Giri (the Nigapfha), and by reason of the vihara having been made (on that site) by the king Abhaya (Va^^ Gamani Abhaya), therefore was it called A.bhaya-Giri vihari." 132 THE mahIva^sA. To the north of the great thilpa (Hemavali) the monarch himself built 'a lofty citiya, which was named Silasobbhakandaka. Of the (eight) warriors, the one named Uttiya built to the southward of the town the vih&ra called Dakkhina vih&ra ; in the same quarter, the minister Mdlava built ^th,e vihdra called\Mulava, from whom it obtained that name; the minister S&li built the Sali vihara; the minister Pabbata built the Pabbatfirfima ; the minister Tissa the Uttaratissirama. On the completion of these splendid viharas, they repairing to the thera Tissa, and addressing him: " In return for the protection received from thee, we confer on thee the vih&ras built by us," they bestowed them on him. The th^ra, in due form, established priests at all those viharas, and the ministers supplied the priest- hood with every sacerdotal requisite. The king also provided the priests resident at his own vih&ra (Abhayagiri) with every supply requisite for the priesthood. On that account they greatly increased in number. This thera, renowned under the appellation of Mah&tissa, 'thereafter devoting himself to the interest of the laity, his fraternity, on account of this laical offence, expelled him from thence (the Mahavih&ra). A dicciple of his, who became celebrated by the name of Bahalamassu Tissa, ^outraged at this proceeding of expulsion, went over to the Abhayagiri establishment, and ^uniting himself with that fraternity, sojourned there. From that time the priests of that establishment ceased to ^be admitted to the Mah&vih&ra. Thus the Abhayagiri fraternity 'in the thira controversy became seceders. Thus by the conduct of these seceding Abhayagiri vihdra priests, the Dak- Jci^a vihdra fraternity, on account of these thera controversies, also became divided into two parties. The monarch Ya^ta GT&mani, for the purpose of increasing the ^popularity of the principal priests of Abhayagiri, conferred blessings Cthrough their instru- mentality) on the people. He built° vih&ras and piriv^nas in unbroken ranges; conceiving that by so constructing them their (futnre) repairs would be easily effected. The prof oundly- wise (inspired) priests'" had theretofore orally perpetuated thePdli " Pitakattaya " and its "Atthakathfe " (commentaries). At this period these priests, foreseeing the perdition of the people (from the perversions of the true doctrines), assembled; and in order that the religion might endure for ages, recorded the same in books. This Mahirkjk Yatta G&mani Abhaya ruled the kingdom for twelve years. On the former occasion (before his deposition) for five months. Thus a wise man, who has realised a great advantage, will apply it for the benefit of others as well as of himself. But the weak, avaricious man, having acquired a great advantage, does not benefit either. The thirty-third chapter in the Mahivaftsa, entitled" " Ten Kings," com- posed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. ■ " a c£tiya on an eminent place." '"a vihdra ; and the minister called Miila, another." ' " having unduly assooiated himself with lay families." This is an offence against the code of monastic discipline. ' " enraged." ' " becoming the leader of a party." " " commune with those of." ' " seceded from the ThSravadas, The priests of the Dakkhioa vih&ra (after- wards) broke off their connection with the Abhayagiri fraternity ; and thus the priests who seceded from the Th£ravddas themselves became divided into two parties." ' " prosperity of the priests of the island who belonged to the great Abhayagiri fraternity, conferred the donation named ' patti ' on them." ' ImeH " ^r them." '" Insert " of old." " Insert " The Ueigns of." OHAP'l'ER XixiV. 133 CHAPTER XXXIV. On his demise, Mahacdja Mahdtiaaa (succeeded and) reigned fourteen years, righteously and equitably. This monarch having learned that it was an act of great merit to confer an alms-offering earned by (the donor's) personal exertion, in the first year of his reign, setting out in a disguised character, and 'undertaking the culti- vation of a crop of hill rice, from the 'portion derived hy him as the cuUivator'a share bestowed an alms-oSering on Mah&summa thera. Subsequently, this king sojourned three years near the Sopnagiri mountain (in the Ambatthak61a division) working a sugar mill. Obtaining some sugar as the hire of his labour, and taking that sugar, the monarch repaired from thence to the capital, and bestowed it on the priesthood. This ruler also presented sacerdotal robes to thirty thousand priests as well as to twelve thousand priestesses. This 'lord protector, building also a vihira, most advantageously situated, bestowed it, and the three garments constituting the sacerdotal robes, on sixty thousand priests. He also bestowed the Mandavapi vihara on thirty thousand *priests, and ^Ahhayagallaka vihara on a similar number of priestesses. This rdjd constructed Hikewise the Vaiigu- pattadkagalla, the Di'ghab&hugalla, and the Yalagima vihdras. Thus this king having, in the fervour of his devotion, performed, in various ways, many acts of piety, at the close of his reign of fourteen years passed to heaven. During the reign of Mah&cula, Naga, sumamed Cora (the marauder), 1;he son of Va^ta G&mani, leading the life of a robber, wandered about the country. Returning after the demise of Mahicula, he assumed the monarchy. From amongst those places at which he had been denied an asylum, during his marauding career, this impious person destroyed eighteen vih&ras . Corandga reigned twelve years. This wretch was regenerated in the Lokantarika hell. On his demise, the son of Mahaciila, named Tissa, reigned three years. The queen Anula, ''deadly as poison in her resentments, inflamed with carnal passion for a balattha, had (previously) poisoned her own' husband C6ran&ga. This Anula poisoned (her son) king Tissa also, actuated by her criminal attachment to the same balattha, on whom she bestowed the sovereignty. This balattha, named Siva, wio had been the senior gate-porter, conferring on Anuld the dignity of queen-consort, reigned at the capital one year and two months. Anul&, then forming an attachment for a damila named Vatuka, and putting (Siva) to death by means of poison, raised Vatuka to the throne. This Vatuka, who had formerly been a carpenter in the town, retaining Anulft in the station of queen -consort, reigned one year and two months in the capital. Thereafter Anul&, becoming acquainted with a firewood carrier, who served in the palace, and conceiving a passion for him, putting Vatuka to death by means of poison, bestowed the sovereignty on him. This fire- wood carrier, whose name was Tissa, made AnuI4 the queen-conSort. He reigned in the capital one year and one month, and constructed, in that short interval, a reservoir in the Mah&m£gha garden (which was filled up in the reign of Dh&tusena). Anu}a then fixed her affections on a damija named Niliya, who held the office of pur6hita brahman, and fesolved on ' " reaping.'' ' " hire that he received." ' " land." ' " priestesses." » " also he." " the " Abhayagallaka." ' " a licentious woman." ' Insert " lawless." \'i4 THE mahAva^sa. gratifying hoi' lust for him, by administering poison destroyed Tissa the firewood carrier, and conferred the Icingdom on Niliya. The said brahman Niliya making her his queen-consort, and uninterruptedly patronised by her for a period of six months, reigned here, in this capital, Anur&dhapura. This royal personage, Anulft, then ^forming a promiscuous connection with no less than thirty-two men, who were in her service as balatthas, despatched Niliya also by poison, and administered the government herself for a period of four months. The second son of Mah&cbja, named K&lakanni Tissa, who, from the dread of the resentment of Anul£, had absconded, and assumed the garb of a, priest, in due course of time, assembling a powerful force, marched hither, and put to death the impious Anul&. This monarch reigned twenty-two years. He erected a great " upusatha " hall on the Cdtiya mountain, and constructed in front of it a stone thdpa. On the same Cctiya mountain he himself planted a bo-tree, and built the Felagama vih&ra in the delta of the river ; and there he also formed the great canal called Yai.i»akan(ia, as well as the great A'madugga tank, as well as the Bhaydluppala tank. He built also a rampart, seven cubits high, and dug a ditch round the capital. Being averse to residing in the regal premises in which Anulu had been burnt, he constructed a royal residence, removed a short distance therefrom. Within the town he formed the Padumassara garden. His mother having (there) cleansed her (dantS) teeth, and entered the sacerdotal order of the religion of the vanquisher, he 'converted their family palace into a hall for the priestesses of his mother's sisterhood. From the above circumstance, it obtained the appellation of Dantageha. On his demise, his son, the prince named Bhatikftbhaya, reigned for twenty- eight years. This monarch being the (Bh&tika) brother of the king Mah&- dathika, became known in this island as Bhntika ikjk. This righteous personage caused the Ldhapas&da to be repaired, and two basement cornice- ledges to be constructed at the Mah&thdpa, and an " updsatha " hall at the Thnpirama. This ruler of men, remitting the taxes due to himself, caused to be planted, within a space of one y6jana environing the town, the small and large jessamine plants. '( With the Jlowers produced from this garden) the Mahdthupa was festooned, from the pedestal ledge to the top of the pinnacle, with fragrant 'garlands, four inches thick ; and HJiere (between these garlands) having studded flowers' by their stalks most completely, he made the thdpa represent a perfect bouquet. On a subsequent occasion he caused this c€tiya to be plastered with a paste made of ^red lead, an inch thick ; and in the same manner made it represent a bouquet of flowers (by studding it with flowers). Upon another occasion he completely buried the cetiya, from the step at its enclosure to the top of the pinnacle, by heaping the space up with flowers ; and then raising the water of the Abhaya tank by means of 'machinery, he celebrated a festival of water-offering, by pouring the water on (the flowers which were heaped over) the thiipa ; and in the fervour of his devotion, having caused it to be whitewashed with lime made from pearl (oyster shells), brought in a hundred carts, he covered the cetiya with a drapery network studded with ^"pdvdla" stones. In the corners of this network he suspended flowers of gold of the size of a chariot wheel. From ■ " desirous of living as it pleased her." ' " built a convent for the priestess, his mother, near the residence of her family." ■ " The king having plastered the Mahjthdpa." * " paste." 'Dele. " /ji»ert "thereon." "vermilion." ' "ooial," t'HAPTEK XXXIV. 135 (these flo-wers of gold) to the very base, haying anspended pearl •" kaldpaf" and flowers, he made ofEerings to the Mah&th6pa. '(During the performance of these ceremonies) he heard the chant of Hhe priesthood hymned in the relic receptacle (within the thdpa) ; and vowing, " I will not rise till I have witnessed it," he laid himself down, fasting, on the south-east side (of the digoba). The th^ras, causing a passage to develop itself, conducted him to the relic receptacle. The monarch beheld the whole of the splendour of the relic receptacle. He who had thence returned caused *an exact representation of what (he had seen there) to he painted ^ and made ^offerings thereto: first, of sweet spices, aromatic drugs, vases (filled with flowers), ^golden sandalwood, and orpiment; secondly, having spread pow- dered red lead, ankle deep, in the square of the cetiya (he made oJSerings) of uppala flowers studded thereon ; thirdly, having filled the whole cStiya square with a bed of aromatic soil, (he made offerings) of uppala flowers studded in holes h-egularly marked out in that bed ; fourthly, stopping up the drains of the cdtiya square, and filling it with cows' milk butter, (he made an offering) of (an illumination) of innumerable lighted wicks made of silk ; fifthly, a similar (offering) with 'buffalo milk butter ; sixthly, a similar (offering) of tila oil ; seventhly, an offering of an incalculable number of Highted lamp wicks. Of the seven offerings to the Mah&thupa above described, the monarch caused each to be celebrated seven times, on separate occasions. '"/» the same (splendid manner in which the water festival at the Mahdthipa had been conducted), in honour of the pre-eminent bo-tree, also he celebrated annually, without intermission, the solemn festival of watering the bo-tree. This (monarch) invariably, actuated by pious impulses, celebrated the great vesdkha (annual J festival twenty-eight times; and eighty-four thousand splendid alms-, offerings; and a great festival at the MahathUpa, with gymnastics of all. descriptions, and every kind of instrumental and vocal music ; and he repaired daily thrice to assist in the religious services rendered to Buddha. Without omission he made flower-offerings twice daily, (he gave) alms "to the distressed, as well as the pavarana alms (to the priesthood) ; to the priests he presented sacerdotal offerings in great profusion, consisting of oil, beverage, and cloths. This king, for the preservation of the sacred edifices in repair, dedicated lands ; and also provided constantly for the thousand priests resident at the Cetiya mountain, " salaka " provisions," This monarch, in like manner, at the three apartments called " Citta," " Mapi," and "Mucela" in the palace, and at the flower chamber (on the margin of the reservoir), as well as at the Chatta apartment, in these five places, constantly entertaining priests devoted to the acquirement of sacred learning, out of reverence to religion, maintained them with sacerdotal requisites. Whatever the rights ' " festoons or strings." ' " One day." ' " arhats ' tadinay ')." ' " a model thereof to be made of clay." ' " an offering of it to the thiipa. He also made offerings." ' " red and yellow orpiment." ' " on the coloured matting spread." " " madhuka oil." Oil extracted from the seed of the Sasaia latifolia. ' " lamps lighted with silk wicks." 10 « Moved thereto by faith, this king held great festivals at the whitewashing of the thupa, which was done every year without omission, and likewise at the watering of the great bodhi tree. He held twenty-eight great Vesakha (May) festivals ; eighty-four thousand lesser festivals, and divers exhibitions of mnsic and dancing in honour of the Mah&thiipa. He repaired," &o. " " at public processions." " Provisions given to priests on tickets, 136 THE MAUAVA^HA. of religion were which preceding kings had kept up, all these acts of piety this monarch, Bh&tiya, constantly observed. On the demise of Bh&tiya r&jfi, his younger brother Mahadfithika Mah£nfiga reigned for twelve years. Devoted to acts of piety, he floored (the square) at the Mah&thdpa with " kinjakkha " stones ; enlarged the square, which was strewed with sand ; and made offerings of preaching pulpits to all the vih&ras in the island. He caused also a great thtipa to be built on Ambatthala. ^This monarch, being no longer in the prime of life, impelled ly intense devotion to the divine sage (Buddha), and relinquishing all desire for his present existence, resigned himself to the undertaking; and having commenced the citiya, he remained there till he completed it. He caused to he deposited at the four entrances (to the cetiya) the four descriptions of treasures, resplendent in various respects (as rewards). By means of the most skilful artificers he had the cetiya enveloped in a jewelled covering, and to suspend to that covering he supplied pearls. He caused decorations to be made for one y6jana aroand the 'citiya, and constructed four entrances, and a street all round it. He ranged shops in each of the streets, and in different parts thereof flags, festoons, and triumphal arches ; and having illuminated ^(the cetiya) all round with lamps hung in festoons, he caused to be kept up a festival, celebrated with dances, gymnastics, and music, instrumental and vocal. In order that (pilgrims) might proceed all the way from the Kadamba river with (unsoiled) washed feet, to the ^mountain citiya he had a foot carpet spread. By the dancers and musicians, instrumental as well as vocal, choruses were kept up.' The king bestowed alms at the four gates of the capital,' throughout the island, and on the wateis of the ocean, all round the island within the distance of one y6jana. From the celebrity and splendour of the festival held at this c6tiya/ it acquired in this land the appellation of the " Giribhanda " festival. Having prepared alms at eight different places for the priesthood who had assembled for that solemnity, and called them together by the beat of eight golden drums, there assembled twenty-four thousand, to whom he supplied alms-offerings, and presented six cloths (each) for robes ; he released also the imprisoned convicts. By means of barbers stationed constantly at the four gates of the town, he provided the convenience of being shaved. This monarch, without neglecting any of the ordinances of piety kept up either by the former kings or his brother, maintained them all. This ruler, although the proceeding was protested against by them, dedicated himself, his queen, his two sons (G&mani and Tissa) as well as his charger and state elephant, (as slaves) to the priesthood. The sovereign, profoundly versed in these rites, then made offerings worth six hundred thousand pieces to the priests and worth one hundred thousand to priestesses ; and by having made these offerings, which were of descriptions acceptable to them, he emancipated himself and the others from the priesthood. ' " (At one time) when the superstructure (of this cetiya) was unstable, he, regardless of his own life, laid him down at the foot thereof meditating on the virtues of the great sage, and left not the place until he had set up the structure firmly and completed the cetiya. At the four entrances to the cStiya he caused four precious " agghikas " (artificial flower trees 1) to be fixed, resplendent with divers gems, the workmanship whereof was executed by the most skilftil artificers ; and after that he had enveloped the cetiya with a jewelled covering, caused balls of gold and festoons of pearls to be suspended thereon." 2 " Cdtiya-Pabbata." » Dele. * " Wtiya-Pabbata " (S^giriya). » Add, " alongside thereof." " Insert " and caused a continuous illumination to be kept up." ' Segiriya at MihintalS, CHAPTER XXXV. 137 This supreme of men built also the Kalanda vihftra Hn the mountain named Manlniga, at K41&yanakapijika' ; on the shore of Kubnbbandhana, the Samudda yihira ; and a vih&ra *at the Ci31an6ga 'mountain in the Pasdna isle, which ia in the Huvdvakanijika division (Rbhapa). To a certain samap^ra priest, who presented some beverage while he was engaged in the oonstrnotion of Hhese vihdras, he dedicated (lands) within the circumference of half a y6jana, for the maintenance of 'his temple. He bestowed ''on that sAmavira the Pai;ida- v&pi vih&ra'; and in like manner the means of maintaining Hhat vihdra. Thus truly wise men who have overcome pride and indolence, subdued- selfish desires, become sincerely devoted to a life of piety, and acquired a benevolent frame of mind, having attained an unusual measure of (wordly) prosperity, without exerting it to the prejudice of mankind, perform great and various acts of piety. The thirty-fourth chapter in the Mahfivagsa, entitled ""' The Eleven Kings," CO mposed equally for the delight and aflBiction of righteous men. CHAPTEE XXXV. On the demise of Mah&d&thika, his son A'mapda G6mani" reigned eight years and nine months. He fixed a " chatta " "on the spire of the Mah&thupa, as well as cornices on the base and crown of that edifice. He also made repara- tions at the Ldhap&sSda and at the " updsatha " hall of the Thup&rima, "both internally and to the exteriors of those edifices. With a two-fold object this monarch constructed a superb gilt-hall, and he caused also to be built the Rajatalena vihdra. This munificent king having formed 'Hn the southward the Mahdgdmendi tank, dedicated it to the Dakkhina vih&ra. ^'•This ruler of men, having caused to be planted throughout the island every description of fruit-bearing creepers (which are of rapid growth), then interdicted the destruction of animal life in all parts thereof. This monarch A'mMi}4i, in the delight of his heart, filling a dish with melons and covering it with a cloth, presented it to the whole priesthood, calling it ^^ melon flesh." His having thus filled the dish procured for him the appellation of A'ma^da G-fimani (his individual name being " G&mani," and " A'inaf^a " being another term for melon). His younger brother, 'Hhe monarch named Kanij6nu Tissa, putting him to death, reigned in the capital three years. This rdjd decided a controversy, which had for a long time suspended the performance of religious ceremonies ' " and the Hanin%a-pabbata vih&ra." '^ In Rdhana. ""called." 'Dele. • " the vihdra at the F&s&na isle, and with whose deportment he was pleased." • " the priesthood." ' Dele. ' Add " on a sdmav^ra of that vih&ra.'' ' " the priesthood." "» " An Account of." " Add " Abhaya." " " over the chatta " — ohattdtiehatta^. " " he repaired the inner terrace and inner court, and in each place he built a superb gilt-hall and built the Bajata-lena vth&ra also." " " a tank in the southern part of Mah&g&ma." " These sentences should run in the following order : — " This ruler of men prohibited the destruction of animal life throughout the island. Having caused every kind of fruit-bearing creepers to be planted in divers places, king A'mapdiya (gatiiering the fruits thereof), in the delight of his heart, filled the bowls of the priests with melons, calling it ' melon-flesh,' and setting the bowls on stands made of cloth (' vattha oumbatd ') presented them to all the priesthood." " " the prince." 91—87 138 THE mahAva^sa. in the " upfiaatha " hall of the C^tiya Giri vMra, an d forcibly Beiwng Hhe sixty priests who contumaciously resisted the royal authority, imprisoned 'those impious persons in the Kanira cave, in the C^tiya mountain. ' By the death of this Eaniraj&, Hhe monarch Cdlabhaya, son of A'manda G^mani, reigned for one year. This ruler caused to be built the CdlagaUaka vihdra on the bank of the Gdnaka river, to the southward of the capital. By his demise, his younger sister Sivili, the daughter of A'manda, reigned for four months ; when a nephew of A'manda, named I{an6ga, deposed her and raised the canopy of dominion in the capital. *0n the occasion of this monarch visiting the Tissa tank, according to prescribed form, a great body of Lambakawahas (a caste who wore ear ornaments), allowing him to depart thither, assembled in the capital. The rdjd missing these men there Cat the tank) enraged, exclaimed, "J will teach them subordination;" and in the neighbourhood of the tank, at the MahdthApa,for the investigation of their conduct, appointed a court consisting exclusively of (low caste) catfddlas. By this act the Lambahav.'^a race being incensed, rose in a body, and seizing and imprisoning the rdjd in his own, palace, administered the government them- selves. In that crisis, the monarch's consort (Mahdmatt^), decking her infant son Candamuhka Siva (in his royal vestments), and consigning the prince to the charge of her '■female slaves, and giving them their instructions, sent him to the state elephant. The ^slaves conveying him thither thus delivered the whole of the queen's directions to the state elephant : " This is Hhe infant who stood in the relation of child to thy patron; it is preferable that he should be slain by thee than by his enemies — do thou' slay him : this is the queen's entreaty." Having thus spoke, they deposited the infant at the feet of the elephant. The said state elephant roaring with anguish, breaking 'his chains, and rushing into the palace, burst open the door, although resisted (by the mob). Having broken open the door of the apartment in which the tkjk was ^concealed, placing him on his back, he hastened to Mah&tittha. Having thus enabled the r&jk to embark in a vessel '°on the western coast, the elephant fled to the Malaya (mountain division of the island)." This monarch having remained three years beyond seas, enlisting a great force repaired in ships to the B6hana division ; and landing at the port of Sakkharasobbha, he there, in B6hana, raised a powerful army. The r&j&'s state elephant hastened to the said Bdhana from the sourthern Malaya, and instantly resumed his former functions. Having listened to the " kapij&taka " (or the discourse on the incarnation of Buddha in the form of a monkey) "in the fraternity of the thdra named Mah&paduma, who was a ^hiative of that division, resident at Tiilddhira ; and being delighted with his history of the Bodhisatta, he (this i&jk) enlarged ' " sixty wicked priests who were engaged in a conspiracy against the king." " " them." " Deie. * " In the first year of this king's reign he visited the Tisaa tank, when a great number of Lambakanpas (who had accompanied him as attendants) left him behind and returned to the city. The king, missing his men, was wroth ; and (as a punishment) he laid on them the task of trampling down heaps of earth by the side of the tank to serve as a great thilpa which he intended to build ; and he set overseers of the cand&la caste over them. This act of (indignity) incensed them ; and they rose against the king in a body, seized and imprisoned him in his own palace, and themselves administered the government." » « maid-servants." • » thy master's son : he'^is now in prison : better,'' &c. ' Insert " therefore." ' " through his stable." » " confined." '" Dele. " Add "by the western coast," " " explained by," " Dele, O'fiAPTiBB XXXV. 139 the N&gamab& vih&ra to the extent of a hundred lengths of hia unstrung bow, and extended the thdpa also (of that vihAra) beyond its former dimensions. In like manner he extended the Tissa as well as Ddra tanks. This t6j&, putting his army in motion, set out on his campaign. The Lambakaijnas hearing of this proceeding, prepared themselves for the attack. Near the Kapallakkhanda gate, on the plain of Ahadk&rapit^hika, they maintained a conflict with various success. The king's troops being enfeebled by the sea voyage, were yielding ground, when the r&j4 shouting out his own name, threw himself (into the midst of the conflict). The LambakaQpas, terrified by this act, prostrated themselves on their breasts. He having caused them to be decapitated (on the spot), their heads formed a heap as high as the spoke of his chariot. When this exhibition had been made three times, the monarch, relenting with compassion, called out " Capture them, without depriving them of life." The victorious monarch then entering the capital, and having raised the canopy of dominion, set out for the aquatic festival at the Tissa tank (which had been interrupted on the former occasion by the insurrection of Lambakapnas). At the close of the aquatic games, this monarch, having resumed his royal vestments, in the fulness of his joy, surveyed the splendour of his regal state. It then rose to his recollection that the Lambakai^pas had been the (former) destroyers of that prosperity. In the impulse of his wrath, he ordered them to be bound to Hhe yoke of his chariot' (with their noses pierced), and entered the city, preceding them. Standing on the threshold of his palace, the r&j& issued these orders : " Officers decapitate them on the threshold." His mother being informed thereof, prevented the decapitation by observing : "Lord of chariots, the creatures that are yoked to thy car are only oxen; chop ofE oidy their *noses and hoofs ;" accordingly the king had their noses and the toes of their feet cut off. The r4j4 gave unto his (hatthi) state elephant the province in which he had secreted himself. From that circumstance that district obtained the name of Hatthtbhdga. In this manner the monarch Ilan&ga reigned in Anuridhapura full six years. On the demise of Ilan&ga, his son, ther&i& Candamukha Siva, reigned for eight years and seven months. This monarch, having caused the Manik&ra- g£ma tank to be formed, dedicated it to the vihSira named Issarasamapa ; and the consort of this rS,j&, celebrated under the appellation of Damila DIvf, dedicated the ^village which supplied her personal retinue to the same vih4ra. His younger brother, known by the name of the r4j& Yasal41aka Tissa, putting the said Candamukha Siva to death at an aquatic festival at the Tissa tank, reigned in the delightful city of AnurAdhapura, which is the lovely countenance of Lapki, for seven years and eight months. There was a young gate-porter, the son of the porter Datta, named Subha, who in person strongly resembled the rAji. The monarch Yasaldlaka, in a merry mood, having decked out the said Subha, the messenger, in the vestments of royalty, and seated him on the throne, putting the livery bonnet of the messenger on his own head, stationed himself at a palace gate, with the porter's staff in his hand. While the ministers of state were bowing down to him who was seated on the throne, the r&j4 was enjoying the deception. He was in the habit, from time to time, of indulging in these (scenes). On a certain occasion (when this farce was repeated), addressing himself to the merry monarch, the messenger exclaimed : " How does that I Dele. ' Insert " in pairs." ' Insert " the garden gate of." I think the word mahAvatthu, used several times in this part of the work, is meant for the palace garden. * " horns." * " profits accruing to her from the village (Mapik&ra)." 140 fHB marIva^sa. balattha dare to laugh in my presence ? " and succeeded in getting the king put to death. The porter Subha thus usurped the sovereignty, and adminis- tered it for six years, under the title of ^SubJia. This Subha rdj& constructed at the two vihiras (Mah4 and Abhaya) a delightful range of buildings (at each) to serve for parivenas, which were named Subharija parivlpas. He also built Yalli vih&i-a near Uruvdla ; to the eastward (of the capital) the Ekadv&ra vih&ra (near the mountain of that name) ; and the Nandig&maka vih&ra on the bank of the (Kacchi) river. A certain Lambakanna youth named Yasabha, resident in the north of the island, was in the service of a maternal uncle of his, who was a chief in command of the troops. It had been thus predicted (by the r&j& Yasalilaka) : " A person of the name of Yasabha will become king ; " and the (reigning) king was conse- quently, at this period, extirpating throughout the island every person bearing the name of Yasabha. This officer of state, saying to himself, " I ought to give up this Yasabha to the king," and having consulted his wife also on the subject, early on a certain morning repaired to the palace. For him (the minister) who was going on the errand, she (his wife) placed in the hands of Yasabha the betel, &c. (required by him for mastication), omitting the chunam, as the means of completely rescuing (Yasabha) from his im- pending fate. On reaching the palace gate, the minister, discovering that the chunam for his betel had been forgotten, sent (the lad) back for the chunam. The wife of the commander revealing the secret to Yasabha, who had come for the chunam, and presenting him with a thousand pieces, enabled him to escape. The said Yasabha fled to the Mah&vih&ra, and was provided by the th^ras there with rice, milk, and clothing. In a subsequent stage of his flight, having heard Hhe rumour undisguiaedly repeated, " The Kutflii will become the Icing ^' and publicly asserted "lie will turn traitor"; elated thereat, enlisting enterprising men in his service, he reduced (the neighbouring) villages to subjection ; and thence hastening to the B6hana division, pro- gressively subdued the whole country, commencing from Kappalapiiva. This r&j&, at the head of an efficient force, in the course of ten years attacked the capital. This all-powerful Yasabha, putting the ikji Subha to death in his own palace, raised the canopy of dominion in the capital. His uncle fell in the conflict, and the rkji, Yasabha raised ' Chetthd, the wife of his uncle, who had formerly protected him, to the dignity of queen- consort. Being desirous of ascertaining the term of his existence, he consulted *a fortune-teller, who replied, " It will last precisely twelve years." The monarch presented him with a thousand pieces to preserve that secret inviolate; and assembling the priesthood, and bowing down to them, he inquired : " Lords 1 is it, or is it not, practicable to extend the term of human existence ? " The priesthood replied : " Supreme among men I it is practicable to preserve human life from the death which results from violence (or accident). It is requisite to make ' pariss&vana ' ofEerings ; to endow sacred edifices ; and to provide institutions for the refuge of the distressed : it is also requisite to repair edifices that have fallen into dilapi- dation ; and having undertaken the vows of the ' pansil ' order, to preserve > " Subha Rajtf." > " the words of a leper (who was a fortune-teller) to the effect that he would one day attain sovereignty, he was elated, and determined to become a marauder. Having saenred enterprising men," &c. ■ • " Mettd." * " horoscopist "—?ior&pd(haha. CHAPTER XXXV. Ut them inviolate : it is requisite on the ' up(5satha ' days that the prescribed ' uposatha ' ceremonies should be observed." The r4j6, responding " s4dhu," ■went and did accordingly. Every third year he conferred on all priests throughout the island the three sacerdotal garments. To those priests •who were unable to attend, he directed their robes to be sent : he provided also milk, sweet rice for twelve establishments, and the ordinary alms-ofEerings for sixty-four places. In four different places he kept up an illumination of a thousand lamps at each ; ^and at the Cfitiya mountain, at the Thdp^&ma, at the Mah&th\ipdi, at the 'ho-tree, 'and on the peak of Cettala mountain, at these several places he constructed ten thupas ; and throughout the island he repaired dilapidated edifices. Delighted with the th€ra resident at Valliygra Tih4ra, he built fpr him the great Valligotta vih&ra. He built also the Anur& vihSra near Hah&g&ma, on which he bestowed *HeUgdma, in extent eight harissa, as well as a thousand pieces. Having constructed the Mucela vih&ra 'on that vihAra he conferred th.e moiety of tlii abundant waters of tJis Canal of irrigation supplied from the Tissavaddha mountain. ^He encased the thApa at Galambatittha 'm hrieks f and to supply oil and wicks for Hts " updsatha " hall, he formed the Sahassakarisa tank, and dedicated it thereto. At the Kumbhigallaka vihira he built an " up6satha " haU ; as also at the Issarasamanaka vih&ra ; and this monareh constructed also the roof over the Thrip&r&ma here (at Anur&dhapura). At the Mah&vihira he built a ^most perfect range of parivfinas,'" and repaired the Catusdla hall which had become dilapidated. He caused also exquisite images to be formed of the four Buddhas "of their own exact stature, as weU as an edifice (to contain them) near the delightful bo-tree. The consort of this monarch constructed a beautiful thtipa, to which she gave "her own name, as weU as an elegant roof, or house, over it. Having completed the roof over the ThApSrAma, this monarch, at the festival held on that occasion, distributed ^Hhe mahdd&na ; unto the bhikkus who were in progress of being instructed in the word of Buddha, the four sacerdotal requisites ; and to the bhikkiis who expounded the scriptures, clarified butter and curds ; at the four gates of the city he distributed alms to mendicants, and medicinal drugs to priests afilicted with diseases. He formed also the following eleven tanks :— The Mayetti, Bajuppala, K61ambagd,ma, Mahinikavit^i, two called Mah%&ma, Keh41a (near MahAtittha), KeUvfisa, Cambn^thi, Yitamaiigana, and Abhfvaddhamdna. For the extension of cultivation he formed twelve canals of irrigation; and for the further protection of the capital, he raised the rampart round it (to eighteen cubits). He built also guard-houses at the four gates, and a great palace (for himself) . "This monarch, having formed also ponds in different parts of the rogal gardens within the capital, kept Swans in them ; and by means of aqueducts conducted water to them. Thus this sovereign Vasabha, incessantly devoted to acts of piety, having ' « namely." " " BodM-house." • Fresh, sentence : " On the peak of the Olttala mountain (' Situl-panwa ') he built ten beautiful thiipas." * " eight thousand karisas' extent of land in Heliglima." » " at Tiasava^ahamdnaka, he conferred thereon the moiety of the waters of the AlisAra canal." ' " He made a covering of tiles for the thiipa." '"and the upsiStha hall also." »"it." ^ Dele. " Add " facing the west." " Dele. " " the name Of Vutta." ""great alms." " " Having laid out the park he kept swans in it, and built many ponds for them in the city, into which he caused water to be conduoted by means of aqueducts ." 14^ THB MahIvA^SA. in various ways fulfilled a pious course of existence, and thereby escaped the death (predicted to occur in the twelfth year of hia reign), ruled the king- dom, in the capital, for forty-four years ; and celebrated an equal number of vis&kha festivals. The (preceding) r&j& Subha, under the apprehension produced by (the prediction connected with the usurpation of Yasabha, had consigned his only daughter to the charge of a brick mason, bestowing on her Hhe vestments and ornaments of royalty suited to her rank. On (her father) being put to death by Yasabha, 'she gave up these articles to the mason (to preserve her own disguise). Adopting her as his daughter, he brought her up in his own family. This girl was in the habit of carrying his meals to this artificer (wherever he might be employed). On one of these occasions, observing in the Kadamba forest (a thSra)' absorbed for the seventh day in the " nir6dha " meditation, this gifted female presented him with the meal she was carrying. ^There dressing another meal, she carried it to her (adopted) father. On being asked the cause of ^the delay, she explained to her parent what had taken place. Overjoyed, he directed that the presentation of this offering should be 'repeated again and again. The thera, who was gifted with the power of discerning coming events, thus addressed the maiden : " When thou attainest regal prosperity, recollect this particular spot ;" and on that very day he acquired " parinibbuti." The r&ja Yasabha, when his son Yadkan^ika attained manhood, sought for a virgin ^endowed with the prescribed personal attributes. Fortune-tellers, who were gifted with the knowledge of predicting the fortunes of females, discovering such a damsel in the mason's village, made the circumstance known to the king. The rijk took steps to have her brought to him ; and the mason then dis- closed that she was a daughter of royalty, and proved that she was the child of Hhe rdjd Subha by the ^vestm^nts and other articles in his charge. The monarch, delighted, bestowed her on his son, at a splendid ceremonial of festivity. On the death of Yasabha, his son Yailkanisika Tissa reigned three years in the capital at Anur&dhapura. This r&ji Yaiikanasika Tissa built the Mah&- madgala vih^ra on the banks of the G6ua river. The queen, Mah&matt&, bearing in mind the injunction of the th^ra, commenced to collect the treasures requisite for constructing a vihara. (In the meanwhile) on the demise of Yaiikandsika Tissa, his son Gajib&huka G&mani (succeeded, and) reigned twelve years. This r&j&, in compliance with the solicitation of his mother, and according to her wishes, built the M&tu vih&ra in the Kadamba forest. This well-informed queen-motheri for the purpose of purchasing land for that great vihara, gave a thousand pieces, and built the vih&ra. He himself (the r&ji) caused a thdp a to be con- structed there entirely of stone ; and selecting lands from various parts of the country, dedicated them for the maintenance of the priesthood ; and raising the Abhayuttara thCipa, he constructed it of a greater elevation ; and 'ai the four gates he restored the four entrances to their former condition. This monarch, forming the G&manitissa tank, bestowed it on the Abhaya - giri vihara, for the maintenance of that establishment. He caused a new coating to be spread on the Marioavafti vihara ; he also made a dedication for the maintenance of its fraternity, obtained at a price of one hundred ■ " his robe." ' " the mason took the child, and adopting her," &o. ' Insert " who had been." * " Then." ' " that suited him. Judges of female beauty, discovering a (beauteous ) maiden." '" Subha adji." . '"robe." » " caused arches (' &dimukhi( ') to be built at the four gates thereof." CHAPTER XXXVI. 143 thousand pieces. ^He huilt also B&maka vih&ra Hn the western division, and the Mah&-&Bana hall in the capital. ■ On the demise of Qajabihu, that r&j&'s '" sasura " named Mahallaka N&ga, reigned six years. This monarch, sumamed, from his advanced years, Mahal- laka If&ga, constructed the following seven vih&ras* : in the eastward, the F^jalaka ; in the southward, the Kdtipabbata ; in the westward, the TTdaka- p&s&na ; in the isle of N^adipa, the S&lipabbata ; at Bijag&ma, the Tena- v41i ; in the B6hana division, the TobbaUn&gapabbata ^and Hdli vihdras at ArMgiri. Thus wise men, by means of perishable riches, performing manifold acts of piety, realise imperishable rewards : on the other hand, those who are ren- dered weak by their sinful passions, for the gratification of those passions commit many transgressions. The thirty-fifth chapter in the Mah4vagsa, entitled " The' Twelve Kings," composed equally for the delight and afiliction of righteous men. CHAPTEE XXXVI. By the demise of Mahallan%a, his son, named Bhatika Tissa (succeeded, and) reigned over the monarchy of Lagk4 for twenty-four years. This ruler built a wall round the Mah&vih/ira, and having constructed the Gavaratissa vih&ra, ''and formed the Mahllg&manl tank, ^dedicated it to that vih&ra ; he built also the vih&ra named Bh&tiyatissa. This monarch constructed also an " up6satha " hall at the delightful Th(ip4rama, as well as Hhe Rattannanndka tank. This sovereign, ^"equally devoted to his people, and" respectful to the ministers of religion, kept up ^Hhe mahdddnan ofEerings to the priesthood of both sexes. By the death of Bh&tika Tissa (Tissa the elder brother), Eanittha Tissa (Tissa the younger brother) succeeded, and reigned "eighteen years over the whole of Lagki. Pleased with Mah&n&ga th^ra of Bhdt^&ma, he constructed (for bim)'^ at the Abbayagiri vih&ra "a superb gilt edifice. He built, also, a wall round, and a great parivena at Abhayagiri ; a great parivdna at Manisdma vih&ra also ; and at the same place an edifice over the c6tiya ; and in like manner another at Ambatthala. He repaired the edifice (constructed over the cetiya) at NSgadipa. Levelling a site within the consecrated limits of the Mahavih&ra, this monarch constructed the range of parivenas called Kukkutagiri, in the most perfect manner. "On the four sides of the square at the Mahdvihdra this ruler constructed twelve spacious and delightful" edifices, splendid in their appearance." He constructed a covering for the thdpa at the Dakkhina vihfira, and levelling a site within the limits of the Mah&m^gha garden, he constructed a refection-hall there. Taking down the wall of the Mah&vih&ra on one side, he opened a road to Dakkhipa vih&ra. In like manner he built Bhutfirima vihSra, the B&magdnaka, as also the vih&ra of N4n&tissa. In the ' " In the latter part of his reign he built the," ' Dele. ' " father-in-law." ' Add " during the short period of his reign." » " and Girihflika vihfoa in the interior country." • " Reigns of." ' " dedicated." ' Dele. ' The correct reading is ra((he vaHOe ekavdpi=rattheva!inikavdpi, " the Skavdpi tank in the Vanni country." "> " who was tender-hearted towards all beings." " Insert " profoundly." '^ " great." " " twenty-eight." " Insert " the Batana-p&s&da." " " in a splendid manner." " Dele. " Insert " square." " Add " at the MahivihiCra." 144 THE MAHAVl^SA. south-eastern direction, the Anulatissa-pabbata Tih&ra, 'the Gangar&jija, the Niy^latissir&ma, and the Filapitthi vih&ra. This monarch also constructed the R&jamah& vihira and upsdsatha halls at the following three places : viz., Kalyini vihara, Mai^dalagiri, and at the rihira called Dubbala- T&pitissa. By the death of Kanitfha Tissa, his son called Cdjanaga (succeeded, and) reigned two years. The younger brother of Culan&ga, named Kud4anfiga, putting that r&jd to death, reigned one year. This monarch during the " Ekan&jika " famine kept up, without intermission, alms-offerings to the principal community, consisting of fire hundred priests. The brother of Ku^dan&ga's queen, named Sirin&ga, who was the minister at the head of the military, turning traitor to the king, and supported by a powerful army, approached the capital. Giving battle to the royal army, and defeating the king, the victor reigned in the celebrated capital of Anuridhapura for nineteen years. This monarch having caused a " chatta " to be made for the Mah&thiipa, had it gilt in a manner most beautiful to the sight ; he also rebuilt the Ldhapi- s6da five stories high, and hubseqitently a flight of steps at each of the four entrances to the great bo-tree. ^This personage, who was as regardful of the interests of others as he was indifferent to himself, having built a " chatta" hall at the isle of Kulamharta, celebrated a great festival of offerings. On the demise of Siriniga, his son Tissa, who was thoroughly (vohara) conversant with the principles of justice and equity, ruled for twenty-two years." He abolished the (voh&ra) practice of inflicting torture, which pre- vailed up to that period in this land, and thus acquired the appeUatioa of Yoh&raka Tissa r&ji. Having listened to the discourses of the th^ra D^va, resident at Kambu- g&ma, he repaired five edifices. Delighted, also, with the Mahdtissa th^ra resident at the Anura vih&ra, he kept up daily alms for him at Muc^la- pattana. This raj6 Tissa *having caused also to be formed two halls, ^(one) at the Mahdvihdra and (another) on the south-east side of the bo-tree edijice, and two metallic images (for them), as well as a hall called the Sattapanpika, most conveniently situated (within his own palace),' bestowed offerings ''(there) worth a thousand (pieces) monthly to the priesthood of the Mahfivih&ra, At the Abhayagiri vih&ra, the Dakkhinamdla, the Maricavatfi vih&ra, the one bearing the name of Kulatissa, at the Mahiyaiigana vih&ra, at the Mahd- gima, the Mah^n&ga viMra, as well as at the Kaly&ni, ^and at the thdpas of these eight places, he caused Hmprooements to be made loiih paid labour. The minister M6kan^, in like manner, built walls round the following six vih&ras : the Dakkhina, the Maricavatti, the Puttabh&ga, the Issarasamana, and the Tissa, in the isle of N&ga. He built also an *< updsatha " hall at the Anur&r&ma vihdra. This ruler of men expending three hundred thousand, out of reverential * The V^tulya heresy originated in September, A.I>. 209 ; A.B. 762 ; m. 1, d. 10 — in the first year of the reign of Vohiiraka Tissa. — [iVoid iy Mr. Tur'Mur.'] ' " at." " " rebuilt." ' " He built the Chatta P^sida and made offerings at the inauguration thereof. Moved by oompassiou he released persons of good families in the island (from royal services)." This translation is doubtfully rendered, as the meaning of the word hvlambatfa is obscure. * Dele. ' " at the two great vibttras, and two metallic images on the eastern side of the bodhi tree." • " he." ' Dele. • DeU. * " the 'chattas' (' parasols surmounting the spires ') to be repaired." CHAPTEB XXXVI. 145 devotion to religion, provided for every place at which the 'sacred scriptures are expounded the maintenance (for priests) bestowed by alms. This patron of religion relieved also the priests who were in debt from their 'pecuniary difficulties. He celebrated the great visakha festival, and distri- buted the three sacerdotal garments amo ng all the priests resident in the island. By the instrumentality of the minister Kapila, suppressing the V6tulya heresy, and punishing the impious members (connected therewith), he re-established the supremacy of the (true) doctrines. This king had a younger brother named Abhayan£ga, who had formed an attachment for his queen. Being detected in his criminal intercourse, dreading his brother's resentment, he fled. Bepairing to Bhallatittha with his confidential attendants, and pretending to be indignant with hia (brother's) father-in-law (Subhadeva, the queen's father, with whom he was in league), he maimed him in his hand and feet. In order that he might produce a division in the rLjk's kingdom (in his own favour), leaving the said (Subhadeva) here (in La^ki), and 'contemptuously comparing him to a dog (v>hich he happened to kill when he was on the point 6/ emharhing), accom- panied hy his most attached followers, and at that place (Bhallatittha) throwing himself into a vessel, (A bhayandga) fled to the opposite coast. The said father-in-law, Subhadeva, repaired to the king, and assuming the character of a person attached to him, brought about a revolt in the country, (while resident in his court) there. Abhaya, for the purpose of ascertaining the progress made in this plot, sent an emissary over here. (Subhadeva) on seeing this (emissary), removing (the earth) at the foot of an areca tree with his " kuntanali," and thereby loosening its roots, pushed the tree down with his shoulder, (to indicate the instability of the rkjk'a government), and then reviling him (for a spy) drove him away. The emissary retiurning to Abhaya reported what had occurred. Thus ascertaining the state of affairs, levying a large force of damilas for the purpose of attacking his brother, he advanced in person on the capital (AnurSdhapura). The r&j4 on discovering this (conspiracy), together with his queen, instantly mounting their horses, fled, and repaired to Malaya. His brother pursued the rkjk and putting him to death in Malaya, and capturing the queen, returned to the capital. This monarch reigned for eight years. This king built a stone ledge round the bo-tree, as well as a hall in the sqnare of the L6hap&sSda; and buying cloths with two hundred thousand pieces, he bestowed robes on the whole priesthood in the island. On the demise of Abhaya, Sirin&ga, the son of his brother (Vohfira) Tissa, reigned two years in Lagk&. This monarch repaired the wall round the great bo-tree, and built near the hall of the gi'eat bo, in the yard strewed with sand, *to the southward of the muc^la tree, the splendid and delightful Hagsavatta hall. The prince named "Vijaya, the son of Sirin&ga, on the demise of his father, reigned one year. 'There were three persons of the Lambakanna race (who wear large ear ' " lives of the saints, or the ' history of great men,' were read." The original IB Ariyavapsa-kathdjWhioh. may he reniexeieithsT way. I find this term fre- quently mentioned in the Arthakathk From the context in those places I gather that it was the practice in ancient times in this island to read in public the recorded lives of great men on stated occasions and fixed places. ' " indebtedness." ' " illustrating by the example of a dog the faithfulness he required of his followers, he embarked on board a vessel with his faithful friends and," &o. * " beyond." ' " Now." 91—87 146 THE mahAva^sa. ornaments) intimately connected together, resident at Mahiyaggana, named Saiighatissa, Sadghabddhi, and the third 66thaHbhaya. They were walking along the embankment of the Tissa tank in their way to present themselves at the king's court. A certain blind man, from the sound of their tread, thus predicted : " These three ^persons are destined to bear the weight of (governing) the land." Abhaya, who was in the rear, hearing this exclamation, thereupon thus fearlessly questioned him : " Which then of (our three) dynasties wiU endure the longest ?" The person thus interrogated replied, " His who was in the rear." On receiving this answer, he joined the other two. These three persons, on their reaching the capital, were most graciously received by the monarch Yijaya, in whose court they were established, and employed in offices of state. Conspiring together, they put to death the ikjk Yijaya in his own palace ; and two of them raised (the third) Sadghatissa, who was at the head of the army, to the throne. The said Sadghatissa, who had usurped the crown under these circumstances, reigned four years. This monarch caused the " chatta " on the MahWhdpa to be gilt, and he set four gems in the centre of the four emblems of the sun, each of which cost a lac. He, in like manner, placed a' glass pinnacle on the spire (to serve as a protection against lightning). This ruler of men, at the festival held in honour of this chatta, distributed six cloths, or two sets of sacerdotal garments, to forty thousand priests ; and having attended to the (andhavindaka) discourse in the khandhaka, expounded by Mahid^va th^ra, of D&mahallaka, and ascertained the merits accruing from making offerings of rice broth, delighted thereat, he caused rice broth to be provided for the priesthood at the four gates of the capital, in the most convenient and appropriate manner. This r&j& was in the habit from time to time of visiting the isle of F&cina, attended by %ia suite and ministers, for the purpose of eating jambus. The inhabitants of that eastern isle suffering from (the extortions of) these royal progresses, infused poison into the jambus intended for the r&j&, (and placed them) among the rest of the fruit. Having eat those jambus, he died at that very place ; and Abhaya caused to be installed in the monarchy, Sadgha- b6dhi, who had been raised to the command of the army. Benowned under the title of Sirisadghabodhi r&ja, and a devotee of the *pamil order, 'at least, he administered the sovereignty at Anur&dhapura for two years. He built at the Mah&vih^a a " sal&kagga " hall.° Having at that period learned that the people were suffering from the effects of a drought, this benevolent r&j^,' throwing himself down on the ground in the square of the Mah&thdpa, pronounced this vow : " Although I should sacrifice my life by it, I shall not rise from this spot until, ^hy the interpoaition of the deva, rain shall have fallen (sufficient) to raise me on its flood from the earth." Accordingly the ruler of the laud remained prostrate on the ground ; and the ^deva instantly poured down his showers. Through- out the island the country was deluged. ^"Apprehending tJiat even then he would not rise, "until he waa completely buoyed up on the surface of the '"lords of the land." ' Insert " valuable." Anagghaif vajira oumba(a\f are the words In the original. There has been some discussion about the meaning of oumta{a{f. I believe a ring or a set of rings in the form of a spire is what is meant here. » " the women of the palace and his." * PaHcasUa, the five precepts or vows, ' Dele. ° rioe-ticket hall. ' " whose heart was moved with compassion." » Dele. ' " rain cloud." " " But," " " as he was not." CflAPTfiU XXXVI. 14^ ■water,' the officers of the household stopt up the drains (of thfe square). 'Being raised by the water, this righteous r4j4 got up. In this manner, this all-compassionate person dispelled the horrors of this drought. Complaints having been preferred that robbers were infesting all parts of the country, this sovereign caused them to be apprehended, and then privately released them ; and procuring the corpses of persons who had died natural deaths and casting them into flames, suppressed the affliction occa- sioned by the (ravages of the) robbers. A certain yakkha, well known under the appellation of the " rattakkha " (red-eyed monster), visited this land, and afflicted its inhabitants iu various parts thereof with ophthalmia. People meeting each other, would exclaim (to each other), "-His eyes are also red I" and instantly drop down dead; and the monster would without hesitation devour their (corpses). The r&j& having been informed of the affliction (of his people), in the depth of his wretchedness, took the vows of the 'attasil order, in his cell of solitary devo- tion. The monarch vowed : "I wiU not rise till I have beheld that (demon)."* By the influence of his pious merits, the said monster repaired to him. Then rising, he inquired of him, " Who art thou ? " (The demon) replied: "I am (the yakkha)." The (rij4) thus addressed him: "Why dost thou devour my subjects ? Cease to destroy them." The demon then said, "Let me have the people of one district at least." On being told, "It is impossible"; lowering his demand by degrees, he asked, "Give me then one (village)." The rija replied, " I can give thee nothing but myself, devour me." " That is not possible " (said the demon) ; and entreated that " ball "' offerings should be made to him in every village. The ruler of the land replying, "s4dhu," ^and throughout the ialajid having provided accom- modation for him, at the entrance of every village caused " bali " to be offered to him. By this means the panic created by this epidemic was sup- pressed by the supreme of men, who was endowed with compassion 'm the utmost perfection, and was like unto the light which illuminated the land. The minister of this r4ja, named Go(hak4bhaya, who held the office of treasurer, turning traitor, yiedfrom the capital to the northward. The king abhorring the idea of being the cause of the death of others, ^also forsooJe the. city, wholly unattended, inking with him only his " pariss4vana " (water- strainer used by devotees to prevent the destruction, which might otherwise take place of animalculae in the water they drank). A man who was travel- ling along the road Carrying his meal of dressed rice with him, over and over again entreated of the r4ia to partake of the rice. This benevolent character having strained the water he was to drink, and made his meal ; in order that he might confer a reward on him (who had presented the repast), thus addressed him : " I am the r4j4 Sanghabodhi." Beloved ! taking my head, present it to G-6th4bhaya ; he wiU bestow great wealth on thee." The peasant declined ^'accepting the present. The monarch, for the purpose of, benefiting that individual, bequeathing his head to him (by detaching it from his shoulder) expired without rising (from the spot on which he had taken his meal). He presented the head to Q-oth4bhaya. Astonished (at the statement made by the peasant) he conferred great wealth on him ; and ren- dered him all the kind offices a monarch could bestow. ' Insert " so." ' Insert " Thereupon." ' " atthaig'uposatha.'' ' -^dd " and laid himself down (on the ground)," » Rice, &o., offered to spirits. 'Dele. ' "towards all beings." " " marched against the city from the north," » " left the city by the southern gate." '" " to do so." 148 THE mahJlva^sa. This G6{habhaya, known by the title of Meghavanriibhaya, reigned in Lagk& thirteen years. He ^built a great palace, and at the gate of that 'palace a hall ; and having decorated that hall, from among the 'priests there assembled, he entertained* daily one thousand plus eight priests with rice broth, confec- tionery, and hvery other sacerdotal requisite. Causing roles to be made, he kept up the mahdddnan offering. He uninterruptedly maintained this "observance on every tuomty-first day. In the Mah&vih&ra he constructed a superb hall of stone, and the pillars of the L6hap&8&da he rearranged in a difEerent order. At the great bo-tree he added a stone ledge or cornice (to its parapet wall), a porch at its ''southern entrance, and at the four corners he placed hexagonal stone pillars. Having had three stone images of Buddha made, ho placed them at the three entrances, as well as stone altars at the southern entrance. On the western side of the Mah&vihara he formed a padh&na square (for peripatetic meditation) ; and throughout the island he repaired dilapidated edifices. In this manner he repaired the edifice built over the Thdpir&ma, as well as the one over Ambatthala, Hn tohich the th4ra (Mahinda had dwelt), and made improvements at the Manisdma edifice. He repaired also the '' uposatha " halls at the Thiiplrama, Manisdma, Maricavatti, and Dakkhina vih&ras. He constructed nine viharas, which he called after himself, Megha- vannabhaya. Assembling the population of the country, ^he celebrated a great festival of ofEerings.'" "To thirty thousand priests "he presented the three sacerdotal garments ; at the same time he celebrated the great " ves&kha " festival. He bestowed also two sets of sacerdotal garments annually on the priesthood. This purifier of the true religion degraded its impious (impugners) ; and seizing sixty of the fraternity of Abhayagiri, who had adopted the T^tulya tenets, and were like thorns unto the religion of the vanquisher, and having excommunicated them, banished them to the opposite coast. There was a certain priest, the disciple of the chief th^ra of the banished (sect), a native of Cbla, by name SaiSghamitta, who was profoundly versed in the rites of the " bhdta " (demon faith). For the gratification of his enmity against the priests of the Mah&vih&ra (by whose advice the Abhaya- giri priests were banished) he came over to this land. This ^'impious person, entering the hall in which the priests were assembled at the Thdp&r&ma, ^'addressed himself to the thdra of the Sailghap&la parivei.ia, who was the maternal uncle of the r4j& GrothSbhaya, and "invoking him in tlte terms in which the king himself would use, succeeded in ^^overcoming his tenets. CSanghamittaJ completely '"gained the confidence of the r&j&. The monarch becoming greatly attached to him, placed under that priest's tuition his eldest son Jet(hatissa, as well as his younger son Mah£s€na. He evinced a prefer- ence for the second son, and prince Je^thatissa from that circumstance entertained a hatred against that priest. On the demise of his father, Jet^hatissa succeeded to the monarchy. For the purpose of punishing the ministers who showed a reluctance to attend the funeral obsequies of his father, repairing himself (to the place where the corpse was deposited), and making his brother lead the procession, he sent the ' " formed a park ." « " park." " " priesthood." ' Insert " there." ' " and all sorts of sweet things, together With robes ; and thus," &o. • " great alms-giving for twenty-one days," ' " northern." 'Dele. ""at the." '" Add " he presented to." " Dele. " " rude." " " disregarding the words (remonstrances) of," >< ■< who spoke in the name of the king." " Dele. O&ArTBR XXXVll. 149 corpse immediately behind bim ; and then placing these (disaffected minis- ters) next in the procession, he himself stayed to the last. The instant that his younger brother and the corpse had passed out, closing the city gates he seized these disloyal nobles, and transfixed them on impaling poles around his father's funeral pile. On account of this deed, he acquired an appellation significant of the ferocity of his nature (^Duttha) — and the priest Saiigha- mitta, from the terror he entertained of the said monarch, immediately after his inauguration fled from hence to the opposite coast ; and in commuuica- with 'Sina, was anxiously looking forward for his accession to the throne. This (monarch) completed the construction of the Ldhap&s&da, which had been left unfinished by his father, building it seven stories high, by expend- ing a "koti" of treasure on it. Having made there (to that edifice) an offering of a (" mani ") gem, worth sixty lacs, the said Jetthatissa built the superb Mapi hall. He made offerings likewise of two very valuable jewels to the Mahathdpa, and built three portal arches at the great bo. Construct- ing a vihira at the P&cinatissa mountain, this ruler of the land dedicated it to the priesthood resident at the five establishments. This monarch Jetthatissa, removing from the Thdp^r&ma the collossal and beautiful stone statue (of Buddha), which Dev&nampiya Tissa had set up at the Thiipftrima, ^enshrined it in the vihira of the P&cinatissa mountain. ^This rdjd having celebrated the festival of dedication, as wellas the " vesdlca" festival at the Cetiya mountain, made an offering thereto of the Kdlamantika tank ; he bestowed also alms and sacerdotal garments on a thousand priests. The said Jetthatissa formed likewise the Alambag&mi tank. Thus this rkjk reigned twelve years, performing various acts of piety ''conducive to his own popularity. Thus the regal state, like unto a vessel which is filled with the most delicious sweets mixed with the deadliest poison, is destined to be productive of acts of the purest charity, as well as deeds of the greatest atrocity. On no account should a righteous man be covetous of attaining that state. The thirty-sixth chapter in the Mahivagsa, entitled " The Thirteen Kings," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXXVn. On the death of Jetthatissa, his younger brother, the raj& Mah^^na, reigned twenty-seven years. The impious th^ra Saiighamitta aforesaid, having ascertained the time appointed for the inauguration of the king, repaired hither" from the opposite coast. Having celebrated the installation, and in every respect attended to the other prescribed observances, bent on the destruction of the Mah&vihdra, he thus misled (the king) : "B,&j4, these priests of the Mah&vih&ra uphold an heterodox vinaya : we observe the (orthodox) vinaya." The monarch there- upon ordained, that whoever should give any alms to a priest of the Mahd- vih&ra would incur a fine of a hundred (pieces). The Mah&vih4ra fraternity, plunged into the greatest distress by these proceedings, abandoning the Mah4vih&ra, repaired to Malaya in the R6hana division. From this circum- stance, the Mah4vihS,ra having been left unoccupied by the priests of the Mahdvih&ra fraternity, it remained deserted for a period of nine years. ' " Kakkhala." ^ " Mah& Sena ." • " placed." '"He gave the K&Iamattika tank to the Ofitiya mountain vih&ra. Having celebrated the festival of vesakha and the dedication of the vih&ra, this king gave six robes each to a thousand priests." • " such as the building of temples," &o. • Insert " for that purpose." 150 THE MAHivAlJSA. This impioualy ignorant thera (Sadghamitta) having persuaded the weak king that " unclaimed property became the droits of the ruler of the land ;" and obtained the sanction of the r&j& to destroy the Mah&vihara, carried into efEeot the demolition of the Mah&rih&ra. A certain minister named Sonai the partisan of the thdra Sadghamitta, and the confidant of the r&j&, and certain shameless ]and wicked priests, pulling down the pre-eminent L6hap&- sdda, which was seven stories high, as well as various other edifices, removed (the materials) from those places to Abhayagiri. ^The king having thus caused all the materials of the Mahdvihdra to be transported, used them at the Abhayagiri, and built a hall for the reception of an image of Buddha; another at the bo-tree, and a delightful edifice for relics, as well as a quadrangular hall ; and repaired the Kukkutaparivena (erected in the reign of Kanittha- tissa). By this impious proceeding, adopted by the thera Saiighamitta, at this period the Abhayagiri vih&ra attained great splendour. The minister named Meghavann^bhaya, profoundly versed in all affairs of state, and who had enjoyed the confidence of the king, incensed at the destruction of the Mahivihira, throwing off his allegiance, fled to Malaya ; and raising a large force there, fortified himself at the Diiratissa tank. The king having ascertained 'this circumstance from a confidential person who had come from thence, repairing to the seat of war, also fortified himself. (M^ghavaundbhaya) having received a present of some delicious beverage and meat, brought from the Malaya division, he thus resolved : " Let me not partake of these, excepting with the king, who (once) confided in me.'' He himself taking this present, and proceeding quite alone, in the night, to the king's encampment, on reaching it made known the object of his errand. The r&j& having partaken, in his company, of what he had brought with him, thus inquired of him : " What made thee turn traitor against me ? " He replied, " On account of Hhe destruction oj^the Mahdvihara." The raj& thus rejoined : " I will re-establish the Mah&viUra : forgive me my ofEence." He there- upon forgave the king. The monarch, acting " By means of the materials of the many buildings thus removed from' the Mah&vihara, the Abhayagiri vih&ra soon flourished, and abounded with numerous edifices. The ruler of the land having joined this evil companion, Saiighamitta thSra, and his fellow-helper Stfpa, committed many evil deeds. He removed the great stone statue of Buddha from the Pucina Tissa-pabbata and set it up at Abhayagiri. He built there an image-house, a bodhi-house," &o. • " that his (former) friend was come there." ' "thy having destroyed." * " the author of all this horrible mischief, SaAghamitta th^ra, to be put to death when, with evil intent, he was at the point to destroy the Thiip&rama ; they slew the horrible and savage minister Sd^a also." CHAPTER XXXVIT. '151 The r&j& having had two brazen images or statues cast, placed them 'in the halt of the great bo-tree ; and though remonstrated against, in his infatuated partiality for the thera Tissa of the DakkhinftrAma fraternity, — 'who syatemati- cally violated the saeerdotahrules, protected immoral characters, and was himself an impious person, — consiructed the Jetavana vihdra for him, within the consecrated limits of the garden called J6ti, belonging to the Mahdvih^ra. He then applied to the priests (of the MahSvih^ra) to abandon their conse- crated boundaries (in order that ground might be consecrated for the new temple). The priests rejecting the application, abandoned their (the Mah&) vih&ra. In order, however, to prevent the consecration attempted by the interlopers being rendered valid, some of the priests (of the Mah4vih6ra establishment) still concealed themselves in different parts of the premises. Under these circumstances, the Mahdvihira was again deserted by the priesthood for a period of nine months, during which the interloping priests, not unmindful of their object, perseveringly said, " Let us violate the consecration." Thereafter, when their endeavour to invalidate the consecra- tion was discontinued, the priests of the Mah&vihara, returning, re-established themselves there. 'An accusation was brought against a certain thera named Tissa, of having illegally seized possession of this vihdra ; which is (one of the four) extreme sacerdotal crimes. The (charge J being well founded, he presented himself at an assemblage of priests (for the purpose of undergoing his trial). Accordingly, the chief ministers of justice, in comformity to the prescribed laws, although the rdjd was averse thereto, righteously adjudged that lie should be expelled from the priesthood. This monarch built the Manihira vihdra ; and demolishing a dcvdlaya (at each of those places) built three vihdras : viz., the Gdkanna, the Ekak&villa, and the Kalanda, at the brahmin village (of that name); as well as the Migagama vih&ra and Gadg&senapabbata. The rdjd also constructed in the westward the Dhatus^napabbata, as well as a great vihdra in the K6kavdta division ; the Biipdramma and the Ciilavitti. He constructed also two nunneries, ^called the southern and western nipassayas. At the temple of the yakkha Kdlav^la he built a thdpa. Throughout the island he repaired numerous dilapidated edifices, 'fle made offerings to a thousand priests of a thousand pieces; and to all theras, the recorders of disputation, robes annually. There is no defining the extent of his charity in food and beverage. To extend cultivation, he formed sixteen tanks : the Manihira at Mahd- gdma, JaUiira, Khdiiu, Mahdmani, Eokavdta, Mdraka, Faraka, Eumbdlaka, Vdhata, Eattam&lakandaka, Tissava, Velaiigavitthi, Mahdgallaka, Ciravdpi, Mahaddragalla, and Edlapdsdnavdpi : these were the sixteen tanks. He formed also the great canal called Fabbata, which was fed from the river. He thus performed 'acts both of piety and impiety. The conclusion of the Mahavar^sa. ' " on the eastern side." ' " a hypocrite, a dissembler, a companion of sinners, and a vulgar man," would be literal. • "A charge, involving excommunication, was brought against the priest who accepted the vihara (built by the king within the limits of the MahtCvih&ra). The charge being well founded, it was duly investigated by a certain minister Bumamed the Just, who caused him to be expelled and disrobed albeit against the wishes of the king." ■• " in the Uttardbhaya-sobbha division." ' " To a thousand chief priests he made offerings suited to elders at a cost of a thousand pieces ; and unto all of them he distributed robes annually," " " many works." 152 THE mahAva^sa. Adoration to him, who is the deified, the sanctified, the omniscient, supreme Buddha 1 Thus this monarch Mah&s6na, by his connection with ill-disposed persons, having performed, during the whole course of his existence, acts both of piety and impiety, his destiny (after his death) was according to his merits. From this example, a wise man should avoid intercourse with impious persons, as if he were guarding his life from the deadly venom of a serpent. His son Sirim^ghavanna, who was like unto the r&j& Mandhdta, 'endowed with all prosperity, then became king. Assembling all the priests of the Mah4vih&ra, who had been scattered abroad by the measures of Mah&s6na, under the persuasion of his impious advisers, and reverentially approaching, and bowing down to them, he thus benevolently inquired : " What are these disastrous acts committed by my father, misguided by Saiighamitta ?" The priests thus replied to the monarch : " Thy sire endeavoured to violate the consecration (of the Mahavih&ra), which he failed in accomplishing, by priests remaining within the consecrated limits ; here 'a hundred priests established themselves, subterraneously, in the womb of the earth. Those impious characters, the minister named Sdna, and Saiighamitta, misguiding the king, caused this profanation to be done by him. Pulling down the superb Ldhap&s&da, consisting of seven stories, and 'having apartments of ivarious descriptions, he removed (the materials) thence to the Abhayagiri. These sacrilegious characters sowed the site of these sacred edifices, on which the four Buddhas had vouchsafed to tarry, with the mSsaka seed. Ponder" (continued the priests addressing themselves to the r&j&) "on the consequences of unworthy associations," On hearing this account of his parent's mis- conduct, appaUed at the results of evil communications, he restored all that had been destroyed by his father there (in that capital). In the first place, he rebuilt the Ldhap&s&da, exhibiting in Sihala, the model of the superb palace of the raj& Mah&panida. He rebuilt also the pariv^nas which had been demolished, and restored to the servants of those religious establishments the lands they had held for their services. *The residence (of the priests) which had been destroyed h/ his father and the ill- judging minister, because tliey were separately built, he reconstnicted in a row in restoring the vihdra. This ruler of men completed all Hhat remained imperfect of the Jotivana vifa&ra which had been Younded by his father. Subsequently, this monarch having made himself fully acquainted with the particulars connected with the th^ra Mahinda, the son of the ^Muni of saints (Buddha) ; and the ikjk glory- ing in the merits of him who had been the means of converting this island, thus meditated : " Most assuredly the thera has been a supreme (benefactor) of the land ; " and causing a golden image of ^him to be made, and rendering it every honour, — on the seventh day of the first quarter of the month of kattika, he removed it to the edifice called the Th^rainbaat Ambatthala ; and leaving (there the image of) the th^ra during the eighth day, then on the ninth day assembling a great concourse of people, like unto the heavenly host, composed of the royal retinue and of the inhabitants of the capital, leaving at home those alone requisite for guarding their own houses ; and having, 'by despatching messengers throuhout La^hd, called together all the ' '' In conferring." " " seven." ' " other houses." * Lit. " The vih&ras which had been but sparsely inhabited by reason of his misguided father having stopped the supplies, he caused to be densely occupied." ' " the work in." " " left imperfect." ' " lord," » " his stature." • Dele, CHAPTEll XXXVH. 153 priests, ^and keeping up during the period of their detention there the mahdddnan, he celebrated a festival hy the collective aid of all these people, never surpassed before. He himself led the procession' of this (inspired) teacher of the island, the illustrious son Of the divine teacher (Buddha), in the same manner that the king of d^vas (Sakka) ^preceded the divine teacher in his ^progress to the Devaloka. He had the city and the road to the oetiya at Ambatthala decorated, in the same manner that the road from V^s&li to S&vatthi was orna- mented '(in the abmie-mentioned pivgress of Bvddha); and Hn order that he might exhibit to the people the procession of this thira, — in the same manner thai Asdka, the (hira's father, sending a mission to the Ahoganga mountain, had conducted the thira- Moggaliputtatissa to (PupphapuraJ distributing alms in the way to the afflicted, to vagrants, and mendicants, and ^celebrated for the accommodation of the priests the four sacerdotal requisites, — this gifted (monarch) also, in the presence of this immense congregation of people, lifting up the golden image of the th6ra, descended from the rooky peak (of Ambatthala) ; he himself leading the procession surrounded by a number of priests, and dazzling like the golden mountain M€ru, enveloped in the brilliant fleecy clouds of a bright season, in the midst of the 'Khirasagara ocean. Such as was the entrance of the supreme of the universe (Buddha) into V^silinagara, to expound the CRuvan) sutta ; this r&ji made a similar exhibition to the people in the present instance. This monarch, thus rendering every mark of reverence to the festival, approached in the evening the Sotthiy&kara vih&ra, which had been built by himself near the eastern gate. He there detained for three days the image of the son of the vanquisher. Having then ordered the city to be decorated, on the twelfth day, "ire the same manner that in aforetime the divine teacher entered the city of Rdjagaha, bringing this image out of the Sotthiy4kara vih&ra, he con- veyed it in a solemn procession through the city, which was like unto a great ocean, to the Mah&vih&ra ; and kept it for three months in the precincts of the bo-tree. With the same ceremonials "C<^« multitude) conducted it to the city, and there, near the royal residence, in the south-east direction, he built an edi- fice for that image. This fearless and profoundly wise monarch, having caused images to be made of Ttthiya and the other (theras who had accompanied Mahinda), placed them also there. He" made provision for the maintenance of this establishment, and commanded that a splendid festival should be celebrated annually in a manner similar to the present one. "The rdjd, as he had ' " throi^hout La^ki, and relieved the prisoners from the jails of the city, he gave a great almsgiving to all the people, and celebrated a festival with a pomp of power that was never surpassed before." ' Insert " to meet (the image)." ' " proceeded to meet." * " visit." » Dele. ' " like nntothe thera's father, Asdka, in welcoming there the th€ia Moggali- putta, the king distributed." ' " provided." » " milky." » " Eatana." '" " like unto the city of RtCjagaha on the occasion of the Master's first entry thereto." " " he." " Insert " placed guards over it, and." " " And the kings of hia house do up to this day maintain that festival in obedience to his command, without omitting aught of the ceremonial. He ordained that the image (of Mahinda) should be taken from the city into the Mah^vihira on the Pav^rapa day (the conclusion of the Tassa), and offerings made thereto on the 13th day of the moon every year. And he built stone cornices and beautiful walls also at the Abhaya and Tissa-Vasabha vihiiras as well as at the bodhi tree." 91-87 151 THE MAhAvA^SA. jnade this provision for the perpetitation of the festival, even unto thiaday" itis kept up without omission. He instituted a festival to be held at the " pavdratfa " (conclusion) of " vassa " annually, an which occasion (these images) were car- ried from the city to the Mahdvihdra, He built a protecting wall round the vihdra called Abhayatissa, and added a stone cmmice to the flight of steps at the bo-tree. In the ninth year of his reign, a certain hrahtnan princess brought the Dath&dh&tu, or tooth-relief of Buddha, hither from K&liiiga, under the cir- cumstances set forth in the Ddthidhdtuvagsa.l The monarch receiving charge of it himself, and rendering thereto, in the most reverential manner, the highest honours, deposited it in a casket of great purity made of " phalika " stone, and lodged it in the edifice called the Dhammacakka, built by D^v&nampiya Tissa.' In the first place, the r6j&, expending *a lac, in the height of his felicity, celebrated a D&th&dh&tu festival, and then he ordained that M similar festival should be annually celebrated, transferring the relic in procession to the Ahhaya- giri vihdra. This monarch constructed eighteen vihdras ; and formed, out of compas- sion for living creatures, tanks also, which should perpetually contain water ; and having celebrated a festival at the bo-tree, and performed other equally eminent acts of piety, in the twenty-eighth year of his reign fulfilled the destiny prescribed by his deserts. His younger brother, prince Jetthatissa, then raised the chatta in Lagk&. He was a skilful carver. This monarch having executed several arduous undertakings in painting]and carving, himself taught the art to many of his subjects.^ ^Pursuant to the direction of his father, he sculptured a statue of Buddha, in a manner so exquisite that it might be inferred that he was inspired for the task. For that statue, having also made a beautiful altar and a gilt edifice, he surmounted it with a chatta, and inlaid it with ivory in various ways ; and having administered the government of Lagk& for nine years, and performed many acts of piety, he ako fulfilled the destiny due to him. His son Buddhad&sa then became king : he was a mine of virtue and an ocean of riches. 'By the perfection of his policy he rendered this (capital) to the inhabitants of this land, like unto the heavenly A'lakamandd, the city of Vessavat^a. Endowed with wisdom, piety, and virtue, and imbued with boundless benevolence ; and thereby attaining the ten virtues of royalty, and escaping from the four " agati," he administered justice, and protected the people by the four means that that protection ought to be extended. This * T he period Mahitnama flourished. This festival is not observed now. f The relio now deposited in the M&ligdva temple at Kandy ; and at present in my official custody. \ This work is extant, to which two sections have been subsequently added, bringing the history of the tooth-relic down to the middle of the last century. — [iVotes hy Mr. Tumour.'] ' Add " in the royal park. Thenceforward that house received the name of Dithfidhitu-ghara." " " nine lacs." ' " it should be taken every year to the Abhayagiri vih&ra and a similar festival celebrated in honour thereof." * Add " who, under his directions, did likewise." ' " He sculptured a beautiful likeness of the Bodhisatta, so perfect that it seemed as if it had been executed by supernatural power ; and also a throne, a parasol, and a state-room with some beautiful works in ivory made therefor." " By every means in his power he ensured the happiness of the inhabitants of the island, and took as great care of the city as Vessavaiia, the god of wealth, took of his city, A'lakamand&," Chapter xxxvii. 1^5 HAonarch exemplified to the people, in his own person, the conduct of the B6dhisattas ; and he entertained for mankind at large the compassion that a parent feels for his chUdren. The indigent he rendered happy by distribu- tion of riches among them'; and he protected the rich in their property and life. This wise (ruler) patronised the virtuous, discountenanced the wicked, and comforted the diseased by providing medical relief. On a certain day, the rfi,j4, while proceeding along the high road, mounted on his elephant to bathe at the Tissa tank, saw in the neighbourhood of the Futtabh&ga vihAra a ^mahdndga, on a white ant's hill, 'stretched out straigM as a pole, and extended on his back, suffering from some internal complaint. Thereupon, on perceiving this, the monarch thought, " Surely this ndga is suffering from som^ disease ;" .and descending from his state elephant, and approaching the distressed mah&n^a, thus addressed him : " Mah&n&ga, 'it is only on the road that I became aware of thy case. Thou art unquestionably highly gifted ; but as thou art also addicted to fits of rage, on sudden impulses, on that account it is impossible for me to 'approach thee and treat thy complaint. Yet without ''approaching thee, I can effect nothing. What is to be done ?" On being thus addressed, the hooded monarch (cobra de capello) thoroughly pacified, inserting his head alone into a hole in the anthill, extended himself. Then approaching him, and drawing his instrument from its case, he opened the n&ga's stomach ; and extracting the diseased part, and applying an efficacious remedy, he instantly cured the snake. (The r4j&) then thus meditated : " My administration must be most excellent ; even the animal creation recognises that I am a most compassionating person." The snake finding himself cured, presented a superlatively valuable gem of his, as an offering to the king, and the r&jA set that gem in the eye of the stone image (of Buddha) in the Abhayagiri vih4ra. A certain priest, 'who had constantly subsisted as a mendicant, in the course of his alms pilgrimage through the village Thusavattika, received some boiled rice which had become dry. Procuring also milk which had already engendered worms, he ate his meal. Innumerable worms being produced thereby, they gnawed his entrails. Thereupon repairing to the r&jS he stated his complaint to him. The king inquired of him, " What are thy symptoms ; and where didst thou take food?" He replied, "1 took my meal at the village Thusavattika, mixed with milk." The r&jS, ''observed, " There must have been worms in the milk." On the same day a horse was brought, afflicted with a complaint, which required his blood vessels to be opened. The r&ji performed that operation, and taking blood from him administered it to the priest. After waiting awhile he observed, " That was horse's blood.'* On hearing this, the priest threw it up. The worms were got rid of with the blood, and he recovered. The rija then thus addressed the 'delighted priest :' " By one puncture of my own surgical instrument, both the priest afflicted with worms and the horse have been cured ; surely this medical science is a wonderful one 1" A certain person, while drinking some water, swallowed the spawn of a ' " a great cobra." ' " lying on his back (as if) to expose his ailment, which was a tumour on the belly. The great and good king concluded that the n6ga was suffering from some disease," to. This verse (65) contains a play on the word mahdtiAga, which is applied to the elephant, the king, and the cobra. Andgavd maJiAndga, here means a harmless and excellent person, and are epithets applied to the king. ' " I know the reason of thy coming." * " touch." ' " touching." » Dele, ' " then knew that." » j)(ilc. ° -^^^ " i" tlie impulse of his joy." 156 THE MAHlvAljrBA. water serpent, whence a water serpent was engendered, which gnawed his entrails. This individual, tortured by this visitation, had recourse to the rfij& ; and the monarch inquired into the particulars of his case. Ascertaining that it was a serpent in his stomach,' causing him to be bathed and well rubbed, 'and providing him with a well-furnished bed, 'he kept him in it awake for seven days. Thereupon overcome (by his ^previous sufferings) he fell sound asleep with his mouth open. (The r&j&) placed on his mouth a piece of meat with a string tied to it. In consequence of the savour which exhaled there- from, the serpent rising up, bit it, and attempted to pull it into (the patient's) stomach. ^Instantly drawing him out by the string, ^and carefully disengaging (the serpent) therefrom, and placing it in water, contained in a vessel, (the r&ji) made the following remark: "Jivaka was the physician of the supreme Buddha, and he knew the scieace. But ^what wonderful service did he ever render to the world f He performed no cure equal to this. In my case, as I devote myself without scruple with equal zeal for the benefit of all, my merit is pre-eminent." ^Similarly (by his nMical skill) he rendered a Cha^dala woman of Helloli- gama, who was horn barren, pregnant seven times, without submitting her to any personal inconvenience. There was a certain priest ho severely afflicted with rheumatic affections, that whenever he stood he was as crooked as a " gopdnasi" rafter. This gifted (king J relieved him from his afBiction. In another case, of a man who had'° drank some water which had the spawn of frogs in it, an egg, entering the nostril, ascended into the head, and being hatched became a frog. There it attained its full growth, and in rainy weather it croaked, and gnawed the head of the priest. The rijh, splitting open the head and extracting the frog, and reuniting the severed parts, quickly cured the wound. Out of benevolence entertained towards the inhabitants of the island, the sovereign provided hospitals, and appointed medical practitioners thereto, for all villages. The r&j& having composed the work " S&ratthasangaha,"" con- taining the "whole medical science," ordained that there should be a physician for every twice five (ten) villages, "fle set aside twenty royal villages for the maintenance of these physicians ; ''and appointed medical practitioners to attend '%'« elephants, ''his horses, and '''his army. On the main road, for the reception of the '^crippled, deformed, and destitute, he built asylums in various places, provided with the means of subsisting (those objects). Patronising the ministers who could expound the doctrines of the faith, he devotedly • This work, which is composed in the Sanskrit language, is still extant. Native medical practitioners profess to consult it. — [JVuta by Mr. Turnour.'] ' " he caused him to fast for seven days ; and." ' " provided." • Dele. •"exhaustion." » " Then dexterously." " Dele. ' " what greater skill than this did he exhibit to the world although he also, in all loving-kiudneaa, performed similar acts. Oh, how great is my good fortune I" '"Likewise he attended on a Cai}4iila woman of Hellolig&ma, who, for the seventh time, was in great travail, and saved her together with the child that was in the womb." The original word mitfhagabblui means a bad presentation of the foetus causing difficult delivery. ° " whose limbs were stiffened with a rheumatic affection, and while he was laid up as straight as a rafter, this gifted king," &o. ^'Insert " hurriedly." " " substance of all." " Insert " circulated it among the physicians of the island for their future guidance. He," &o. " " and set apart one-twentieth of the produce of fields." " " he." " " on." " Dele. " " on the." " " lame and the blind." DHAi'Tfiii kxkvir. lh7 attended to their doctrines, and, in various parts, provided the maintenances required by the expounders of the faith. ^Earnestly deeoted to the welfare of mankind, disguising himself hy gathering his cloth up between (his legs), he afforded relief to every afflicted person he met. Subsequently, on a certain occasion, the r&j4 was moving in a procession, arrayed in royal state, and escorted by his army, like unto V&sava surrounded by his heavenly host ; when a certain 'person afflicted with a cutaneous com- plaint, who had formed an enmity against the rkjk in a former existence, beholding him thus endowed with regal prosperity, and resplendent with the pomp of royalty, enraged, struck the earth with his hand, and loudly venting opprobrious language kept striking the ground with his staff. This superla- tively wise (ruler) npticing this improper proceeding from afar, thus (medi- tated) : '" I resent not the haired borne me by any person. This is an animosity engendered in a former existence ; I will extinguish it :" and gave these directions to one of his attendants : " Go to that leper, and Hhoroughly inform thyself what his wishes be." He went accordingly, and seating himself near the leper, as if he were a friend of his, inquired of him what had enraged him so much. He disclosed aU. " This Buddhad&sa (in a former existence) was my slave ; by the merit of his piety he is now born a king. To insult me, he is parading before me in state on an elephant. ' Within a few days he will be in my power. I will then make him sensible of his real position, by subjecting him to every degradation that slaves are exposed to. Even if he should not fall into my hands, I will cause him to be put to death, and will 'such his blood. This imprecation will he brought about at no remote period." (The messenger) returning reported these particulars to the monarch. That wise personage, being then quite convinced, remarked, " It is the enmity engendered in a former existence ; it is proper to allay the animosity of an exasperated person " ;' and gave Hhese instructions to the said attendant :" " Do thou take especial care of him." Returning to the leper again, in the character of a friend, he said : " All this time I have been thinking of the means of putting the r4j& to death, which I have been prevented effecting from the want of an accomplice. By securing your assistance in his assas- sination, I shall be able to accomplish this much-desired wish : come away; residing in my house, render me thy aid. Within a few days I will myself take his life." After having thus explained himself, he conducted the leper to his own house, and provided him with the most luxurious means of bathing and anointing his body ; fine cloths for raiment ; savoury food for his subsistence ;"• and on a delighted bed, "beautifully decorated, he arranged that a lovely female of fascinating charms should recline. After he had been entertained in this manner for some days, (the messen- ger) having satisfied himself that this happy (leper), restored to the enjoy- ment of health, was brought to a tractable frame of mind ; "still, however, withholding the information for two or three days ; (at last) he presented him ' " This man of great compassion wag wont to carry his case of (surgical) instruments within the folds of his cloth (in his waist), and afford relief," &c. ""leper." '" I do not remember having done harm to any Jaeing. Surely this," &c. * " ascertain the state of Ms mind." '" if he should fall into my hand, I will make him know himself." " " certainly suck up his blood. Thou shalt sde it in a few days ," ' Add " by some device." » Dole. »^(?(i" saying." '« Insert "charming females to attend on him." " " well prepared with comfortable bedding and linen, he caused him to lie down." ■s " he set before him food and other daintiful things." i^^ TH£ MAhIva^BA. his meals, saying that they were provided by the ra.j4. ^By this means the (messenger J, who rendered him these acts of kindness, succeeded in pacifying him ; and by degrees he became a most devoted subject to the r&j4. On a certain occasion, on hearing (a false rumour) that the king was put to death, his heart rent in twain. ^Thus the rdjd, for the future medical treatment of the diseases with which the bodies of the people of this land might be afflicted, provided physicians. He built at the Mah^vih&ra the pariy^na called MiSra,' in height twenty- five cubits, and conspicuous from its upper story ; and *to the priests resident there, who could propound the doctrines, he provided' servants to attend on them° and dedicated to them the two villages Samara and Golapdnu, as well as vihdras, pariviifas, the four sacerdotal requisites most fully, and tanks, refection halls, and images. In the reign of this raj&, a certain priest, ^profoundly versed in the doctrines, translated the Suttas (of the Pitakattaya) into the Sihala° language. He had eighty sons, valiant, energetic, well-formed, and of engaging appearance, to whom he gave the names of the eighty (contemporary) dis- ciples of Buddha. The r&j6, Buddhad&sa, surrounded by his sons, who were called S&riputta, and so on (after those eighty disciples), was as conspicuous as the supreme, royal, Buddha (attended by his disciples). Thus this ruler of men, Buddhaddsa, having provided for the welfare of the inhabitants of the island, passed Ho the Divaldha in the twenty-ninth year of his reign . His eldest son, npatissa,t who was endowed with every royal virtue, con- stantly devoted to acts of piety, and pre-eminently benevolent, became king. Avoiding the ten impious courses, the raja conformed to the ten pious courses ; and fulfilled both his duties as a monarch, and the ten probationary courses of religion. To all the four quarters (of his dominions) the raja extended his protection, according to the four protective rules ; and provided the ^principal alms-offerings from the royal stores. He built extensive stores and alms-houses for the crippled, for pregnant women, for the blind, and the diseased. In the northern direction from the Madgala c6tiya, he constructed a thdpa, '"image apartments, and an image. "This rdjd adopted this course, in the * Several portions of the other two divisions also of the Pitakattaya have been translated into the Sighalese language, which alone are consulted by the priests who are unacquainted with Pali. f The individual name of Sdriputta before he became one of Buddha's disciples. — {^Notes by Mr. Tuitiour.'] ' " He refused them two or three times, but being entreated by the messenger partook of them at last." ' " In this manner it was that the king treated the diseases pertaining to the body and to the mind." ' G-enerally called the Maytira Pariv^i;ia, or Monara Piriv6(ia, the remains of which still exist. * Insert " dedicated to it the two villages Samapa and G-oJap&uu. To " &o. ' Insert " food and." ' " He also built vihdras and pariv€i;ias abounding with the four monastic requisites." ' " by name Mahd Dhammakathi." * " into paradise " or heaven. Tidiva, S. Tridiva. » " Mahipali alms-hall with food." '» " an image-house." " Lit. " This king constructed them, moreover, by (the labour of) boys, to whom he gave confectionery (as wages), saying, ' Let not men be unnecessarily) harassed.' " CHAPTER XXXVII. 159 ea^ectation of securing the attachment of his subjects. He had confectionery also prepared, which he caused to he distributed by the youths in his suite. In various parts of his kingdom he executed the following unexampled ■works of piety : the B&juppala, Gijjhahuta, FokkharapSsaya, V&ldhassa, Ambul^hi, and the Gondig^a tanks ; as well as the Khandar&ji vihfira and tank, which should constantly contain water. ^This individual (before he ascended the throne), while it was pouring with rain, passed a whole night in solitude, seated on his bed. The minister having ascertained that this proceeding was intended for the injury of the people, caused him to be brought to the royal garden, and imprisoned him. In resentment of this proceeding he did not (on his accession) inflict any penalty on his sultjeots. In his reign the island was afflicted with drought, disease, and distress. This benevolent person, who was like unto a luminary which expels the dark- ness of sin, thus inquired of the priests : " Lords 1 when the world was over- whelmed with the misery and horrors of a drought, was then nothing done by Buddha (in his time) for the alleviation of the world ?" They then 'ex- pounded the " Ghiiigftr6hana sutta" ('of Buddha). Having listened thereto, causing a perfect image (of Buddha) to be made of gold, for the tooth-relic, and placing the stone refection dish of the divine teacher filled with water on the joined hands of that (image), and raising that image into his state car, he went through the ceremony of receiving " sila," *which confers consolation on all living beings ; and made the multitude also submit to the same cere- mony, and distributed alms. Having decorated the capital like unto a heavenly city, surrounded by all the priests resident in the island, he descended into the main street. There the assembled priests chaunting forth the " Ratanasutta," and at the same time sprinkling water, ^arranged them- selves in the street at the end of which the palace was situated; and continued throughout the three divisions of the night to perambulate round its enclosing wall. ^At the rising of the sun a torrent of rain descended as if it would cleave the earth. All the sick and crippled sported about with joy. The king then issued the following command : " Should there at any time be another afflic- tion of drought and sickness in this island, do ye observe the like ceremonies." 'Ore visiting the eitiya" (in the midst of the inundation), observing ants and other insects struggling on the flood with the feathers of a peacock's tail, sweeping them towards the margin (of the cetiya), he enabled these (insects) to rescue * Supposed to be the Euvanveli. — [iVbfe hy Mr. Tumour.'] ' "(On one occasion) when, (in consequence of a leak) his bed was wetting while the rain was pouring down, he passed the whole night thereon (without causing the leak to be stopped) lest the workmen be put into trouble. The minister (of the king's household) having come to know thereof conducted (enticed) Mm to the royal park, and (in his absence from the palace) covered the house (stopping the leak in the roof). Thus this king inflicted not on other beings any suffering on account of himself (for the sake of his own comfort)." The original is" very obscure from its exceeding brevity, as the parentheses in this rendering will show. ' " set forth the circumstance that gave rise to the preaching of." « " by." * Dele. ' ■' marched in procession in the neighbourhood of -the palace, along the street and near the walls, and continued walking round (the city) throughout the three divisions of the night." " " At the break of day the great clouds poured down rain upon the earth." ' " He was wont to visit the o^tiya and, with a (broom made of the) peacock's tail sweep away ants and other insects from the sides thereof, saying, ' Let them get down to the ground gently'; and then taking a chank filled with water he would walk about and wash (the stains left by them on the white plaster of the o^tiya)." 160 THE mahAva^sa. themselves; and continuing his procession he sprinkled water, as he proceeded, from his chanh. He constructed to the aouth-weflt of his palace an updsatha hall, a haU for the image of Buddha* surrounded by an enclosing wall, 'and formed a garden. On the fourteenth and fifteenth days of each half month, ^as well as on the eighth and first days of each quarter, renewing the vows of the " atasil " order, and undergoing the ceremonies of the updsatha, he tarried there on those occasions ; and during the whole of his life he subsisted on the alms prepared for the priesthood (without indulging in more luxurious food); he had been also in the habit of setting aside rice, formed into lumps, for the squirrels which frequented his garden ; which is continued unto this day. * This benevolent (monarch) on seeing a culprit carried away to undergo his sentence, procuring a corpse from the cemetery, and throwing it into a cauldron, and bestowing money on the offender, allowed him to escape in the night ; and at the rising of the sun, as if incensed against the criminal, boiled the corpse. He celebrated 'a great festival for all the cetiyas in the island; and made a 'metal covering, ornamented with gold, for the thilpa at the Thiipgrama. Having completed a reign of forty-two years, without having Hn a single instance indulged in a fUe of festivity, confining himself to ^ceremonies of piety, he departed to be associated with the chief of the devas. His consort, who "ought to have cherished him, caused him to be put to death by means of his younger brother Mahdndma, by plunging a weapon into him, in an unfrequented spot. During the lifetime of the late king this younger brother had been a priest. On the assassination of the rijk, throwing off his robes, he became the sovereign ; and made the queen, who had put his elder brother to death, his own consort. He founded ^"an asylum for the diseased, and kept up the alms-offerings for the priesthood. In the division of the Koti mountains, at the Ldhadvdraralag- gdma, he built three vihdras, and conferred them on the priests of the Abhayagiri establishment. "J?^ the aforesaid queen a vihdra was built at the DhUmarakkha mountain for the schismatic priests. This (monarch), devoted to deeds of charity and piety, repaired dilapidated vihdras ; and was a constant contributor towards the maintenance of religion. "A brahman youth, bom in the neighbourhood of the terrace of the great bo-tree (in Magadha), accomplished in the " vijj&" and "sippa ;"" who had achieved the knowledge of the three '' v^das,'' and possessed ^*great aptitude in ' Insert "and a beautiful park." "Dele. '"and the eighth days thereof, as well as on the extraordinary season (pa(i- hiriya pakkha) he would strictly conform himself to the eight precepts, and tarry there, behaving himself holily." * " This king, whose mind shrunk withhorror at the sight of a culprit brought." ' " great festivals." " " golden pinnacle and covering." ' " spent one moment in vain." « " works." ' " was intimate with his younger brother Mah&n&ma, caused him to be slain by plunging a weapon into him." >°" hospitals for the sick and supported the Mah&pUi alms-hall. He built the three vihdras, Lohadv&ra, Balaggdma, and Eotipassdvana." " " He built a vihdra at the Dh\imarakka mountain and gave it to the Th^ravfidi (Mah&vih&ra) brotherhood by means of his queen." " Insert "(In those days)." " Insert " and ' kMa.' " ""a perfect knowledge of philosophy and religion, and was well versed in all the controversies of the day, wandered over Jambudi'pa as a disputant anxious for controversy. Having arrived at a certain vihfira (and taken lodgings) he was rehearsing at night the aphorisms of PataRjali in all their perfection and completeness," ofiAPTEii xxxvn. 1'61 aitainitig acquirements; indefatigable as a schismatic disputant, and himself a schismatic wanderer over Jambudtpa, established himself, in the character of a disputant, in a certain vihdra, and was inthe habit of rehearsing, by night and by day, with elapsed Iwmds, a discourse which he had learned, perfect in all its component parts, and sustained throughout in the same lofty strain. A. certain mah& th^ra, R^vata, becoming acquainted with him there, and (saying to himself), " This individual is a person of profound knowledge ; it will be worthy (of me) to convert him ;" inquired, " Who is this who is braying like an ass P" (The brahman) replied to him, '" Thou canst define, then, the meaning conveyed in the bray of asses." On (the th^ra) rejoining, '"lean define it ;'' he (the brahman) 'exhibited the extent of the knowledge he possessed. (The thera) criticised each of his propositions, and pointed out in what respect they were fallacious. He who had been thus refuted said, " Well then, descend to thy own creed ;" and he propounded to him a passage from the "Abhidhamma" (of the Pitakattaya). He (the brahman) could not divine the signification of that (passage) ; and inquired, " Whose *manta is this ?" " It is Buddha's manta." On his exclaiming, " Impart it to me ; (the thera) replied, "Enter the sacerdotal order." He who was desirous of acquiring the knowledge of the Pitakattaya,' subsequently coming to this conviction : " This is the sole road (to salvation) ;" became a convert to that faith. As he was as profound in his (ghdsa) eloquence as Buddha himself, they conferred on him the appellation of Buddhagh6sa (the voice of Buddha); and throughout the world he became as renowned as Buddha. Having there (in Jambudip&) composed an original work called " S^4n6daya ;" he, at the same time, wrote the chapter called " Atthasalini " on the Dhammasaiigani (one of the commentaries on the Abhidhamma). Bevata thera then observing that he was desirous of undertaking the compilation of a " Farittatthakath^ " (a 'general commentary on the Pi^akat- taya), thus addressed him : " The text alone (of the Pitakattaya) has been preserved in this land : the Atthakatha are not extant here ; nor is there any version to be found of the ^vddd (schisms) complete. The Sighalese Atthakath& are genuine. They are composed in the Sighalese language by the inspired and profoundly wise Mahinda, who had previously consulted the discourses of Buddha, authenticated at the three convocations, and the dissertations and arguments of S&riputta and others ; and they are ext^t among the Sighalese. Repairing thither, and studying the same, translate (them) according to the rules of the grammar of the M&gadhas. It will be an act conducive to the welfare of the whole world." Having been thus advised, this eminently wise personage rejoicing therein, departed from thence, and visited this island in the reign of this monarch (Mahdn4ma). On reaching the Mah&vih&ra (at Anuradbapura)^ he entered the Mah&padh&na hall, Hhe most splendid of the apartments in the vihdra, and listened to the Sighalese Af thakath&, and the Therav^da, from the beginning to the end, expounded by the th€ra Sadghap&la ; and ^'became thoroughly convinced that they conveyed the true meaning of the doctrines of the lord of dhamma. Thereupon, paying reverential respect to the priesthood, he thus petitioned : " I am desirous of translating the A^^hakathtt ; give me access to ' " What, knowest thou." '" 1 do know." '" laid down his propositions." ' Manta = Mantra, a division of the v^as. » Insert " entered the order, and." ' " concise." ' " various expositions of the teachers," • InseH " the home of all good men." " Dele. >» << having decided on the true meaning of the doctrines of the lord of Dhamm&, he caused the priesthood to assemble there, and." 91—87 162 THE mahIva^sa. all your books.'' The prieathood, for the purpose of testing his qualifications, gave only two gdth&, saying : " Hence prove thy qualification ; having satisfied ourselves on this point, we will then let thee have all our books." From these (taking two gkthi for his text), and consulting the Pi^akattaya together with the Atthakatha, and condensing them into an abridged form, he composed the 'commentary called the " Vifluddhimagga." Thereupon, having assembled the priesthopd who had accquired a thorough knowledge of the doctrines of Buddha at the bo-tree, he commenced to read out (the work he had composed). The devatas, in order that they might make his (Buddhaghdsa's) gifts of wisdom celebrated among men, rendered that book invisible. He, however, for a second and third time recomposed it. When he was in the act of producing his book for the third time, for the purpose of 'propounding it, the dIvatAs restored the other two copies also. The (assembled) priests then read out the three books simultaneously. In those three versions, neither ii) a signification ^or in a single misplacement by transposition — ^nay, even in the th^ra ^controversies and in the text (of the Pitakattaya)-r-wa8 there in the measure of a verse, or in the letter of a word, the slighest variation. Thereupon the prieathood rejoicing, again and again fervently shouted forth, saying, " Most assuredly this is Metteyya (Buddha) himself ;" and made over to him the books in which the Fitakattaya were recorded, together with the At(hakath&. Taking up his residence in the secluded Ganth&kara vih&ra at Anuradhapura, he translated, according to the grammatical rules of the Migadhas, which is the root of all languages, the whole of the Sighalese At(bakath& (into PaU). This proved an achievement of the utmost consequence to all languages spoken by the human race. All the Hh4ras and Acdryas held this compilation" in the same estima- tion as the text (of the Fitakattaya). Thereafter, the objects of his mission having been fulfilled, he returned to Jambudipa, to worship at the bo-tree (at Uruvela in Magadha). Mah&n&ma having performed various acts of piety, and enjoyed (his royal state) for twenty-two years, departed according to his deserts. All these rulers, though all-powerful and endowed with the utmost pros- 'perity, failed in ultimately overcoming the power of death. Let wise men therefore, bearing in mind that all mankind are subject to death, overcome their desire for riches and life. The thirty-seventh chapter in the Mahavagsa, entitled " The° Seven Kings," composed equally for the delight and affliction of righteous men. CHAPTER XXXVm. MahAnAma had a son named Sotthisdna, born of a damija ^consort ; by th6 same queen he had also a daughter called Sanghd. This Sotthis^na, who then succeeded to the monarchy, was put to death on the very day (of his accession) by the said princess Saiighi ; who immediately, by beat of drums, conferred it on her own husband, Jantu, who held the oifioe of chattag&haka. He formed the Ohattag&haka tank, and died within that year. His confidential minister' then privately burning his corpse within the precincts of the palace, and deciding that a certain powerful individual, who * This is the F&li version of the At(hakath& now used by the Buddhists of Ceylon. — \_Note by Mr. Tumour.'] ' " work." » " rehearsing.'' ' " expositions." < " ThSriy& teachers." The teachers or doctors of the Mab&vihiCra fraternity, » Insert " Reigns of." ' " woman ; and also a daughter named Sadgh& born of his queen,'' ' Imerii "a man of great cunning," CHAPTER xxxvni. 163 Had been a plunderer of crops, -was worthy of being raised to the monarchy, placed him on the throne ; but kept him also Confined -within the palace, and giving it out that the r&j& was suffering from sickness, himself administered the government. At a certain festival the populace clamorously called out, " If we have a king, let him Uhou) himself." On hearing this call, the monarch arrayed him- self in regal attire ; 'but finding that no state elephant was forthcoming fat him (to carry him in procession), mentioning, " Such an elephant will suit me," sent for the white elephant Icept at the tooth-relic temple. On the messenger delivering the Jeing's order, the elephant obeyed. (The rdjd) mounting him rnoiied in procession through the capital, and passing out of the eastern gate^ ordered an eiicampm^t to be formed at the first citiya ; and he built a trium- phdl arch within the square of the Mahd citiya, formed by the wall ornamented tcithfigiirei of elephants. Mittas^na having performed may acts of piety died within the year. A certain damija, named Papdu, landing from the opposite coast, put Mittas^na to death in the field of battle, and usurped the kingdom of Lagkfi. All the principal natives fled to Rdhapa ; and the damilas established their power on this (the Anur&dhapnra) side of the river (Mah&v&luk&). Certain members of the M6riyan dynasty dreading the power of the (usurper) Subha, the balattha, had settled in various parts of the country, concealihg themselves. Among them, there was a certain landed proprietor named Dh&tus^na, who had established himself at Naudivipi. His son named D6^h&, who lived at the village Ambiliyfiga, had two sons, DhJitusSna and SiMtissabddhi, of unexceptionable descent. Their mother's brother (Mah&n6ma), devoted to the cause of religion, continued to reside (at Ahu- r&dhapura) in his sacerdotal character, at the edifice built by the minister Dighasandana.** The youth Dh&tus€na became a priest in his fraternity, and on a certain day while he was chaUnting at the foot of a tree a shower of rain fell, and a nfiga seeing him there encircled him in his folds and covered him and his book with his hood. His uncle observed this ; 'and a certain priest, jealous thereof, contemptuously heaped some rubbish on his head, but he was not disconcerted thereby. His uncle noticing this circumstance also, *came to this conclusion : " This is an illustrious (youth) destined to be Bi king ;" 'and saying to himself, "I must watch over him," 'conducted him to the vihfira ; ^and thus addressing him : " Beloved, do not omit, night or day, to improve thyself in what thou shouldest acquire," rendered him accorhplishedi • Minister of D^vtCnampiya Tissa : vide p. 65. — \_Note by Mr, Turnour.} > "come forth and show himself to us." ' " and when the elephant was brought to him (to ride on, he would not have him, but) said ' This elephant befits me not,' and sent for the white elephant kept at the tooth-relic temple. On being told that it was the kiiigf's command the elephant came (was brought up 7). And he (the king) mounted him and rode through the city in procession, and commanded that he should (infutute) be stationed at the Pathama ti6tly Dele. ^Add " although he was a resident of his. (the king's) vih&ra." ' " open hall." * " caused the eyes to be set with two excellent jewels ; also the halo, the orest, and the curled hair to be thickly studded with blue sapphires. He made offerings also of an excellent band of gold, an ' upnaloma ' ornament (representing the curled hair on the forehead of Buddha), a golden robe, a net-work for the feet, a lotus, an excellent lamp, and cloths of divers colours without number. At the BahtunaAgala c^tiya he built image-houses, and added images of the Bodhi- sattas to the Kalasela (' Black stone') statue of the Master. To the statue of the Lord of the world, called Upasumbha, he made a halo and orest, and also to the statue of Buddha called Abhiseka the ornaments aforementioned." ' "surrounded with walks called the Dhiturdji, and built." * " of a tooth-relic casket and a halo (circlet)." ' " golden lotuses set with a profusion of precious stones." d^AipT^ti xxiviii. i6^ the enclosing wall of the ediflce to be beautifully plastered. At the three principal c^tiyas, having had the white plastering renewed, he made a golden " chatta " for each, as well as a " cumba^a " of glass. On the Mah&vih&ra being destroyed by the impious Mahis^na, the priests of the Dhammaruoi sect' had settled at the cdtiya monntain. 'Being desirous of rebuilding, and conferring on the thiraedda priests ( the opponents of the schismatics ), the Ambatthalavihdra Cat the Cetiya mountain), and being alto solicited by them to that effect, the monarch bestowed it on them. ^Having celebrated a festival in honour of the " DAthddatu" relic at the dedi- dication of a metal dish, he kept tip offerings (of rice), prepared from ten aviunams of grain ; and, like unto the unsurpassed Dhammasdka's, constructing image houses both within and without the capital, he made offerings to those images of Buddha also. Who is there, who is able, by a verbal description alone, to ttt forth in due order all his pious deeds I Note. — For the remainder of this Chapter see Part 11., pages xxix — zxxii. ' Abhayagiri fraternity. ' " Having repaired the Ambatthala vihilra (at the Cetiya mountain) the king was desirous of conferring it on the ThdravAda brethren (the Mahfevihara fra- ternity), but being entreated by them (the Dhammamcis) he gave it to them (allowed them to retain it.)" » " He caused an oval cistern of bronze to be made for the service of the relics ; and made provision for the giving of alms out of twenty amunams of fields. This king, with whom none but Dhammfisoka could compare, built and dedicated temples and images both inside and outside the city. Who can describe in detail all the good deeds that he had done 2 It is only a mere outline that has been set forth here." THE TRAI^SLATION OF THE SECOND PART L. C. WIJESi:^HA, MudaliyAb. 1)1—87 fi ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA. Page. Chapter, Verse. For Bead 5 ,. . XXXIX.... 59 .., , by the reason by reason 61 .. . XLIX. ... 81 .. . Kachchavdla Kachchav&la 69 .. . LI. 25 .. . uncle, king Pa^du, ... uncle king Pandu 86 .. . LIV. ... 12 .. . Now, Yallabha, the king Now, Vallabha sent forth of Cola, sent forth 87 ., • 1, *•> 44 .. . Pada-lafiehana Pada-laiichana 108 .. . LX. 5 .. . king of Anuruddha ... king Anuruddha 109 .. I» ••■ 34 .. . Mahdthittha Mah&tittha 114 .. . LXI. ... 18 .. . was buried was cremated 115 .. )) 40 .. . Anikanga , Anikagga 125 .. . T.XTV. ... 13 .. . "My son has , "My son hath 131 .. . TiXVI. ... 2 .. . has fled , hath fled 140 .. • If ••' 157 ,. . But for this purpose ,. , For this purpose ' 150 ., ,. LXIX. ... 1 .. . thought with himself .., , thought within himself 173 „ . LXXI. ... , 25 ., ,. has thy race . hath thy race 188 .. . LXXII. ... . 288 .. . kings . king 196 ., ,. Lxxni.... , 74 .. . Dhamm^&rad , Dhammdg&ra 202 ., „ ... , 164 .. . exceeding small .. . exceeding small and fallen into decay 216 ., .. T,XXTV. .. . 250 . .. a feast . a great feast 226 ., .. LXXV. .., , 169 ., ,. village . place 238 . .. LXXVI... . 163 ., ,. arrows that flew . arrows flew 247 . ■• )) ••. . 338 ., .. awful glory . glory that inspires awe 263 . .. LXXIX. .. . 39 . ,. four hundred and sixty four - four hundred and sixty- seven 287 . .. LXXXV.., , 17 ., ,. waves, rising and falling waves that rise and fall 291 . ■ ■ „ ■■ . 82 . .. Padsulkdla . Pagsukiila 291 . »• )) ■• . 86 . ., And, he went . And he went 294 . .. T.XXXVI. 12 ., ,. Ha(thavanagalla . Hatthavanagalla 307 . .. Lxxxvin.101 . .. distingushed ,, distinguished 336 . .. XOVII. ., . 44 . .. Dhummedha . Dummedha 345 . .. XCIX. ,. . 20 . .. and gave ear ,. and himself gave ear 345 . »» •• . 25 . .. Bakkaiiga , Bakkhadga PK13FACE. jHE importance of the "MaMva^sa" as an historical work, which has helped to settle the conflicting and confusing dates of Indian history, is so well estab- lished, that a dissertation on the subject would seem superfluous. The reader who wishes to acquaint himself with the subject is referred to the learned and elaborate Introduction prefixed by Mr. Turnour to his translation of the First Part of the " Mahavapsa." In translating the Second, and by far the larger portion of this work, I have endeaToured to meet the requirements of the general reader as well as of the student of Pali literature. Some foot-notes, which would seem unnecessary to the latter, will, I hope, help the former to the better understanding of the history. The 40th Chapter appears missing ; but the narrative, nevertheless, is unbroken. Turnour thinks the apparent omis- sion is due to a mistake in the numbering of the chapters : the learned editors of the printed text, on which I have based my translation, seem to think otherwise. A few verses in soma other Chapters are also missing : these have been noted in their proper places. Besides the few discursive notes appended to one or two Chapters, and the foot-notes added throughout the work, I have included herein a Table of Kings whose reigns are recorded in these pages ; an Analytical Summary of all the Chapters, beginning from the 39th ; the Context of the 39th Chapter, with a view to make the story of the parricide Kasyapa complete ; an Appendix, containing such previous translations of the second portion of the " Mahdvapsa " as I could find, and also extracts from Bishop Caldwell's valuable History of Tinnevelly, which I thought might help to throw considerable light on some obscure points of interest ; and, lastly, an Index of the principal names that occur in the work. IV PRBPACB. In the first place, my best thanks are due to Mr. A. Van CUYLENBURG, Inspector of Schools, for the valuable help that he has rendered to me throughout the work. I have also to thank Messrs. Donald Ferguson, S. M. Burrows, F. H. M. Corbet, J. B. SiBBBL, B. Gunas^kara, Mudaliydr, the High Priest H. SUMA^fGALA, and one or two other friends, for the loan of books and similar kind offices. Nor should I omit to thank Mr. Skben, the Government Printer, for the careful and discriminating manner in which he has carried this work through the press, and the readiness with which he has obliged me in many matters while the proofs were being corrected and revised. MdtaU, February, 1889. L. C. W; ANALYTICAL SUMMARY. ANALYTICAL SUMMARY OF THE CHAPTERS. (The figures refer to the numters of the verses marked on the margin of eaoh Chapter.) Chapter XXXIX. Kdsyapa I. employs emissaries to kill Moggallana, 1 — Goes to Sigiriya and fortifies it, 3 — Migdra, the general, 6 — Kdsyapa's peni- tence and meritorious deeds, 8 — He builds vihdras and dedicates them, 10 — Makes oflFerings to priests, 16 — Performs penances, &c., 18 — Arrival of Moggalldna with an army from India, 20 — Pitched battle between Edsyapa and Moggalldna, 24 — Death of Kasyapa and trium- phant entry of Moggalldna into the capital, 28 — His respectful conduct towards the priests, 29 — He takes revenge on the murderers of his father, 34 — Rewards the charioteer who showed kindness to his father, 38— His liberality, 40— Story of Sil&kala, 44— The Hair-relic, 49— Moggalldna takes measures to protect and establish the kingdom and religion, 57 — His death, 58, Notes, pp. 6-10. Chapter XLT. Eumara Dhdtusena or Eumaradis, 1— Succeeded by his son Eittisenaj by isiva, and by Upatissa, 4 — Prince Edsyapa, 8 — Silakala besieges the city, 10 — Prince Easyapa defends the city and fights a desperate battle, wherein he is defeated, 18 — Silakdla ascends the throne, 26 — His acts of merit, &c., 28 — Ddtha Pabhuti, one of his sons, usurps the throne, 32 — Single combat between him and his elder brother Moggallana, 42 — Death of Datha Pabhuti and accession of Moggallana, 52 — His character and righteous deeds, 55 — Eittisirimegha, his son, succeeds him, 64 — Story of Mahdnaga, 69 — He puts to death Eittisirimegha and ascends the throne, 91 — His acts, 92. Chapter XLII. Aggabodhi I. His character, 1 — His public acts, 6 — Buildings, &c., 14 — Tanks, 28 — Ofierings, 31 — Improves Minneriya, 34 — Jotipdia, the great elder, and controversialist, 35 — Aggabodhi II., 40 — His acts, 41 — A king of EMinga enters the Order with his queen and minister, 44 — Serious accident to the ThApdrama, 51 — It is repaired, 67 — And new dedications made thereto, 61— Other religious buildings at Ndgadipa, and tanks, 64. Chapter XLIV. Saiighatissa becomes king and is opposed by Moggallana, the general of Aggabodhi II.j 3 — He is defeated at first, but renews the fight, 6 — Great battle at Tissa Pabbata, 12 — Defeat aud rout of Saiighatissa, 21 Moggalldna II., surnamed Dalla, ascends the throne, 22 — He puts to death a son of SaAghatissa, a boy of tender years, 24 — Saiighatissa attempts to escape, but is taken prisoner with one of his sons and his chief minister, 29— Their tragic fate, 32— Moggalldna's public acts, 43 ▼i THB MAhAvA^SA. — The BOD of his general, Sildmegha the aword-bearer, rebels and makes war, 53 — Moggall4na's army takes to flight, and he is pursued and killed, 59 — Silimegha becomes king under the title of Sildmeghavanna, 64 — His acts, 65 — Siriniga, a chief, rebels and is defeated, 70 — The king purifies the religion, 75— -He deals severely with the priests, 77 — He dies and is succeeded by his son, Aggabodhi III. or SirisaAghabodhi, 82 — Jetthatissa, son of Sadghatissa, disputes his right to the crown, 86 — Defeat of Sirisalighabodhi and his flight to India, 93 — Jetthatissa is crowned king, 95 — His acts, 96 — Sirisaiighabodhi returns from India with an army and gives battle, 105 — Description of the battle, 106 — Tragic fate of Jetthatissa, bis minister, and queen, 1 12 — Sirisaiigbabodhi resumes possession of the crown, 118 — His acts, 119 — Dithopatissa rebels and drives SirisaAghabodhi to India, 125 — Wars between these two kings, and consequent ruin of the country, 131 — Death of Sirisali- ghabodi II. or Aggabodhi HI., 143 — Kasyapa II., his brother, defeats Dathopatissa and takes possession of the kingdom, 145. Chapter XLV. E&syapa II. and his acts, 1 — He gives his sons and the entire kingdom into charge of his nephew Mdna, 6 — The Tamil chiefs revolt and invoke the aid of Hatthadatha, a nephew of Ddthopatissa, from India, 12 — Mdna raises his father, Dappula I., to the throne, 16 — Hatthaddtha seizes the capital and proclaims himself king by the name of Dathopa- tissa, 21 — His acts, 23 — He quarrels with the Maha Yihdra Fraternity, and dies, 30 — An account of the early life of Dappula I., 37. Chapter XLVI. Aggabodhi IV. (Sirisailghabodhi) ascends the throne, 1 — His character and public acts, 2 — The great elder Dathasiva, 6 — The king's officers and their meritorious works, 19 — He goes to Folonnaruwa and dies, 34 — Potthakuttha, the Tamil, seizes the reins of government, 40 — He governs the kingdom through Datta and Unhandgara Hatthadatha, in succession, 41. Chapter XLVII. Prince M4navamma, 1 — He goes to India and serves king Nava- sijha, 4 — He helps Narasigha in the war with king Vallabha, 15 — Narasigha, in return for his services, furnishes him with an army to conquer Ceylon, 28 — Manavamma lands with an army, but is defeated, 35 — Returns to India, and lands in Ceylon with another army, 42 — Fights a battle, in which he obtains the victory, and, ultimately, ascends the throne, 54. Chapter XLVIII. Aggabodhi V. His character and acts, 1 — KS,syapa III., 20 — His acts, 24 — Mahinda I., 26 — Refuses to wear the crown, 27 — His son, Aggabodhi VI., 42 — Dissension between him and the sub-king, 48 — Their reconciliation, 51 — A royal elopement, 55— Aggabodhi VII. His acts, 68 — Mahinda II,, 76 — Revolt of his Governors, 98 — His victories, 108 — Subjugation of Rohana, 130 — His great acts and generous deeds, 134. ANALYTICAL SOMHARt. VU Chapter XLIX. Dapula II. Hia characlei' and acts; 1 — Revolt of the proTihcCB, 5 — FriDce Mahinda of Rohana, 10 — Building and restoration of religious and' public edifices; 14 — His judgments in cases are recorded and preserved in books, 20 — Public acts of his queen; 23 — His charity, 33 — Mahinda III. or Dhamtnika Sil&megha, 38 — Aggabodhi VIII.,43 — His piety and devotion to his mother, 48— ^Dappula III., 66 — War between Mahindti, the lord of Rohapa, and his sons, 67 — His actSj 74 — Vajira, his general; 80— Aggabodhi IX., 85. ' Chapter L. Sena I. or Sildmegha Sena. His acts, 1 — Udaya, his brother, elopes with Ndla, his cousin, 8 — Invasion of the country by the king of Pandu, 12 — Flight of Sena, 20 — Gallantry of Kasyapa, his brother, 25 — Capture and pillage of the capital, 31^ — Th"i king of Pandu makes peace and departs from the Island with immense booty, 38; — Sena returns to the capital, 43 — Dissensions in the royal house at Rohana, 50 — Works and improvements effected by the king and his ministers, 73. Chapter LI. Sena II. His character, 1 — His family, 6 — He forms the design of invading the Pandian king's country, 22 — He' despatches an army thither, 30 — Siege and capture of Madura, 34 — Pillage thereof, 39 — Return of his generals with booty, 43 — The Pa^sukdlika monks leave the Abhayagiri Fraternity, 52 — Mahinda, the sub-king, repairs the house at the Bodhi tree, 53 — A marvel in connection with the Bodhi tree, 54 — The king's liberality, &c., 63 — His queen and bis general build religious edifices, 86 — Udaya I., 90 — Rebellion fomented at Bohana by Kittaggabodhi, 94 — Quelled by Mahinda, son of Udaya's chief governor, 98 — Mahinda makes himself lord of Rohana and effects various im- provements, 120 — Udaya's good deeds, 128. Chapter LII. Kasyapa IV., 1 — The charity called Dandissara, 3 — Mahinda, the governor of Rohana, revolts, 4 — The king expels immoral priests and' purifies the religion, 10 — Ilaggasena, his general, erects religious edifices, &c., 16 — Rakkhasa, a chief, and Sena the chief scribe, build vihdras, 31 — Kksyapa V., 37 — He enforces religious discipline by a royal act, Dhamma Kamma, 44 — The Abhidhamma Pitaka written on plates of gold, 60 — The office of Sakka Senapati created, 52 — He builds parivenas and vihdras, 57 — The good deeds of Sakka Senapati, of his mother, and of the queen Rajini, 61 — Sakka Sen&pati is sent with an army to the assistance of the king of Ptindu, 70. Chapter LHI. Dappula IV., 1 — Dappula V., 4 — A royal refugee from Pandu, 6 — Udaya II., 13 — The hermits of the Tapovana disturbed, 14 — Riot of the citizens and soldiers in consequence thereof, 16 — The hermits are prevailed upon to return; 24 — Sena III., 28 — His charitable donations, &Ci, 29— Udaya III., 39— Oholian invasions, 40— Viduragga, hisgeneral, invades the Cholian country, 46— Royal presents to images, 49, vtii THE mahAva^sa. Chapter LIV. Sena IV. His character, 1 — His acts, 4 — Mahinda IV,, 7 — Vallabha, the Cholian king, sends an army to subdue the Island, 12 — He is defeated, and makes peace, 14 — The king patronises the priesthood, 17 — Builds an Alms-hall, and performs divers acts of charity and merit, 30 — Covers the Thuparama with bands of gold and silver, 42 — His ministers and queens build religious houses> 49 —Sena V., 57 — Stirring incidents, 58 — The king indulges in drink, and dies from its effects, 70. Chapter LV. Mahinda V. reigns at A.nuradliapura, 1 — Anarchy and revolt of the army, 2 — Flight of the king to Rohana, 8 — The king of Co^a sends an army to conquer the Island, 13 — They capture the king and all his treasures, and pillage the shrines, &c., 16 — Their occupation of Polon- naruwa, 22 — The inhabitants conceal prince Kasyapa, the son of Mahinda, 23 — The Cholians attempt to capture him, but are defeated by two noblemen, Kitti and Buddha, 24 — Death of Mahinda V. at Coja, 33. Chapter LVI. Prince Kasyapa or Vikrama B^hu, 1, — He prepares an army to regain the northern kingdom, 3 — Is prevented from carrying out his design by a premature death, 5 — Kitti, the general, aspires to be king, 7 — Mahdlana Kitti slays him and becomes king, 8 — Vikrama Pandu, II., 11 — Jagatip^la, 13 — Pardkrama Pandu, 16. Chapter LVII. The general Loka, 1 — Prince Kirti, or Vijaya B^hu the Great. His ancestry and early exploits, 4. Chapter LVHI. Prince Kirti assumes the title of sub-king, and is known throughout the land as Vikrama Bahu, 1 — The king of Cola sends his viceroy against him with an army, 4 — He avoids an open battle, 5 — He seeks the help of the king of Bdmanna, 8 — The Cholian king sends a second army to suppress the revolt, 11 — It is defeated and routed, 20 — Vikrama Bahu advances to Polonnaruwa, 23 — The king of Cola sends a third army, 25 — Warlike operations, 40 — Siege and capture of Polonnaruwa by Vijaya Bihu, 50. Chapter LIX. Precautionary measures for the protection of his kingdom, 1 — Bevolt of a chief, 4 — Coronation of Vijaya Bdhu, 8 — He bestows offices, &c., 11 — Revolt and subjugation of Rohana, 15 — His marriage with Lila- vati, 23 — With Tilokasundari of Kaligga, 29 — An account of his sons and daughters, &c., 31. Tumour's translation of this chapter. Note, page 104. Chapter LX. Vijaya Bahu organises a royal bodyguard, and fortifies Polonnaruwa, 1 — Procures monks from Ramauna, and establishes the religion, 4 Builds Tihdras, &c., and endows them, 9 — Translates books, 17 — Shows favour to the priests, 20 — The kings of Karndta and Co}a send presents ANALTTiOAii StJMMART. IX to him, 24 — The Gholian king ill-treats his messengers, and he prepares an army to invade the Coja kingdom, 26 — The Velakkira forces mutiny ahd {>illage Polonnaruwa, 35 — Horrible punishment inflicted on the rebel leaders, 39 — He challenges the Gholian king to battle, 46 — Irrigation works, &c., 48 — He punishes the queen for obstructing religious ceremonies, 64 — Builds digabiis and repairs vihdras, 56 — Dedicates Gilimala to Adam's Peak, 64 — His liberality and learning, and patronage of learned men, 68 — His kinsfolk build religious edifices, 80 — He bestows offices on them, 87 — His death, 91. Chapter LXI. The rulers and priests set up Jaya Bdhu as king, I — They set out with an army to capture prince Vikrama B&hu, the rightful heir, 7 — And are defeated, 13— Yijaya B&hu's sons-in-law, Mdnibharai^a and others, wage war against Vikrama B&hu and are repeatedly defeated, 14 — ^Vikrama Bahu enters Polonnaruwa and assumes the government, 17 — Manabharana and others subdue the southern districts and Bohana, and divide the country among them, 21 — War between Vikrama B&hu and Mdnibharana and his brothers, 2S — Viradeva, an A'ryan, invades the country, 36 — Success and ultimate defeat of Viradeva, 40 — Law- lessness and misrule in the country, 48. Chapter LXII. Death of Jaya Bdhu and his queen Mitta, 1 — Birth of Mdnabharana and Lilivati, children of Sri Vallabha and Sugald, 2 — ^Birth of Mitta and Pabh^vati, children of Mdnabharana and Batandvali, 3 — Mdnabha- rana's retirement from domestic life, 4 — His dream, 14 — His return to his family, 19 — His second dream, &c., 21 — Interpretation thereof, 29 — His liberality, 31 — Birth of Parakrama Bdhu, 36 — Predictions of his future greatness, &c., 46^Tidings of his birth sent to his uncle Vikrama Bdhu, &c., 54 — Death of Mdndbharana senior, Pardkrama Bdhu's father, 67. Chapter LXIII. Kirti§rimegha takes possession of his elder brother Mdndbhara^a's country and gives the rest to §r{ Vallabha, his younger brother, 1^ Marriage of Mitt&, Pardkrama Bdhu's sister, with Mdndbharana, the son of §ri Vallabha, 6— Death of Vikrama Bkhu, 18 — ^Accession of Gaja Bdhu his son, and the war with his uncles, 19 — 'Parakrama Bdhu's departure froni the house of his untie §ri Vallabha, and his receptidb by his uncle Kirti §rimegha, 38. i CflAPTER LXIV. Parakrama's childhood and youth, 1 — ^SaAkha Senapati's hospitality to him and his uncle, 8 — His investiture with the sacred thread, 13 — His sister Prabh&vati gives birth to a son, 23 — He resolves to conquer the i»ppet country, 26— His flight from his uncle's house, 64. Chapter LXV. Parakriinla arrives at Pilinvatthu and meets his followers, 1 — He confers ■vVith them, 7— He ^titers Bftdalatthali and is hospitably received 91—87 * X THE MAHAvA^SA. by his uncle's general, SaAklia Sendpati, 25 — The general suspects Parakrama, and secretly communicates with Kirtisrimegha, 32 — Par&k- rama puts the general to death, 37 — He quells the tumult consequent thereon, and permits his soldiers to pillage the house of the general, 38. Chapter LXIV. The people flock round Parakrama, 1 — They propose to subvert the government, 5 — ^Parfikrama addresses the people and pacifies them, 11 — He proceeds on his journey northwards, 19 — Attempts made to seize him, 22 — His interview with Gokarna Nagaragiri, a general of Gaja Bahu, 35 — A nightmare, 47 — Kirtisrimegha, his foster-father, sends parties of men to arrest him, 57 — Several encounters between them and the prince's followers, in which the former are defeated, 69 — He enters the kingdom of Gaja Bahu, and is hospitably entertained by him, 126 — He sends spies throughout the country, 129 — He sends for his younger sister and gives' her in marriage to Gaja Buhu, 147. Chapter LXVII. An adventure with a fierce bufialo, 1 — Gaja Bdhu becomes jealous of his popularity, 9 — The prince resolves on returning to his own country and takes leave of Gaja Bahu, 21 — Leaves Polonnaruwa at night, 32 — Incident on the road, 34 — He returns to his foster-father's house, 81 — Kirtisrimegha, on his deathbed, commends the prince to his ministers, 88 — The prince succeeds him in the kingdom, 89. Chapter LXVIII. Parakrama's administration of his foster-father's kingdom, 1 — His irrigation works, 7 — Kotthabaddha, 16 — Magalvewa and U'rudola, 32 — Pan4uv$wa, 39 — Other tanks, 43, — Drainage of the Pasdun K6rale marshes, 51. Chapter LXIX. Military preparations, 1 — ^Pardkrama's scheme for the collection of revenue, &c., 29 — He exercises his soldiers in sham-fights, 36. Chapter LXX. Preparations for war, 1 — Pat&krama obtains the assistance of Rakkha, Dapdanatha to subdue the Malaya country, 3— ^A deer-hunt, 32 — War declared against Gaja Bahu, 53 — The campaign, 60— ^Operations directed against Polonnaruwa, 173 — Manabharana, the lord of Rohana, arms, 179 — Defeat and rout of Gaja Bahu's army, 214 — Gaja Bdhu re-forms the army and leads it himself, 222 — He is again defeated, 231 — Polon- naruwa besieged, 235 — City taken by storm, and Gaja Bahu and his sons taken captive, 237 — Pardkrama's generosity to the captives, 240 — Disorder and riot among the victorious soldiers, 251. — In consequence whereof the chiefs and citizens of Polonnaruwa seek the aid of M&n^bharana, 254 — Who comes up and fights a battle with Parik- rama's generals and defeats them, 260 — M4n4bharana assumes the sovereignty and persecutes Gaja B^bu, 263 — Par&krama raises a new army and commences a second campaign, 281 — Second siege and capture ANALYTICAL SUMMARY. Xi of Polonnaruwa, 287 — MSpdbharana is defeated, and put to flight, 306 — Gaja B^hu's treachery, 311 — He is pursued closely: but induces the priesthood to mediate, 326 — And Far&krama restores to him the conquered territory, 336. Chapters LXXI. and LXXH. Gaja Bahu bequeatheth the kingdom to Fardkramaand dies, 1 — Gaja B^hu's ministers conceal his body, and invite Mdp&bharana, 6 — Pard- krama advances to Polonnaruwa with an army, 8 — Mdndbharaua also advances with an array, 9 — Par4krama, at the request of bis ministers, permits himself to' be crowned king, 19 — Details of the war between M&Q&bharana and Par&krama, 33 — Description of a fortified post, 265 — A. fierce battle, lasting seven days, 284 — Manftbharapa's defeat and flight to Rohana, 31(^His death, 334 — An account of Pardkrama's second coronation, 343. Chapter LXXIII. Farfikrama's high resolves, 1 — He reforms and unites the priesthood, 12 — He forms a large establishment for the distribution of alms, 23-^ Description of a large hospital built by him, 34 — A strange incident in connection therewith, 49 — Improvements in the fortifications of Polonnaruwa, 55 — Description of his palace, Vejayanta, 61 — Other buildings, 71 — The Dharmdgdra or house of worship, 74 — The Theatre, Sarasvati Mandapa, 82 — The hall of recreation, Rdjavesi BhujaAga, 87 — The palace on one column, 91 — The^andana Park, 95 —The Dipuyydna Park, 113 — Ponds and Baths, 120 — Mahinda, his minister, builds a temple for the Tooth-relic, 124 — His queen B6pavati ; her character, and the Mahd Cetiya (Mahd S^ya) built by her, 136— r Roads, 148— Suburbs, 151— Gates,166. Chapter LXXIV. Pardkrama Bdhu sends a minister to repair the buildings at Anur&dhapura, 1 — He builds the city called Par&krama, 15 — He orders the governors of provinces to recover the revenue without oppressing the people, 1 8 — He prohibits the killing of animals on poya days, 20 — The disaflected chiefs of Bobana foment another rebellion headed by Sugald, the mother of Mdndbharapa, 22 — Fardkrama despatches Bakkha Sendpati with an army to quell it, 40 — The foreign and Sinhalese forces of the interior towns take advantage of thn absence of the army and rebel, 44 — Details of the war carried on at Bohana, 50 — ^Pardkrama's generals succeed in seizing the Tooth and Alms- bowl relics, 126 — They are taken in great procession to Polonnaruwa, 169 — The king receives them with great pomp and splendour, 182. Chapteu LXXV. Continuation of the war in Rohana, 1 — Fresh reinforcements sent, 20 — An amnesty proclaimed, 41 — War carried into Giruwdpattu and Saparagamuwa, 67^ — Bakkha, the Tamil commander, 70 — Council of war, 154 — Final defeat of the rebels and capture of the queen Sugald, 171 — Severe punishments inflicted on the rebels, 189 — Triumphant entry of Parikrama's generals into the capital, 199. xii THE mahAva^ba. Chapter JiXXVI. Secoad rebellion in Rohana, 1'^ — Rebellion in the west, 7-^Declara- tion of war against Bamafi&a (country between Arakkau and Siam), 10 — An expeditionary force is sent thither, 44 — ^Accidents and mis- adventures, 56 — Subjugation of R&mnii&a, 69 — Its inhabitants sue for peace, which is granted, 69 — Being besieged by king Kulasekhara, the king of Pandu entreats Parakrama for succour, 76 — Farakrama sends an expeditionary force there under the command of b>s general, Lagkapura, 80 — ^Landing of his army on the opposite coast, 88 — Capture of Tamils, who are despatched to Lagka to work at the Ruwanveli S^ya, 103: — Grand inauguration thereof by the king, 107— T-Details of Lagkapura's campaign in Southern India, 123 — Rein- forcements sent from LagkS under Jagad Vijaya N&yaka, 296 — Capture of the fortress of R&jin&, and Kulasekhara's flight therefrom, 319. Chapteb LXXVII. Continuation of the campaign, 1 — La]}kdpura and Jagad Vijaya Ndyaka enter Madura, 2-:— They crown the prince Yira Pandu as king of the Pandian country, 26 — Kulasekhara makes a second attempt to recover Pandu, 32 — Operations of Lagkdpura and Jagad Vijaya Nayaka, 45 — Lagk&pura leads his army into Cola and devastates the country, 82 — He returns to Madura after a successful campaign ; and coins are struck in the name of Parakrama Bahu, 103 — Parakrama B&hu forms a village, and calls it Pandu Vijaya, in -commemoration of the conquest of Pandu, 106. Chapter LXXVIII. Immorality and dissension among the various fraternities of the Order, 3 — Steps taken by the king to reform and reunite them, 5 — The great trial, 14 — Ordination of priests, 28 — Description of the Jetavana Vihdra at Polonnaruwa, 31 — Baths, 44 — A'ldhana Parivena, 49 — La^kdtilaka Image-house, 52 — Baddha Simd Pandda, 55 — Simd or consecrated ground, 57 — The Pacchimdrdma, 73 — The Demala Maha Siya, 19— Th& Isipalana Vihdra, 82— The Kusin&ra Vihdra, 87— The Gdvuta Vihdras, 94 — The Kapila Vihdra, 96 — Repairs of edifices in Anur&dhapura, 99. Chapter LXXIX, Parks and gardens, 1 — Lakkhuyyana, 4 — Dipuyydna, 6 — Other gardens, 7 — Summarised list of religious edifices, 14 — Of tanks and channels, 23 — Canals from the " Sea of Parakrama.," 40 — Jayagaiiga canal from Kaliveva to Anurddhapura, 59 — Buildings erected at Par&- krama's birthplace, 62 — At Rohana, 71. Chapter LXXX, Vijaya B&hu, nephew of Parakrama B&hu, ascends the throne, 1 — His magnanimity, 2 — Mahiuda procures his death, and seizes the reins of government, 15 — He is put to death by Kirti Nissaiika, the sub-king, 18— Kirti NissaAka's acts, 19 — Vfra Bdhu, 27 — Vikrama B&hu, 28— Codaga^ga, 29— Eirti. and Lil4vati, 30— Sdbasa Malla, 32— ANALTTIOAI, SaMMART. Xlll A'yasmanta and Kaly&Davati, 33 — A'yastnanta and Dharm&Boka, 42 — A'^ikagga, 43 — Camtinakka and Lildvati; 45 — Lokesrara, 47 — Par4- krama and LilAvati, 49 — Par&krama Pandu, 51 — Mdgha, 54 — He lays waste the whole Island, 60 — And is anointed king by his followers, 74. Chapter LXXXI. The Siybalese nobles and princes fortify themselves in different parts of the country, I — Subha Sen&pati at Ydpauwa, 3 — Bhuvaneka B&hu at Govinda, 5 — SaAkha at Gagg£,dont, 7 — ^Prince Vijaya B&hu gorerns the kingdom, 10 — Departure of the priesthood from Polonnaruwa with the Tooth and Bowl-relics, of whom some proceed to India, 17 — The king induces them to return, 22 — He brings the relics from Kotmale, 24 — And builds the Beligala Vihara for their reception, 33 — He causes religious books to be written, 41 — Brings the priesthood together, and holds a festival of ordination, 46 — Repairs the Kelani Digoba and other religious buildings, 59 — His sons Far&krama B&hu and Bhuvaneka Bdhu, 64. Chapter L XXXII. Far&krama Bdhu II., 1 — His title, 3 — He brings up the Tooth-relic from Beligala into Dambadeniya, 8 — His solemn address before the people, 15 — Miracle of the Tooth-relic, 41 — His exultation thereat, 46 — Offerings made thereto, 50. Chapter LXXXIII. The king becomes popular, 1 — He administers justice tempered with mercy, 4 — The Vannian princes are thereby brought to submission, 10 — His war of extermination against the Tamils, 11 — They resolve to leave the Island, 22 — And depart from Polonnaruwa with, much booty, 27 — They are intercepted at Kaldveva and despoiled of their pos- sessions, 30 — Candrabh&nu, a Malay prince, invades the Island, and is defeated and put to flight by Vfra B&hu, the king's . nephew, 36 — Devapura or Dondra, 48. Chapter LXXXIV. The king carries out reforms in the countries that had been occu- pied by the Tamils, 1 — Purifies the religion, T — He causes the holy monk Dharmakirti of the country of Tamba to be brought hither, 1 1 — Builds monasteries and reforms the priesthood, 17 — Bhuvaneka Bahu, his brother, 29 — Feasts of ordination held during the reign of the king, 32. Chapter LXXXV. He builds the Mahd Vih&ra at Kandy, 1 — Great festive procession with the Tooth and Bowl-relics from Dambadeniya to Kandy, 4 — Offerings, &c., made to the relics by the people of Kandy, 33 — Pard- krama Bdhu Vihara, 47 — Bhuvaneka Bdhu Vihdra at Beligala, 59 — Mahinda Bdhu Parivena at Kurun^gala, 62 — Kelani Vihdra, 64 — Attanagalu Vihdra, 73 — Bentota Vihdra, 78 — Dondra Devala, 85 — Dambadeniya, 90 — Portrait of Buddha, 94 — Gift of Kathina robes, 99 Exhibition of the Tooth-relic, 109 — Adam's Peak, 118. xiv THE mahAva^sa. Chaptbk LXXXVI. The king appoints one of his ministers to visit different parts of the Island and to carry out improvoments, 1 — His mission and works, 18 — The road to Adam's Peak repaired, and rivers spanned by bridges, 22. Chaptbe LXXXVII. An impending famine averted, 1 — The king's admonition to his sons and nephew, 14 — He consults the priesthood about the succession to the throne, 39 — They commend Yijaya B^hu, who is accordingly entrusted with the administration of the country, 63. Chapter LXXXVIII. Administration of the country by prince Vijaya Bahu and his cousin Vfra B&hu, 1 — Candrabhanu, the Malay prince, invades the Island a second time, 62 — He is routed and put to flight by the two princes, 67— Prince Vijaya Bahu repairs the ruins of Anur&dhapura, 79 — : He and prince Yira Bahu restore Polonnaruwa, 90. Chapter LXXXIX. Par&krama Bahu II. goes to Polonnaruwa, and is anointed king a second time, 1 — Yijaya Bahu brings the Tooth and Alms-bowl relics in great procession to Polonnaruwa, 13 — Ordination of priests at Dfistota, 47 — Ecclesiastical dignities conferred on monks, 65. Chapter XC. Death of Par&krama Bahu II. and accession of Yijaya B&hu lY., who is assassinated, 1 — Prince Bhuvaneka Bdhu, his brother, escapes to Yipauwa, 4 — Unsuccessful attempts by the traitors to gain over the A'ryan army, 12 — They rise in a body, and their chief Thakur slays Mitta, the traitor, who seized the throne, 23 — The two armies unite in crowning prince Bhuvaneka Bdhu king, 29 — He enlarges and beautifies Ydpauwa, 34 — His other acts, 36 — Invasion of the Island by A'rya Cakravarti, and the taking away of the Tooth-relic to India, 43 — Pardkrama B&hu III., 48 — He brings back the Tooth-relic from India, 51 — Bhuvaneka B&hu II., 59 — Parakraraa Bahu IV., 64 — He builds a temple for the Tooth-relic, 66 — Composes a ritual for the Tooth-relic, 76 — And translates the Jdtakas into Sinhalese, 80 — ^Improvements at Dondra temple, 94 — Y§ligama, Totagamuwa, and other temples, 96— Notice of other kings who succeeded him, 105. Chapter XCI. Notice of two kings, Par4krama B&hu Y. and Yikrama B&hu III., I — Alagakkon&ra or Bhuvaneka Bahu Y., 2 — Kelaniya and K6tt^, 5 — Yira Bahu II., 14— The famous Pardkrama Bahu YI. of Kdtti, 15— His deeds, 17. Chapter XCII. Jaya B&hu II. and Bhuvaneka Bahu Yl., 1 — Pardkrama Bahu YH-i 3 — Par&krama Bahu YIII. and Vijaya B&hu Y., 4 — Bhuvaneka Bahu YII., 6 — Vira Vikrama and the date of his accession, 6 — He removes the Bowl-relic to the Natha Dev&la ground and builds a Cetiya, 9 — His acts, II — Pilgrimages, 16 — Ordination of priests and gifts, 21. ANALYTICAL SXJMMART. XV Chapter XCIII. M4y4duno, 1 — Rdjasi^ha I., 3 — His persecution of the Buddhist religion, 6. Chapter XOIV. Viraala Dharma Suriya, I — He builds a wall and towers round Kandy, 7 — Brings the Tooth-relic from Delgamuwa, 11 — Builds a temple for the Tooth-relic, 13— Ordination of priests at the Gftambe fordj 15 — His younger brother Senerat, 22. Chapter XCV. Senaratna or Senerat, 1 — The Portuguese, 4 — Their hostile advance towards Kandy, and retreat, 9 — Division of the kingdom among S6nerat's two nephews and eon, — Eumdra Si^ha, Vijaya P&la, and Baja Si^ha, 19. Chapter XCVI. War with the Portuguese, and dissensions among the three princes, 1 — R4ja Sigha II. His character, 5 — Anecdotes about him, 8 — His war with the Portuguese, 12 — He sends ambassadors to Holland and forms an alliance with the Dutch, 27 — Expulsion of the Portuguese and establishment of the Dutch on the sea-coast, 33. Chapter XCVIF. Vimala Dharma Suriya II., 1 — Building of the Dalad4 Mdligava, 5 — He celebrates a feast of ordination, 8 — His pious deeds, 16 — §ri Vira Pardkrama Narendra Si^ha, 23 — His pious acts, 25 — Builds Eundasala, 34 — Improves and embellishes the Dalada Maligava, 37 — The priest Saranaiikara Ganin, 49. Chapter XCVIII. Sri Vijaya Efija Sigha, 1 — His queens from Madura converted to Buddhism, 4 — SaranaAkara again, 24 — The king lives outside the city, 26 — The Tooth-relic, 27 — Grand festival, 35 — Improvement of the buildings of the city, 69 — ^Persecution of the propagators of the Roman Catholic religion, 82 — Mission to foreign Buddhist countries, 89. Chapter XCIX. Kirti Sri Rdja Sigha, 1 — His faith and piety, 2 — He adopts measures to propagate the religion and spread learning, IS — His pilgrimage to Anuradhapura and bther holy places, 36 — Devala festivals, 42 — Festival of the Tooth-relic, 54 — He resolves to follow the examples of the great kings of old, 74 — And causes the Mahavagsa to be com- piled up to date, 78 — Appoints his two younger brothers as sub-kings, 85 — War with the Dutch, 110 — They advance against Eandy and take it, 124 — They are besieged, 134 — And their forces destroyed, 140 — The Tooth-relic is brought back from the interior into the city, 147 — The priesthood during the siege, 165 — The Dutch sue for peace, 169 — The king patronises the priesthood, 174. xvi THE mahAva^sa. Chapter 0. His daily offerings to the Tooth-relic, 1 — His gifts thereto, 9 — Dedication of the village Akarahaduwa and the festival in honour thereof, 23 — He reforms the priesthood with the aid of Saranadkara, 44 — He sends an embassy to the court of the king of Siam and procures priests and books, 56 — Their reception by him, 78 — Rite of ordination conferred by them on the priests of Lagka, 92 — SaranaAkara is appointed Saiigha Raja, 102 — The Siamese ambassadors, 113 — The king receives religious instruction fromUp41i, the Siamese elder, 118 — Pilgrimage of the Siamese ambassadors to the shrines, 126 — Likewise of the Siamese priests, 128 — A second mission of priests sent by the King of Siam, 137 — Death of Upali, the head of tbe first mission, 143 — The king sends ambassadors with presents to the King of Siam, 160 — Return presents from the King of Siam, 161 — The priests of the Island placed under the tuition of those of Siam, 172 — The construction of the Ga*igar&raa Vihira, 181 — Of Kundasala Vihara, 217 — Expulsion of Hindu ascetics from Adam's Peak, 221 — The Madavala Vihara, 231— Devanagala Vihara, 234— Madapola Vih4ra, 236— Ridi Vihdia, 239 -Other religious buildings, 298. SUPPLEMENT. §ri Rdj&dhi Rdjasigha, 1 — §ri Vikraraa Rajasi^ha, 19. OHUOtfOLOQlcAL TABl.B 0)f SOVEREIGNS. XV u CQ ;^ o M 02 M O CO 02 1^ I " ±1 S 02 r^ ■ft hj M o1 o I— I o o o w o o s -§ o t6 «J Ho (hoc o o ao o o «3 rH 5 • ^ •f§: I bo : o is CO iaj r iCQ o en OHRONOLOGICAI, TABI^K OF ROVEKEIGNS XIX 53 O 3 '3 %■ (D 'O 1^ 1 o o T3 O O -§ o o o CO o o o o o o o o o ei5 o o ■* eo CO ■* 5 C4 i-< •* r-( o to to «o «o to to to to CO l> to CO [- « «J ■* I- «o to to 00 OS o T-* l-( 1-H T-H (N I— t »-) »-t l-H y-l 1-i tH o 00 00 sx THE MAHAVANSA. -1 ■UPh lis I »H rt " d I) S> I o o ^ o 'S >§ o o o to o o o o o lO to o o o o m o o ■si ■5 ® «45 ■CO 03 rH T-i to CO 00 T-t p» 00 OS OJ * ^» to to to I- l~ t> l> ■ «s s ;?! S OS to 00 s ^s 1-f r-t CM c» r-i (?1 1—1 1 s Cm o 13 d g" ?i. P^ 41 H :S . C3 , . •g • ^ • ' ft na ^ ^ -S M Q f^ tH c> ^ Q -»3 ^ <) ;zi s =g f^ o m a o o ,5 Moo ■I 1^*5 bo CO CO il ice 43. M § ■3.00 P OS :l o <7» DO )^ a : 3 • .00 ^^ Hi 1^ •4 M <75 CO I7> <7> CHRONOLOGICAL TABLR 6f ROVEUKIG^S. XXI I I I I (NvS CO a o 13 O -§ r§ ■% O o o o o o o o o o o to . o o o o o o o o »-( 6; t- w CO t- OT «o to l-H 00 1-i (M eo O 00 00 00 CO 00 o» ■<*l o s >o OS o «o o» en ■* N >o us fi s 2 1-1 m 1-H CO CO l-H CO rH l-» ^ w o a o OS 3 o O J (S 02 h ^ la o in ^ Cll) g'cQ "i ram P O J3 ^ (D OQ . Mas OS I o o XXll THE MAHWA^SA. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ^ d ^ o. « i i 6 d d d d d d d d 3 gg 1 -o T3 -B -o -o tJ -a 13 -o 3 m > 1 "8 . n o o O o o o o o o o o |,.| s o o t- o o o o o o o o %A tH t- o o (N eo O) 00 eo CO o o ^ T-t iH y^ t-l T-1 «5 n C4 05 S O (N >o S IM o ^ d 3 »H CO •* m to t> r- 03 O •H S •«) OJ O) CTl 05 o * !5 o >o I-t lO r-l »-( tH 1— t T-( rH tH f-t r-1 r-t tH J" = ' = • • '' • ! ! ! I 1 § ^ s -? LI h n •H S$ S : • ; • • . > - . . ■J 1 1 1 .9 1 1 1 1 1 1 i ■3 P4 1 m 1 2 1 i 1 1 1 * ' ^ § , ^ 1 DQ : \ : ; -3 ; • : . . . o 1 1 tCOQ \ t P a 1 fil 1 >■ 1 M M Q P QQ 1= [fi S CO s o lO CD r* 00 OS O 1— t R o r-l O r-l o o r-t f— 1 »-H T-( 1— t rH eiiilONOLOQlCA.L TAbLB OF SOVEREIGNS. XXIU I I I •a- a- bo .9 3a o 1^ o a I o 73, (2 o o 00 o o o o o o m 1-1 o o o o o o o o o o o o a ^ o o -§ 1 s o I 3 ce o o t- 2 05 (?J eo t^ OJ •o o (N eo lO >o lO »o (N (N ■^ o o o o i-( 1-1 tH v-l tH T-H 1-4 1-( T-l 1H rH ^ (N IN urj CO o (N • 00 cn ^ lO Oi 05 o O >o »o >o lO CD «o to CO CD iH r-l 1-1 1-* 1-( iH T-< 1-1 ^ "8 a d S , - 1 S3.S s I C9 S I ■§ S ■% •§- ■% •§ ^ •S Is, Q O o >o o o r-l O o o o o o «5 o o o a> o O CO o o ■4 ;:! o IN C~ 00 o o (N : a a .s 1^ l3 to ■* CO CO CHBONOLOQIOAL TABLE OF SOVEREIGNS. XXV o to urs 10 t- '00 1-H 1-4 t- 1-1 1-1 1~* 91—87 XXVI THE MAHiVA^tiA. a ■i o a ! 'S •J" •82 h 13 -i O d .6P >§ o I I o -§ tl o o o o o o K» oa (N OO CO CO CO 00 00 CO I I bo I ■sg- I p$ a g QQ o o OQ I I I o aE2 r§ ^ ■% ■% a o OQ o si -3 &' n = I M « i -i a ^ . it K >; d n o O rH CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF SOVEREIGNS. XXVll ^ 1 s o o o o Q • O O P o 1 ;s "O 13 13 -d T} 13 13 ^ 'd M CO o o o 1 ° o o 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Oi ei l- to o 1 1 1 ■* 1 1 1 ■* ■* •* 1 1 1 o 1 1 tH tH T-( y-t »H era >o t~ ■^ lO >o j-t 1 1 1 1 ' 1 1 03 O 1 1 1 1 1 1-t 3 f M • 9" •ta t- 00 o> KJ lO >0 Tcvni THE HAHAVA^SA. CONTEXT. CONTEXT OF CHAPTER XXXIX. Translation of Chapter XXXVIIL, w. 80 to 114. And he (Dh&tusena) had two bods, — Kassapa, whose mother was 80 unequal in rank (to his father), and Moggall&na, a mighty man, whose mother was of equal rank (with his father). Likewise also he had a 81 beautifut daughter, who was as dear unto him as his own life. And he gave her (to wife) unto his sister's son, to whom also he gave the office of chief of the army. And he (the nephew) scourged her on the thighs, 82 albeit there was ho fault in her. And when the king saw that his daughter's cloth was stained with blood, he learned the truth and was 83 wroth, and caused his nephew's mother to be burnt naked. From that time forth he (the nephew) bare malice against the king ; and he joined himself unto Kassapa, and tempted him to seize the kingdom and betray 84 his father. And then he gained over the people, and caused the king his father to be taken alive. And Kasappa raised the canopy of dominion 85 after that he had destroyed the men of the king's party and received the support of the wicked men in the kingdom. Thereupon Moggalldna 86 endeavoured to make war against him. But he could not obtain a sufficient force, and proceeded to the Continent of India with the intent to raise an army there. And that he might the more vex the king, who was now sorely 87 afflicted because that he had lost the kingdom, and that his son 88 (Moggalldna) had abandoned him, and he himself was imprisoned, this wicked general spake to Eassapa the king, saying, " O king, the treasures of the royal house are hidden by thy father." And when the king said unto him, " Nay," he answered saying, " Enowest 89 thou not, lord of the land, the purpose of this thy' father ? He treasureth up the riches for Moggallana." And when the base man 90 heard these words he was wroth, and sent messengers unto his father, saying, " Reveal the place where thou hast hid the treasure." Thereupon the king thought to himself, saying: "This is a device 91 whereby the wretch seeketh to destroy us"; and he remained silent. And they (the messengers) went and informed the king thereof. And 92 his anger was yet more greatly increased, and he sent the messengers 93 back unto him again and again. Then the king (Dhdtusena) thought' to himself, saying, " It is well that I should die after that I have seen my friend and washed myself in the Edlav&pi." So he told the messengers saying, " Now, if he will cause me to be taken to E&lavdpi, then shall I be able to find out (the treasure)." And when they went and told 94 the king thereof he was exceeding glad, because that he desired greatly to obtain the treasure, and he sent the messengers back (to his father) with a chariot. • And while the king, with his eyes sunk in grief, proceeded (on the journey to Kdlavdpi), the charioteer who drove- 93 the chariot gave him some of the roasted rice that he ate. And the 96 king ate thereof and was .pleased with him, and gave 'him a letter for Moggallana that he might befriend him and bestow on him the office of doorkeeper. Such, alas, is the nature of prosperity I It fleeth like 97 the lightning. What prudent man will be beguiled thereby t XXX THE MAhAtA^SA. 98 And when bis friend, the Elder, heard that the king was coming, he gg preserved and set apart a rich meal of beans with the flesh of water- fowls, that he had obtained, saying, " The king loveth this (sort of meat) ." And the king went up and made obeisance unto him and sat 100 beside him. And when they had thus seated themselves, it seemed to them both as if they enjoyed the pleasures of a kingdom. And they held much discourse with each other, aud quenched the great sorrow 101 (that burned within them). And after that the Elder had prevailed on the king to eat of the meal (which was ready), be exhorted him in divers ways, and expounded to him the nature of this world, and persuaded him that he should be diligent (in working out his salvation). 102 Then the king went up to the tan!:, and after that he had plunged therein and bathed and drank of its water as it pleased him, he turned 103 to the king's servants and said, " friends, this is all the treasure that I possess 1 " And when the king's servants heard these words they 104 took him back to the city and informed the king. Then the chief of men was exceeding wroth and said, " This man hoardeth up riches for his son ; and so long as he liveth will he estrange the people of the island (from me)." And be commanded the chief of the army, saying, 105 " Kill my father." Thereupon he (the general), who hated him exceed- ingly, was greatly delighted and said, " Now have I seen the last of my 106 enemy." And he arrayed himself in all his apparel, and went up to the 107 ^ing> ^^^ walked to and fro before him. And when the king saw this he said to himself, " This wretch would fain send me to hell by afflict- ing my mind as he hath afflicted my body. What shall it profit me 108 then to provoke my anger against him?" So the lord of the land extended his goodwill towards him, and said, " I have the same feeling 109 towards thee as I have towards Moggall&na." But he (the general) shook his bead and laughed him to scorn. And when the king saw it he knew that he would surely be put to death on that day. Then this 110 violent man stripped the king naked, and bound him with chains inside 1 ] 1 the wall (of his prison) with his face to the east, and caused it to be plastered up with clay. What wise man, therefore, after that he hath seen such things, will covet riches,- or life, or glory ! 112 Thus this chief of men, Dhitusena, whom his son bad put to death, went to the abode of the chief of the gods after he had reigned eighteen years. 113 Now this king, while he yet built the bank of the E4lav&pi, saw a 114 certain priest meditating and in a trance ; and because that he could not rouse him therefrom he caused the priest to be covered over with earth (and so buried him). And they say that this was the reward, in this life, of that act. . Mr. Tumour has translated this Chapter ; but it contains so many - . 'material errors that I thought it best to translate the above portion of it from the original Fi\i. I annex, however, his translation of this portion, italicising such pasaages as are materially incorrect : — Tdknoue's Translation. Page 259, vv. 80 to 1 14. He had two sons born of different, bat equally iltustrioui, molhtrs CONTEXT. SXXl named Eassapo and the powerful Moggallano. He had also a daughter as dear to him as his own life. He bestowed her, as well as the office of chief commander, on his nephew. This individual caused her to be flogged on her thighs with a whip, although she had committed no offence. The r4ja, on seeing his daughter's vestments trickling with blood, and learning the particulars, furiously indignant, caused his (nephew's) mother to be burnt naked. From that period (the nephew), inflamed with rage against him, uniting himself with Kassapo, infused into his mind the ambition to usurp the kingdom ; and kindling at the iame time an animosity in his breast against his parent, and gaining over the people, -succeeded in capturing the king alive. Thereupon Kassapo, supported by all the unworthy portion of the nation, and annihilating the party who adhered to his father, raised the chhatta. Moggallano then endeavoured to wage war against him, but being destitute of forces, with the view of raising an army, repaired to Jambudipo. In order that he might aggravate the misery of the monarch, already wretched by the loss of his empire as well as the disaffection of his son, and his own imprisonment, this wicked person (the nephew) thus inquired of the rija Kassapo : " Rdja, hast thou been told by thy father where the royal treasures are concealed ? " On being answered " No," " Ruler of the land, (observed the nephew,) dost thou not see that he is concealing the treasures for Moggallano ?" This worst of men, on hearing this remark, incensed, despatched messengers to his father with this command : " Point out where the treasures are." Considering that this was a plot of that malicious character to cause him to be put to death, (the deposed king) remained silent ; and they (the messen- gers) returning, reported accordingly. Thereupon, exceedingly enraged, ' he sent messengers over and over again (to put the same question). (The imprisoned monarch) thus thought : " Well, let them put me to death after having seen my friend and bathed in the Kalawapi tank," and made the following answer to the messenger : " If ye .will take me to the Ivalawdpi tank, I shall be able to ascertain (where the treasures are)." They, returning, reported the same to the raja. That avaricious monarch, rejoicing (at the prospect of getting possession of the treasures), and assigning a carriage with broken wheels, sent back the messengers. While the sovereign was proceeding along in it, the charioteer who was driving the carriage, eating some parched rice, gave a little thereof to him. Having ate it, pleased with him,~the raja gave him a letter for Moggallano, in order that he might (hereafter) patronise him and confer on him the office of " D waranayako " (chief warden). Thus, worldly prosperity is like unto the glimmering of lightning. What reflecting person, then, would devote himself (to the acquisition) thereof ! His friend, the thero, having heard (the rumour) " The r4ja is com- ing," and bearing hit illustrious character in mind, laid aside for him some rice cooked of the " masa " grain, mixed with meat, which he had received as a pilgrim ; and saying to himself, " The king would like it," he carefully preserved it. The raja, approaching and bowing down ^Xxil THE UAHivA^SA. to him, respectfully took his statioa oa one side of him. From the manner in which these two persons discoursed, seated by the side oj each other, mutually quenching the fire of their afflictions, they appeared like unto two characters endowed with the prosperity oJ royalty. Having allowed (the rdja) to take his meal, the thero in Tarfons ways administered consolation to him ; and illustrating the destiny of the world, he abstracted his mind from the desire to protract his existence. Then, repairing to the tank, diving into and bathing delightfully in it and drinking also of its water, he thus addressed the royal atten- dants : " My friends, these alone are the riches I possess." The mes- sengers, on hearing this, conducting him to the raja's capital, reported the same to the monarch. The sovereign, enraged, replied : " As long as this man lives, he will treasure his riches for his (other) son, and wiU estrange the people in this land (from me)"; and gave the order, " Put my father to death." Those who were delighted (with this decision) exclaimed, " We have seen the back (the last) of our enemy." The enraged monarch, adorned in all the insignia of royalty, repaired to the (imprisoned) raja, and kept walking to and fro in his presence. The (deposed) king, observing him, thus meditated : " This wretch wishes to destroy my mind in the same manner that he afflicts my body ; he longs to send me to hell : what is the use of my getting indignant about him ? what can I accomplish ? " and then benevolently remarked, " Lord of statesmen ! I bear the same' affection towards thee as towards Mog- gallano ? " He (the usurper) smiling, shook liis head. The monarch then came to this conclusion : " This wicked man will most assuredly put me to death this very day." {The usurper) then stripping the king naked, and casting him into iron chains, built up a wall, embed- ding him in it, exposing his face only to the east, and plastered that wall over with clay. What wise man, after being informed of this, would covet riches, life, or prosperity I Thus the monarch Dhatuseno, who was murdered by his son in the eighteenth year of his reign, united himself with (Sakko) the ruler of devas. This raja, at the time he was improving the Kalav^pi tank, observed a certain priest absorbed in the " Samadhi " meditation ; and not being able to rouse him from that abstraction, had him buried under the embankment (he was raising) by heaping earth over him. This was the retribution manifested in this life, for that impious'act. THE MAHAVAN8A. CHAPTER XXXIX. ND after that, that wicked ruler of men 1 (Kfisyapa) sent his groom and hi? cook to his brother (Moggallana) to kill him. And finding 2 that he could not (fulfil his purpose), he feared danger, and took himself to the Sihagiri rock, that was hard for men to climb. He cleared it 3 round about and surrounded it by a rampart, and built galleries in it (ornamented) with figures of lions ; where- fore it took its name of Sihagiri (' the Lion's Rock '). Having 4 gathered together all his wealth, he buried it there carefully, and set guards over the treasures he had buried in divers places. He built there a lovely palace, splendid to behold, like ,5 unto a second A'lakamandd, and lived there like (its lord) Kuvera. And Migara, the chief of the army, built a Parivena 6 after his own name, and a house also for the Abhiseka-jina.* And 7 for the dedication thereof t he besought the king that he might (be allowed to) display ceremonies of greater splendour than were permitted to the Sild Sambuddha.t And because his request was not granted unto him, he thought within himself, " In the reign of the rightful heir to the throne shall I know how to obtain it." But it repented him (K&,8yapa) afterwards of what he had 8 done ; so he did many acts of merit, saying, " How shall I " One of the great statues of Buddha restored and adorned by Dh&tusena. See chap. XXXVIII.,, w. 66, 67. f The ahhiseha of an image is the setting or painting of its ej>es, a ceremony generally performed with great splendour. It is the Netrd-pinlcama of the Sinhalese Buddhists. \ Another famous stone statue of Buddha which stood in the precincts of the Abhayagiri TihSra. Its eyes were adorned by Buddhaddsa with " the cobra's gem," and when it was lost during the Tamil occupation previous to Dhitusena's accession, that monarch, reset the eyes with two valuable sapphires, and renewed it otherwise. See chap. XXXVII., v.. 37 ; chap. XXXVni., vv. 61, 32. ■ , 91—87 B 2 THB HAHAvA^SA. 9 escape (punishment) ? " He planted gardens at the gates of the city, and groves of mango trees also throughout the island, at a 10 ydjana's* distance from each other. He repaired the Issara- saman&rdma (Yib&ra), and hy buying and making gifts of more lands for its support, he gave unto it more substance than it had possessed at any former time. 11 And he had two daughters, the one named Bodhi and the other Uppalavann&. And he called this vih&ra after their 1 2 names and his own. And when it was dedicated the Theravddif brethren (to whom it was offered) wished not to accept it, because they feared that the people would blame them in that they accepted an offering which was the work of a parricide. 13 But the king being desirous that these selfsame brethren should possess the vihdra dedicated it to the image of the Supreme Buddha ; whereupon they consented, .saying, " It is the property 14 of our Teacher." In like manner, he caused a vih^ra to be built in the garden that he had offered near the rock (Slhagiri), 1 5 whence it also took the names of his two daughters. And this vihdra, abounding with the four things necessary for monks, he gave unto the Dhammaruci brethren, together with a garden that 16 stood in the north side of the country. And having eaten once of a meal of rice that a woman had prepared for him in the milk of the king-cocoanut and ghee, flavoured highly with sweet con- 17 diments, he exclaimed, " This is delicious 1 Such rice must I give unto the venerable ones." He then caused rice to be prepared after this manner, and made an offering of it to all the brethren, 1 8 with gifts of robes. He observed the sacred days and practised the Appamaiindlt and Dhutanga§ discipline, and caused books to 19 be written. He made many images, alms-houses, and the like ; but he lived on in fear of the world to come and of MoggalMna. 20 At length, in the eighteenth year of his reign, the great warrior Moggalldna, being advised thereto by the Niganthas,|| came *> Supposed to be equal to twelve English miles. f The Mah& Yihixa. Fraternity. % Four subjects of meditation prescribed for a recluse who wishes to attain entire sanctification. They are, friendliness, compassion, goodwill, and equanimity, ( Vide Childers' Dictionary for explanation, and Yisuddhi-Magga, chap. lY., Sam&dhi-Bh&vanMhik&ra, for directions.) § Certain austere practices (thirteen in number) prescribed for ascetics who desire to prepare themselves for the attainment of the highest stages of sanctification. (See Childers' Dictionary for enumeration, and Yisuddhi- Magga, chap. II., for details and mode of practice.) II A set of Hindu ascetics. Sanskrit, Nirgrantha. CHAPTER XXXIX. 3 hither frora Jambudipa attended by twelve noble friends, and 21 encamped with his forces near the Kuthari Vihdra in the country of Ambattha-kola. And when the king heard thereof, he exclaimed, " I will catch 22 him and eat him." And though the soothsayers prophesied that he could not (be victorious), he went up with a large army (to meet his adversary). And MoggalMna also advanced with his 23 army well equipped, and with his valiant companions, like unto the god Sujampati* in the battle of the Asnrs. And the two 24 armies encountered each other like two seas that had burst their bounds ; and a great battle ensued. And Kassapa, seeing a great 25 marsh before him, caused his elephant to turn back, that so he might advance by another direction. And his men seeing this, 26 shouted, " Friends, our lord here fleeth," and broke the ranks ; whereupon Moggallfina's army cried out, " the back (of the enemy) is seen."t And the king (in great despair) raised his 27 head up and cut (his throat) with a knife and returned the knife to its sheath-t And Mogalldna was well pleased with this deed 28 (of boldness) of his brother, and performed the rite of cremation over his dead body ; and having gathered together all his spoils, went up to the royal city. And when the brethren heard this 29 news they put on their garments and robed themselves decently and swept the vihdra, and ranged themselves in a line (according to seniority). And Moggalldna having halted his army outside 30 the elephant-rampart of the city, entered the (royal garden called) Mahdmeghavana, like unto the king of the gods entering his garden Nandana, and being well pleased with the priesthood he 31 approached and made obeisance unto them, and offered unto the Order his royal parasol. § And they returned it to him. Where- 32 fore the people called that place Chattavaddhi (' gift of the royal parasol'), and the Parivena that was (afterwards) built there was called by the same name. And when the king reached the city 33 he proceeded to the two viharas,|| and having sainted the brethren there he took the government of the great kingdom into his hands, and ruled his people with justice. But his wrath was kindled against the chief men of the State 34 for having attached themselves to him who had slain his father. * §akra. f Meaning, ' The enemy fleeth.' I See note A at the end of this chapter. § In token of submission to the Church, II Abhayagiri and Jetavana. 4 THE MAHAvAIJSA. and he gnashed his teeth so that he protruded one, and hence he 35 acquired the name of Bakkhasa.* And he put to death more than a thousand of them who held ofSces, and caused the ears and noses of some to be cut off, and also banished many from the laud. 36 But when he had afterwards hearkened to the sacred discourses (of Buddha), he was greatly calmed in spirit, and his temper be- came serene, and then he gave alms in great plenty like unto the cloud that poureth forth its waters over the surface of the earth. 37 Every year he gave alms on the full-moon day of the month Fhussa,t and henceforth the custom of giving alm^ on that day 38 has prevailed over the island even up to this day. And the driver of the chariot who had fed the king his father with fried rice (as he drove him to Kalavapi) took the king's letter (that 39 was given to him) and showed it to Moggalldua. And he wept and sorely bewailed himself when he saw it. And after he had spoken of the great love his father had always unto him, he appointed the driver of the chariot to the office of chief of the 40 king's gate.' And Mig£ra also, the captain of the army, brought to the king's notice the request that had aforetime been denied unto him, and having obtained the king's leave thereunto, held the feast of the dedication of the Abhiseka-jina, according to his desire. 41 Moreover, Moggall^na gave the Dalha and the Ddthd-Kondaniia Yibd^ras at the Slhagiri rock to the Sdgalika and Dhammaruci 42 brethren, and having converted the fortress itself into a vihara, he gave it to Mahdudma,| the elder of the Dfghasanda Yihara. 43 And being a man of great wisdom, he likewise built a convent called B&jini, and gave it to the B^galika sisterhood. 44 Moreover, a certain Ddth^ Pabhuti of the Lambakanna race, who had been in the service of Kassapa, left it in disgust, and 45 went up to the Mereliya country and settled there. And he had a son, Sildkdla by name, who, fearing that danger would befall him from Kassapa, accompanied his kinsman Moggall&na to 46 Jambudipa, and lived the life of a recluse at the Bodhimanda 47 Vihara and tarried there, serving the Order (as a novice). And 48 he was a man of cheerful disposition and of great skill. And he presented a mango (one day) to the chapter of elders, and they were so pleased with him that they called him (in sport) ° See Note B attached to this chapter, f January — February. i Dh&tusena'a uncle, the author of the first thirty-six chapters of the " MaMvagsa." CHAPTER XXXIX. 5 Amba-Sdmanera ('mango-novice'). Wherefore he was known unto all men by that name. And he afterwards obtained the Kesadhdtu,* as it is written in 49 the " Kesadhdtuvapsa," and brought it hither in the reign of Moggalldna. And MoggalMna gratified him with many favours, 50 and took possession of the Hair-relic, and having placed it in a casket of crystal of great value, he bore it in procession to the beautiful image-house of the Lord Dfpa6kara. And he kept it 51 there and made great offerings to it. He made statues of 52 gold of his uncle and of his consort, and other images also, and a beautiful figure of a horse,t and placed them there. He caused 53 a casket for the Hair-relic to be made, and a parasol and a (small) pavilion studded with gems, and (the statues) of the two chief disciplesj (of Buddha), and a chowrie. (Yea) the king did honour 54 to it greater even than he cared to give to himself. And the charge thereof he gave unto SiMkala, whom he appointed sword- bearer. Wherefore he came to be known afterwards as Asiggd.ha 55 SiMkala.§ And, over and above, the king gave unto him his own sister in marriage with a portion. But this is a very brief 56 account. The details in full are to be found in the " Kesadh&tu- va^sa," from which those who desire more knowledge may gather information. And (the king) set a guard along the sea coast, 57 and thus freed the island from fear (of invasion). And he purged the religion of the conqueror as well as his doctrines by enforcing the observance of discipline among the priesthood. || And it was in this king's reign that Uttara, the captain of the 58 army, built a house of meditation! for the brethren, and called it after his own name. And the king having performed these acts of merit, expired in the eighteenth year (of his reign). Even so he who was so exceedingly powerful, and had snatched 59 victory from Kassapa, was not able to conquer death by the reason of his merits being exhausted, but was like unto a slave before him. Wherefore wise men will seek to loose death of its " Hair-relic. f The expression cdrukar^ assa himbafi ca may mean either that he got made a beautiful image of his (own) or that of a horse. I ^&riputra and Moggall&na, § Sildkdla, the swordbearer. g See Note 2, chap. XLIV. ^ Padhdna-gharan, a house or structure intended for the exercise of monastic austerities, which are supposed to lead to the attainment of super- natural powers and the subjugation of the passions. 6 THE MAhAyA^SA. terrors and be happy. Let him therefore who knoweth himself strive to attain Nirvana, the real state of happiness and the highest immortality. Thus endeth the thirty-ninth chapter, entitled " An Ac- count of two Kings," in the Mah^va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. NOTE A. There can be no doubt that Edsyapa committed suicide in the field of battle, for the text is very clear on the point, and admits of no dispute whatever ; but there is some obscurity as to the manner in which he did it. The words of the text run as follows : — Bdjd chetvd nikaranena so Sisan ukhhipiydkdsan' churihan kosiyan khipi. (Chap. XXXIX., V. 27.) The order of the words in Pali prose would be — So rdjd nikaranena sisaij, chetvd dkdsai} ukkhipiya churikan kosiyai} khipi ; the literal translation of which would be, " The king having cut off (his) head with (his) knife, threw it' (the head) into the air, and put the knife into its sheath." This is clearly absurd, at least the throwing by him of his head into the air after it had been cut off, and the sheathing of the knife subsequently. The only way of avoiding this ridiculous supposition is to construe the passage in the way I have translated it, viz. : — So rdja sisa^ dkdsai} ukkhipiya, nikaranena chetvd, ehurika^ kosiyatj, khipi; which would be, "The king having. raised his head towards the sky {i.e. raised his head ap), cut it (the neck) with a knife, and put the knife into the sheath," As no grammatical difficulty stands in the way of such a construction, I have, after much consideration, and with due deference to the opinions of others who hold otherwise, adopted this rendering. It would appear that the commission of suicide by kings and princes in despair after defeat, or at the prospect of defeat, in the field of battle, was common at this period, and that it was generally regarded as an act of chivalry. When Prince E&syapa, the noble son of the old blind King Upatissa, made his last gallant and desperate stand in defence of his father, seeing that the elephant he rode on was giving way through sheer fatigue, and that there was no hope of escape, it is said that he killed himself by cutting his own neck. Here, too, a construction that would appear CHAPTER XXXIX. 7 plausible at first sight would launch us into a sea of absurdity. The incident is narrated in the 24th and 2dth verses of chapter XLI., thus — Hatthdrohassa datvdna, chinditvd sisam attano Punchitvd lohitan katvd kosiyai} asipultakai} Hatthi-kumbhe ubho hatthe thapetvdna avattkari. A strictly literal translation of this passage would run thus : — " Having cut off his own head and given it to the elephant-driver, he wiped off the blood from the sword, and after putting it into the scabbard rested both hands on the head of the elephant and extended himself." In order to avoid the absurdity which such a rendering would involve, we are bound to put a somewhat forced but very reasonable and natural construction on this passage, viz., " Having given the elephant in charge of its rider, he cut his neck and wiped off the blood from the sword," &c. Such a rendering requires only the supply of an ellipsis to make the construction grammatically and strictly accurate, viz., Hatthdrohassa (hatthin) datvdna. A third instance of suicide on the field of battle occurs later on in chapter XLIY. Jetthatissa defeated and dethroned Aggabodhi III. surnamed Siri Saiighabodhi, who fled to India and returned five years afterwards with a Tamil army to recover his throne. A pitched battle was fought between these two rivals near the great tank Kaldveva. Jettbatissa's army was worsted, and although he displayed marvellous feats of valour to retrieve the day, fighting single-handed with many a Tamil warrior, yet all his heroic efforts were of no avail ; and at last, seeing a warrior by the name of Veluppa advance to fight him, Jettha- tissa, who was quite exhausted, took out the knife which he had kept carefully hidden in his betel-purse, and cut his own throat. The incident is thus described in verses 111 and 112 of chapter XLIV.: — Veluppa Damilat} ndma disvd yujjhitum dgatai} Tambulatthaviyai} hatthe rakhhanto churikai} tadd Tato nikkarani^ sammd gahetvd sisam attano Chetva halthimhi appetvd churihaig kosiyan khipi. " Seeing a Tamil named Veluppa coming forward (to the combat), he drew out a knife which he carried carefully in his betel-purse, and cut his neck, and having laid himself down on the back of the elephant, returned the knife into its sheath." Here, too, it is quite possible, and even correct, to translate, " He cut off his head, and having laid it on the back of the elephant, returned theknife into its sheath." But I do not think that any person, having a due regard to the possible and the impossible, will venture on such a translation. The next instance of an act of suicide in the field of battle is that of Prince Mabinda, related in chapter L.' The prince did his best to stent 8 THE MAhAvAIJSA. the torreat of the vrild horde of Tamils tl^at was advancing aguinst the capital, but, finding himself overpowered, and being unwilling to fall into the hands of the enemy, he cut his own neck ; and his immediate retinue followed his example : — Tasmd varai} me mararian mayd ev'eti cinliya Hatthihkhandha-gato yeva chindi so sisam attano Tai} disvd bahavo slse tattha chindi^su sevakd. (Yerses 23, 24.) " ' Better is it, therefore, that I should die by my own hand.' So saying, he cut off his head (cut his neck) even as he sat upon his elephant, and many of his faithful followers seeing this cut off their heads also." This is clear enough, and presents no difficulty whatever. The last instance which I shall quote is the famous single combat between the two brothers, Ddthappabhuti and Moggallana II., wherein the former was defeated and cut his own neck. This passage is important, as it gives us a clue to understand the usual expression Altano sisar} chindi, ' he cut off his own head.' Rdjd drabhi tai} disvd chinditun sisam altano Moggalldno'lha vandnnto ydci m'eva^ kari iti Ydcamdne pi so mdna^ mdnento chindi kandharai}. (Chap. XLI., vv. 52, 53.) " And when the king saw this he proceeded to cut off his own head. Whereupon Moggallana raised his hands in supplication and besought him saying, 'Do not so'; but he gave no heed to the prayer, and, caring rather to obey the promptings of his pride, cut his neck." Here the expression Sisan chinditu^, ' to cut off the head,' is used in the same sense as kandharan chindi, ' cut the neck.' I have entered into some detail in this matter, as I am aware that the. learned editors of the " Mah^vaysa " differ from me in their rendering of the Sinhalese version. It might perhaps be objected that my construction of the three first passages is somewhat forced. Granting this for the sake of argument, I think it better to put even a forced construction on an obscure passage, and elicit sense out of it, wherever it is practicable, than to translate it in such a manner as to obtain, trhat might rightly be called, incredible nonsense. NOTE B. This as well as the two chapters immediately preceding, and a few that follow, are couched, in language so brief and terse as to be almost oracular in some passages ; and the one we are about to consider is not the least among them. The difficulty of attaching a definite meaning to it is rendered still greater by there being a variant reading of an CHAPTER XXXIX. V important word therein. The 34th verse, in which this occurs, is as follows : — Kuddho nihari i —r^ > so " ghdtahai} pituno mama Anuvatti^svamaccdti" ; tena rakkhasa ndmavd. Literally — " He was furious with anger, saying, ' These ministers attached themselves to him who had slain my father,' and he protruded his tooth (ddthan). Hence he was called Rakkhasa." The learned Sinhalese translators have, however, adopted the reading ddyai}, and rendered the phrase by " He took away from them their inheritance." But it may be asked, why the confiscation of the inheri- tance or property of the evil-doers (which, under the circumstances, was a very proper thing to do) should render him liable to opprobrium, and procure him the undignified title of Rakkhasa', or " The demon " ? Rather should not the barbarous action that followed the so-called confiscation of property — namely, the putting to death of one thousand officers, the cutting off the ears and noses of many, the banishment of a great number of them — -justify the people in calling him a demon ? The verse is complete in itself, and has no connection with the succeed- ing lines that describe the punishment and tortures inflicted on the followers of the parricide. I therefore prefer to adopt the reading dathai} followed by Professor Khys Davids in his text and translation of this chapter, published in the Royal Asiatic Society's Journal of 1872; but I do not adopt his translation, because it is inconsistent with the context, and for other reasons which I shall presently explain. He renders the passage thus : — " Being angry with the priests, saying, ' They assisted at the death of my father, these baldheads,' he took away the tooth (relic), and thence acquired the name of 'devil.'" Now, Moggallana had no cause whatever for dissatisfaction with the priests ; for, apart from the fact that they received him into the capital with due honour and respect, he must have known how they had refused to accept the gift of even a vihdra offered to them by Kasyapa, on the ground that it was the gift of a parricide. (See verses 1 1 and 12.) Besides, it is evident that the learned Professor has based his translation here on a wrong reading of the word amaccd (ministers), which he reads mundd (baldheads). Moreover, no correct writer would use ddtkd for the Tooth-relic, although one or two instances of such use do occur in the admittedly faulty and ill-written portion of the Mahdvapsa, namely chapters 91-100. But no such use can be found in any other author, or in any other portion of the Mah&vaqsa, although this word Tooth-relic occurs a great many times in the course of the work. I am therefore of opinion that what the writer means to convey by this expression is that Mogall&na was so exasperated against these men 91—87 C 10 THE MAHAvA^SA. that he gnashed his teeth violently, so as to protrude one, and that he was therefore nick-named Bakkhasa, inasmnch as those beings are generally supposed to have two curved upper teeth protruding from the corners of their mouths ; and they are, indeed, so depicted up to this day in the fresco-paintings and bali images of Ceylon, I have there- fore adopted my translation in this sense. I may add that the similarity of the old Sinhalese characters tha and ^a, especially when written by a careless copyist, will easily account for the origin of the variant ddyai}. CHAPTER XLI. N his (Moggalld,na's) death his son, the famous Kmndra Dh&tus^na, became king. His form vras like unto a god, and he was a man of great strength. He made improvements to the vihdra that his father had built, and caused ■ an assembly of monks to be held in order to revise the 3 sacred canon. He purged also the religion of Buddha. To the great body of monks he gave the four monastic requisites, and satisfied them, and died in the ninth year of his reign after he 4 had performed many and divers acts of merit. Kittisena, his 5 son , then became king. He also, after he had performed divers acts of merit, lost the kingdom in the ninth month of his reign, for Slvay his mother's brother, killed him and became king. Siva began to perform many acts of merit, when he was killed on the twenty-fifth day of his reign by Upatissa, who, when he 6 had killed Sfva, became king. And he made Moggallana's 7 sister's husband, Sildkdja, his general. This king bestowed ofiices on the people, and thereby gained their goodwill. And he gave his daughter in marriage to Silakd.la with a great dowry. 8 King Upatissa had a son called Kassapa, a- mighty man of valour. And he took unto himself sixteen other valiant youths 9 for his companions. To give freely, and from the fulness of his heart, was his great wealth, and with his companions, who were like-minded with himself, he held fast to the principles of justice and lived a life of much action, and honoured his parents greatly. 10 In process of time, Sildkdla's mind being led astray by the lust of dominion, he went to the southern Malaya country and 11 collected a large army there, and, laying waste the outlying districts, came near to the capital. When Kassapa, the king's CHAPTER XLI. 11 eldest son, heard this, he comforted his father, who was sore troubled ; and when be had mounted his great stately elephant, 12 he took with him his friends and went forth from the city to meet Sil&kdla. Seven times and eight times did he set out from 13 the city, but the enemy retreated from him on every occasion. 14 But Sildkdla kept himself at a distance, that so he might not encounter him, and when he had by stratagem gained over the eastern and western districts, he returned to the eastern Tissa rock, there to give battle. On this Kassapa again mounted his tusker, and when he had 15 gathered his friends together he sallied forth and drove the enemy ; and in order to display his own skill, he made the huge elephant to ascend to the top of the rock, whereupon he was called Giri-Kassapa (' Rock-Kassapa'). But Sil&kala's spirit was 16 not subdued by his defeat, and, being puffed up with pride, he stirred up the country yet the more, and when he had brought the whole of it under his control, he went up again with a great 1 7 host that could not be resisted^ and with much material of war laid siege to the capital. And the king's men fought hard against the enemy for seven days, but they were routed, and put to flight. And Kassapa then communed thus within 18 himself: "All the people of the city are suffering from the siege : the defenders have been reduced, and the king is blind and aged ; wherefore it is meet for me that I should convey 1 9 my father and mother to a place of safety at Merukandaraka, and afterwards raise an army wherewith to fight the enemy." Accord- 20 ingly Kassapa took his parents and the king's treasure at night, and, accompanied by his friends, began his journey to the Malaya country ; but his guides, not knowing the way, were perplexed, 21 and wandered hither and thither about the capital. And when 22 Sildkdla heard thereof, he made haste after them and surrounded them. And a terrible battle ensued between them ; and when 23 the battle was raging most fiercely, like unto a battle between the gods and the Asnrs, and when his friends were falling thick around him, and his noble tusker was giving way, he gave (the elephant) in charge of its rider, and cut his own neck. And when 24 he had wiped the blood from off the blade of his sword, and put 25 it into the sheath, he laid both his hands on the head of the elephant, and extended himself. And when Upatissa heard this, he was struck down with grief as if shot by an arrow, and he died. Thus, in the space of two years and a half, Upatissa departed 26 this life, and Sildk^a became king. Adding his former nickname 12 THE MAHAVA^SA. 27 thereto, the people called him Ambas&man^ra Sil&kdla. And he lived thirteen years, and ruled the island with justice. 28 He caused food from the king's kitchen to be given fresh at the Mah^pdli alms-hall, and having at heart the well-being of the people, he increased the emoluments of the hospitals. He made 29 offerings daily to the Bodhi-tree, and caused images also to be made. 30 He gave to all the monks in the island the three robes, and sent forth a decree that there should be no manner of life taken away 31 in the island. He gave offerings daily to the Hair-relic that he had himself brought, and gave the Rahera anient to the Abhayagiri 32 brethren. He brought away also the throne, kunta, from the eastern vihdra of the Theriya monks, and placed it at the foot of the Bodhi-tree. Thus did he, till the end of his life, perform innumerable acts of merit. 33 This SiMkdla had three sons, Moggalldna, Ddthdpabhuti, and 34 Upatissa. To the eldest he gave the eastern country with the office of A'dipdda, and sent him thither desiring him to dwell 35 there, which he did accordingly. To the second he gave the ■ 36 southern country and the high office of Malaya B&jd, and appointed him to guard the sea-coast. Upatissa, the youngest, of whom the king was exceedingly fond, he kept near him, for he was the fairest to look upon. 37 Now, in the twelfth year of this king's reign, a young merchant went up from this island to the city of Kasi (Benares), and 38 brought with him the Dhamma-dhdtu from that country. And the king saw it, aad being unable to discern between the true and the false doctrine, he regarded it in the light of the doctriae of Buddha, like to the grasshopper that dashes against the burning 39 lamp thinking that it is gold. And he received the Dhamma- 40 dhdtu joyfully, and paid great respect and reverence to it. And' after he had placed it in a house hard by the king's palace, he was wont to take it yearly to J^tavana, and hold a festival in connection therewith, thinking that the act would benefit his 41 people greatly. SiMk&la, having in this manner performed many acts of merit, passed away according to his deeds in the thirteenth year of his reign. 42 On the death of Silikdla, D^th&pabhuti, his second son, seized the kingdom. This foolish man caused his own brother (Upatissa) to be put to death, because he spoke against the 43 usurpation, saying it was contrary to the law of succession. And when Moggallaaa heard of the deed he was very wroth, and said, " He has seized a kingdom that descended not rightfully to him ; OHAfXER XLI. 13 he has without catlse put my younger brother to death, who spake the truth fearing nothing. Now shall I make him to 44 govern a kingdom in very deed." He then gathered together a large army and went against the Rahera mountain. And when 45 the king heard of Moggalldna's approach, he prepared to meet him with an army that was ready to battle, and encamped near the Karindaka mountain. And when Moggall&na was informed 46 thereof, he sent messengers to the king, saying, " The inhabi- tants of this island have sinned neither against you nor against me. If one of us die, then will there be no occasion for the king- 47 dom to be divided in twain ; wherefore, let not others fight, but let the combat be between us, each on his elephant (before all the army. And it shall be that he who shall be victorious shall be king)." And the king having agreed thereto, armed himself 48 with the five weapons of war, and mounting the elephant went down to the place of battle, like unto Mara as he went against the Sage. MoggalMna also having armed himself, and having 49 mounted a splendid elephant, went forth (to battle) in like manner. The huge beasts encountered each other in the fight, and lo I the 50 sound of their heads as they beat against each other was heard like the roaring of the thunder, while flames of fire, like unto lightning, went forth from their tusks as they dashed against each other. And with their bodies covered over with blood they 51 seemed like two clouds in the face of the evening sky. At length the king's elephant was pierced by the tusker of Moggall&na, and he began to give way. And when the king saw this he 52 proceeded to cut off his own head : whereupon Moggallana raised his hands in supplication and besought him, saying, " Do not so." But he gave no heed to the prayer (of Moggalldna), and caring 53 rather to obey the promptings of his pride, the king cut his own neck. So this king relinquished the kingdom six months and six days after he had begun to reign. And the powerful Moggalldna 54 became king over all the island, and because of his mother's brother, who also bore the same name, the people, to distinguish him, called him Oula Moggalldna ('Moggallana the younger'). There was no one like to him as a poet, and he was greatly 55 devoted to the three sacred objects (Buddha, the Dharma, and Sa£gha), a habitation wherein dwelt charity, sobriety, purity, tenderness, and the other virtues. By making gifts and by kind 56 wordsj by seeking after the welfare of the people and by feeling for others as he did for himself, this king won over his subjects. By giving alms and dwelling-places, food and raiment to the 57 14 THE MAhAvA^SA. sick, and by giving lawful protection, he won over the priesthood. 58 He made unusual offerings to them that preach the doctrine, and caused them to read the three Pitakas with their commentaries. 59 This high-minded man, himself a lamp of the law, used to coax his children by giving to them dainty food, such as they loved, 60 and made them to learn the law daily. He was also a man of great talent, and composed many sacred songs, which he caused to be recited by men seated on eleplants, at the end of discourses 61 at the services of the charch. He threw a dam over the Kadamba river from the middle of the mountain, thinking that 62 such works tended to long life. And from the great love that he bore to his subjects, he built the tanks Pattapdsdna, Dhana- vSpi, and Garitara. He also caused sacred books to be written, and made offerings to the sacred objects (Buddha, Dharma, and 63 Safigha). He loved his subjects with the love of a mother for the child of her bosom. He gave with a free hand, and himself took his pleasures heartily, and died in the twentieth year of his reign. 64 On the death of Moggall&na, his queen caused poison to be given to the king's relatives, and thus put them to death, and, placing her son on the throne, conducted the affairs of the 65 kingdom with her own hand. The king whom she had thus set on the throne, Kitti-Sirimegha by name, commenced his reign 66 by covering the Bodhi-house with sheets of lead. He gave alms also to the beggars, wayfaring men, and mendicant minstrels. Yea, he was like unto a public hall of charity wherein all men were able to partake freely of according to their necessities. 67 But the queen, his mother, took the reins of government into 68 her hands, and the kingdom was turned upside down. The great officers of state were enslaved by bribery and corrupt acts of a like manner ; and the wealthy and powerful became the oppres- sors of the weak and needy in all the realm. 69 Now, in the days of SiUkd,la, there dwelt in the village Safi- gilla a certain person called Abhayasiva, who was descended from 70 the Moriya race. And he had a son whom he called Aggabodhi. He had also a nephew known to all the country as Mab&ndga, 71 and this nephew was even as fair as Aggabodhi. But being a 72 powerful man, and ambitious withal, he abandoned the pursuits of the field, and lived the life of a robber in the forests. One day, this Mahdn&ga sent unto his aunt an iguana that be had 73 caught in the forest, and she, perceiving thereby what it was that he stood in need of, sent unto him a basket of grain. CHAPTER XLI. 15 Likewise he sent a hare to the village blacksmith, who also made to him the same return (as his aunt had done). And he sent word unto his sister also, and asked some grain of her. She 74 gave him the grain and a slave also (who might take him his food when it was necessary). And she furthermore gave him in, secret meat and drink, and whatsoever else was necessary for his support. In those days there was a famine in the land, and a certain 75 man skilled in n-ecromancy went about the country asking alms in the disguise of a Buddhist mendicant, that so he might meet with favour in the eyes of the faithful. And having entered that 76 village, and receiving alms of no man therein, he went by the wayside trembling and sore stricken with hunger. And when 77 Mah&niga saw him, his heart was filled with compassion for him, and taking the alms-bowl into his own hands, went about the village to get food for hitn. But no man gave aught unto him — 78 no, not so much 6ven as a little gruel. He then took his own upper-garment, and gave it in exchange for some food, which he gave unto the mendicant, who ate it ; and being pleased with 79 Mahdndga he thought .thus within himself: "This youth must I make worthy of a throne in the island." And in a moment (by the divine power that he had) he conveyed him to the great sea at Gokannaka. And he set him down there, and when, 80 ■ according to rule, he had conjured up the Ndga chief by the power of his spell on the night of the month Fhussa, when the moon was in her full, he bade Mahdndga to touch the great Ndga. But Mah&ndga feared to do this, and touched not the 81 Ndga, who appeared to him in the first watch of the night, and also in the middle watch. But when the last watch came, and 82 the Naga appeared unto him again, he raised it by the tail with three of his fingers, and dropped it. And when his friend the 83 mendicant saw that, he made this prophecy, and said : " My labour has been rewarded. Thou wilt make war with three kings, and the fourth will be killed by thee, and after that 84 wilt thou become king in thy old age, and live for three years. Three of thy descendants also will likewise become kingsi Go thy way now and serve thy king. Hereafter shalt thou 85' see my power (when my prophecy comes to pass)." Having spoken these words he dismissed Mahdndga, who went on his way and made his appearance! before the king, and entered his 86 service. And the king made him his collector of revenue in the Rohana country. And he raised much revenue from 16 THE MAhAva^SA. 87 that country. Thereupon ,the king was well pleased, and conferred on hina the office of Andha Seudpati, and sent 88 him thither again. And he took with him this time Ahhaya- slva's son (Aggabodhi) and his own sister's son, and departed 89 thence. And when he had taken up his dwelling there he stirred up the people against the king, and took to himself the possession of the whole Bohana country, and collecting a large army he went forth thinking to make war against 90 Dithapabhuti. But fearing Moggallana, he went back to Rohana, and dwelt there. But when he heard afterwards that Kitti-Sirimegha was king, and that it was a good opportunity for him to take possession of the throne, he thought to himself : 91 " The time is now come for me to take the kingdom." So saying, he departed forthwith from the Hohana country, and putting the king to death on the nineteenth day, ascended the throne. 92 And when he had restored order in the kingdom, he wrote letters 93 to his nephew inviting him to the capital, who, when coming, met with an ill-omen on the way, and returned to his country and died there. Whereupon Mahdnaga, remembering the kindness that had been shown to him, appointed his uncle's son 94 Aggabodhi to the office of sub-king. This king built a basin ' of water wherewith to water the Bodhi-tree, and covered the golden house, and placed images of Buddha around the Bodhi. 95 He renewed the plaster work of the great Cetiyas (the Batana- vali, the Jetavana, and the Abhayagiri), and constructed new circlets for them. He put up also the elephant-rampart, and 96 built many works for ornament. He made a grant to the Mahd Vihdra of the weavers' village called Jambela, in the north, and 97 the village Tintinika. To the establishment at the Jetavana he gave the village Yasabha in the Uddhagama, and to all the 98 three other establishments he made offerings of cloth. He bestowed three hundred fields on the Jetavana Yih&ra, and ordained that alms also of gruel should be 'given daily for 99 ever to the monks of that monastery. And to the dwellers at the Mahd Vihfira he gave one thousand fields from the Dfira Tissa tank, and ordained an alms of gruel to them for 100 ever. And being greatly minded to do good works, he gave them the Cfram&tika water-course, and repaired (for their use) 101 the MayAra Parivena. He repaired also the Mah&-d6va-ratta6- kurava.Yihdra in the district of K&sikhanda, and the Anur£- T^ma Yihdra. 102 And having in this manner performed many and divers works OHAtTEK XLII. 17 that tended to heaven, he departed from this world in the third year of his reign to join the company of the king of the gods. And these eight kings, cheerful in disposition, and possessing 103 boundless wealth, like unto Kuvera, the king of kings, with their gorgeous array of men, and horses, and elephants, and chariots, and brave hosts, left all these splendours at last behind them, and ascended the funeral pile alone and unattended. Let him who is wise, and who seeks his own welfare, ponder this, and be as one who is anxious to vomit out the pleasures of existence. Thus endeth the forty-first chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Eight Kings," in the Mah&vapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XLII. GGABODHI, the son of Mah&ndga's mother's brother, 1 then became king. He was a man highly favoured by fortune, and he aimed steadfastly at the attainment of the highest knowledge. Surpassing the sun in glory, the full- 2 orbed moon in gentleness, the mount Meru in firmness, the great ocean in depth, the earth in stability, the breeze in 3 serenity, the teacher of the immortals in knowledge, the autumn sky in spotless purity, the chief of the gods in the enjoyment of 4 pleasure, the lord of wealth in riches, the holy Vasittha in righteousness, the king of beasts in courage, Vessantara in 5 generosity, an universal monarch in the justice of his rule and the extent of his dominions, — this king soon became very famous among his people. He made his mother's brother 6 viceroy, his brother king with him, and his uncle's son the Rdjd of the Malaya country. Rich men and nobles also he appointed 7 to high oflSces according to their deserts, and by his great liberality and other kingly virtues, and the right exercise of the duties of the kingly office, he won the love and goodwill of his people. He made over the southern country and all the men 8 thereof who owed service in' time of war, to the young king, his brother, who thereupon took up his abode there, and built the Sirivaddhamdna tank. This great king also caused the Safi- 9 ghikagiri Vihdra to be built, and granted it with two hundred fields to be enjoyed by the Order in common. To his nephew, 10 the Rajd of the Malaya country, he gave his own daughter, 91—87 D 18 The mahAva^sa. Ddthfi., in marriage, and built the Parivena called Siri Sa6gha- 11 bodhi. He also erected the Parivena called after his own name for the use of the great elder Mahdsiva. Those also who were in attendance on him were, like him, given up to works of merit. 12 Thus, by continually keeping the company of good men, he was able to restore the wholesome customs of their ancestors ; and so that all dangers might be avoided, he repaired everything 13 that had fallen into decay. Poets also, who composed many elegant and beautiful verses in the Sinhalese language, lived in 14 his reign. To the Southern Yih^ra he made an addition of an edifice of great and surpassing beauty, and in the ninth year of 15 his reign he freed the island from all the thorns of strife. He built also the Kurunda Yihdra, and dedicated it to the monks of all the fraternities. And to it he added a tank of the same 16 name, and a plantation of cocoanuts three y6janas in extent, and also two large tracts of defined land to be turned into rice fields. He attached to it payments, and honours, and privileges, and 17 appointed one hundred keepers to watch over it. And in the vicinity thereof he built the Ambilapassava Yihdra, and gave it to the Theriya brotherhood of hermits with the village of the 18 same name. To the Unnavalli Vihdra he granted the village Batana of great and long-standing fame, and he placed there 19 a solid stone statue of the Teacher. In the Kelivl^ta country he built a hill, to which he gave the name Sumana, and also a basin at the Bodhi-house for holding oil. He built also a terrace there 20 supported with stones. He repaired the Lohapdsdda, and at the ■ feast that was held he made offerings of the three robes to 21 six and thirty thousand monks. He gave also for the use of this vihdra a village that was held in the name of his daughter, and appointed guards for the protection of the building. This wise and learned king built, moreover, another edifice at the Hat- thikucchi Yih&ra. 22 And he took counsel at all times of the good priest Ddthdsfva and ruled his conduct according to the precepts of religion, and 23 ministered unto that priest as became him. Furthermore, he built the great vihdra Mugasendpati, and gave the village Lajjika to a certain priest, that he might get the services from 24 the tenants thereof. And so that merit might attach to the spirit of the deceased King Mahda&ga, he built a Parivena after his name, and bestowed it on the great elder who was versed in 25 the Three Pitakas. But the elder being now free from all earthly desires, gave that vihdra to sixty-four mendicant brethren, CHAPTER XLII. 19 who also, like him, were striving after the attainment of spiritual gifts. Thereupon the king granted unto this same elder who 26 dwelt in the Mah& Parivena a spot named Bhinnorudlpa from the village Vattak&,k^rapitthi. For the Dakkhinagiri-dalha Vih&ra, 27 the Mahdndga-pabbata Vihdra, the Kdlavdpi Yihdra, he built Uposatha halls also. In like manner, he built a bath at the Abhayagiri Vihd,ra and 28 another at the Cetiyagifi, which he called Ndgasondi ('the Elephant's Pool'), and supplied it with a continual stream of water, and in due course he built the tank Mahindatatavdpi,* and 29 ordained that the statue of the Thera (Mahinda) should be carried in procession from the bund thereof. And he made an 30 order that when (the statue of) the great Mahinda Thera was brought to that place, it should be carried thence along the usual road.t To all the three establishments, the Maha Vihara, 31 the Jetavana, and the Abhayagiri, he, seven times and eight times, and even nine times, made presents of golden parasols set with gems of great value ; and to the great Thiipa he made an offering 32 of a golden canopy that was equal to twenty-four bhdras % in weight. To divers other shrines also he gave jewels of great value. And when he had repaired the temple of the Tooth-relic, he 33 caused to be wrought for it a casket of gold glittering with gems and jewels of divers colours. And for the Mahdpdli alms-hall he built a boat of metal to contain the gruel. This king also constructed the bund of the tank Manimekhald § 34 and opened a great channel into the Manihlra|| tank. * Mihintal&veva. f There is a little obscurity in the text here, caused by the use of the expression tar^ racchd eva or the variant reading given in the foot-note of the text taracckd eva. The Sinhalese translators use the same word, and con- strue it to mean " that it should be carried by taracohis," which they interpret as " goldsmiths" in their Glossary. But it is not clearly evident that the word taracckd means a goldsmith : neither is there any reason why goldsmiths should have been made to carry the statue of the great Mahinda. The only meaning of taracckd is a hyena ; but it is ridiculous to suppose that hyenas were made to draw the statue. I have therefore regarded this word here as a clerical error, and taken the correct reading of the passage to be tat} racckdy' eva nentu, which would convey the meaning of " let it be carried on or along the road." I fancy what is meant is that the statue was to be brought to the bund or brink of the tank first, and after this had been done it was thence to be carried along the usual road. J Bkdra is a weight of gold equal to two thousand palas, and apala is equal to a little over three tolas, § S. MinimevuM. II Minneriya. 20 THE MAHAVAiySA. 35 Now, about this time, a certain great elder, Jotipdla by oame, carried on a controversy with the VetuUa heretics in the island, 36 and defeated them. And when Ddth& Fabhuti, the governor of the province, who had joined himself unto the heretics, had heard thereof, he was so overcome with rage and shame that he raised his hand to strike the victorious elder, and lo ! an abscess broke 37 out at that instant. And the king was so pleased witb,the elder, that he prevailed on him to dwell at the vih6,ra. And Ddthd Pabhuti, by reason of his pride, would not go up to the elder (and beg that he would forgive him), and they say he died of the 38 malady wherewith he was afflicted, whereupon the king gave the province to Aggabodhi, his sister's son, and made him governor thereof, and commanded him to protect the elder, which he did 39 accordingly. And last of all the king built the Nilagehaparic- cheda monastery and gave it also to the same elder. And when he had performed many and various good deeds he died in the thirty-fourth year of his reign. 40 Aggabodhi then became king. And they called him the " Younger," because of the great age of the king who had preceded 41 him. And this king being well acquainted with the customs of the olden times, was enabled to govern the island well. He took to wife the daughter of his mother's brother, and gave her the 42 rank of queen, and made Salighabhadda, a kinsman of his queen- consort, his swordbearer. And as he envied not to give power into the hands of others, he bestowed high ofiSces on his subjects 43 according to their deserts. He built the Veluvana Vihd,ra and dedicated it to the Sdgali Order of monks (the Jetavana brother- hood), and built the Jamburantaragalla and Mdtika-pitthi Yih^ras also. 44 During this king's reign the king of Kdlifiga, being much moved with horror at the destruction of the lives of men in war- 45 fare, and resolving to lead the life of a recluse/came to this island and joined himself to the brotherhood under the great elder 46 Jotip^la. The king also ministered unto him for a long time, and built for him a cloister for performing austerities at the 47 Matta-pabbata Yihdra. And the queen and the minister also of this royal monk came likewise and received ordination. And when King Aggabodhi's queen heard how she had taken orders, she went up and ministered unto her with great affection, and 48 built for her the convent Batani. And to the minister, who also had become a monk, the king gave the Vettavdsa Yihdra situated at Kandardji in the east. But he cared not to accept it, and CHAPTER XLII. 21 gave it away to the Order to be possessed by them in common. And when, in process of time, he died, the king wept sore and 49 lamented for him j and (so that merit might attach) to his spirit, he built a cloister for the services of religion at Oiilagalla Vihdra and another at Palapnagaraga. Thus did the king perform acts 50 of merit in the name of the deceased elder. One day, when the elder Jotipala was worshipping at the Thiipa- 51 rdma Oetiya, a portion of it broke off and fell before him. And this grieved that elder greatly, and he sent for and informed the 52 king of the damage that had been done. Whereupon the king, being much astonished at the sight, set workmen forthwith to repair the breach. (And when this had been done) he removed 53 the right collar-bone that had been deposited there into a recess in the Lohap^sdda, and set guards to watch over it, and made offerings to it both day and night. And as the work of repairing 54 the edifice was making but slow progress, the guardian deities of the Thiipdrdma appeared to the king in a dream by night, and taking unto themselves the shape of overseers of temple lands, spake angrily to him, saying, " If, king, there be any 65 longer delay in finishing the repairs to the relic-house, the relics shall we remove, and carry off to some other place." And the 56 king instantly awoke in great fear, and, setting himself to the task at once, made an end of all the work that remained to be done at the relic-house, including the painting and the orna- ments thereof. And he arranged four images throughout the relic-room, also 57 a throne made of solid stone, and a golden canopy, and other works of art inlaid with stone and ivory. His ministers and the 58 other nobles also made one hundred reliquaries at their own expense, and repaired many of the works that had been built by the King Devdnampiyatissa. Thus did this king, by every means 59 in his power, cause suitable offerings to be made on a great scale to the sacred receptacle. And with a mind full of devotion he brought out the relic from the Lohapas^da, accompanied by the 60 priesthood, with the great elder Jotipdla at their head, and carried the relic in procession in its casket to the relic-house, and solemnly deposited it there. And he placed himself and the 61 whole island of Lapkfi, at its service, and granted to the warders of that house the village, the profits of which had (up to that time) been enjoyed by the queen. He also built the relic-house 62 Rfijdyatana in the Ndgadipa, and the house Unnaloma, and caused a parasol to be made for the A' mala Oetiya. To this 63 22 THE mahIva^sa. vihfira he made a grant of the village Tattagdma, that they might ohtain their gruel from thence, and to the Abhayagiri Vihdra he 64 gave the village Afigana Sdlaka ; and he added a dormitory thereto, and called it DI,thaggabodhi, after his queen D&thd and him- 65 self. The queen also built an excellent vihdra, which she called Kapdlandga, and having endowed it with the means of obtaining the four monastic requisites, she made a gift thereof to the priests 66 of the same brotherhood. Moreover, the king built another house surmounted by a silver spire at the Jetavana establishment, and himself took the oversight of the digging of a well near the Bodhi-tree. 67 He built also the tanks Ga^gatata VaUhassa and Giritata, and improved the Mahdpdli alms-hall, after making a receptacle, 68 shaped like a boat, to hold boiled rice. And the queen caused boiled rice to be issued regularly to the order of nuns. Having thus performed these works of merit, the king went to heaven in the tenth year of his reign, 69 Even so, rulers, though they abound in wealth, and are diligent in good works, yield at last to death. The thoughtful man should therefore ponder well over the ways of this world, and, freeing himself of the thought of an all-controlling fate, wean his mind from the love of earthly things. And taking to himself the robe of the recluse he should go forward without fear on the road to Nirvdna (the great goal of salvation). Thus endeth the Forty-second Chapter, entitled " The Beigns of Two Kings," in the Mahdvagsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XLIV. HEN Safighatissa, the swordbearer, became king. He was a great lover of justice, and gave himself up much to promote religion and the welfare of his country. He conciliated the people also by bestowing offices of state on such as were deserving of them. And MoggallS,na, the general of Aggabodhi the Younger, who then dwelt at Rohana, having heard that Sanghatissa had taken the reins of government into his hands, went up with a great host to make war against him, and pitched his camp at Mahdgalla. And Sanghatissa also, when he heard of this, sent forth an army OHAtTBft XLlV. 23 to give him battle. But Moggalldaa, who commanded the greater force, compelled the king's troops to fall back, and, pushing forward with hia elephants and horses, took up his position at 5 Battivihdraka, where he fortified himself and began to add greatly to his forces. And when these things came to the ears of the 6 king, he set out for KadaMdi-Nivdta, and having sent his army before him, encountered and defeated them, and returned to his capital. But Moggalldna restored his army again to its former 7 strength, and advanced to Karehera. And the king's general 8 sent out his own son in command of the king's forces to meet 9 the enemy, and craftily feigned himself to be ill and dispirited, and moved not from his bed as if he were nigh unto death. And when the news of the general's sickness reached the king, he set out at once and visited him, and spake cheerfully unto him, saying, " Grieve not because you are too ill to go with me to the 10 field of battle. But remain here and guard the city, and give counsel to the young prince how he should manage the kingdom." And when all the men who could carry arms had been sent out 11 to the field of battle, and the king's provisions failing him, his attendants served him with food prepared at the Mahapili alms- 12 hall, which, when the king perceived, he was greatly disgusted, and communed with himself, saying, " It cannot be that I have come to such a pass." Thereupon he mounted his elephant and 13 • made haste with his son and a small force of men, and proceeded 14 to the Eastern Tissa mountain, where he met the enemy and engaged them, and was attacked on both flanks by them. The 15 crafty general (whom the king had left in the capital to take care of the kingdom), seeing this went up and attacked the king's army in the rear. And the king's son, when he saw this deed of the traitor, asked the king's leave to turn and crush him. But the king prevented him, saying, "Think not of that: our 16 army is not equal, by reason of its weakness, for such a work, and it will certainly perish in the end." The king was now hemmed 17 in by two armies, and his forces were divided, in that they had to contend against the rebel as well as his own-general j and as 18 the battle was proceeding the king's elephant took shelter in the shade of a Madhuka-tree," and the king's parasol was caught among the branches, and it fell to the ground. The Rebel's 19 men, seeing this, caught it up and gave it to their lord, who raised it and displayed it to all the host from the top of the rock. Bassia latifoUa. 24 THE mahAva^sa. 20 And the king's forces, who had now been scattered on all sides, seeing this, mistook the rebel chief for their king, and rallied 21 round him. The king being now left alone, dismounted from his elephant, and with his son and his faithful minister fled to the Meru-majjara forest, which was hard by. 22 Moggallina being now victorious, took his army together with the treacherous general and his wicked son, and arrived at the 23 capital and made himself the lord of the island. But thinking that he was not safe on the throne as long as any rival lived, 24 and having heard that the late king had left a son in the city, he became greatly enraged, and ordered that the hands and feet 25 of the young prince should be forthwith cut off. And the officer to whom he had given the command proceeded at once to fulfil it. But the young prince, when he was told thereof, was 26 greatly distressed, and wept sore, saying, " Wherewith shall I eat my cakes if thou cuttest off these hands of mine, which are wont 27 to serve me with cakes ?" The king's servant hearing the lamen- tation of the prince was exceedingly sorry at the order of the king, but fearing to disobey it, the base man, with tears and sobs, cut 28 off the left hand and the left foot of the prince. Jetthatissa, another son of the dethroned king, heard of this, and escaped in disguise, and went to a place called Merukandaraka, in the Malaya country. 29 In the meantime the king, his father, with his son and his minister (left the forest of Merumajjara and) secretly made their way to the Veluvana Vihd,ra, where, being advised thereto by 30 the priests, they put on the yellow robe. And being desirous of reaching the province of Bohana in the disguise of a priest, he arrived at Manihira on his journey thither. But the men of the king who was then reigning, and who had been placed there, 31 recognised the three fugitives, and seized them and bound them 32 with fetters, and sent word thereof to their master. The king was very much delighted therewith, and gave orders, saying, " Take the captives forthwith to Sfhagiri, and there behead the 33 king and his son without any fear or scruple, but bring me the 34 minister alive." And the king's servants who had been so ordered took the three prisoners to Sihagiri, and prepared to do 35 as they had been commanded. Then the young prince obser- ving it, spake unto the executioner, and said, " I pray thee cut 36 off my head first as that would b^ better for me." And the king's servants did as they had been asked, and afterwards beheaded the captive king. Oh, ye who care to take heed of CBapter XliV. 25 hiiman actions, behold the deeds of wicked men I So unabid- 37 ing is prosperity ; it endureth not, and neither is it within one's own control. Ye who put your trust therein, wherefore then do ye not strive after that happiness which is everlasting ? The executioner then spake unto the faithful minister and told 38 him all the king's orders. And when he heard it he smiled, and spake thus unto them, " Has it been left to me to see the head- 39 less body of my master, and think ye that I shall serve another after that I had served him ? Ye have slain him here, and will ye 40 now carry away his spirit ? Alas I what fools are ye ? Verily I believe that ye are madmen and insane." Saying these words, 41 he fell at his master's lifeless feet and clung unto them, so that the king's servants were not able to remove him from the dead body of the monarch. And so they cut off his head also and bore 43 all the three together, and showed them to the king, who openly displayed his joy to all the people at what had happened. And 43 soon after he bestowed on the traitorous general the office of Malaya Rajd, and his son he made the king's swordbearer. This king also caused the three Thfipas to be covered with new 44 cloth, and festivals also to be held at all the Thfipas in Lagkd. The Hair-relic of the lord, the Tooth-relic, and the great Bodhi 45 he honoured also with many presents. He held the May festivals 46 and others according to the rites that were in custom, and purged the whole religion of Buddha by means of a disciplinary act. * He caused the three Pitakas also to be rehearsed with great 47 pomp, and rewarded the learned monks with exceeding great presents. He gave robes to all the monks that dwelt in the 48 island, and made a present of the Kathiua robes to all the monasteries, and gave orders that new images should be made 49 and that old buildings should be repaired. To the Order he gave three hundred salt-pans also. At Kdrapitthi he built the 50 Moggallana Yihdra, and likewise vihdras at Fitthigdma, Sagdma, and Yatagdma. He built also the Getiyageha and the.Bakkha 51 * DhammarKammarj, — This expression occurs often in the Mah&vapsa to denote the manner in which the earlier kings interfered to carry out reforms in the Buddhist Ohurch. It means literally a legal act. In some instances this act was applied for and obtained by one of the members of the brotherhood. (See verse 75, et seq.) The act seems to have consisted in the promulgation by the king of a decree enforcing the observance of discipline among the priesthood, and, in some oases, empowering one or more of its Order to carry out the decree into effect by means of an ecclesiastical court. 91-87 R 26 THE MAHAVA^SA. Vihdra. He endowed very many vihdras also with much land 52 for their support. In this manner did the king many good deeds, remembering of how short a duration was the fortune of the king his predecessor. 53 Now, about that time, the king, angered at some fault of the Malaya Rdja, and remembering also the traitorous deed that be 54 had committed on his former master, enticed him by a device, and (when he had got him into his power) caused his hands and feet to be cut off. And when this came to the ears of his son, the swordbearer, he fled to Bohana, taking with him his own 55 son, and dwelt there, and soon made himself lord of the country. And he went to Jetthatissa, who remained in concealment in the 56 Malaya, and began in alliance with him to lay waste the whole country. He encamped himself with an army at the Dolha- 57 pabbata, which, when the king heard of, he went at the head of 58 an equipped army and intrenched himself near the enemy. And it came to pass that a great number of the king's men died of a fever that broke out among them. And when the swordbearer 59 came to hear of this, he attacked the enemy in great force, and the king's host being greatly weakened by sickness and death, 60 broke and fled, the king himself following after them. And the swordbearer (pursued after him and) overtook him near Slhagiri, and seeing that nobody was at hand to protect him, he slew him 61 together with his followers. Intending to kill Jetthatissa also who was following close by, he sent messengers unto him, saying, 62 " Come and be king." But Jetthatissa, fearing his object, turned back and fled to the Malaya country, thinking, " How can he give unto me a kingdom which he had gotten himself with so much trouble?" 63 And this swordbearer having killed the reigning king 64 MoggalUna, surnamed Dalla, in the sixth year of his reign, entered the beautiful city of Anurddhapura with a great army, and became king under the title of Sildmeghavanna, and extended 65 his dominion over the whole island. And after he bad saluted the Order and the Bodhi, he rendered the honours that were due 66 to the three Thi^pas, and patronised the Mahdpdli alms-hall. In a time of great scarcity he distributed milk-rice among the Order, mixed with. ghee and honey, and supplied the monks with 67 water-strainers also. He gave largely to the beggar, the way- farer, and the mendicant, and by divers acts of charity gained their love. And being kind-hearted by nature, he even gave away cake-money among the children. CHAPTER XLIV; 27 He made offeringa to the solid stone statue of Buddha at the 68 Abhayagiri Vih&ra, and having renewed the old house of that statue, and adorned it with divers gems, he dedicated unto it the 69 Kolav&pi tank. He gave also to it all manner of protection, and always held the festivals connected with it with great pomp. While this ruler of the realm, a vessel of all virtues, was thus 70 passing his days, Sirin&ga, the chief, the uncle of Jetthatissa, proceeded to the opposite coast of India and gathered together a 71 great number of Tamils, and returned to the northern part of the country and essayed to take it. But the king having heard 72 thereof, went up to meet the enemy, and gave him battle at the village Bfrja-mittaka, and killed Sirin&ga and captured such of 73 his Tamil followers as were not slain on the field of battle j and after he had most cruelly treated them, he gave them away as slaves to different vihdras in the island. And returning in 74 triumph to the capital, the ruler of the land restored order throughout the kingdom and lived without fear of any danger. At that time a certain monk, by name Bodhi, of the Abhaya- 75 giri fraternity, seeing how great a number of his brethren were wholly given up to lewdness, although he was not himself an elder in robes, approached the king and begged him that he 76 would issue a decree to enforce discipline in the Order. Where- upon the king issued a decree for the enforcement of discipline, which he caused to be executed at the vih&ra by (the young monk) himself. And all the lewd priests -who had been expelled 77 from the Order, conspired together, and secretly killed him and set aside all that bad been done. When the king heard of this 78 he was greatly enraged, and seized them all in a body and cut off their hands and bound them with fetters, and appointed them to be guardians of tanks. A hundred other monks also of this 79 Order he banished to India. Thus did the king, remembering the zeal of the monk Bodhi, purify the religion of Buddha. He 80 requested the monks of the Mahd. Vihdra fraternity that they should observe the Uposatha ceremony in common with the monks of the Abhayagiri. And when the former refused to do - as he had desired, he was greatly incensed, and mercilessly insulted and abused them with many hard words. He then 81 proceeded to the southern country, without obtaining forgiveness from the monks for the offence that he had done against them. And there he was seized with a severe illness that caused his 82 death soon after. And thus he left the world in the ninth year of hia reign. 28 THK mahAva^sa. 83 His son Aggabodhi* then became king, with the title of Siri- 84 sa6ghabodhi. Mdna, his younger brother, he crowned as sub-king, and gave him the southern country with the whole army that 85 was stationed in that province. Heruledthecountry with justice, honoured the Order greatly, and disregarded not the customs of 86 ancient kings. And Jetthatissa, who was then ia the Malaya country, having heard of these things, went up to Aritthagiri and 87 gained over the people of that part to his cause, and having established his authority over the southern and eastern countries, he marched step by step towards the capital with a great host 88 and with much hope. Ddthdsiva, his general, he sent to reduce the western country, and remained himself at the village Siri- 89 pitthika. And the king having heard of these things sent his brother, the sub-king, with an army, to the western country. 90 And he went and drove away the enemy. The general of Jetthatissa's army then went up to Mfiyetti, where the king him- self met him, and saying, " Now can the stripling be crashed like a young bird in his nest," fell on him unawares, and took 91 him prisoner. And hoping to fall upon Jetthatissa in like manner, and take him prisoner also, the king advanced boldly to 92 meet him with a small array. Bat Jetthatissa having had warning thereof beforehand, prepared himself with a well-armed host to meet the king, and surrounded his army like unto a sea 93 that had burst its bounds, and overpowered him. The king's army being thus altogether routed, he mounted on an elephant and instantly fled alone, and in disguise, from the field of battle. 94 And six months after that he had been defeated he went on board a ship and made haste to India, leaving his country and his kinsmen and his treasure behind him. 95 Jetthatissa was then crowned king in the capital, and he governed the country as his predecessors had done, and gave 96 protection to the religion of the land. He gave the village Mahddiragiri to the Abhayagiri Yihdra, the Bodhi-tree called 97 Mahdmetta to the Mah£ Yihdra, and the village Gondigama to 98 the Jetavana Vihdra. To Mahan^a, the chief priest of the Padh^naghdra, he gave the villages Matulaiigana and Dumbaran- gana ; the village AmbiMpika to the Kassapagiri Vih^ra ; the 99 village Kakkhalavitthi to the Yeluvana Yih^ra ; the village Keheta to the GaAgkm&ti Vibfira ; the village Cullam&tika to 100 the Antaragagga Yihdra ; the village Sahanuanagara to the * The Third. CHAPTER XLIV. 29 Mdyetti Vihdra; the village Udag&ma to Kdlav&pi Vihdra. 101 These Vihdras and many others he enriched with abundant gifts of land. He expended three hundred thousand pieces of money 102 also in repairing temples, and gave the three robes to all monks who dwelt in the island. And the brethren of king Sirisadghabodhi who had fled to India, 103 and who were now concealing themselves in various parts of the island, were laying waste the country by degrees. And Jettha- 104 tissa, having heard of it, went up to Kdlavdpi and encamped there, and made war on them. And king Sirisafighabodi, who also had 105 fled to the coast, now came back with a large army of Tamils, and having reached Kdlavdpi, prepared to give him battle. And when 106 Jetthatissa heard that the king had arrived with an army, he sent his general, D&tb&sfva, to India (that he might raise an army of Tamils there), and mounting his well-equipped elephant 107 put himself at the head of his army and led them on to battle. And in the fight that ensued Jetthatissa's army was repulsed, and seeing them give way he spake unto his minister who was riding with him, and said, "Take this my message first to my 108 queen, and do after it as it pleaseth yon. Say unto her, ' Take 109 thyself into a convent, great queen ; learn there the doctrines of religion, and having preached the Abhidhamma, give the merit thereof unto the king.'" And the king having ordered this 110 message to be delivered to his queen, fought bravely with each Tamil that came forth to meet him, and killed all of them. And 111 at last (when he was quite exhausted), seeing a Tamil named 112 Veluppa coming forward to the combat, he drew out a knife that he carried carefully in his betel-purse, and cut his neck, and having laid himself down on the back of his elephant he returned the knife into its sheathe. Whereupon the enemy raised a great 113 shout ; and the king's minister took to flight and went and informed the queen of their defeat, and delivered to her the message which had been entrusted to him when the king cut off his head. And the queen took herself into a convent, and 114 when she had perfected herself in the Abhidhamma and the Atthakathfi., she descended one day from the pulpit, and having 115 seated herself on the ground, spoke to the king's minister (who was attending to her discourse), saying, " Come now, show us the manner of my lord the king's death." And the 116 minister being thus desired, sat himself also before her, and cut ■ his neck and cast away the knife from him, saying, " Thus did 117 the king his majesty die." And she (the queen-nun), who 30 THE mahAva^sa. witnessed the deed, was so overcome with griefthatshediedofa broken heart. Thus did this king Jetthatissa depart this life five months after he had begun to reign. 118 He (Aggabodhi, who was also called Sirisaiighabodhi) having now defeated all his enemies and gained the victory over them, 1 19 took up his abode in the capital and restored the kingdom to its 120 former state. He gave away the two villages Hadkara and Samag^ma, and the king's portion of Kehella with the tenants thereof, as a gift to the high priest who dwelt at the Padhdna^ ghara called Mahalla-rija, that be had built in memory of his 121 father, the sub-king: Likewise also he gave the village Mahd- manika to the Jetavana Vihd.ra, and the village S^lagama to the 122 vihara of Mayetti, and the village Ambillapadara to the Oetiya- giri ; and at Pullatthinagara he made the island Mah4pdn£di. 123 And his ministers caused the sub-king M^na to be put to death, in that he had done a wicked thing among the king's wives, 124 although he had been pardoned (by the king). Then the king 125 appointed Kassapa, another of his brothers, as sub-king, so that the office might remain in the king's family. But Dathislva, having heard of the sub-king Mdna's death, got together an army 126 of Tamils and went up against the village Tintini. And when the king heard of his coming, he proceeded with an army to meet him and gave him battle. And the king was defeated, and he 127 fled alone to India in the twelfth year of his reign, leaving every- thing behind save the king's necklace of pearls, which he took 128 away in order that thereby he might be known there. He (D^thdsfva) then ascended the throne, and was arrayed as king according to all the ceremonies of state, but without the royal necklace. And he was known over the island as Ddthopatissa. 129 But the other (dethroned king) took advantage of every oppor- tunity and made war and got back his kingdom. Thus did these kings in their turn war against each other and drive each other 130 away from the throne ; and by reason of this continual warfare the people were sore oppressed, and suffered greatly; and the 131 country was brought to great poverty. And (when these wars were going on) D&thopatissa destroyed all the works that had been done by his predecessors, and took to himself all the wealth 132 of the three brotherhoods and of the relic-houses. He melted the golden images also, and took the gold thereof for his use. 133 He despoiled the temples of all their offerings of gold, and removed the golden pinnacle of the Thi^pdrama, and melted the golden CHAH'EK iLlV, 3l canopy, that was studded with gems of great value, which was on the top of the great Cetiya. And he gave ftway the vessels for 134 holding rice that were in the Mdhapdli to his Tamil followers, who, again, destroyed all the king's palaces and the relic-house. And afterwards, when he repented himself of his acts, he built 135 the vihara S4kavatthu and endowed it with land, that he might purge himself thereby of the wicked deeds that he had done. And his nephew (sister's son), who was known among the 136 people by the nam^ of Ratanaddtha, became the chief governor, and gave him much help. And when the fortune of war 137 tutned, and Aggabodhi took the government into his hands, Kassapa, his sub-king, rashly pulled down the Cetiya at the 138 Th\!ip&rd.ma and robbed it of all the rich offerings that had been 139 made to it by Devdnampiyatissa, Aggabodhi the younger, and other ancient kings, that so he might support his army, being incited thereto by wicked men and bad advisers. He also pulled 140 down the Cetiya of the Dakkhina Vihara and took therefrom much substance of great value. In like manner did he pull down many other Citiyas also. And so ill-advised was he of his friends, 141 that they say the king had it not in his power to stop him from doing these wicked deeds. Oh I how difficult it is to restrain evil-minded men. Wherefore the king who had been unable to 142 restrain him, spent a thousand pieces of money and re-built the ■ Thiipfirama Cetiya that was destroyed by the sub-king, and held, a festival in honour thereof. I And when Aggabodhi was defeated by Ddthopatissa he went 143 to Rohana to raise an army there. And during his sojourn there 144 he was attacked by a disease which caused him his death after an interrupted reign of sixteen years. His younger brother Kassapa, the sub-king, then defeated D&thopatissa and drove 145 him into India, and brought the whole country under the domi- nion of one king, though he wore not the crown himself. And 146 having joined himself to the virtuous, he repented him afterwards of all that he had done ; and in order that he might avert the evil consequences of the deeds that he had aforetime committed, he 147 laid out gardens of flowers and of fruits, and built many tanks. He made great offerings to the three Cetiyas and to the Thfi- 148 parama, to which he dedicated a village also. He caused the doctrines of religion to be preached by holy monks who lived not among the habitations of men. He built a great house also at 149 Maricavatti, and made the great elder of Nagasdla to dwell in it. 150 He attended also to all the wants of that abbot while he lived 32 -tHE maeIva^sa. there, by providing him with the four monastic requisites, and prevailed on him so that he recited the Abhidhamma with the 161 Atthakathfi also. He built another house for this same elder at Nfi.gas41a, and gave it to him as a present with the village Mah&-nitthila, for his support. 152 And DSthopatissa returned afterwards from India with a large 1 53 army and made war against Kassapa. But Kassapa, with the help of his army that he equipped and made fit for battle, defeated and killed him. Thus did the reign of this king Ddthopatissa 154 extend over a period of twelve years. And at this great battle Dd.thopatissa'8 sister's son, .who bore the same name, fled to India for fear of Kassapa. 155 So uncertain, indeed, are all earthly possessions 1 They are gotten with great diflSculty, and their splendour lasteth but for a moment. Therefore, he who seeks after his own well-being should abandon all his affection for them, and devote himself to the precepts of religion. Thus endeth the forty-fourth chapter, entitled " The Eeigns of Six Kings," in the Mah&vagsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XLV. ND Kassapa, after he had gained the victory, and having fulfilled all his desires (turned his mind to the improve- ment of the things within the kingdom). He increased the food that had been given to the Order at the Mahap&li alms-hall, and made great ofi'erings to the holy monk Maha Dhammakathi, who dwelt at Nagasala, and made him preach the sacred doctrines. And for the monk of Katandhakdra, who dwelt in the monastery that the king's brother had built, he caused the whole Pali scripture to be written together with the lesser books.* He repaired the buildings that had been broken down and added new works to the Cetiya, and made gifts of land in divers places to the Order. He made three crest-jewels glit- tering with divers gems for (the pinnacles of) the three Cetiyas, and fulfilled the desires of one hundred Pandupaldsasf with gifts of cloth. " Sasangahan, lit. " with epitomes,'' f A PandupalSsa is a lay candidate for holy orders living in the yih&ra until he could get his robes and alms-bowl made. CHAPTER XLV. 33 He had many children, of whom the eldest was Mfinaka.* But 6 they were all young, and not having come of age lacked under- standing. So when he was laid low with aa incurable disease, 7 he thought within himself that all his sons, by reason of their tender years, were not fitted to take the governmeat into their hands. He sent, therefore, for his nephew, who dwelt in the 8 Rohana country, and who was a man of great understanding, and gave the whole kingdom into his care, together with his sons. And after he had worshipped at the Cetiyas with offerings of 9 scents and flowers, he gave to the Order the four monastic requisites and obtained their forgiveness. And the king having 10 thus conducted himself righteously towards his friends and his ministers and his subjects, passed away according to his deeds in the ninth year of his reign. And his nephew Mdna having performed with all honour 11 everything that was due to the dead body of his uncle, recon- ciled himself to his subjects, and drove away the Tamils (from their oflSces and from all power). Whereupon they conspired 12 together to expel him (from the chief place in the government) ; and while he was absent from the capital, they took it and sent a message unto Hattha-ddthaf who had fled to India, asking him 13 to return hither and take up the government of the kingdom. And Ma na, likewise, made all haste and sent unto his father 14 (Dappula) in the Rohana country (telling him of all that had happened). And when the (Regent's) father heard thereof, he hastened out from the Rohana country (to take counsel with his son as to these things). And they agreed among themselves and 15 sowed strife among the Tamils. (And the Tamils then sought the friendship of the Regent,) and all of them lived peacefully together. Mana then raised his father to the throne and crowned 16 him. And soon after Dappula had been made king he gave three thousand pieces for the service of the three fraternities, and when he had conciliated the Order and the people, he sent 17 the royal treasures to Rohana, so that they might not fall into the hands of the enemy. And when Hattha-ddtha had received the message that was is sent to him, he made haste to the island with an army of Tamils. Whereupon all the Tamils who dwelt in the island returned from 19 <* He subsequently became king and reigned for thirty-five years. ■ The interesting history of his life is narrated in the forty-seventh chapter, f See chap. XLIV., v. 154. 91-87 34 THE mahAva^sa. their allegiance to the king and joined themselves to Hattha- 20 d^tha, who was yet on his way to the capital. Mdna, hearing of . these things, determined that it was not then a meet opportunity for war, and having sent his father to Rohana together with all 21 precious things thathelonged to him, betook himself to the eastern country, and dwelt there, and laboured greatly to win the goodwill of the people therein. And Hattha-ddtha, having now gained over the great men of left by the Order, and being much delighted therewith, he made to them a present of the village Mandagdma. And after he had 48 done these and divers other acts of merit he left this earth for heaven. Whereupon his younger brother Sdmi Dappula, who was there at that time, became the chief of the Rohana, and 49 *> Kataragama. 36 THE mahAva^sa. made himself feared in the province. And he trod his enemies under foot and gave gifts freely unto the people, and freed 50 Rohana from all danger. And his people were so well pleased with him that they said, "This is our great lord." Thenceforth he was known throughout the land as "The great lord." 51 And king Sil^-datha* heard of these things, and being much pleased thereat gave him his daughter in marriage with a large 62 portion ; and considering him well-fitted to fill the throne, he gave him also the office of sub-king. And his sons were Mdnavamma and others whose fame was very great. 53 And having learnt the doctrine at the feet of the great elder who dwelt at P&sdnadipa, and being much pleased with him, he 54 built and dedicated to him a vihira in Rohana in token of his great reverence for him, but the elder left it for the monks in 55 the four quarters of the earth.t He built the Ambamdla Yihara and many others also, among them the Khadirdii Vihara, where 56 he made offerings to the gods. He also repaired the buildings that were very old of the Anurardma Vihara, and ornamented it with festoons of pearls. This great and learned man renewed 57 the buildings Sirivaddha and Takkambila, wherein he established thirty-two monks, having provided for them all the necessaries 58 of monastic life. He gave to the Ndga Vihdra the village Kevatta Gambhfra ; to the Bdja Yihdra, Gonnag&ma ; to the 59 Tissa Yihara, Kantika-pabbata ; and to the Gittala-pabbata Yihdra, the village Gonnavitthi. In, like manner, this king gave 60 to the Ariydkari Yihara the village Malavatthuka, and built 61 an exceeding beautiful image-house there. For the statue of Buddha which stood there he made a very costly ornament for the forehead, and a golden band, and celebrated the giving of 62 the gifts with all festivities that were due. He repaired the Getiya when it broke down, and plastered it with white cement, and set up another statue of the blessed Buddha, fifteen cubits 63 high, which he named Metteyya. In this manner did this great ruler not only give great heed himself to the performance of many good deeds, but caused his servants to do the same, and 64 he was fortunate in that he had a great number of men devoted ° This name does not appear in the list of preceding kings. Could it be a misnomer for Sil&megha, who ascended the throne after slaying Dalla Moggall4na ? See chap. XLIY., t. 60, et aeq. f Literally, monks belonging to the four quarters of the earth, i.e., the general Order of monks throughout the world. OHAPTBR XLV. 37 to good works, by whom were built many vihdras with the necessary furnishiogs thereof. Oa one occasion when he was travelling through a forest in 65 which no man dwelt, it happened that he had to pass the night there with all his followers. And when he had washed and 66 anointed himself with oil, and had eaten of a rich meal, he went to lay himself on the soft bed that had been prepared for h im in a fine tent. But seeing that sleep came not to him, he examined 67 whether anything had befallen him during the day by reason of which his slumbers could be disturbed. And finding no such 68 cause, he concluded that the reason thereof lay without, and sent men to find it, saying, " Surely certain of my venerable friends are 69 even now being drenched with the rain under the trees ; bring them hither to me if ye meet with them." And the king's 70 servants went forth with torches and searched everywhere, and came upon a number of monks who had come from Mahd.gdma, and who were taking shelter under the trees in the forest (because they had been overtaken by the night). And the 71 king's servants took word of this to the king and he set out quickly, and, being much pleased at seeing them, brought them to his own abode and gave them suits of yellow robes from the 72 number that had been set apart for distribution daily. And their robes that had been wet he caused to be dried, and, having 73 given them water to wash their feet with, and other things that were necessary, h^ made them all sit down on well-spread couches, and served them himself with the medicinal food that had been 74 brought for them. And in the morning also he gave them their victuals, and, having done other things also that were necessary, he provided them with attendants and sent them 75 away pleased on their journey. In this manner did this prince, who loved good deeds, pass his days. And while this chief of men was leading a life devoted to good 76 works and setting an example to the whole country and province, his son Mana,* who was in the eastern country, raised an army 77 and, with the help of his father's men and his treasure, set out to Tipucullasa to make war. And when D4thopatissa heard 78 thereof, he set out from Tambala6ga with a great army, and a fierce battle ensued when the armies encountered each other. 79 And the strong men of Dathopatissa killed M&na and his fol- lowers in this battle. And when Dappula heard of his son's 80 " Dappuja's son. (See v. 16, 21.) 38 THE mahAva^sa. defeat and his death, he was stricken with grief as with an arrow, and died. He reigned seven days at Anurddhapura and 81 three years at Rohana. The story, therefore, of his life is con- nected with Rohana and this place also. 82 Even so do men kill each other as the opportunity giveth itself, and gain a glory which may disappear at any moment like a flash of lightning. What wise man will place any trust therein ? Thus endeth the forty-fifth chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Four Kings," embodied in the Mahavaijsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XLVI. 2 ND when Hatthaddtha (Dathopatissa) died, his younger brother, the prince Aggabodhi, ascended the throne with the title of Sirisafighabodhi. He was a just king, and . 3 as he took a right view of things, he did much good. He took care of the refectories of the three fraternities and added greatly to the resources of the Mahapali alms-hall, and prohibited the destruc- 4 tion of animal life. And as he was not ambitious of keeping all power in his hands alone, he bestowed offices on men according to their deserts, and conferred honours on them according to their 5 attainments or their rank. This wise and prudent man caused the religious Paritta* to be rehearsed by priests of learning where- 6 soever he found them, and them he honoured duly. And be 7 heard the doctrine of the Supreme Buddha preached unto him by Ddth&siva, the elder of the Ndgas^la monastery, a man of great wisdom, virtue, and learning. And he was greatly delighted therewith, and regarded it as the means of gaining every happiness. 8 And when the king had heard of the maay cruel acts which the Theriya brethrenf had suffered in former times -from his wicked and evil-disposed ancestors, he repaired and restored to that g Order all its vih^ras and parivenas that had been brought to ruin, and endowed all their monasteries with gifts of land 10 of great value. Verily he made the religious houses, which were decaying because they had not the wherewithal to support them. ° A collection of Buddhist Sutras or sermons the recital of which supposed to have the effect of protecting men from evil, f The monks belonging to the Mah& Yih&ra. CHAPTER XLVI. 39 to bloom with new vigour. And to the Order also he appointed servitors in places that needed them. For this elder D^thdsiva he built a house of devotion* and 1 1 called it after his own name; and the generous man took the gift, but gave it afterwards to be enjoyed in common by the Order. And for this building he set apart the following villages : — 12 Bharattdia, Kihimbila, Kataka, Tuladhdra, Andhandraka, Andhakd.ra, Antureli, Balava, Dvarandyaka, Mahd-nikkaddhika, 13 aod afterwards Pelahdla also. And when he had set apart these lands of great plenty and others also, he appointed his own 14 kinsmen as guardians thereof. In like manner, he bestowed many lands for the support of the 15 vihdras belonging to the two fraternities also, whenever he saw or heard that they were in want thereof. But what advantageth 16 it to speak at length ? It is enough to mention that he bestowed on all the three fraternities one thousand villages of great plenty, whereof no man disputed the title. And as he pondered always on the great merits of the three 17 Sacred Gems, he made the king's string of pearls into a rosary.t So also by all the means that lay in his power he showed him- 1 8 self to be a devoted servant of the holy law, and his subjects followed his example, and themselves abode by the law. And one of the king's officers, a Tamil, by name Pottha-kuttha, 19 ■ a man of great wealth, built a wonderful house of devotion, which he called Mdtambiya, and gave to it the villages Biika- kalla, Ambavdpi, Tatitavdyika-Cdtika, and Nitthila-vetthi, with 20 the tenants thereof. He himself erected buildings at Kappiira, 21 Parivena, Knrundapillaka, and Mahdrdja-ghara, and gave three villages to vihdras and other places. 22 A wise commander in the king's army, named Potthasdta, built a parivena at the Jetavana Vihdra, and called it by the king's 23 name. Also a Tamil, by name Mahakanda, built a parivena and called it by his own name ; and another built the Cullapantha 24 Parivena ; and the king's sub- king, Sapghatissa, built the Sehdla Upardja Parivena. And many others followed the king's 25 " The name seems to denote a peculiar structure built in former times for the use of Buddhist ascetics who strove to attain supernatural power or the subjugation of the senses by austerities and other methods prescribed for such proposes. A full description of them will be found in the " Visuddhi. magga," under the heads Kasina. and BhdvanS. Vide infra, p. 5, note ^. f A Buddhist devotee uses a rosary to aid him in repeating certain formu- las in which Buddha, the Law, and the Order are praised. 40 THE MAHAVA1J8A. example and built vihdras in like manner. Yea, such is the 26 nature of man that when a leader treads in the path of goodness or evil, the common people also follow in the same course. Let him that hath understanding keep this in mind- 27 The king's most loving and virtuous spouse, Jetthd, by name, likewise built the convent Jetthdrima for the use of the sister- 28 hood, and gave it two villages at Pattap&sdna and another village connected therewith called Bhelagama, as well as a hundred 29 servitors. So also the Malaya Rdjd, a man of exceeding great wealth, built a relic-house at the Oetiya at Mancjalagiri Yihdra, 30 and put a new covering on the middle pinnacle of the Lohapds&da. Bodhitissa, another man of great renown, built the Bodhitissa 31 Yihdra. Yea, all the chiefs in the island built in divers places, according to their wealth, very many vihdras and parivenas. 32 And the reign of this king was wholly one of meritorious deeds— all which have not been written here through fear of 33 making the history too long. And, indeed, even the narrative that has gone before appears to me somewhat confused, • inasmuch as it has been mixed up with remarks on the nature and condition of things which lead men to good or evil. 34 And the king repaired some time after to the city of Pnlatthi and took up his abode there, and passed all his time in gaining 35 merit. And while he dwelt there he was attacked with an incurable disease. And as he knew that death was drawing nigh 36 unto him, he called all the people together and exhorted them to live according to the law, and thus departed this life. And the people were all stricken with great grief at his death, and 37 bewailed and lamented themselves accordingly, and failed not in one single ceremony at his cremation. Even the ashes of the pyre they collected and kept for their use as medicine. And 38 then they took charge of all the royal treasures and kept them with great care, and returned with the whole army into the city. 39 Thus did the King Aggabodhi leave this life for heaven in the sixteenth year of his reign. And Potthakuttha, the Tamil, thereupon took the government 40 into his hands, and having taken Dathdsiva, the sub-king, captive, he cast him into prison, and took steps to defend the country from 41 danger. But seeing that a country could not be kept in posses- sion without a king, he sent unto Datta, a chief of Phanapitthi, 42 of the royal race, and anointed him, and gave him the title of king, but kept the government of the country in his own hands. This Datta built a vihara, which he called after his own name. CHAPTER XLVII. 41 and gained other merits also ; but he lived only two years and then 43 died. On his death, Potthakuttha got yet another youth named 44 Hatthad&tha, born at Unhan^gara, and anointed him king, and governed the country as he did before. This Hatthaddtha, after 45 he had built the house of devotion, Kaladfghdvika, and gained 46 other merits, entered the region of death six months after he had begun to reign. Knowing, therefore, how many are the dangers that beset riches, 47 and lands, and equipage, may wise men abandon their desire for the dominion of kingdoms, and fix their affection on heavenly goodness. ' Thus endeth the forty-sixth chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Three Kings," in the MahAvaigsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XLVII. ND when that king (Hattha-datha it.) was dead, Mdna- 1 vamma became king. (Who is this Mfinavamma), what family came he from, and whose son was he, and how did he take possession of the kingdom ? He was sprung from 2 the race of Mah&sammata, and inherited the great virtues of that line of princes. He was the son of Kassapa, who destroyed the ThupfirAma. And his queen was Sa6ghd, the daughter of the 3 R&J& of the Malaya. After he had obtained the hand of this princess in marriage, he lived secretly with her in the northern country until it came to the ears of Hattha-d&tha,* whereupon 4 he went over to India, and having made himself known to king Narasiha, he entered his service, and with much labour found 5 favour in the sight of that king. And when he saw that the king's 6 friendship was unfeigned, he brought his wife also to India and lived there with her, ministering to the king by day and night. 7 And another king, Kanduvethi, with whom also he had found favour, gave him such great possessions that it seemed as if the whole of that king's dominions had been granted to him. And 8 while he was living in this way, his wife Safighd bore him four sons and four daughters. <* The man who was invited by the Tamils. He fled to India when E^yapa defeated and slew in battle his uncle bearing the same name. (See chap. XLIV., V. 154, and chap. XLT., v. 12.) 91—87 G 43 THE mahAstai^sa. 9 And it happened one day, as the King Narasiha was ont on his elephant on pleasure, attended by Mdnavamma, he became thirsty 10 and drank of the water of a tender cocoanut, sitting on his elephant, and gave the nut (of which he had drunk, with the water that was left therein) to Mdnayamma, thinking him to be 11 some other attendant. And Mdnavamma took the nut that was offered to him and communed thus with himself: " This king is a friend to me, and, considered in its true light, what is there mean or degrading in eating of the remnants of that which 12 another had partaken ?* It can in nowise harm me, therefore, to drink this." Then he drank of the nut. Yea, so great are the efforts of exceeding prudent men who are resolved to overcome 13 difScultiesI And the king (happening at that moment to turn round) perceive d the error he had made, and fearing (lest what he bad done should grieve bis friend, and desiring also to repair the wrong he had unwittingly done to him) seized the nut and himself drank of what had been left in it by his friend. In such manner do honourable men always conduct themselves. 14 Thenceforth the king Narasiha placed M&navamma on an equal footing with himself, regarding food, and lodging, and honour, and equipage. 15 And while they were living there together, a king, Vallabha, came to make war against Narasiha. And the King Narasiha 16 reflected within himself in this wise: "This man (Minavamma) has served me diligently by day and night, that so with my help he might obtain the kingdom which is his birthright. 17 Wherefore, if he should now follow me to the place of battle and lose his life in the fleld, his purpose, and my desire also to 18 help him, would be of no avail." Therefore the king left Mdnavamma in the city, and went alone to the place of battle, and began to prepare for war against Yallabha. And (after his 19 departure) Manavamma thought to himself: " It would advantage me nowise to survive the king if he should he slain in battle (as I would then be left without a friend and with none to help 20 me). If such an event should happen, my friendship would have been formed in vain. For what purpose, besides, has the king treated me as an equal (unless he expected that I might be 21 of service to him in his difiiculties) ? Wherefore it is meet that I should follow the king to the place of battle, and join him in • Offering to an equal the remainder of what one had partaken is regarded as an insult, and the partaking thereof as a disgrace. OHAtTEE XLVII. 43 the field, and share either of defeat or victory, of life or of death, with my friend the king." And for this end he raised a large 22 army, and having equipped it fully, be mounted on a noble elephant and set out for the place of battle, and showed himself before Narasiha. And King Narasiha was greatly delighted at 23 the sight, and exclaimed with great emotion, " Surely, now know I that the trust I had placed on him has been rightly placed." And afterwards the forces of Mdna as well as those of the 24 king joined together, and crushed the army of king Yallabha. And Manavamma displayed great valour in the field of battle, 26 beating down the enemy on all sides like unto Nfer&yana in the battle of the gods* And Narasiha was greatly pleased with the 26 valour of Manavamma, and embraced him fondly, and exclaimed, " Of a truth thou hast been to me the giver of victory I" And he returned thence to his own city and held a feast in honour of his 27 victory, and rewarded the army of Mdnavamma with all the honours that were due. And in course of time the king thought 28 thus within himself : " This my friend has left naught undone to prove his love for me ; he is no longer my debtor. My debt to 29 him must I now repay by what it is my duty to do, even though grateful men are hardly found who know the value of services done for them." He then assembled his officers together and 30 spake to them in this wise : "You yourselves are witnesses of the deeds of valour done by my friend here. And now it is my duty 31 to do for him that which will be a benefit unto him, remembering that to give help unto one who had given help in the past, is the duty of the righteous man." And when these words were said, 32 all the ministers replied, " Whatsoever your majesty desireth, even that is our desire also." And the king then granted unto M4uavamma an army with 33 all the equipage and materiel and all kinds of artificers, and gave him leave to proceed (to his country and gain for himself the sovereignty thereof). And when Manavamma was leaving 34 the country together with his army, the king wept sore as if he had been separated from his own son. Md,navamma then took ship and crossed over the sea (with his 35 army), and, having made a fast voyage, landed at La6ki with 36 his forces, and began to subdue the country (around)> And when Ddthopatissa heard of this invasion, he fled (from the capital) ; and Mdnavamma entered the city and took it, and 37 tarried not to be crowned, but straightway closely pursued the fugitive king (taking only with him a small force). (But he 44 THE MAHAVAljrSA. 38 was aooQ compelled to give up the pursuit, for) that portion of his Tamil army that he had left in the city deserted from him when the false tidings were brought that he had heen stricken 39 with a serious illness. And D^thopatissa also, when he heard of this defection, raised a large army and prepared for war against 40 M^navamma, who, when he saw that (save a few followers) his whole army had deserted from him, and that (if he should carry on the war with so small a force) his enemy might . get a chance 41 to triumph over his defeat and his death, resolved to return to India and persuade his friend to help him yet another time, by 42 giving him an army to conquer the kingdom. Accordingly he returned to India, and showed himself again to his friend 43 Narasiha, and entered his service a second time, and, having regained his favour, dwelt at his court until four kings had reigned in this island.* 44 And Narasiha thus thought within himself : " This my friend, who seeketh most resolutely after fame, hath now spent many years of his life in my service that so he might get back his kingdom. And lo I he will soon have grown old. How then can I now reign (in comfort) and see him (thus miserable). 45 Assuredly I shall this time restore to him his kingdom by sending my army thither. Else what advantageth my life to 46 me?" Thereupon the king gathered his army together, and having equipped it well, gave Manavamma all things that he desired 47 to have, and himself accompanied the army to the sea-coast where a mighty array of ships of burden, gaily ornamented, had 48 been prepared for them. And when the king reached the harbour he gave orders to all his officers that they should em- bark and accompany Mdnavamma ; but they all showed unwillingness to do so (without their king). 49 And Narasiha, having pondered well over the matter, resolved on this stratagem. Keeping himself so that his army might not see him, he gave over to Mdnavamma all his retinue and insignia 50 of royalty together with the ornaments with which he adorned his person, and sent him (secretly) on board the ship, bidding 5X him take the royal drum, the kottha, with him, and sound it from the deck of the vessel. And Mdnavamma did as he was directed ; and the soldiers thinking that it was the king (who ^ They were, 1, Hattha-dd^ha or Dd^hopatissa ; 2, Aggabodhi or Siri- saiighabodhi ; 3, Datta, the minion of Pottha-kuttha ; 4, Unhandgara or Hattha-d4(ha. CHAPTER XLVII. 45 was sounding the call), embarked, leaving him alone on land. 52 Then M&aa began his voyage with the army and all the maieriel of war, which, with the ships in which they were borne, was 63 like unto a city floating down the sea. And in due time he reached the port and disembarked with the army. And after 54 the men had been made to rest there for a few days, he began to fight, and took the northern country and subdued the inhabitants thereof, and then put himself at the head of his invincible army 55 and marched against the city. And Pottha-kuttha, having heard thereof, went forth with a large army to meet the enemy. And 56 the two armies encountered each other like unto two seas that had burst their bounds. And Mdnavamma clad himself in his armour, and led his men, mounted on his elephant ; and he broke through 57 the forces of Pottha-kuttha and the king (Hattha-ddtha), and scattered them on all sides. And Hattha-dktha, the king, as he was fleeing from the field of battle, was seized by some country people. And they cut off his head and brought it to Mdnavamma. 58 And Pottha-kuttha, who escaped from the field of battle, took refuge in Merukandara. And the lord of that country (from 59 whom he sought protection), when he saw him (under his roof), communed thus within himself, " Yea, now for a long time has this man been my friend : how can I reject him, nor yet, how 60 can I keep clear of offence to my lord the king and to this my friend ?" And so (as he could not escape from this position by reason of its hardship, he resolved to kill himself, and) ate of some poisoned cakes, so that he died. And when Pottha-kuttha heard 61 what had befallen his friend, he ate also of one of the cakes and died. Thus did the island fall into the hands of M&navamma, freed from dangerous foes that are like unto thorns. And Mdnavamma then lifted his parasol of sovereignty over 62 the island, as if he thereby sheltered the inhabitants thereof from the afflictions which had rained on them. And the good deeds 63 that he did were many in number and of great value. Who can enumerate them all one by one ? And this great and renowned 64 man built these buildings : the terraced house called Kappagdma, Sepanni, Siriat Padhdnarakkha Vihdra, and the beautiful terraced house at Siri Safighabodhi Vihara. He covered also the rfiof 66 of the Lohapdsdda and the roof of the house at ThiSpdr&ma. And he built a terraced house at the Thiipardma and gave it to 66 the Papsukiilika monks.* He repaired also the old canopy on " An order of monks who wore robes made out of oast-ofE clotheSi 46 THE mahAvaijsa. the top of the Oetiya and many buildings there that had gone to decay. [Here there appears to be a gap in the history of M&nayamma. The succeeding chapter conimencea with a portion of the reign of Aggabodhi the Fifth.*] CHAPTER XLVIII, + #»•»•» 1 He having built a monastery with all the conveniences of a monastic life, gave it to the Dhammaruci fraternity along with 2 the village Rdjini-dipaka. He detached, too, a portion of the Mahanettadipada monastery, and gave it also to them, as also 3 the monastery Devatissaka at Kokavdta. He built the vihdra Kddambagona at Mahathala ; the town Giri in the district of 4 Devapali ; the vih&ra Deva at Antara-sobbha and the A'rdma called R&ja-matika ; and all these he bestowed on the Pagsukdlika 5 monks. He built a house of devotion at the Gokannaka Vih^ra, and repaired the dilapidated house near the Bodhi-tree, 6 Vaddhamdnaka. This celebrated king made new additions to the Sanghamitta Vihdra and to many others in different parts 7 of the country. He spent six and twenty Suvannasf in repairing 8 the dilapidated structures at the Oetiya-pabbata, and also built the vihdra Tala-vatthu, also named Pannabhatta, and annexed it 9 to the vihara called after king MahSsena. He rebuilt the tank Gondigdma, and restored it to its former condition. To all living things he gave alms of whatsoever was necessary for their support. 10 He observed the Uposatha (sabbath) together with all the inhabitants of the island, and preached to them the doctrine in 11 order to ensure for them supreme happiness, so that all the people in his kingdom were most diligent in the performance of those acts that lead the way to heaven. Whatsoever line of conduct is pursued by the ruler of a nation, 12 thesameisfollowedby his subjects ; therefore should a wise kin"' always walk in the path of righteousness. Such a king, whereso- 13 ev§r he may dwell, soon acquires great renown. He is surrounded with followers, and at the end attains supreme happiness. Hence ** These remarks are made by the learned editors, f The beginning of this chapter appears to be missing, j A weight or coin of gold equal to about 175 grains troy, according to Wilson. CHAPTER XliVIII. 47 also a wise man should look equally after his own welfare and that of others. For, if by the example of one man whose mind 14 is disciplined, a whole nation becomes orderly in conduct, what wise man will condemn that discipline? Hence the king Aggabodhi, diligent in good works both by 15 day and night, left no act undone that tended to the welfare of beings in this world and in the world to come. Even the fine 16 garments that he wore he gave away to the Pa^sukiilika monks to be made into robes. The love of impropriety, the injurious 17 exercise of patronage, the enjoyment of unlawfully acquired property ; these were not at all of his nature. On the contrary, 18 whatever food animals lived upon, that he gave to them ; by what- soever means living things could be made happy, by these means he secured their happiness. In this manner, this chief of men, 19 who spread peace on earth, after a course of good deeds extend- ing over six years, departed this life to join the king of the gods. Then the Khattiya Kassapa became king, a man able to bear 20 the weight of the kingdom and to govern it as in days of old. He loved his people with the love of a father, and 'won their 21 affections by his liberality, his courtesy, and his beneficent rule. He bestowed offices also on those only who deserved them, and, 22 freed from all the cares (of state), took his share of the pleasures of life. This noble ruler enforced on laymen and monks and 23 Brahmans the observance of their respective customs, and effectu- ally prohibited the destruction of animal life. He Ibuilt two monasteries at Maccha-tittha, also the mon- 24 astery Heligama ; the A'rama at Vanijjagama ; also that at Kassapagiri ; another which was called Ambavana, and a 25 beautiful house of devotion to which he assigned a village for its support. ♦»••»» [Here there appears to be some verses missing relating to the reign of Kassapa.*] The prince Mahindaj although the youngest of them, had the 26 kingdom conferred on him. But he wore not the crown although he assumed the kingly office, because, it is said, his old and 27 faithful friend Nila had died but a short time before he came to succeed to the throne. Brooding over this bereavement he bad even no wish to accept the crown. Oh, how marvellous I He 28 bestowed not a thought on the pleasures of the kingly office of this island, because his friend was no more. True friends are • EditoiB' remark. From the PdjftvaU it appears that this Efisyapa reigned •seven years. 48 THE mahAva^sa. 29 indeed very rarely met with ! For that very reason has the sage (Buddha) declared in this wise : " All those truths that relate to the natural world, all those truths that relate to the spiritual world, all those truths that relate to the progressive course of 30 Nihbdna ; — all these are attained among men by association with virtuous friends. Hence loving-kindness should always he shown to them." 31 And so he (Mahinda) governed the kingdom under the title of A'dipfida (' governor '), as if the object of his life was simply to 32 protect the people of the island. He raised Aggabodhi, the son of his brother Eassapa, to the dignity of sub-king, and having 33 enriched him with much wealth, gave him the charge of the eastern country and sent him to dwell there. But to his sou he 34 gave the southern country (only). He caused ten cartloads of food to be given daily in alms at the Mahdpdli alms-hall. All food that was set before him he partook of in equal shares with 36 the mendicants. He never ate of anything without setting apart a portion thereof for the beggars, and if, through forgetfulness, he ever failed to do so, he would give them of what he had fared two-fold. 36 For the use of the nuns he built a convent after his own name, and assigned to it the two villages Nagaragaila and A'r&ma- 37 mariyddaka. He built the Mahinda-tataA'rama, and endowed it with the means of obtaining the four necessaries of monastic life. In various other ways too were meritorious acts done 38 by this lover of virtue. This magnanimous king having thus administered the government of the country for three years, left this life for the world of the gods, as if in search of his departed friend. 39 Prince Aggabodhi (the son of Mahinda), who was living in 40 the southern country, was in the capital on some business when 41 the Governor Mahinda died. The reins of government having thus fallen into his hands, he undertook the administration of the island, but sent to Aggabodhi, the sub-king, the nephew of Mahinda, asking him to hasten and take possession of the king- 42 dom. He accordingly came up and ascended the throne under the name of Silfi.megha (Aggabodhi VI.). He appointed prince Aggabodhi, the sou of Mahinda, to the office of sub-king, who 43 immediately took upon himself the administration of the kingdom, addressing the king, his cousin, in this wise : " Banish from, your mind all thoughts of the cares and anxieties of state and enjoy the pleasures of the kingly office (while I look after CHAPTER XLVIII. 49 the affairs of the kingdom)." This sagacious man showed favour '44 or disfavour to his subjects according to their deserts, and turned into order all the lawlessness that was rife in the land. So long 45 as the king and sab-king lived on such friendly terms with each '' other, evil-doers found no opportunity for their misdeeds, and soon devised a plan by which to destroy their good understanding. Having secretly gained admission to the king's presence, they 46 spoke all manner of evil things against the sub-king, saying, " Your majesty is only king in name, but another is king in reality, and doubtless this sub-king, after he has gained favour 47 in the eyes of the people, will soon take possession of the .kingdom." The king gave ear to this calumny and lost all the trust he 48 had in the prince, who, when he became aware of it, proved traitor to the king and fled to his own country, where he gained 49 over the people around him, and with a large army began a war. A great battle was fought at Kadalinivdta, when the prince was 50 defeated and fled to the Malaya. Soon afterwards the king, who was by nature a grateful man, 51 remembering him of the service that his cousin had rendered, in that he made ovei* to him the kingdom (which he might easily have taken unto himself), was so moved thereby that he bewailed himself sorely in the face of all the people. The prince also, 52 when he heard of this, was greatly overcome in spirit, so that they two came to look with more affection on each other. Here- 53 upon the king went unattended to the Malaya district, and (after they had been reconciled with each other) he brought the prince , back to his own city. He then gave him his daughter Sa6gh4 54 to wife, thinking thereby both to give pleasure to the prince and to establish him in his loyalty. : i : Having now been restored to perfect friendship with the king, 55 the prince was living happily with his (the king's) daughter (Sa£gh&) when, enraged with her at some fault, he gave her a ' : blow one day, on which she went up to her father in tears and 56 made bitter complaint to him, saying, " The husband of your choice is killing me without a cause." The king, when he heard 57 this complaint, exclaimed, " Surely, I have done a foolish thing/' ' , and took her straightway to the house of the nuns and Oiade her 1»ke the robes. . . ' Now, one Aggabodhi, a son of her uncle, had set his heart ion 58 her now for a long while, and thought that the time had., come 59 when he might carry her away with Jiim. So he, secretly took 91—87 H 50 THE MAhAva^SA. 60 her away to the Rohana country by himself. Thereupon the king Aggabodhi took his cousin and proceeded with him to the Bohana country to .punish his nephew Aggabodhi (that had 61 done this evil thing). But Aggabodhi (the sub-king) prevailed upon his cousin. King Aggabodhi, to stay behind, and proceeded himself to the western hills to punish the offender against his 62 wife, if haply he might find him. With , the large army that he had in his hand he subjected the whole of the Rohana country, defeated the evil-doer in battle, and recovered and 63 brought his wife Sa^ghi. From that time forth these three (the king, the sub-king, and his wife) lived together in great peace and happiness with much loving confidence in one another, enjoying themselves as it pleased them most. 64 The king caused repairs to be made in the A'rdmas Ydp&ra- nimaka, M^naggabodhi, and Sabhattuddesa-bhoga at the Abhayagiri Vihdra,as also in the terraced houses of Hatthi- 65 kucchi VihSra, Puna-pitthi Vih&ra, Mah^ Parivena, and 66 Yahadfpaka. He also restored the old doors of the Thiiparima 67 buildings and set up the pillars in a different order. In this manner, having performed many other acts of merit according as he was able, this king (Aggabodhi VI., or Silamegha) passed away according to his deeds in the fortieth year of his reign. 68 Thereupon the fortunate Aggabodhi, who was sub-king, the 69 son of the wise Governor Mahinda, ascended the throne. He took under his protection the religion of the country, and showed such favour to his subjects as he thought was fit for them, and 70 appointed his son Mahinda as sub-king. He repaired and strengthened all that had decayed of the old house of the Bodhi- tree, and restored it. He also built the two A'ramas, Kalanda 71 and Malla-vataka. By means of decrees issued to enforce discipline among the priesthood,* he thoroughly purged the religion of the Conqueror, and stopped the way of those who set 72 up false cases by deciding them according to the law. He took unto himself the oversight also of everything that was done in the island, even unto the distribution of food and medicines for the sick, and ordained the form and manner of holding festivities 73 and funerals. He caused ticket-rice to be issued to the dwellers within all the three fraternities, and richer victuals, such as were 74 fit for the king's table, to the Pa^sukdlika monks. This man, so full of self-control, having done deeds of such merit, died in *> Dhamma kamfnehu See note in chap. XLIY., v. 46. CHAPTER XLVIII. 51 the sixth year of his reign during his stay at the city of Pulatthi. His BOD, who was sub-king, is said to have died before him, and 75 so the kingdom was left without an heir. Now, king Sil&megha had a son named Mahinda. He was a 76 man well favoured by fortune, able to uphold a people and govern a kingdom. On the day he was born, the king, his 77 father, sent and inquired of the astrologers as to the future of his son, and they told him that the child was fitted to govern a kingdom ; and he gave them many presents, and kept the matter 78 secret. In process of time, when the child came of age, the king made him his own general, and having entrusted the 79 affairs of the whole kingdom into his hands he lived (without care or anxiety.) His son thereupon performed the duties of the kingly office with great justice. But when his father Sild- 80 megha was dead, Mahinda, who was skilled in all statecraft, was not willing to take the office of general from Aggabodhi.* At 81 that time, however, he had gone on some of the king's business to the sea-board and was living attheportof Mah&tittha. There 82 he received news of the king's death, and fearing that traitors might take possession of the kingdom and spoil the capital, he made haste thither. Meanwhile, the chieftains and landlords of 83 the northern districts took possession of the country by force, and withheld its revenues. And when he came to hear of this, 84 he proceeded to the northern country with a large army, and subdued all the chieftains together with their servants. He next 85 visited the place where the king (his uncle) had died, and had a meeting with the queen, when he wept with her and consoled her. And when he saw that the time had come he addressed her in these words, "Noble queen, be not sorrowful at the 86 death of your husband. I will take upon myself the safety of the island, while you shall govern the kingdom." The queen, though 87 she kept silence, was yet full of evil thoughts, and afterwards , secretly conspired to kill him, that she might live in whatever manner it pleased her. And when the news of this conspiracy 88 came to the ears of the general, he straightway set a watch over her and fought with and drove off the people who were of the queen's party. He afterwards had the queen bound, and laid her gg on a bed and brpught her to the city, and seized the kingdom with its treasures. Now, there was a governor named Dappula, a nephew of 90 * Sil&megha'B Buccesaor, 52 THE maeAva^sa. SiMmegha, who was posseseed of great wealth and had the 91 compaand of a large army. He gathered his forces together, and having taken Kdlav&pi, advanced to Sa^ghag&ma to make 92 war. Th e general being informed thereof, set out at once to meet the enemy with an army well-furnished, and taking with 93 him the queen. A fearful battle ensued, and the governor 94 perceiving that his army was giving way, retreated with his forces and ascended the hill Accha-sela. Having driven him, the general returned (victorious) and lived at ease, 95 (While the general was absent,) the chieftains of the northern ■ . country having heard that the city was unprotected, came together 96 with the people of that part and took it. This brave and success- ful general, unwearied in his efforts, drove them at last away, and ' ■ returned to the city, and ruled the kingdom according to the rules of justice. 97 He did all that was meet to be done for the order of monks, his subjects, the lower animals — birds, beasts, and fishes — and his kinsfolk and the army. 98 • Afterwards Dappula having added to his army, went against the Malaya country with his two nephews, whom he had brought 99 with him from Rohana ; and having subdued all the country and provinces, reached the city at night with a great host, and sur- 100 rounded it like a sea. His men encompassed the city all around, shouting on all sides, so that with the neighing of the horses, 101 the trumpeting of the ' elephants, the sound of the gongs and cymbals, the blast of the trumpet, and the tumult of the soldiers, 102 the heavens were like to rend asunder on that day. Whereupon the general, seeing this great army, spake cheerfully unto his own men, 103 saying, " These three princes with a great host have come and laid siege to our city, Now, therefore, I pray you tell me what 104 is meet to be done ?" And his men of valour, thirsting for the battle, answered him, saying, " From the day that your servants 105 entered your service, their lives have they given unto you. If therefore they should, in this hour of their danger, draw back, regardful of their lives, what advantage is it to their lord that 106 he should have maintained them so long a time in comfort ?" On hearing them, the king was greatly comforted, and set his army in battle array at night. And in the morning, when the sun had risen, he mounted his elephant that had been saddled for him, 107 and went forth from one of the gates, and fell upon the enemy suddenly like a thunderbolt, with his thousands of mighty men, 108 and made a terrible slaughter among them. He broke altogether. OHAPTEB XLVIII. 53 and scattered on all sides, the hosts of the governor that had laid seige against them ; and having stopped his men from pursuing the enemy, he arrayed his army in order, and shared with them the joy of victory. Dappula, the governor, who had been utterly 109 routed on the morning of that day, fled with the remnant that had not been slain in the field of battle to the Bohana country. But 110 the two princes who had accompanied him front thence, the general took alive, and carried them to the city, as captives. As 111 soon as peace was thus restored to the island, this victorious and valiant general sent his forces against the eastern country to reduce it to subjection. They proceeded thither, and also against 112 the northern country, both which they soon brought under his yoke, and compelled a great number of fighting men to join them. The general, who now became king, thinking that he could not 113 with safety cast off the queen, or put her to death, took her unto him to wife. And the king lived with her, and she conceived and 1 14 bore him a son endued with all the marks of future prosperity and greatness. From that time forth she became greatly attached 115 to the king ; and when the prince arrived at man's estate, the king appointed him to the office of sub-king, and gave him there- with a great portion of his wealth. The (two) governors of the eastern country having heard of 116 these things, and thinking that there was danger in them to their cause, joined themselves together, and raising a large army from both their divisions, and a great sum of money, sent unto their 117 brother Dappula from the Bohana country, and made a treaty with him, and encamped with their great hosts on the border of the river (Mahaveli). The king, when he heard of these things, 118 spake unto the chiefs of the people, and brought them to his side, and having caused the evil-minded persons to be put to death, set ll9 a garrison in the city, and after he had done everything that was needful he proceeded with his queen and a mighty army ready 120 for battle unto the village of Mahummdra, which he strongly fortified. And when it came to the ears of the three governors 121 what the king had done, they encamped themselves before Kovil&ra, and made themselves ready for a great battle. ■ And the 122 king went up against them with his mighty army and entirely defeated the hosts of the three governors, two of whom fell in the battle, Dappula only having escaped. Thus in this struggle also was the protector of the land victorious. And he returned 123 to his capital and occupied himself with the government of the kingdom. He performed many acts of great merit, and celebrated 124 54 THE MAHiVA^SA. great feasts in connection with the great Bodhi-tree, the three great Getiyas, and the Tooth-relic. 125 But Dappula, after he had fled to the Rohana, levied yet another army to do battle with the king, if so be that he followed him 126 thither. And the king, in order to secure unto his children and grandchildren that they should occupy the land in peace, gathered 127 together at the Thdpar^ma all the monks and all the wise men, such as were able to discern between what was just and unjust. And being himself well versed in all the duties of kings and the 128 rules of government, he told them how he was minded to reduce the whole Bohana country to subjection. And when this had approved itself unto them, he gathered his army of four hosts 129 with all the materiel of war ; and after he had seen to it that the capital and every place of importance in the island was well protected, he departed from the city and went without any delay 130 to the hill of M&rapabbata (in Rohana) ; and after he had sub- dued all the country round it, he quickly ascended to the top of , the hill (and occupied it). And when the inhabitants of Rohana saw (how strong was the position held by the king), they were 131 affrighted, and submitted unto him. Afterwards the king made a treaty with Dappuja, and being puffed up with his success, forced from him a tribute of horses and elephants and gems. 132 He also made the Black River* a fixed boundary for the future governors of that province, and decided all the country on this side thereof as the king's possessions. 1 33 Thus did this great and glorious person deliver the island from the thorns of danger, and return to the city and live there in peace, after he had brought the government of the island under the canopy of one sovereign. 134 This king made the Ddma Yih&ra and another called Sannlra- tittha at the city of Pulatthi. 135 He built the monastery called Mahdlekha at the Abhayagiri, 136 and, at the cost of three hundred thousand pieces of gold, the Ratanapds&da, an exceedingly beautiful terraced palace with 137 several floors, like unto another Vejayanta mansion.f Out of his great wealth he made also, at the price of sixty thousand pieces of pure gold, an image of the Teacher, and adorned the head 138 thereof with a gem of very great value, and held a feast with much splendour at the inauguration thereof. On the day of the * The text reads G&fha-hhogarj,, which makes no sense here. I think it is a mistake for K&lagaggan, the Black Biver (Kalu-gai!iga). •(• §akr4'8 palace. OfiAPTER XLVIII. 55 dedication of the palace he relinquished (his right to) the whole kingdom (for the sake of the religion of the land). He also made 139 an exceeding beautiful silver image of the Bodhisatta, and placed it at the Sildmegha, one of the convents of the ntins. At the ThApardma he made for theThfipa a cover of gold, and 140 brnamented it with hands of silver at distances from each other. He repaired also the dilapidated palace that stood there. Then 141 he caused a great festival to be held there, and made the great 142 elder of the Hemasdli Vihdra, for whose use he had built a bath there, to expound the doctrines of the Abhidhamma. He repaired many old DSvdlayas, and caused very valuable 143 images of the gods to be made for them. He gave to the Brah- 144 mans the best of such food as was meet for kings, and their milk and sugar he made them drink out of vessels of gold. To the 145 halt and the lame he gave oxen and the wherewithal for their Subsistence, and to the Tamils, who would not accept of oxen, he gave horses. To the poor who were ashamed to ask alms publicly, 1 46 he gave in charity in secret. Yea, there was hot one single person left in the island unto whom he had not shown such favour as was most fitting for him. Inus, having considered the 147 manner in which it was most fit that food should be given to cattle (in charity), he set apart for their use one hundred rice fields of standing corn, with the ears thereof full of milky juice, whereon they might graze. He also strengthened the flood-gate 148 of the Edlavdpi tank. It is said that the good deeds done by him in this manner were numberless — they were so many. His son, whom he had made sub-king, was now dead, but there 149 was another born to him when he held the office of general, whom he thought worthy of filling the throne. Bat fearing 150 that the other royal princes should take away his life, he had him so brought up that they got not the opportunity for killing him. Now, it is said that one day, when the enemy had laid siege 151 to the city, he went up to his father and begged him for the war-elephant. And the king gave him the big elephant — a fearful 1 52 monster like unto the elephant of Mdra. He gave him also a band of practised warriors skilled in the use of all the weapons of war. And when he thought the time had come, he put on his 153 sword and mounted the noble elephant, and went forth from the city, and routed all the besiegers and gained a great victory. 154 And the king was so pleased with his son's valour that he made him his general. Moreover, it is said that it was even he who 155 had marched with an army to the northern country and drove 56 THE mahAva:^sa. away from thence the rebellious Qovernor Dappula and his 156 armed host. Wherefore Dappula hated him exceedingly, and at the battle that was fought at Mahummdra, perceiving the general in the midst of the strife, he was so enraged that he 157 straightway urged the elephant on which he was mounted straight against him, intending thereby to kill him. But^the general (seeing this) caused his own tusker to pierce the beast (to the 158 breast) and drove him back. The king was so pleased with this deed of valour that he saw, that he thereupon conferred on him the office of sub-king, which he had himself held, because that 159 there was none else fit in the kingdom. Having thus enjoyed in plenty the dominion of the island for twenty years, this king died, and went up to heaven as if to receive there the reward of his good deeds. 160 Even so all the riches that men lay up for themselves by much suffering are lost in a moment ; yet, alas I foolish men set their heart on them alone. Thus endeth the forty-eighth chapter, entitled "The Reigns of Six Kings," in the Mahdvaysa, composed equally for the delight and amazment of good men. CHAPTER XLIX. N the death of his father, the sub-king (Dappula III.) came to the throne. He was able both to keep down his enemies and to gain over his friends. And he had a queen named 2 Send, whom he loved very dearly. She was fair to look upon, and was endued with wisdom, and had a little son whom she bore to 3 him. He bestowed the office of sub-king on his eldest son, and gave his daughters away to the other governor of the Rohana to 4 be his queens. This king bestowed also offices on various persons, to every man according to his deserts, and gained the love of the people by the exercise of the four kingly virtues. And it 5 happened to him that he had on one occasion to go to Manihira.* And while he tarried there he heard that the provinces on the 6 border were stirred up (with revolt). Whereupon he straight- way sent his eldest son and the chief of his army thither, saying 7 unto them, " Go and pacify the country." And after they had set out thither, certain evil-minded men, whose hearts were set on stirring up strife, spoke falsely to them, and caused them to * Minneriya. CHAPTER XLIX. 57 break faith with their master. Thus they twain became traitors, 8 and sought to take possession of the country. But when the king heard thereof, he proceeded forthwith to Ddratissa, and put 9 both of them to death, and seized all their treasures, and having destroyed all that were confederate with them, returned again to the city of Pulatthi. At that time there was a prince, Mahinda by name, the son of 10 Ddthdslva, a governor, who was also lord of the Rohana country. And this prince, having offended his father, sought 11 the king. And"he was much pleased to see him, and showed him all the favour that he deserved ; and that he might 12 strengthen the bonds of friendship (between them) he gave the prince his daughter Devd to wife, and sent him to Rohana with an army. And the prince, having subdued the Rohana with the 13 aid of the king's army, drove his father to India and took possession of the country. And the king built a goodly ticket-hall at the Mah4 Vihdra, 14 of great strength, and gave the village of Mahdndma for, the 15 support of the Kholakkhiya statue of the great Sage. He gave suitable gifts also to the Vaddhamdna Bodhi-tree, and repaired the ruined house that stood there ; and in order to preserve , it 16 he gave the fruitful village Kotthagdma. To the Nfl&r&ma ' Vihdra he gave the village Kfi.lussa, and to .the Loha statue the 1 7 village A'rdmassa. He restored many ancient buildings also, and caused many images to be made for them, and built a great 18 many houses, Oetiyas, and vih&ras. And being a man of great compassion, he built a hospital for the city of Pulatthi, anc^ another at Panddviya with a fruitful village attached thereto. 19 He built hospitals for the halt and the blind in divers places. And the judgments which had been righteously pronounced in 20 cases he caused to be recorded in books, and ordered that they should be kept in the king's house, for fear that they may be perverted by corrupt means. And to the Ndga-vaddhana Vihdra he gave many villages 21 for its support, and intermeddled not with the grants of former times, but gave effect to all previous statutes. Yea, even all the 22 great charities which his father had established, as also every other good act of his, he preserved with the love of a son. And the queen also of this great king did many good deeds. 23 She built the Kaijtaka Oetiya at the Cetiyapabbata, as also the rock temple Jayasena, which she gave to the country-priests 24 together with the village Mahummdra. She built also a 91—87 58 THE mahAvajj^sa. 25 second convent, called Sil&megha, for the use of the sisterhood, and provided the sisters of the (old) Sildmegha with all the 26 necessaries of conventual life. Those villages also which had passed to aliens in former times she redeemed by payment in 27 money, and restored them to the selfsame vihara. She caused the branches of all great trees at the Cetiyapabbata to be cut down, and made offerings of flags and banners of divers colours 28 to be hung thereon. She repaired the terraced house on the eastern vihdra, and brought back to fruitfulness the unfruitful 29 village Ussina-vitthi that belonged to it. She also restored the Giri-bhanda Vihdra that had gone to decay, and set apart villages for the support of the priests who dwelt therein. 30 And she built also the house called Dappula-pabbata, that stands on the mango grove, and, having provided it with the four necessaries of monastic life, she dedicated it to three hundred 31 priests. The king also built the Nflagalla A'rdma, a vihdra of great beauty, and constructed a very profitable water-course, 32 and gave it for the use of that vihara. And he repaired the breaches in the Arikari Yihara also, and built anew a ticket-hall 33 with a terraced house, and erected the Cetiya called Senaggabo- dhi-pabbata at Yahadfpa. And as he was a man of great learning, he caused the doctrines 34 to be preached at the three houses of the priesthood, and compelled the priests to accept his offering of alms-bowls, well-strung and wrought in iron. Yea, he left nought undone that pertained 35 unto charity. To such poor women as were of good repute he gave jewels, and to them that were in need of food he sent it 36 unto them, and generally at night. He set apart fields of grain that cattle might graze thereon, and gave food that had been cooked to crows and other birds, and fried rice mixed with sugar 37 and honey to children. In this wise did this chief of men, unto whom' there was a large following, perform many acts of great merit and enjoy the good things of the earth, and. leave it at the end' of five years. 38 And on his death his son Mahinda,* a prince endued with every beauty and virtue, became the king of the Sinhalese. The 39 law was as a banner and a light unto him, and he devoted himself wholly to the pure doctrines of religion, so that he was known 40 throughout the land as Dhammika Sil&megha. And he neglected not to perform all those things that were in keeping with the " Mahinda III., or Dhammika Sil&megha. OHAt'TBR iLii. 59 commandments of religion, as they had been done by former kings. But evil he abhorred utterly. And so that he might carry out new works at the Batana- 41 pdsfisda, the king gave thereto the water-course called Qetthumba, to be held for ever. And having repaired many old places of 42 worship that were in ruins, and having performed many other good works, he passed away after he had reigned four years. Aggabodhi* then raised the canopy of dominion in the city, 43 and with his reign he bestowed on all living beings the blessings of health and happiness. And to do honour to the Tooth-relic, 44 he held a great feast that was worthy of all the virtues which adorned the Teacher, and another great feast also in honour of the (golden statue of the) supreme Buddha, which his grand- father had made.f This ruler of men built aparivena and, called 45 it Udayaggabodhi, that so his name and that of his father might be had in remembrance ; and he built another, which he called 46 Bh6ta, and dedicated it to his teacher and three hundred other priests, with lands attached thereto. He gave the village Cdlavapiya and the two villages Kdl61a, and Mallav&takato the 47 preaching-hall. He forbade also the bringing in into the inner 48 city of flesh, fish, and strong drinks on the Up6satha days. And 49 it was customary with him, after he had made obeisance at a shrine or to the priesthood, carefully to wash his feet when, he departed from the temple, saying, "Let no sand even be lost by cleaving to the soles of my feet." Whatsoever act tended to 50 heaven, or whatsoever act tended to Nibbdna, this (man) who took delight in the three sacred objects performed them all. He was constant in his attendance on his mother, both by day 51 and night ; and he was wont daily to wait on her betimes and anoint her head with oil, and cleanse her body, and i purge the 52 nails of her fingers, and wash her tenderly, and dress her in clean and soft clothing. The garments also that she had cast off he 53 washed with his own hands, and sprinkled on his crowned head the water in which they were dipped. He made offerings, of 54 flowers and perfumes to her as at a shrine, and then bowed himself before her three times, and walked round her with great 65 reverence, and commanded that her servants should be provided with meat and raiment, according to their desire. And afterwards 56 he fed her from his own hands with dainty food, and himself ate of the remnants, whereof he scattered a portion on his own! head. » The Eighth. f Mahinda II. 60 THE MAHlVAljaA. 57 And after he had aeen that her aervants were fed with the beat of the king's table, he perfumed and set in order her bed-chamber, in 58 which he had himself laid out her bed carefully with his own hands. And then he washed her feet and anointed them with 59 soft and sweet-smelling oil, and, setting himself down by her side, he rubbed and pressed her legs until sleep came over her. Then three times walked he round her bed with great reverence, 60 and having made proper obeisance to her, he commanded her servants and slaves to keep watch over her. And when he departed from the bed-chamber he turned not his back upon her, 61 but stepped backwards noiselessly till he could not be seen, and bowed again three times towards where she lay ; and bringing to mind ofttimes the service he had done unto his mother, he 62 returned to his palace in great joy. In this selfsame manner did he serve his mother all the days of his life. On one occasion, when he spake disdainfully to his servant, and 63 called him a slave, it grieved him so that he himself sought to obtain his servant's forgiveness. Being endued with wisdom ' (and piety) he persuaded his mother to offer him up as a slave 64 to the Order, and got back his liberty by the payment of a sum of money that was equal to his value. And thus, having devoted himself to acts of piety, and having 65 conferred benefits on the (whole) island, he departed for the world of the gods in the eleventh year of his reign. His younger brother Dappula* then became king, and he 66 maintained all the customs which had been enforced by former kings. At this time the sons of Mahinda, the lord of Rohana, were 67 driven out of the country by their father ; and they sought their mother's brother the king, and when he had inquired of them touching the matter, and being desirous of the welfare of his 68 kinsfolk, he gave them a large army and sent them to make war against their father, fiut Mahinda, the ruler of the Rohana, 69 having heard these things beforehand, began the war himself with the great army that he had ; and the two rebellious sons gave their army in command to a captain and fled from the field 70 of battle ; but they came back and dwelt in the service of the king, and the event pleased the father of the princes greatly, 71 but he perished in making war with another of his kinsfolk, who 72 also fell in the battle. The king then gave his daughter Deva, • The Fourth. CHAPTBR XLIX. 61 who was a prinoess endued with all graces and virtues, to his sister's son Kittaggabodhi to wife ; but this prince left his brother Dappula to minister unto the king, and set out with a great 73 army fully equipped to the Rohana, and became the chief of that province, and lived there in the enjoyment of every prosperity 74 with his sons and daughters. The king rebuilt the old house of the Bodhi-tree, so that it may last, and ornamented it with works inlaid with gold, and 75 after he had fitted it up in a manner so that it was worthy of his 76 own kingliness and the perfections of the Teacher, beheld a great feast in connection therewith. He repaired the old house at the Hatthi-kucchi Vihdra and converted the rock at Vdhadipa into a 77 vihara, which he called Lkvirima,. At the Jetavana Yihdra he made a golden image of the great Sage, which he conveyed to the 78 Bodhi-house, and held a festival of so great splendour that the mind of man could not imagine it. He made gifts of clothes every year throughout the island, and caused the Mahd.p41i 79 alms-hall to flourish. Of the refectories also he took great care. He commanded that gifts equal to his weight of precious things in the balance should be given to the poor, and repaired the old buildings and maintained the faultless customs of ancient 80 kings. And this king had a general named Yajira, who was a man large in heart j and he built the Kacchav61a A'r&ma for the 81 Papsukiilika priests, and covered the Thfipa house at the Thiipd- rama with tiles of gold as becalme it, and fixed doors also of gold to the house. Thus did this chief of men reign for sixteen years, and 82 proceed at last to that country where all living things must go.* 83 After this king had passed away to the world of the gods, Aggabodhif caused himself to be proclaimed king. But his 84 father, before him, had not made Mahinda, his brother's son, a governor, that so he might ensure the kingdom to his own sons. Whereupon Mahinda, seeing that he could give, no assistance to 85 his kinsfolk and his younger brethren, and being miich troubled in mind how he should entreat them kindly, he departed to the 86 opposite coast (with all his brethren). But (when Dappuja was dead) they returned again to the island. And when Aggabodhi heard thereof, he sent a large force against them, and routed 87 them, and cut off their heads. And he caused inquiry to be made to the wants of the three o Cf . " To that bourne from which no traveller returns." f The Ninth. 62 THE mahAva^sa. 88 brotherhoods, and took steps whereby to put an end to crimes 89 .throughout the island. And when it was told him that the priests of the smaller viharas were wont to take their morning gruel at the Mahd Vihdra, he was greatly dissatisfied therewith, and gave unto these vihdras the large village of Kantha-pitthi, 90 and the village Y&bdla, and the fruitful village Telagdma, and a water-course, and ordained that those priests should henceforth 91 take their gruel each one at his vihdra ; and the priests of those vih&ras gratefully accepted the gruel that he had thus provided ifor them. And he caused drums to be beaten throughout the 92 island for the gathering together of beggars, to whom he gave presents of gold for three days, to each man according to his need. And when he had done many other good deeds like unto 93 them during three years, he departed this life to behold, if per- adventure he might, the fruits of his cheerful faith in the three sacred objects, with the eyes of heavenly wisdom. 94 Of a surety, therefore, every bodily thing endureth not, inas- much as even the all-knowing Buddhas have yielded unto death. Let the thoughtful man, therefore, renounce the love of life and ibecome a man of true wisdom by attaining unto Nibbdna. Thus endeth the forty-ninth chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Five Kings," in the MahAvagsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER L. HEN Aggabodhi's younger brother Sena raised the canopy of dominion in the city. And as he had great riches, he added to the welfare of all men, whom he considered as his 2 beloved children. HefoUowed not onlythe customs of former kings, 3 but introduced other good customs which had not been before. To the monks, and to the nuns, and to his kinsfolk^ and to all the dwellers of the kingdom — yea, even to birds and beasts and fishes — 4 he did what was rightful to be done. But he caused Mahinda* (the prince), who had gone to the opposite coast, to be killed, and 5 thus freed himself of all rivals to the throne. He made exceed- ing great presents to the poor and needy, and to priests and Brahmans he gave the best of the king's table. 6 And he had three brethren younger than himself, to wit, ' This Mahinda Was the king's cousin. See infra chap. ZLIX., t. 84 et seq. OflAPTER L. 63 Mahinda, Kassapaj and Udaya. Of these, Mahinda became, sub* king, and governed his conduct according to the king's -wishes 7 and served him well and faithfully. And the king had a queen-consort, whose' name was SafighS.. And it was so, that on one occasion when the king had gone to 8 a seaport to take his pastime in the sea, Udaya, the governor, tarried behind in the city and carried off Ndld, his aunt's daughter, 9 who lived under the king's care, and took her to the city of Pulatthi.* And (when the king returned from the seabord, and it was told him what had been done) his anger was not 10 kindled against his brother. But he entered into an inviolable covenant with him, and bade him be of good comfort, and sent his chief governor, and brought him back hither.f And the two princes henceforth lived in peace with each other, and gave 11 their protection to the religion and the inhabitants of the land. And in process of time the king of Pandu, who had a great 12 army, came hither from India, and began to subdue the country. And when the king heard thereof, he sent a great host to oppose 13 him. But the king of Pandu, seeing that there was strife 14 amongst the king's ministers, took advantage, and laid waste the whole of the northern country, and built up fortifications in the village Mahatalita. Thereupon a great number of the Tamils, who 15 were scattered about the country, joined themselves to him, .whereby his power was greatly increased. And the king's host 16 went thither and gate him battle. And the king of Pandu went out into the field mounted on an elephant. And the host of Tamils 17 beholding their lord the king's face were filled with strength and courage, and were ready (each man) to give his life for the king. But the hosts of the island were greatly discouraged by the king's 18 absence, and broke and fled on every side. Whereupon the army 19 of the king of Pandu straightway hotly pursued the fugitives, and, like unto the hosts of Md,ra, spread destruction all over the land. And when the king had heard that the army was defeated, he 20 collected all the treasure that he could lay hands on, and fled from the city towards the Malaya country. And when Mahinda, 21 the 8ub-king,t who fought tiding on his elephant, saw that his army had fled, he thought thus within himself : " Of a surety it is 22 not in my power to withstand this great host alone, and it pleaseth me not to suffer death at the hands of this vile horde. Better is it, 23 therefore, that I should die by my own hand." So saying he cut off * Polonnaruwa. f AnurAdhapura. • J This prince was evidently bringing up the rear of the army. Cf. v. 18. 64 THE mahAva^sa. 24 his bead even as he sat on his elephant, and many of his faithful followers, seeing this, out off their heads also ; and the Tamil 25 hosts rejoiced and were exceeding glad thereat. But Kassapa, the governor,* having heard of these things (resolved to blot out the disgrace that had befallen them), and having provided him- self with weapons, and clothed himself in armour, mounted his 26 noble horse and proceeded to Abhaya Yih&ra. Alone, and with none to help him, he fell upon the enemy and broke their ranks, 27 like unto a Supannaf drawing out serpents from the ocean ; and he stopped them from advaacing any further, and himself escaped 28 unhurt. And that solitary horse (moved so quickly that he) was like unto a line of horsemen. But Kassapa, seeing that his men 29 followed not to help him, thought to himself, " Wherefore should I, but one man, kill myself and thus fulfil the heart's desire of my enemy ? Whereas, if I live, peradventure I might avenge 30 myself on them some day, and fulfil my own heart's desire. It seemeth meet to me, therefore, that I should fiee from the field of battle." Accordingly this mighty and fearless man of valour broke through the host of the enemy and reached Kondiv&ta in 31 safety. Whereupon the forces of the king of Pandu took possession of the city ; and they brought the head of Mahinda, 32 the sub-king, and showed it unto him ; and when he saw it he ordered that the dead body of the prince should be burnt, and that all the funeral rites of the Pandian country be given to 33 it also. And they took all the precious things that were in the king's treasury as they had been commanded, and likewise also 34 of the things in the city and in the vihdras. All the jewels that was in the king's palace, the golden image of the Teacher, and the two eyes of precious stones of the stone statue of the Sage, 35 the golden covering of the. Thiipd.rama Cetiya, and the golden images that were enshrined in the different viharas ;— all these 36 he took away and made Laykd of none value whatsoever ; and the beautiful city he left desolate, even as if it had been laid waste by 37 evil spirits. And the (fugitive) king placed watches along the highway in divers places, and lived in great anxiety at the meeting 38 of the two rivers. And the king of Pandu (after he had laid waste the country) sent messengers to the lord of Sihala, that he 39 might make a covenant of peace with him. And when he (the 40 lord of the Sihalas) had seen the messengers, and heard the ° Another brother of the king. f A mythological bird, represented as half man and half bird— the vehicle of Vishnu. CHAPTER L. 65 message from them, he hearkened unto all that they had said. And so that he might secure his own safety, he entertained the messengers well, even according to their own desire, and sent his own messengers unto the king with presents of two elephants and all the jewels that he had. And when the king of Pandu 41 heard of these things, he was well pleased, and giving the great city on that selfsame day in charge unto theking's messengers, he left it, and, reaching a port, immediately departed in a ship and 42 went to his own country in safety. And the king Sildmegha* returned afterwards to the city, and, 43 having restored the country to its former condition, he reigned in peace. And he made Udaya, his second brother, the chief 44 governor, and gave him the southern country for his support. But soon afterwards he was afflicted with a sore disease, and 45 entered the gate of death, having done many deeds of merit. And they say that the Governor Kassapa (the king's third 46 brother) had fallen in a battle with (the forces of) the king of Pandu, while he dwelt at Pulatthi. Now, this Kassapa had four 47 noble sons, who were all gifted with marks of future greatness ; and the eldest of them was Sena, a strong and valiant prince, 48 full of energy, and well fitted to govern a kingdom. And there was none like unto him in any respect. Therefore the king 49 bestowed on him, in due form, the chief governorship (that Udaya had held), and gave the southern country with the materiel of war thereof. And Kittaggabodhi, the chief of the Bohana, had four sons 60 and three fair and lovely daughters. And his sister caused the 51 eldest son, the prince Mahinda, to be put to death, and took possession of the country and its treasure. Whereupon the three 52 princes, being provoked to anger at the murder of their brother, fled to the king's court, taking their three sisters with them. And the king, being a man of great lovingkindness, was filled 53 with compassion on seeing their forlorn condition, and pitied them like his own children, and brought them up lovingly in all com- fort as if they were the offspring of the gods. In process of 54 time the king provided Kassapa, the eldest of them, with an army, and charged him to go and take possession of the country (that was his inheritance). And so he proceeded thither and put 55 his aunt to death, and brought all the provinces of the Rohana under him, and dwelt there, free from all danger. And then he 55 ° Evidently another name by Which king Sena was known. 91—87 K 66 THE mahAva^sa. .sent and called his two brethren, Sena and TJdaya, and divided the country among them, and lived peacefully with them. 57 And the three royal maidens whom the king had brought up came of age and were fair and beautiful as goddesses. And the 158 king raised the one called Sa:dghd to the rank of a queen, and jgave her to the sub-king (Sena)* to wife, with treasures equal 59 in value to his kingdom. And to the younger brother Mahinda, 60 who was endued with every virtue, and skilled in all the arts, the king gave the other two beautiful princeses, Tissfi, and Kitti, with a dowry according to his desire. 61 Thus did the king render all good offices to his kinsfolk and igain the goodwill of his people by making gifts and by other 62 deeds of kindness. And as he was endued with the ten virtues of kings, he walked in the path of righteousness and enjoyed the land. 63 And he built, as it were by a miracle, a great vih^ra at Arjttha-pabbata, and endowed it with great possessions, and 64 dedicated it to the Pa^sukdlika brethren. And he gave to it also royal privileges and honours, and a great number of keepers 65. for the garden, and servants, and artificers. And as he desired to attain to the position of a Buddha, this lord of the laud caused a palace of many stories to be built at the Jetavana Yih&ra, and 66 made an image of the Conqueror wrought in solid gold, and J placed it there, and endowed it with great possessions, and made 67 the priests to live therein. At the large parivena of this self- same viharahe restored, in great splendour, the mansion that had 68 been destroyed by fire, and built the Yiradkur&rdma at the Abhaya- igiri temple, and dedicated it to the priest of the Mahdsanghika 69 and Theriya Succession. And together with his queen Sadghi ^he built the Pubbd.rdma, and provided it fully with the four 70 requirements of monastic life. This wise and great king, together with that selfsame queen, built also the dwelling-place for the priesthood called Sa£gha-Sena, and gaye unto it great 71 possessions. And for the Hair-relic he wrought a casket all of gold, and held a great festival in honour of the shrine ; and 72 this glorious, person dedicated to it his kingdom. To the Oetiya- pabbata he gave the very profitable channel, Kduavdpi, and commanded that the three robes should be given to the priests that dwelt throughout the island. 73 With the help of the great tank Thusavdpi he built several * The king's nephew, Kassapa's eldest son. See infra, v. 43. OHA.PTER L. 67 smaller tanks at the city of Fulatthi, and he also built the dwelling-place for the priests called Senaggabodhi, with lands and care-takers attached to it. He caused the Mahdpdli alms-hall 74 in that city to be furnished fall well with victuals, and erected a Mahdp&li alms-hall at the Mahdnetta-pabbata, also for the use of the whole priesthood. He built a house for the sick on 75 the western side of the city, and gave an alms of gruel and other victuals for the destitute. This famous man also built a 76 separate kitchen for the Fa^sukdlika priests, and caused food to be served to them daily in proper order. And when he held the 77 office of chief governor he built separate rooms at the Kappdra Farivena and the Uttar&lha Yih&ra, which he called after his own name. And as he had great riches, three times gave he 78 gifts to the poor and needy, equal in value to his weight in the balance, and did also many other deeds of great merit. His queen, 79 Sa6gh&, also built the dwelling-place for the priests, called Mahinda-Sena, at the Northern Vih&,ra, and caused them to live there. And that goodly vih&ra, Dappula-pabbata, that the 80 minister Mah^deva commenced to build in the reign of that valiant king Dappula, and likewise the vihlira Kassapa-Bdjaka, 81 that the minister Gkrxi Kassapa had commenced, were both of them finished by this king. And Bhadda, the captain of his army, 82 built a parivena, which he called Bhadda-Sen&,pati, with slaves and lands attached thereto. And his minister Uttara built a 83 goodly dwelling-place at the Abhayagiri temple for the priests, which he called Uttara-Sena, and gifted unto it the necessaries of monastic life in great abundance. And Vajira, the minister, 84 built the dwelling-place Vajira-Sena, and the minister Bak- khasa the dwelling-place Bakkhasa. And pondering over the violent deeds that the king of Fandu 85 had done, this king, who had the power of discerning between good and evil, died in the twentieth year of his reign, while he yet dwelt in Fulatthi. Like unto a lamp that a strong win d 86 had put out, passed he away from the land, to make place, as it were, for the brave Sena to ascend the throne. Prosperity, and life itself, are both uncertain, and so are 87 friends and relations. Look then, for example, at the fate of this chief among men who entered all alone into the terrible jaws of death; Thus endeth the fiftieth chapter, entitled " The Beign of One King," in the MahAva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. 68 THE mahAvaj^ba. 1 1 CHAPTER LI. ND on the death of Sena (or Sildmegha), the chief gover- nor Sena, having done all that was meet to be done in honour of the deceased king, entered the city at the head of a well-furnished army, and made himself king over the country. And as if he were displaying to the world the virtuous lives of 3 the kings of a by-gone age, he was pious and yet brave, rich and yet greedy of nothing, a cheerful giver always bent on charity, a man of great possessions, strong in army and the materiel of war. 4 His fame was without spot or blemish, and his glory was unsullied, as if he had put the sun and moon together to shed their lustre 5 jointly. And as he was full of stainless virtue and possessed a power of discerning between good and evil, and had a great insight into the nature of things, he passed safely through the torrents of sin and despised the vanity of a ceaseless existence. 6 And he had a wife by name Sa^gh^, whom he raised to the rank of queen-consort after he had conferred on her the privileges 7 that were due. And his younger brother Mahinda, a man of wisdom, he appointed to the office of sub-king, and gave him the 8 southern portion of the country. But Mahinda had done a wicked thing in the king's house. And when it was known to him that this thing had come to the ears of the king, he disguised himself and departed forthwith with his wife and children to the Malaya 9 country. Now, about that time the queen Saggha ' had borne a son to the king, like as if she were displaying to him the image 10 of the beautiful son of Fand,da. As soon as the child was born the king saw him, and was delighted like unto Suddhodana at the 1 1 birth of Siddhattha in the Lumbini park. And when the day was 12 come for the naming of the child, the king thought thus within himself : "My son is the child of prosperity and of merit, and he seemeth fit to govern not only one island but the whole even of the Indian continent." So he conferred on him on that very day the office of sub-king, with all honour, and gave him the southern 13 country. But he who had aforetime been the sub-king cunningly regained the king's favour, while he yet lived in the Malaya country, and returned to the .captial with his brother's leave. 14 And attended by a great number of priests in the three brotherhoods, he sought the king's presence and entered into an 1 5 inviolable covenant with him. And Tiss^, the consort of this sub- 16 king, had a daughter named Sai^ghd ; and Kitti also, his other wife, 17 had four sons and one daughter. And the king, who was a crafty CHAPTER LI, 69 man, took counsel with his ministers, and married Safighd, the 18 beautifal daughter of the sub-king, to his son Kassapa, thinking thereby to confirm his younger brother in his faith in the king's goodwill towards him. And he restored also to his younger 19 brother the southern country, and gave to the prince, for his 20 support, many of his own possessions also, and the revenues of the whole kingdom. But being desitous of the welfare of the country, he kept the government of the kingdom in his own hands. And 21 the prince and hia princess lived together in peace and harmony, doing many deeds of merit, and begat sons and daughters of good fortune and great promise. And when the lord of the land had held the festival of the 22 Tooth-relic with all honours, he ascended the beautiful temple Ratana, and perceiving that the pedestal was empty whereon 23 the image of the supreme Buddha stood, wondered why it was so. And his ministers answered him and said, " lord of the 24 land I knoweth not your majesty how in the days of thy royal 25 uncle, king Pandu, came hither and laid waste the island, and carried off every costly thing that was therein ? " And when the 26 king heard this he was sore ashamed, yea, even as if the shame of his defeat had fallen on him. Wherefore on that self-same day he commanded his ministers to see to it that an army was raised. Now, it came to pass that at that very time a 27 prince of the royal family of Panda was come hither, having formed a design to overthrow that kingdom because he had been ill-treated by his king. And when the king saw him he 28 was much pleased, and having done unto him all that was meet to be done to a stranger, he proceeded to the port of Mahatittha, and busied himself there in collecting a large army and all the 29 materiel of war, without omitting aught that was wanting. And when he had put his men in order, so that they looked like the hosts of the gods, this famous king gave the command of his 30 army to his chief captain, and charged him that he should take 31 the prince of Pandu with him to the country of the Pandians, and put the king thereof to death, and recover all the treasures and other things that had been carried away from the island, and, having set the young prince upon the throne, return hither in all haste. And the chief captain promised to do all that had been 32 commanded him, and taking leave of the king straightway entered into a ship with his men. And whea he had landed on the other 33 side with his men and all his materiel of war, he laid waste the coast and encompassed the city of Madhura. And when he 70 THE mahIva^sa. 34 had laid siege to the city, he caused the gates thereof to be shut, so that there was no communication whatever either from within or without. And then he set fire to its battlements, towers, and 35 storehouses. And while the army of the Sinhalese was besieging his city and layiog waste the country round about, and destroying 36 his hosts, king Pandu heard thereof, and made haste thither 37 with his army and gave them battle. But the number of his men sufficed him not. And being himself wounded with an 38 arr6w, he left the city to its fate and fled from the field of battle on the back of an elephant, and gave up his life in the wrong place. And his queen also died with him at the same time. 39 And after that the army of the Sinhalese, fearing nothing, entered the city and spoiled it of all that was therein, like unto 40 the gods who spoiled the city of the Asurs. And the chief of the army reached the king's palace and found therein the treasures that had been carried away from the island, and many 41 other things also of great value. And he took possession of all these things, and also of all the riches found in the city and in the 42 country. And he kept the supreme power in his own hands, and placing the young prince under his control, he made him king over the country with all the ceremonies that were due, and gave 43 the country into his keeping. And he took many men and horses and elephants as it pleased him, and, fearing no danger from any quarter whatever, halted his army wherever he chose, 44 and reached the sea-bord and rested there according to his good pleasure ; and from thence the skilful captain entered into a ship, 45 as if he were bound on a voyage of pleasure, and reached Mahd- tittha; and having saluted the lord of the land and related the story of his enterprise, he showed forth all the treasures that he 46 had brought with him. And the king said, " It is well," and bestowed great honours on him. And having accompanied the 47 rejoicing army to his own city, the king held a feast of triumph and drank wine in honour of this victory. 48 He gave abundantly to the poor according to their need. And as he cared not for his own profit, he restored to its former con- 49 dition everything of importance throughout the island. He caused the golden images to be kept in their proper shrines, and fixed again the image of the Teacher on the empty altar in 60 the Batana temple. Thenceforth he did what was necessary to protect the land and inspire confidence, and made it difficult for the enemy to overrun the island any more. He then greatly increased the cultivation thereof, and made the island look like CBAtT^R Lt. 71 Uttarakuru." And the people, who had been heavily oppressed 51 under his predecessor, now rejoiced and were glad, as if from the fierce heat they had come to the shelter of a rain-cloud. And it was in the twentieth year of this king's reign that the 52 Papsukdlika brethren left the Abhayagiri and departed thence. And Mahinda, the sub-king, repaired the goodly house that 53 stood near the illustrious tree of the Teacher, and made it pleasing to the eyes and pleasant to look upon. And when the 54 carpenters who were employed in building it perceived that a branch of the fair Bodhi-tree was being rubbed against the scaffolding, and thereby bruised, they knew not what to do, and 55 went and told it to the sub-king. Whereupon he went and made a great offering to it, and spake these words : " Teacher I if 56 now thou wert born for the good of all living beings, and if by the building of this house, of which none can tell the valncj I shall gain merit, then, I pray thee, let this branch spring 57 upward, that so 1 may be able to build this house." And when he had made this supplication he bowed himself to the ground before the tree, and departed to his house. And 58 behold I in the night the branch of the king of trees sprang upward. And in the morning the workmen saw it, and went and told their lord of what had happened. And the sub-king was 59 exceeding glad thereat, and told the news to his brother, the king, and made great and costly offerings to the tree. He also 60 built the vihfi,ra, Mahinda-Sena, and gave it to the Order with a grant of lands. He gained other merits also : to wit, the gift of 61 the parasol that he used, the garments and sandals that he wore, gifts of rice to journeymen priests, and the dedication of a bath with refectories. Thus this sub-king, having done these 62 and other acts of lesser merit, passed away according to his deeds in the thirty-third year of the king's reign. And on the death of the sub-king the king appointed his 63 youngest brother, Udaya, to the office, and gave him all his pos- sessions. And the king fed and gratified the poor and needy by 64 a gift of costly things equal to his weight in the balance. He purged the three brotherhoods by causing them to dwell in unity, after enforcing the rules of discipline. He loved meritorious 65 deeds ; and so he filled one thousand golden saucers with pearls, 67 and, placing a costly gem on each of them, gave them with In Buddhist mythology, one of the foiu: great continents (Mah&dlpa) supposed to abound with wealth and plenty. • 72 THE MAHAVA^SA. great pomp to one thousand Brahmans, whom he fed with milk- rice in polished vessels of gold. And he gave unto them sacred threads of gold, and clothed them likewise with new garments 68 according to their heart's desire. To all the monks in the island he made gifts of robes, to each one a suit ; and goodly 69 clothes to all the women, to each one a cloth. And when he had repaired the Lohapdsdda, so that it looked like the Yejayanta (mansion of the gods), he placed therein the statue inlaid with 70 gems firmly imbedded in gold. And when it was told that the building had been used by great and holy men (of old) as an Uposatha hall, he made it a dwelling-place for ever to the Order, saying, " Never may this house be empty even for one moment I" 7 1 And to this end he gave villages for its support, and appointed watchmen to keep watch over it, and commanded that about 72 thirty-two monks at least should dwell there always. He made the Manimekhald dam on the river, and a sluice for the Ma^i- 73 hlra tank. He built also the E&nav&pi tank at Katthanta- 74 nagara, and a hospital at Oetiyagiri. He multiplied the revenue of the Buddhagdma Yihdra, the Mahiyafigana Yih&ra, and the 75 Kiitatissa Vih&ra, by giving lands for their support. And to the Mandalagiri Yihara he gave some of his own possessions 76 also. He built a lofty house at the Uttardlha Parivena, and gave a village to the image of Buddha called Mahdsena, and set guardians over it. He made an image-house also for the Sobbha 77 Yih&ra. In the temple at Manimekhald he put an image of the Bodhisatta, and after he had repaired the house of the stone 78 image of the great Sage he conveyed the image, with its pavilion also, and placed it there. And when he had made a cistern for 79 the king of trees, he held a great feast in honour thereof. And the whole of thQ Ratana Sutta he caused to be copied in leaves of gold, and held a great feast, and caused the Abhidhamma to 80 be preached. And he brought forth the image of A'nanda, and carried it in procession round about the city, and then caused 81 the Paritta to be recited duly by the Order, and saved the people from sickness by sprinkling the holy water thereof upon them. Even so drove this king the fear of pestilence from the land. 8'Z And he got himself to be anointed at the Hemav^luka Oetiya,* and charged it to be written that this should be regarded as a 83 custom every year (by the kings who came after him). To four thousand of the poor he gave food and raiment in charity on the " Ruvanv§li D&goba. CHAPTER LI. 73 four Uposatha days of the month. He held the joyful feast of 84 May, and joined with the meaner folk in their pastimes. And he gave them meat and drink and raiment, according as it pleased them hest. To the brethren in all the island he gave 85 alms daily ; and he satisfied the wants of the needy, the way- farer, and the beggar, by giving them gifts. And Sapghfi, the king's consort, built at Abhayuttara* the 86 Sa^gha-Sena Yihdra, that was like unto a rock in appearance, and filled it with wealth. She made also a crest of blue for the 87 stone image of the Sage, and offered daily offerings to it with all marks of honour. Moreover, Tuttha, the valiant chief captain of the king, built 88 the parivena Sena-Sendpati, and eiidowed it with great possessions^ So this great king, who was an example to many, did many 89 good deeds, and entered into the world of the gods in the thirty- fifth year of his reign. Thereupon Udaya,t his younger brother, became king, and he 90 sought diligently to increase the prosperity of the island. And 5)1 he raised Kassapa, his brother's youngest son, to the office of chief governor. And as it seemed meet to the king that he 92 should show favour to his kinsfolk, he gave Send, the sub-king's 93 daughter, to Kassapa to wife, and TissA, the other daughter, he kept to himself. And Kittaggabodhi, the governor, the son of the sub-king 94 Mahinda by the princess Kitti, a man of a rash temper, became a traitor to the king. And he disguised himself and departed 95 secretly at night, and went alone to the Kohana. And there he 96 made the people to be as a tool in his hands, and laid waste the vrhole country, and caused his uncle, who dwelt there, to be killed. And when the king heard of these things he was exceeding 97 wroth, and sought diligently how he might bring him to the capital. And then he sent and called his brother's son, the 98 sub-king Kassapa, and spake thus unto him : " thou, who art the favourite of fortune! I pray thee, help tne." And he 99 answered and said, " What doth your majesty desire of me ? " And the king said : " Thy son Mahinda is even now come of age, and he is a mighty man, and the Rohana is the inheritance of 100 his father and his mother. He is a valiant man also, and can bear all things. And as he is brave and clever, and skilled in all » Abhayagiri Vihdra. t The First. 91—87 h 74 THE mahAvai^sa. 101 the uses of weapoDs of war, he is fit to go fortb to battle, More-< over, h.e is aa expert and prudent man, and well acquainted with the ways of warfare. Let us send him to Rohana , that we may J02 fetch hither that wicked man, the slayer of his uncle." And Kassapa heard the king's words and answered him thus, with all respect: "Your majesty, king I hath sought my help. What need is there of my son ? I will go even myself (to Rohana). 103 And when I have departed on this errand, I know that the king's favour and the safety of my household are assured unto me. 104 Let, therefore, no time be lost, but let it be as thou wilt." And the king was exceeding glad when he heard these words, and he did everything that lay in his power, and gathered together a ■ 105 great army. And he appointed Vajiragga, the captain, to watch 106 over the young prince Mahinda, to whom he gave command of the whole army, fully equipped with all the instruments of war, 107 whereby the city itself looked empty. And the king himself followed Mahinda on foot, giving him courage, saying, " highly 108 favoured of fortune I Go thou and save the country." And Mahinda shone at the head of his army with great splendour, even as Mahinda,* as he proceeded at the head of his celestial 109 hosts to the great battle of the gods and the giants. And soon 110 he reached Guttasdla. And all the folks of the country, and the chiefs of the provinces and of the districts whom the wicked slayer of his uncle had cruelly treated, joined themselves unto him, saying, " Now have we received our rightful lord and 111 master." And the traitor, while he yet tarried at Girimandala, 112 felt that his fall was at hand. And so he seized all the royal costly treasures and fled to the mountains, taking all his ele- phants and horses with him. And Mahinda's host crushed the 113 enemy on every side, and pursued the fugitive step by step, even to the foot of the mountain. And then they came upon his elephants and horses, and captured them. And saying to them- 114 selves, "Here must he be also," they ascended the mountain, treading under foot the whole forest, and making the rivers and 115 marshy places look like highways. And the foolish man, seeing that Mahinda's men were following hard after him, waxed exceeding wroth, and throwing all the jewels that he had into 116 ponds and rivers and other such places, hid himself alone in a cave in the rock. And there his pursuers found him, and seized 117 the miscreant. And they brought him straightway with great " The chief of the gods, the great Indra. OHAPTEK LI. 75 joy to Mahinda, who was at Gnttasdlaka. And when Mahinda 118 saw him, he laughed him to scorn, and spake to him, saying, " Hast thou then possessed the Rohana?" And then he gave him in charge to Vajiragga, the king's chief captain, and pro- 119 ceeded at the head of the army to Mahagdma, and made himself lord of the Rohana. And he bestowed favours on his subjects 120 with a free hand, and restored the people, whom the foolish tyrant had oppressed, to their former condition, and established as aforetime the religion which he had injured. And he planted 121 orchards and gardens of flower trees in divers places, and built a dam across the great river, and formed tanks, and thereby made it 122 easy for the Order to obtain everywhere the four necessaries of a monastic life. And he removed all the wicked chiefs of provinces and of districts from their offices, and drove away the robbers 123 from the country and freed it from the thorns of danger, and made merry the hearts of all the people from the fullness of his riches and his great bounty. And this man, who was worthy of 124 being honoured by the prudent and of being served by the needy, and like unto the wish-conferring tree in the comfort that he bestowed on the poor, forsook the evil ways that aforetime had 12.5 been followed throughout the land, and walked in the path of righteousness, and took up his abode there. And Vajiragga, the king's chief captain, brought the rebel- 126 lions governor to Anurfidhapura, and took him before the king. And when the king saw him, his anger was kindled against him, 127 and he straightway put him in prison and set a guard over him, and treated him severely in every way. Three times did this famous king give gifts of precious things 128 equal to his weight in the balance. And he covered also the Thiipa at the Thiipardma with a band of gold. He built a 129 lofty house there, and caused a chapter of monks to dwell there, and repaired the breaches in this vihdra, and also in the city. And he made a waterfall with a strong dam on the Kadamba ] 30 river, and enlarged the bounds of the tank at Mayetti,and every 131 year made therein an outlet for water. And this preserver of the country gave cloth of fine texture, that garments might be made therewith for the brethren. And in years of famine he caused 132 dining halls to be built, and gave abundantly in charity, and made the MahdpAli alms-hall to flourish. To the brethren of the 133 three establishments he gave curdled milk and rice. And every day he gave alms-rice, and even gruel, with sweetmeats. And when he had done these and other like good works which 134 76 THB mahAvai^sa. lead to heaven, he went to join the assembly of the gods in the 135 eleventh year of his reign. And the sum that he spent on good works during these eleven years was reckoned at three of one hundred thousand and ten times that number in gold. 136 Thus did one king, after he had brought under his subjection the great King of Pandu that could not be easily conquered, and the other, after he had reduced JRohana and its mighty strong- holds,— even thus did these lords of men themselves yield to the power of death. Thus endeth the fifty-first chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Two Kings," in the Mahava^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LII. HEN Kassapa* sat upon the throne and gave the southern country to the wise sub-king, whose name was Kassapa. And he caused the sub-king's daughter, even his own 3 wife, the royal princess TissA, to be anointed chief queen. He also caused donations to be given continually to the needy and to the artificers who came from divers parts ; and this charity was called Dandissara. 4 And Mahinda, the governor, who then dwelt at Rohana,t 5 came with an army to seize the king's country. And when the king heard of it his anger was kindled, and he sent his own army against him. But that mighty man fought and routed that 6 army. Whereupon the king, in order that he might restrain 7 him, sent his father Kassapa,t the sub-king, unto him. And he went up and told him all that was right, proving the same from divers stories from the (book of the) law. And when he had restrained his sou from warring any further, he returned (to the 8 king). But after that Mahinda, the governor, slew certain chiefs of provinces, and perceiving that it roused the fury of the g provinces, he fled to the neighbourhood of the city. And the brethren in a body took him to the king's presence. And the king gave him his daughter to wife, and sent him again to 10 Rohana. This king drove out the lewd brethren from among the dwellers of the three brotherhoods, and ordained others in their 11 stead, whom he caused to dwell in the several vihdras. And the Bodhi-tree at the Mahd Yih&ra he filled anew with earth at the • The Fourth. f See chap. LVII., vv. 119—125. f Ibid, v. 98 et aeq. CHAPTER LTI. 77 hands of the governor, the son of the twice-anointed queen, and held great feasts in honour thereof. And then he made 12 halo-ornaments of gold, and a parasol, and a jewel for the crest, for each of the solid stone images at the three religious houses. 13 He made a stately house, called after his own name, at the Abhayagiri Vihdra, and caused brethren to dwell there, and gave villages for its support. To the Cetiya at the Mahiyafigana 14 Vihara also he gave a village. And in honour of the images he gave rice and cloth to all the brethren. And from all living things 1 5 on land and in water removed he then the fear (of death) ; and the customs of former kings he observed with much care. And Ilafiga Sena, the chief captain of his army, who was a 16 prince of the blood, built a house for the Theriya brethren behind the Thdpdrdma. And the Dhammdrdma he built for the Dham- 17 marucikas,* and likewise the Kassapa Sena for the S^galikas-f At the Cetiya-pabbata he built the vihdra Hadayunha, and gave 18 it also to the Dhammarucika brethren. And for the use of the 19 priests that dwelt in groves he built cells, in each grove a cell; and at the RattamAlagiri he built a goodly room and pleasant, 20 and gave it to the hermits, who were the guardians of religion. And he built also the beautiful parivena at the Mah4 Yibdra, 21 which he called Samudda-giri, and gave it to the Papsukdlika 22 monks. And he made a habitation in the forest after the name of his own lineage, and gave it to the brethren of the Maha Vihdra brotherhood, who dwelt in forests. Moreover, he repaired 23 the vihards that were old, and caused patches to be put on the old 24 garments of the brethren. And for the sister'S he built a dwelling- house, Tissardma, and appointed them to have the care of the Marica-vatti Thfipa and the great Bodhi-tree. And at Anurddha- 25 pura and the city of Pulatthi he built hospitals for the prevention of pestilential diseases. And to these buildings he granted 26 fruitful lands and gardens, with keepers, and furnished them also with means for the support of images. In divers places in the 27 city he built dispensaries^ for medicine, and caused rice and cloth to be given to the Pa^sukfilika monks. He set at liberty also 28 many beasts that were bound. The chief captain of the army also caused great gifts to be given to the poor, and savoury rice 29 and curry and gruel, and divers kinds of food and hqg-shaped jaggery to be given to the brethren. And by these and other like 30 " The Abhayagiri fraternity. f The Jdtavana fraternity. J Bhescyja gehaif, ' medicine-house.' 78 THE mahAva^sa. good deeds the fame of Sena, the chief captain of the army, shed light on all the country like unto the rays of the moon. 31 And one of the kinsfolk of this self-same captain of the army, a chief, Hakkhasa by name, built a very goodly vih4ra in the 32 village Savdraka, and ordained an excellent course of exercise to be followed daily by the dwellers therein, and gave it unto the monks of the Maha Vihdra, who were perfect in discipline. 33 And the chief scribe Sena built a noble house, called Mahd- lekhaka-pabbata, for the use of the monks of the Mahd Yihdra. 34 And the king's minister named Oolarajd re-built a parivena that had been altogether ruined, and made it a goodly and lasting place to dwell in. 35 In all the three fraternities the king made beautiful halls, like unto the Vejayanta, and ornamented them with fine paint- 36 ings, and held feasts of relics pleasing to the minds of his people, and passed away according to his deeds after he had sat seven- teen years on the throne. 37 Then Kassapa,* the sub-king, who was born of the twice- crowned queenf was anointed kiug over Lagkd, the crown 38 whereof descended in the order of inheritance. And he was endued with faith, and had a knowledge of the true way, and was wise as one of surpassing wisdom. He was of ready speech, like nnto the minister of the gods,f and of a free hand, like unto the 39 giver of wealth. § And he was a learned expounder of the law,| and skilled in all arts, and gifted in discerning between right 40 and wrong. He was versed in policy, and grounded firmly in the faith like unto aif immoveable pillar, so that he remained 41 UDshaken by the winds of contrary doctrines. He harboured neither pride nor guile, nor deceit, nor such-like sins, but was a mine of virtue like unto the ocean for all sorts of gems. 42 And this ruler of men, who was like unto a moon in the world, conferred the office of sub-king on the governor Dappula, who o KAsyapa the Fifth. t Of. chap. LI,, vv. 91—93 ; chap. LII., vv. 1, 2, 11. Tisafi, the queen- dowager of Udaya, haying been raised to the rank of queen by Edsyapa lY., she was twice,tanointed or twice crowned. J Vrihaspati. § Kuvera. II The authorship of the Elu work called the Dampiyd Offapada, or a Glossary on the Dhammapada, should, I think, be rightly attributed to thia king (K^yapa Y.) and not to Kisyapa the Parricide, as I have erroneously done elsewhere. The doubtful expression debisavajd, occurring at the end of that work, can now be easily explained by the P^i DvaydbAisekasaiijdta in our text, meaning, ' born of the twice-crowned queen.' OHAPTBK Lll. 79 was born of his own housei By the practice of the ten virtues 43 of kings and the four means of conciliation, he watched over his people like his own eye. And he purged the whole religion of the 44 Teacher by enforcing the rules of discipline, and appointed new priests to fill up the vacant places in the vihdras.* And he 45 re-built the Maricavatti Vihdra that King Dutthagfimani had built, and which had gone to ruin, and adorned it with divers 46 dwellings for the brethren, and after holding a great feast in cele- bration thereof he gave it to the Theravagsaja brethren. t And to five hundred "of them he gave lands for their support. And 47 that so he might display a likeness unto Metteyya.t the chief of the world, preaching the noble doctrines to a multitude of gods 48 in the Tusita heaven, this chief of La^ikd,, surrounded by his *^ subjects and all the brethren, in the goodly hall adorned with divers jewels, at the richly-decorated vihdra, expounded the Abhidhamma with the glory of a Buddha. And then he caused 60 the Abhidhamma Pitaka to be written on plates of gold, and embellished the book Dhammasapgani with divers jewels, and 51 built for it a house in the midst of the city, and placed it there, and caused feasts to be held in honour thereof. And he gave 62 the office of Sakka Sen&pati§ to his own son, and charged him that he should take the oversight of feasts for the book of the 53 law. And every year the king caused the city to be decorated like the city of the gods, and adorning himself all over with jewels, 54 so that he shone like the king of the gods, he marched through the streets of the city seated on an elephant, surrounded by a 55 well-clad host. And the book Dhammaaa^gani he took in procession in great splendour to the richly-decorated vihdra that 56 he had built there, and having placed it on the relic-altar in the hall of the goodly relic-house that was ornamented with divers jewels, he made offerings unto it. And in the Mahameghavana 67 he built the Ganthdkara Parivena, and a hospital also in the city, and gave lands to them. At the Abhayagiri he built the 58 Bbandika Parivena and the SiMmegha-pabbata Vihdra, and gave 69 lands to them also. And to the refectories at Jetavana Vihara and the Abhayagiri, this chief of Lapkd, gave villages likewise, , 60 o Evidently showing that the enforcement of the rules of discipline (Dhamma kamma) resulted in the exclusion or excommunication of many dissolute monks from the ranks of the Order. f Sometimes Theravfidi or Theriyi. AH .these terms are used to denote the monks of the Mahi Vihira fraternity. J The Buddha who is to come next. § ^akra's general. 80 . THE MAHAVA^SA. a village to each house, And by reason of his gratitude this most righteous king gave lands' to the vih&ra Dakkhinagiri by name. 31 Moreover, Sakka Sen&pati bnilfc a delightful parivena which 62 he called after his own name, and gave it unto the Theriya brethren with lands. And his wife Vajird also gave unto them 63 a parivena after her own name, and lands thereto. And it was she who gave to the Therava^sa sisterhood, that was honoured 64 everywhere, the convent that she built at Pada-lanchana. And the queen-mother of Sakka Sen^pati built a convent after her own name for the use of the forest brethren, who were as lamps 65 to the Succession of elders (Theravapsa). And for the image of the Teacher at Maricavatti she it was who made a jewel for the crest, a net- work for the feet, and a canopy and -a robe also. 66 And in the palace the king built a royal chamber after his own name, and a beautiful house with upper stories, which he called Pdlika. 67 And Bajinf, the king's second queen, made an offering of a 68 silken covering for the Hemam^ld Getiya.* And she had a son called Siddhattha, who was celebrated as " Malaya RAjA." He 69 was like unto the god of beauty in form. And when he died the king built a hall for the brethren, and established an alms of food, and gave the merit thereof to him. 70 So while the king of LaijkA was ruling righteously in this wise, King Pandu who had warred with the king of Cola and 71 was routed, sent many presents unto him, that he might obtain an army from him. And the king, the chief of LaykA, took 72 counsel with his ministers and equipped an army, and, appointing Sakka Sendpati to the command thereof, accompanied it himself 73 to MahAtittha. And he stood on the shore and brought to their mind the victories of former kings, and gave them courage, and 74 thus sent them into the ships. And Sakka Senapati carried them safely to the other side of the sea, and reached the Pandian 75 country. And when King Panda beheld the army and the captain thereof, he was greatly pleased, and exclaimed, " All Jambudfpa shall I now bring under the canopy of one domi-* 76 nion;" and then he led the two armies (his own and the Sinhalese king's) to battle. Bat he succeeded not in conquering the king of the Gholian race. And so he abandoned the struggle and 77 returned (to his own place). But Sakka SenApati went against The Buvanveli S6ya. CHAPTER LIU. 81 him, saying, " Alone shall I fight him," and died of a conta- gious disease to the great misfortune of Pandu. And when it was 78 told to the king of Laijk^ that his army was being destroyed by the same disease, he had compassion on the men, and ordered that they should be brought hither. And then he gave the office of 79 Sakka Sen&pati to his (the late general's) son, and made him the chief of the army, and brought him up in his father's name. And he caused the' Paritta ceremony to be held in the city by 80 the brethren of the three fraternities, and drove out the fear of disease and deartli from the people. And when he had brought happiness in divers ways to the 81 religion and to his people, the king passed away to heaven in the tenth year of his reign. And Kassapa, the chief of kings, although he sat on the 82 throne of LaykS., was yet well read in the three Pitakas. Like unto a lamp did he give light to the length and breadth of knowledge ; and he wrote books, and was of ready speech, and a poet. He had a clear memory and clearness of purpose ; and , he was both a preacher of the law and a doer of the same. Wise, faithful, and merciful, always seeking the good of others, he was bountiful and versed in the ways of the world. May the (kings of the) earth, yea, even all, be like unto him in the purity of virtue. Thus endeth the fifty-second chapter, entitled "The Eeigns of Two Kings," in the Mahdva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTEE LIII. HEN Dappula,* the sub-king, became king j and he 1 appointed to the office of sub-king the governor of the same name. And he gave a village to the Maricavatti 2 Vihdra, and maintained in the city the customs of former kings. Howbeit the king enjoyed not the earth long, because of his 3 former sins. And so he entered within the gate of death in the seventh month of his reign. Thereupon Dappula,t the sub-king, became king. And he 4 bestowed the office of sub-king on Udaya. Now, at that time 5 King Pandu, because he feared the Oholians, left his country and got into a ship, and landed at Mahdtittha. And the king sent 6 », The Fourth. f The Fifth. 91—87 M 82 THE UAHi.VA:^8A, nntQ him, and was well pleased to see him, and gave him great 7 possessions, and caused him to lire outside the city. And while the king of Layki was yet preparing for war, thinking unto him- self, '' Now shall I make war with the Cholian king and take two sea-ports, and give them unto King Pandu," it came to pass that 8 a fierce strife arose, from some cause, among the princes of the 9 island, to the great misfortune of Pandu. And King Pandu thought thus to himself : " I shall reap no advantage by dwelling here." So he left his crown and other apparel, and went to the Eeralaite.* 10 And when the strife was ended, the king gave a village, hard by the city, to the great Bodhi-house at the Mah&meghavana. 1 1 And Bakkhaka, the chief of his army, surnamed Ila^ga, built the 12 house B&ja near the Thiip^rdma. And the king maintained all the works that had been done by former kings, and reached the twelfth year of his reign, and passed away according to his deeds. 13 And Ddaya,t the sub-king, then became the chief over the people of La^kd. And he anointed Sena, the governor, as sub- 14 king. Now, in those days the ministers who (had offended and) feared the king took refuge in the Tapovana.f And the king and 1 5 sub-king followed them thither, and had their heads cut off. And the holy ascetics who dwelt there were sorely disgusted with this 16 deed, and they left the country and went to the Rohana. Where- upon the people of the country and the dwellers of the city, and all the men of war, were roused to anger, likie the sea raging 17 with a fierce storm ; and they ascended the Batanap^sada at the Abhayagiri Vih&ra, and after they had terrified the king and 18 overawed him greatly, they cut off the heads of the ministers who had taken a part in the crime at the Tapovana, and threw 19 them out of the window. And when the sub-king and his friend the governor heard the tumult that was made, they leaped over the walls (of the city) and escaped, and hastily fied to the 20 Bohana. And the men that were strong and .valiant pursued after them until they came to the border of the Black Biver.§ But the fugitives had crossed the river before them, and they returned (without following after them), because they had no 21 boats (wherewith to cross the river). And the princes who had 22 broken the peace in the sacred forest went thither, and fell down on their faces, in their wet raiments and hair, at the • The king of Kerala. f The Second. X ' The Forest of Ascetic^.' § The Kalu-gaiSga. CHAPTER till. 83 feet of the holy monks, and made a great wail, and left not off weeping until they had constrained the ascetics to forgive them. The great kindness and long suffering of these lords of religion 23 moved the king towards the two offenders. And when the fury 24 of the great army was appeased, the forces of the sub-king, accompanied by the brethren of the three fraternities, set out to bring them back. And the two princes were prudent men, and 25 well learned, and so they prayed the Fa^sukiilika brethren, and brought them back to the city. And the king also went out and 26 met the monks on the way, and obtained forgiveness from them. And then he returned with them, and when he had left them in their forest he went back to the king's house. And from that 27 time forth the king observed the customs of former kings, and passed away according to his deeds in the third year. Thereupon Sena, a prudent man, was anointed king over liaifkL 28 And he appointed Udaya, the governor, who was his friend, as sub-king. And he gave a thousand kahapanas* to the poor on 29 the Uposatha day, and himself observed it also. And this the chief of men observed to his life's end. And this lord of the land 30 gave to the brethren rice and cloth in honour of the images, and to the needy and to artificers he gave gifts out of the charity called Dandissara.t This king caused beautiful houses also to 31 be built in fit places for the use of the brethren, and gave them lands for their support. And he restored the ancient vih&ras 32 throughout the island, each at a cost of one thousand or five hundred kahdpanas. And for paving with atones (the fore- 33 ground) at the Abhayagiri Oetiya, this king spent forty thousand kahdpanas. And the decayed outlets for the passage of waterf 34 at the great tanks in Lapkd he repaired, and strengthened the bunds thereof with stone and earth. He built also a costly 35 row of rooms in the king's house, of surpassing beauty, and strictly performed the charities established by former kings. And to the Ndgasdla Vihara that the minister Aggabodhi, the 36 Bdjd of Malaya, had built, he gave a grant of lands on the occasion that he had seen it. He made also goodly halls and fine paintings 37 and images at the four vihdras, and held relic festivals con- tinually. And after these and divers other acts of merit, he 38 passed away according to his deeds in the ninth year. And after him the sub-king Udaya§ was anointed king over 39 " A certain coin : value uncertain. f See chap. LII., v. 3. f Niddhamana, This may mean either a sluice or ' spill. § The Thircl. 84 THEl MAHlVAlgrSA. La^kd. And he appointed Sena, the governor, to the ofSce of 40 sub-king. But to the great misfortune of the people, this king became a drunkard and a sluggard. And when the Cola king 41 heard of his indolence, his heart was well pleased, and, as he desired to take to himself the dominion of the whole Pandu country, he sent emissaries to him to obtain the crown and the rest 42 of the apparel that the king of Pandu left there when he fled. But the king refused to yield them. Whereupon the Cola king, who was very powerful, raised an army, and sent it to take them, even 43 by violence. Now, at this time, the chief of the army was absent, having gone to subdue the provinces on the border that had revolted. And the king commanded him to return, and sent him 44 to make war. Accordingly the chief of the army went forth and fonght against the enemy, and perished in the battle. And the king (of Cola) took the crown and the other things, and proceeded 45 towards Bohana. But the army of the Gholians succeeded not in entering that country. So they went not any further, but returned to their own country, leaving this island in great fear. 46 And the king, the Chief of La^kd, appointed Yiduragga, a man of great authority and knowledge, to be chief of the army. 47 And he destroyed the borders of the dominion of the king of Cola, and overawed him, and caused the things that were taken from 48 this place to be brought back. And then he gave to all the Pa^sukiilika brethren in the island all such things as were needful and precious for them. 49 And the chief of La^kd then made a crest-jewel, that shone with gems and precious stones, for the image of the Teacher at 50 the Mahd Vihdra. And Viduri, a woman of the king's household, made an oifering also to that stone image of a network for the foot, shining with jewels. 51 And the king departed from this world in the eighth year, as he was rebuilding the palace called Mani, that the Cholian king had destroyed with fire. 52 Thus did these five kings enjoy the kingdom established under one canopy of dominion. And when they had subdued the whole world by a policy of repression and conciliation, they went under the sway of death, with their wives and their children, their ministers and their friends and followers. Let good men always remember this, that so they may cast off slothfulness and pride. Thus endeth the fifty-third chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Five Kings," in the Mahdva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LIV. 85 CHAPTER LIV. HEN Sena* was anointed king over Lapkd, according to 1 the order of succession. And he bestowed the office of sub-king on the governor, Mahinda. Now, this king 2 was a man of wisdom and of great learning, and an able man withal. And he conducted himself towards his friends and his enemies with great moderation, showing goodwill and affection at 3 all times. In those days the heavens rained showers upon the land in due season, so that the people who dwelt therein were 4 happy and contented. And the king took his seat on one occasion in the LohapAs&da, and expounded the Suttantaf in the presence of the brethren of all the three brotherhoods that were assembled 5 therein. He adorned the casket of the Tooth-relic with divers gems, and held great feasts also in honour of relics at the four vihdras. At Sitthag^ma, where he had aforetime himself dwelt, 6 he built a parivena ; and after he had watched over his subjects, even as he would have watched over his son, he departed for heaven in the third year of his reign. Thereupon Mahinda,^ the sub-king, became king. By reason 7 of his great fortune and glory, and the might of his arms and his renown, he shielded himself from the danger of conspiracies, and 8 brought har^kb. under one canopy of dominion, and made the rulers of the provinces faithful and obedient unto him. And the 9 king sent out and got him a princess of the Kalifiga Cakkavatti race, and made her his chief queen, albeit there were princesses 10 in La^ka of royal blood. And she begat him two sons and one fair daughter. Of the sons he made governors, and raised the 1 1 daughter to the rank of sub-queen. Thus also did this king establish the royal race of the Sinhalese. Now, Vallabha, the king of Cola, sent forth an army to Naga- 12 dipa to subdue this country. And when the king heard thereof, 13 he sent Sena, the chief captain of his army thither, together with a great host, to fight against the hosts of Vallabha. And Sena 14 led the army and fought against the enemy, and destroyed him utterly, and took possession of the field of battle. Whereupon 15 Vallabha and the other princes entered into a treaty with the king of Lapkd, because they could not prevail against him. 16 Thus did the fame of this king spread abroad throughout Laykd, even across the sea unto Jambudlpa. " The Fourth. f Buddha's Bermons. % The Fourth. 86 THE mahAva^sa. 17 And the king showed great favour to the preachers of the holy law, and after he had heard the doctrine he rejoiced 18 in the faith of Baddha, He gathered together also the Pagsu- kdlika monks, and invited and brought them to his own house ; 19 and when he had seated them in order, he fed them with clean food in abundance. Thus did he always, as if it seemed to him 20 the work of one day. To the brethren that dwelt in the forest 21 he sent food with various condiments in abundance, clean and rich. He was a habitation of goodness, and sent physicians daily 22 to heal the brethren that were afflicted with disease, and to them be sent daily sugar and sweetmeats roasted in ghee, and garlic- water and sweet-smelling betel, to be given to them after they 23 had eaten of their rice. To each of the Pagsukfilika brethren he 24 gave always a bowl filled with garljc and pepper, and long pepper and ginger and sugar, the three myrobalans also, ghee, sesamum oil, and honey,* and an outer garment and a covering for the bed. 25 All the other things also that were necessary for the Pa^sukdlika brethren, such as robes and the like, this lord of the land caused 26 to be made and given to them. To each of the brethren of the 27 Mahfi Vihara, one by one, he gave new cloth wherewith to make robes. And twice did this lord of the land give to the brethren, who lived altogether on free gifts, presents of precious things 28 equal to his weight in the balance. And he caused a command- ment to be inscribed on a stone in these words, " Let not kings in future take profit from lands that belong to the Order,"t 29 and caused it to be set up. He made the poor and helpless to repeat the Three Refuges and the Nine Virtues of Buddha,| and commanded that rice and cloth should be given to them. 30 On the site of the stalls of the elephants he made an Alms-hall, 31 with beds and seats, to the poor. He furnished all the hospitals also with medicines and beds, and caused rice to be given daily to 32 the captives that were in prison. To monkeys and bears, and deer and dogs, did this benevolent man cause rice'and cakes to be 33 given. In the four vihdras he garnered up heaps of paddy (and caused a proclamation to be made), saying, " Let the poor and helpless take thereof according to their need." 34 This king made a great feast also, at which he made divers offerings, and caused the Vinaya to be expounded by monks of 35 great skill. And when he had made presents in due course, he " These articles were considered necessary for a sick diet, " Gil&nappaccaya bhesajja parikkh&ra." j- I believe this means the exemption of temple lands from tax, % Tiaara^a and Navagu^a. CHAPTER LIV. 87 caused Dhammamitta, the elder of Sitthag&ma, to expound the Abhidhamma ; and D&thdndga, who dwelt as a recluse in the 36 forest and was like an ornament unto La^kd, to discourse thereon. To the Hemamdiika Oetiya* he made an offering of a silken 37 covering, and offerings also, in divers ways, of perfumes and 38 flowers and illuminations and incense, with music and dancing, and himself distributed among the brethren the cloths offered at that joyful season. To the three sacred gems he caused 39 offerings of the flowers which he had caused to be brought from the various gardens of his kingdom. And he began the building 40 of the lofty house Candana, at the Maricavattif and made gifts of lands of great value to the brethren thereof. He made a casket 41 of jewels also, and placed the Hair-relic therein, and made offerings to it. This lord of the land covered the Cetiya at the 42 ThApdrdma with bands of gold and silver, and made offerings thereto equal in value to his kingdom. In the relic-house 43 there he made also a door of gold like unto the mount Sinern, shining with the rays of the sun. He rebuilt also 44 the beautiful house that belonged to the four CetiyaB,t which stood at the Fada-lanehana, and which the hosts of King Cola had destroyed with fire. Likewise, the Tooth-relic house, the Dhamma- 45 sa^gani house, § and the MahapAli alms-hall, which stood in the middle of the city, and which also had been destroyed by fire. And the lord of the laud built a betel-hall, and spent the revenue 46 thereof for the medicine and diet of the brethren that belonged to the school of the elders. || And to the nuns that had been 47 brought up in the school of the elders he gave the Mahdmallaka convent that he had built. And the storied house Maigii, that his 48 uncle. King Udaya, had commenced, he brought to a conclu- sion in a worthy manner. And four of the king's ministers at that time built four pari- 49 venas at the J^tavana Vihdra. And Ejtti also, the king's inost 50 beautiful queen, who was as an embodiment in her person of all the king's fame, built a beautiful parivena at the back of the Thi!ipdrdma. Three baths also of clean water she caused to be 51 built, the one at that monastery and another at the Kappagdma and the third at the Clvara Cetiya. And being gifted with great 52 charity, she made a present of a flag of gold lace, twelve cubits in • The Euvajv^li D&goba. f The Mirisvef iya D£goba, X The Thdp&r6ma, the Buvanv^, the Abhayagiri, and J^tavana. § See chap, LII., w. 50, 51. II The Mahi Yih^ra monks, who called themselves " The Ijldera oi tVin 88 THE mahAyai^sa. 53 length, at the Hemamdlika Oetiya. And for the use of the people, her son built a hospital within the city ; and that virtuous man Sakka Sendpati built another without the city for the use of the brethren. 54 The king built halls also, like unto the mansions in heaven, at 55 the four vihdras ; and at the end of one year after the building thereof he held divers feasts in honour of the relics, and main- 56 tained thereby the customs of former kings. And having performed these and other like good deeds, the king departed this life in the sixteenth year of his reign. 57 Thereupon Sena,* .a prince twelve years of age, the son of this king by the K&lifiga queen, took unto himself the dominion of 58 the kingdom. And he bestowed the high office of sub-king on his younger brother Udaya, and he made Sena, who had been the chief captain of his father's army, to be the chief captain of his 59 army also. And when he had departed with an army to subdue the border, the king slew his (the chief captain's) younger brother, 60 who dwelt in hia mother's house, and appointed the minister Mah&- malla Udaya, who was obedient unto him, to be his chief captain. 61 And when Sena, the chief captain, heard thereof, he was greatly enraged, and marched back with his army, saying, " I shall lay 62 hold of my enemies." And when the king heard thereof, he departed and fled to the Bohana, taking with him the minister who had been as a slave unto him, and whom he regarded as his 63 saviour. But his mother went not with him, but stayed behind with the sub-king and his queen. And she showed no anger to 64 the chief captain, but sent for him. And being thus favoured by her, he assembled together the Tamils, and made over the country 65 to them, and went to the city of Pulatthi, and lived there. And the king sent forth an army to do battle with the chief captain, but he put to rout and defeated all the king's host. 66 Thereupon the Tamils, like unto Eakkhasas, began to oppress the country, and to take by force whatever belonged unto the 67 people. And the people in their distress went up to the king at 68 Rohana, and told him thereof. Whereupon the king took counsel with his ministers and drove away (Udaya) the chief captain from his office, and, having made peace, with Sena, went up to the city of Pulatthi to save the religion 69 and his country. And that so he might get unto himself an heir, he took the daughter of his chief captain to wife, who begat him a noble son, whom he called Kassapa. ~'' o The Fifth. CHAPTEB LV. 89 And while the king yet dwelt there, his favourites who cared 70 not for him, seeing that they could not obtain strong drink, became his evil advisers. And they spake highly of the virtues 71 thereof, and caused the king to drink of it, so that he became a drunkard, and was like unto a mad tiger. And then he ceased by 72 degrees to partake of food, and died in the tenth year of his reign, giving up his high estate while he was yet young. Hence learn, 73 that following after the counsels of wicked companions leadeth a man to ruin, and let them who seek after happiness in this world or the world to come, avoid the wicked man as a rank poison. Thus endeth the fifty-fourth chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Three Kings," in the Mahava^isa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LV. ND when Sena was dead, the prince Mahinda,* his younger 1 brother, raised the canopy of dominion in the noble city of Anur&dhapura. And in that city, which was filled 2 with people of divers races whom Sena, the general, had brought over, the king dwelt with great diflSculty for twelve years. Now, 3 the dwellers in the provinces neglected in those days to give the king his revenue, because he was a mild man and cared not to enforce law against them. So that in the twelfth year of his reign 4 his wealth was well-nigh exhausted, and he could not maintain his army because he had not the wherewithal to give the soldiers their wages. So all the men of Kerala, who had not received 5 their wages, came up in a body to the gate of the king's house, 6 and sat themselves there forcibly, with their bows in their hands and their swords and other weapons of war, saying, " The king shall not eat of his meat until our wages be first given to us." But the king deceived them, and taking with him all the precious 7 things that he could lay hands on, he departed secretly by a passage underground, and fled in great haste to the Rohana. And he built a fortified place there in the village Sfdu-pabbata, 8 and installed his brother's wife as queen, and lived there. But 9 she died before long, and he raised his brother's daughter to the rank of queen. And she bore him a son, named Kassapa, where- 10 upon he left the fortress in which he dwelt, and built a city in the 1 1 o The Fifth. 91—87 N 90 THE mahAva:^sa. village Kappagallaka, aad ruled there over the Bohana for a long 12 time. But the Keralas,* the Sfhalas, and the Kanndtasf exercised full authority at that time in the other parts (of the island). 13 Now, a trader in horses came here from the opposite coast, and returned to his country and informed the king of Oola how 14 things stood in Lagkd. And when that powerful king heard thereof, he sent a large army hither, intending to take La^kd. 15 And the army arrived in La^kfi, without delay, and, by slow degrees, entered the Bohana, oppressing the people as they went, beginning from the place where they landed. 1 6 And in the six and thirtieth year of this king's reign they took the queen with all the jewels and ornaments, and the crown that 17 was the inheritance of the kings, and the priceless diamond bracelet that was a gift of the gods, and the sword that could not 18 be broken, and the sacred forehead band. J And, having made a false show of peace, they took the king prisoner in the fastnesses 19 of the forest, where he had taken refuge through fear. And they sent the king and all the treasure that had fallen into their hands 20 straightway to the king of Cola. They also broke into the relic- 21 house8§ of the three brotherhoods, and took many gold images and things of great value throughout the country of La^kd and in the several vihdras thereof. And like unto demons, who suck up the blood, they took to themselves all the substance also that 22 was therein. Moreover, they stationed themselves in the city of Pulatthi, and held possession of the king's country even unto the 23 Bakkhapasdna-kantha place. But the inhabitants of the country took the young prince Kassapa, and, with great care and affection, 24 brought him up secretly, for fear of the Oholians. And when the king of Cola had heard that the young prince had come to the twelfth year of his age, he sent his chief officers with a large army 25 to take him. And they came with a great host, that numbered five thousand less than one hundred thousand, of mighty men, and put the whole of the Bohana into confusion, from one end thereof 26 unto the other. Whereupon a nobleman, Kitti by name, who dwelt in Makkhakudrdsa, and likewise an officer, Buddha by 27 name, who dwelt at M&ragalla,|| both men of great valour, and * Malabars. f The inhabitants of the Oarnatio, or Karn&tis, Kann&dis. I Chinna patt'thd dhdiu. The term is of doubtful meaning, but it evidently refers to the fillet worn round the forehead. § Literally Belic-chambera, which may include the Ddgabas also. {{ M&ragala. There is a village of this name in A^akalan kdrale. Some of its chiefs have a reputation for boldness and daring. The village is still a Nindagama. CHAPTBE LVI. 91 well skilled in the art of war, and mightily determined to destroy the host of the Cholians, built themselves a stronghold at 28 Paluttha-giri,* and fortified it, and made war with the Tamils for six months, and destroyed many of them. And the Cholians 29 who escaped the slaughter were dismayed greatly, and fled to the city of Pulatthi, and took up their abode there as they did afore- time. And when the prince Kassapa saw the two victorious nobles, 30 he was exceeding glad, and exclaimed, " My beloved, ask of me only what shall be given you." And Buddha prayed that the 31 village which belonged to him by inheritance should be given unto him. And Kitti besought the prince that the tax should be removed, which was heretofore levied on account of the Order. And when the two noble chiefs had received these favours at the 32 hands of the king's son, they fell down at his feet and worshipped him, like brave and loyal men of valour. The captive king, Mahinda, lived for twelve years in the 33 Cholian country, and departed for heaven in the forty-eighth year after his coronation. Thus we see that possessions obtained during a course of sloth- 34 fulness are not abiding ; so the man of sound knowledge, who desires his welfare, should always cultivate diligence with stead- fastness. Thus endeth the fifty-fifth chapter, entitled " The Spoliation of Lagkd," in the Mahdva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LVI. HEREUPON all the Slhalas gave the name of Vikkama Bdhu to the king's son,t and upheld his authority faith- fully. And this princeheaped up riches, that so he might destroy the Tamils, while at the same time he showed favours to his servants also according to their deserts. And he caused the royal jewels to be made, and the crown and the canopy and the throne also. And when the nobles besought him that he would be anointed king, he restrained them, saying, " It shall not be so to me until the king's country is reclaimed; for what profit shall there be in raising the canopy of dominion until such time ? " And when he had waxed strong, he made ready one hundred thousand men. But just as he was about to begin the war he * Falu^up^^a. f Kassapa. 92 THE maeAva^ba. was struck down with a windy disease, and deferred it, saying, 6 « Now is not the time for battle." And soon afterwards, in the twelfth year of hia reign, he departed for the celestial city, and joined the company of the gods. 7 Thereupon Kitti, who had been appointed to the oflSce of general, aimed to be king, and maintained his authority as such 8 for seven days. But Mahdldna Kitti, a mighty man, slew him, 9 and was crowned king, and ruled over the Rohana country. And being defeated in the war with the Oholians in the third year of his reign, he met with a violent death, having cut off his head with 10 his own hands. Then the Tamils seized again the crown and all the treasure and substance, and sent them to the king of Cola. 11 At that time a certain prince of the blood, known as Vikkama Fandu, who had fled from his country through fear, and was a sojourner in the land of Dalu, heard of how things stood in 12 La^kd. And he went into the Eohana and established himself 13 at Kalatittha," and ruled the country for one year. Then a prince, Jagatipdla by name, who was sprung from the race of 14 Bdmd, came from the city of Ayujjha,t and waxing strong slew Vikkama Pandu in battle, and reigned thereafter for four years 15 at Rohana. Him also the Cholians slew in battle, and taking his queen, together with his daughter and all their substance, they 16 sent them to the Cola country. And after him a king, Farakkama by name, a son of the king of Pandu, reigned two year s ; but the Cholians made war against him and slew him also. 17 Thus were these unruly men, enslaved by the lust for power, brought to their destruction. The man endued with true wisdom should therefore know these things, and set his heart on that which extinguishes desire. Thus endeth the fifty-sixth chapiter, entitled "The Eeigns of Six Kings," in the Mahdva^isa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LVII. HEREAFTER a general, Loka by name, of Makkhakud- rfisa, a brave and honest man, who subdued the pride of the Cholians, brought the people under his yoke, and reigned in the Rohana country. He was versed in the manners and customs of the country, and he abode at Kdjarag&ma.J o Kalutara. t Ayoddhya. f Kataragama. OHAPTEB LVII. 93 Now, at that time there lived a prince of great might, whose 3 name was Kitti. Here shall be told, in their due orderj the story of his ancestry and all that he was endued with. There was a governor known by the name of Mina, a son of 4 king Kassapa. And he was a valiant man, endued with all the virtues which adorn the conduct of good men. And he had an g elder brother, Mdnavamma by name, a man of much learning and 6 well skilled in magic. And he sat him down on the bank of the river nigh unto the Gokannaka sea, and made ready to practise the mantra* accordfng to the rules thereo f. And he took his string of beads and began to mutter the enchantments. And when he had 7 made an end thereof, the god Kumdra,t it is told, appeared before him on his carriage,t and the peacock brake the bow],§ and, finding 8 the shell of the cocoanut|| dry, because the water had escaped from a hole therein, he went up and stood in the presence of the wizard. And the wizard remembered the Bhdvini-siddhi,! and 9 offered his own eye to the peacock, who picked it and forthwith drank of its humours. And the god Kumd,ra, being well pleased 10 therewith, grahted unto the prince the favour that he had sought, and departed thence, flying radiantly through the sky. And 11 when the nobles of the prince saw him, and perceived that an eye of his was hurt, they grieved exceedingly. But he told them of the miraculous gift that he had received, and comforted them therewith. And it delighted the nobles, and they besought him, 12 saying, " It is meet that you should go up to the city of Anura- dhapnra and be anointed king." But he refused to accept of the 13 kingdom that was offered unto him, saying : " What good can a kingdom do unto me who am deformed of body. I will betake myself to the life of a recluse, and practise austerities. I pray you, 1 4 therefore, let my younger brother Mftna govern the kingdom of Lapkd, which has, until now, descended in the order of inheri- tance." And when the nobles had learned the desires of the prince 15 fully, they sent men unto his younger brother to tell him of these things. And when his younger brother heard thereof, he came 16 in great haste, and, seeing him, fell down at his feet and wept ' Mystical incantations to acquire supernatural power as directed in the Yantras. -f- Skanda, the Hindu diety. J The peacock. § Balipattai}. The tray or bowl in which food, flowers, &c., are presented to spirits at the performance of magical rites. II Water is generally placed in a cocoanut shell on the altar for the benefit of the evil spirit. ^ A course of action under certain emergencies, prescribed in magical rites. 94 THE mah1va]^ba. 17 and wailed greatly. And then he took his elder brother to Anurddhapura, where he crowned himself as it had been desired 18 by him. And after this he proceeded to the Abhayagiri Vih^ra, and, having made obeisance to the priests that dwelt there, prayed them that they would clothe his brother in the robe of a recluse. 19 W^hereupon the ascetics, regarding not the precepts* of Buddha, took him, who was deformed of body, into the Order, and 20 ordained him a priest thereof. Moreover, the king built for his use the great monastery, Uttarola, and made him the chief thereof, 21 and gave him the oversight of six hundred brethren, and granted great honours and privileges unto him, together with the five 22 classes of servantsf to minister unto him. Workmen also that were skilled in all manner of works did the king give unto him, even unto the guards of the Tooth-relic, whom also he put under 23 him. And the monks of the Abhayagiri brotherhood became his (the king's) counsellors. And the king hearkened unto their 24 counsel and governed his people righteously. But certain who were of his family cared not to enter the church, but dwelt there according to their pleasure, and took to themselves the title of 25 Mah^sami. And from this King Mdnavamma, who was skilled 26 in the ways of justice, and born of a pure race, the fountain of all dynasties, and of the lineage of prince Aggab6dhi and his sons and grandsons, there sprang full sixteen rulers in La^k^, who governed the kingdom righteously. 27 Now, King Mahinda had two beautiful cousins, the daughters of his mother's brother. And they were known by the names 28 Devald, and Lokitd. And of these two daughters Lokitd, was given in marriage to her cousin Kassapa, a prince of great beauty, 29 to whom she bore two fair sons, Moggalldna and Loka. And the elder of them was versed in all the ways of the world and of 30 religion, and was known to all men as " The great Lord." He loved the Order of the priesthood also with a great love, and was a habitation of many lasting virtues. And he took up his abode in the Bohana. 31 There was also a grandson of the King D&thopatissa, who had followed the monastic life of the religion of the Blessed One. And he had much faith, and practised austerities and restrained 32 himself greatly. But as his mind directed his thoughts to meditation he separated himself from the things of the world, and • Among others who are disqualified from being received into the Order are those with defective limbs and organs, or otherwise deformed. ■|- They are, carpenters, weavers, dyers, barbers, and workers in leather. CHAPTER LVII. 95 dwelt in the forest. And his piety greatly pleased the gods of the forest, and they spread his fame abroad everywhere. And 33 when the chief of La^kft had heard at that time of his great fame, he went forth to him and, when he had made obeisance to him, begged him to be his counsellor ; but he was not willing. 34 Nevertheless the king besought him again and again, and took him with him, and made him to dwell in a stately house that he had prepared in the city. And the king was well pleased with 35 the virtues of the holy monk who dwelt there, and walked in his counsels, and ruled over his people with justice. And whereas 36 this merciful chief of the monks had accepted the earnest call of the chief of Lagikd,, and set out from Selantara ('among the rocks'), and gathered together a number of monks and dwelt there, it was 37 known to all as Selantara Sam(iha (' the assembly of the monk from among the rocks'). From that time forth it was the custom 38 with the chiefs of La^kd to cause the monks to pass a night in the temple of the gods, and to appoint to the chief office of king's counsellor him whom the gods had approved. And the 39 princes of LapkS,, through the counse 1 of the monk who held the chief seat of their Order, continued to defend the country and the religion of the land. And by the prince Bodhi, born of this self-same Dathopatissa, 40 the princess Buddha, who was also born of the same race, gave 41 birth to a daughter of exceeding great beauty, Lokitd by name. And in due time they gave her in marriage to the wise and pru- dent Moggalldna, to whom she bore four sons, the prince Kitti and 42 the princess Mitt^, and Mahinda and Rakkhita. And the eldest 43 of these, Kitti, when he had attained to his thirteenth year was full of wisdom and valour, and possessed great skill as an archer. And he bethought himself, saying, " How shall I rid me of these 44 thorns, my enemies, and recover Lagikd.." And he dwelt in the village MdlasAla, thinking deeply of these things. At that time, a certain prince called Buddhardja, a mighty man 45 and valiant, rebelled against the general Loka (Lokissara) who ruled Rohana, and fled to Ouninasala, and soon brought Kitti and 46 other men there into entire subjection. And with many of his 47 kinsfolk, who were all mighty men of war, he dwelt at the foot of the Malaya hills, where it was difficult to overcome him. And Sapgha, the chief of the astrologers, went up to him and 48 gave a good report of the prince Kitti, saying, " Kitti, the eldest 49 son of the great lord, is a prince endued with many signs of future greatness, and he is full of wisdom and valour, able, I 50 96 THB mahIvai^sa. think, even to reduce the whole of Jambudipa and bring it under one canopy of dominion. What need is there then to 51 speak of Lagkd?" And when Buddharajd. heard these words he bethought himself, "The prince should be supported," and 52 having determined thereon he sent messengers unto him. And when that lord had Ijeard the words of the messengers, he fearing that he might be hindered, departed secretly from his house, unknown even to his parents, with his bow only as his 53 companion. And being full of valour and of a high spirit, he saw divers good omens, and made haste to Sarivaggapitthi, and 54 dwelt there. And from thence the valiant prince sent his men to Bodhiv&la, and gained the people there who were opposed to 55 his party. Whereupon the haughty general Lokissara sent his army thither, and encompassed the village and made war against 56 it. But the prince, who was a great warrior and a man of tried valour, scattered all that host on every side, like unto a fierce 57 wind scattering a ball of cotton. And seizing the opportunity, he set out to Cunnasdla, and dwelt there and subdued the whole 58 country. But Lokissara sent his army against him several times, and was greatly disheartened because he could not subdue him. 59 Now, at that time, a very mighty man, Devamalla by name, a son of Kitti, the noble of Makkha-kudriisa,* came from the 60 Bohana with many of his kinsfolk and a large number of people, 61 and stood before the prince with great devotion. And the prince, who was now fifteen years of age, and had a good understanding and a great name, thereupon girt his sword and took the title of 62 governor. And this great and mighty man went to the Hiranna- 63 malayat country, and encamped at Bemunusela. And (Lokissara) the general sent an army against him there also, and made war upon him. But as he met with no success, he gave up the 64 thought of making war again. And at that time, in the sixth year of his reign, he left this world, and went to his rest in the world to come. 65 Thereupon one Kassapa, the chief of the flair-relic, overawed 66 the people and maintained his authority in the Bohana. And . when the king of Oola heard thereof, he set out from Pulat- 67 thi, and went to KdjaragAma ready to battle. But Kesadh^tu scattered the Tamil hosts, and set men to guard the boundary at 68 Bakkhap&sdna,:]: and returned to Kajaragdma surrounded by his o Vide infra. Chap. LV., v. 26. f ' The golden hills'— Ratnapura (?) . tRakvAna(P). OHAPTBB LVIII. 97 great army and filled with pride at his success in the' battle. And when the governor Kitti heard of these thiogs, he made 69 haste and gathered together an army to destory Kesadhatu, who, 70 when he heard thereof, was filled with pride and set out with all his forces from Kdjaragdma, and went forward to Sippatthalaka. But the prince, whom it was hard to subduej 71 gathered together a great many men from the Pancayojana* and the country thereabout, and took them into his army. But when he drew near to battle, Kesadh&tu retreated to Eadhira6- 72 gani, saying, " It is difficult to give battle here," because he had heard there were many men evil-disposed toward him in those parts. Whereupon the brave Prince Kitti, who was then only sixteen 73 years of age, made haste to Kdjaragdma with his great army^ 74 And the chief Kesadhdtu, who had possessed the Rohana for six months, was enraged thereat, and went forth to give him battle 75 at once. But the mighty hosts of the prince fought valiantly, and smote off the head of Kesadhdtu. Thus did this prince, whose fame and glory were spread on 76 every side, and who was skilled in conciliation and the other means of acquiring power and authority, free the whole country of the Rohana from the thorns of enemies in the seventeenth , year of his age. Thus endeth the fifty-seventh chapter, entitled " The Sub- jugation of the Enemies in Rohana," in the Mah&va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LVIII. HEREAFTER that prince who held the office of sub-king, and was skilled in governing, was known throughout the land by the name of Vijaya Bdhu. And he was a man of great wisdom, and appointed his nobles unto offices which suited them, and caused his authority to be proclaimed by beat of drums. And he lived there (in the Rohana) employing the four stratagemst of war with great cunning for the destruction of the Oholians, who forcibly held the king's country.J And when • Pasdun k6rald. f I.e., sowing dissension, sudden attack, negotiation, and buying off. t Pihi^i, or the northern portion of the Island, -whereof Anuridhapura and Polonnaruwa were^ the ohirf oitips, was at this time called Raja-rata, or ' the king's country.' 91—87 O d8 THE MAHAvA^SA. these things had come to the ears of the king of Oola, he sent an army against the prince, under his general who then dwelt in 5 the city of Pulatthi. Bnt the prince fled from K&jarag&ma, when the general came nigh unto that place, and took refuge in a fortress on the hills, hecause he knew it was hard to overcome 6 him. Whereupon the general laid waste the city, and returned to his country as he could not continue there. 7 Then the great governor made haste from the hills and occu- pied Sippat-thalaka. 8 Then the sub-king sent men to the king of the Bdmanna 9 country with many presents of great value. Whereupon divers ships arrived at the port, laden with cloths of many kinds, 10 camphor, sandalwood, and other things, of which this mighty prince made gifts unto his fighting men, and himself dwelt thereafter at Tammalagima. 1 1 And they that dwelt in the king's country being now at variance with each other, all the people went not up and paid the 12 full revenue. They who stood against the king of Cola scorn- fully set at nought his authority and vexed the officers of 1 3 revenue, and did as it pleased them. And when the king of Cola heard thereof, it provoked him to anger, and he sent a large army 14 under his own general. And he landed at Mah&tittha, and made a great slaughter of the people in divers parts of the country, and brought them that dwelt in the king's country to subjection 15 under him. And from thence this austere man went up by slow degrees to the Bohana, and spread his army throughout the 16 country like unto a sea that had burst its bounds. And Bavideva and Cala, two mighty men, turned against the king, and sub- 17 mitted themselves to the Cola general, who, when he saw the great hosts that followed them, thought that the whole of 18 Bohana would straightway fall into his hands. But in the eleventh year the sub-king* built himself a fortress at Paluttha- pabbatat with the intent that he might subdue the Oholiaus. 19 And the army of the Cholians encompassed it throughout, and 20 a terrible battle ensued between the two hosts. But the king's fighting men utterly destroyed the army of the Tamils as they 21 fled before them. And they pursued the general of the Cholians, 22 and took him at the village Tambavitthi with all his chariots and carriages and all his treasures. And they cut off his bead, and • I.e., the sub-king Vijaya B&hu, who is also called Mah4dip4da in t. 7. ■\ Fulutup&na. OHAfTfiR LVUIi tJO showed it to the king with all the treasures that they had taken, saying, " Now is the time for thee, king, to go to the city of Palatthi." And the ruler of the land hearkened unto his nobles 23 and set out for the city of Pulatthi with a great army. And when 24 the king of Uola was informed of these things he waxed exceeding wroth. And as he desired greatly to take the king captive, this 25 valiant king (of Cola) went up to the seaport himself and sent a greater army than before to the island of La^kd. And when 26 the lord of LapkA heard thereof he sent his general with a great army to give battle to the Cholians. And he encountered them 27 on the way near Anurddhapura, and fought a great battle with them. But many of the king's men fell in battle, insomuch that 28 the inhabitants of the country went further under the yoke of the Tamils. Whereupon the ruler of the land left the city of 29 Pulatthi, and made haste and reached Villik&bd^ja and dwelt 30 there, gathering together his army, after that he had destroyed the two officers that had the charge of that country. And when 31 it was told him that the governor of the Cholians pursued him, he, who knew well how to take advantage of the times and the occasions, went up to the rock which was called Vdtagiri, and 32 built a fortress near the foot of the rocks, and made war for three months, and drove back the Tamils. Then the younger brother of Kesadh&tu,* the chief who had 33 fallen in the former battle, having gained over a large number of men and raised agreathost, bethought himself of his brother's 34 death, and, being filled with anger thereat, raised the whole of the Guttahdlaka in rebellion (against the king). Whereupon the 35 chief of La^kd made haste thither and encamped with a great army at a place called Maccutthala, and drove him in battle from 36 his stronghold at Khadirafigani. And, continuing the war, he drove him also from his position at Rubulagalla, whence he fled, 37 leaving his wife and children, his army, and much treasure also, and made haste and entered the country that was held by the Cholians. Thereupon the chief of men took all that had been 38 left there, and went to Tambalagdma where he built himself a new fortress ; and he then went up by degrees and abode in the 39 city called Mahdnftgakula, and busied himself there in gather- ing an army to make war against the Cholians. Then the king called unto him two officers of great might, and 40 sent them southward to subdue the people of that country. He 41 • See chap. LVII., v. 65 et teti. wo THE MAHAvA^SA. sent two great officers also, meo hard of heart, along the high- 42 way by the sea to destroy the pride of the Cholians. And the two mighty officers who had been sent southward took the following places : the stronghold Mahunnaruggdma, Badalat-thala, the 43 fortress V£pinagara, Baddhagdma, Tilagnlla, Mahdgalla, Manda- 44 galla, and Anurddhapnra. These they took the one after the other, bringing the people under their authority, and in process of 45 time reached Mahdtittha. The two officers also who had been sent along the highway by the sea laid waste the fortresses at 46 Chag&ma and divers other encampments, and in due course came nigh unto the city of Pnlatthi, and sent messengers unto the king, saying, " It is meet for thee, king, that thou 47 shonldst come hither quickly." And when the lord of the land, who had watched his time, beard of the wonderful deeds of valour that had been done by the officers who had been sent 48 in the two directions, being well versed in the art of war, made : ; haste and joined all his forces together and departed from the city where he was, with the intent to root out the Cholians from 49 the country. And proceeding by the river, the chief halted his army nigh unto the Thdpa at Mahiya^gana, and tarried there for 50 some time. Then, watching well his opportunity, he boldly marched nigh unto the city, and encamped himself there strongly. 51 Then many of the Cholians who dwelt in divers parts of the city, who were bold and cruel men, flocked together to give battle at 52 the city of Pulatthi ; and the Cholians went out of the city and fought a great battle. But they were routed, and fled back into 53 the city in great confusion, and having shut all the gates thereof they climbed the walls and towers, and desperately continued the 54 terrible fight ; and the king's great host encompassed the city round about and prolonged the fight for six weeks, but succeeded 55 not in taking it. And Ravideva and Cala,* and many of the strong and mighty heroes of this great king, warriors of high 56 spirit, climbed the walls of the city and entered it by force, and made a great slaughter of the Tamils, and utterly destroyed them. 57 And the king Vijaya Bdhu having thus gained the victory by reason of his great foresight, caused his authority to be pro- claimed throughout the city by beat of drums. 88 And the king of the Cholians having heard of the destruction of his hosts, sent not any more men to Lagk^, saying, " Now are ; . the Sinhalese powerful." " These warriors appear to have returned to their allegiance after their revolt. See it^ra, v. 16. CHAPTER HX. iOi Thus did this brave and glorious king utterly destroy the power 59 of the haughty chiefs of Cola, and having firmly established his authority over the whole of the king's country, enter the coveted city of Anurddhapura with great joy in the fifteenth year of his reign. Thus endeth the fifty-eighth chapter, entitled " The Advance towards Anurddhapura," in the Mah6,vag[sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LIX. • ND for the protection of La^kd, the king appointed faithful 1 chiefs who were warriors of great repute, and set them in divers places around, having (before) instructed them in their duties. And for the feast of the coronation he commanded 2 the officers to make ready a stately building, together with all the other things that were necessary. And after he had passed 3 three months in worshipping at the various holy shrines about the place, he went back to the city of Pulatthi. Now, a captain of the army, known by the name of A'dimalaya, 4 openly showed himself an enemy of the king, and taking all his 6 forces with him, this man of little wisdom went up to the village A'ndu, nigh unto the city, with the intent to make war. But the 6 chief of Lajkd made haste thither and utterly defeated the haughty man, and subdued his forces, and returned to the city of Pulatthi. And this great and wise man caused it to be written 7 that the full time during which he had ruled as sub-king was seventeen years. Thereafter the king, who was well skilled in ceremonies, went 8 to Anurddhapura, and held the great festival of the coronation according to the custom. And being firmly established on his 9 throne, because he stood not on evil ways, but grounded himself firmly on great deeds, the king caused a record to be made of the eighteenth year of his reign. And from thence he came forth and dwelt in the beautiful city 10 of Pulatthi, known to all men by the name and title of Sirisaj- ghabodhi. To the office of sub-king he appointed his younger 11 brother Vfra Bahu, and, according to the custom, gave him the southern country, and dealt generously with him. Moreover, he 12 bestowed the office of governor on his younger brother Jaya Bahu, * See note A: 102 THE mahAvaijsa. 13 and gave to him the Rohana country. To all his nobles also he gave offices according to their merits, and gave orders that taxes 14 should be raised in the country according to equity. Justice, which had been long ueglected, did the lord of the land, who was like unto a habitation of mercy founded in righteousness, cause to be administered according to law. 15 And it came to pass that while this chief of men employed himself continually in ordering the welfare of Lagkd, after he had rooted out all her enemies that were like unto a heap of 16 thorns, the three brethren — namely, the chief bearer of the canopy,* the chief of the house of ju3tice,t and the chief of the 17 company of merchants^ —became enemies to the king, and fled to the continent of India. And returaing together in the nineteenth 18 year of the king's reign, they soon turned the Rohana and the Malaya country, even the whole of the southern part of the 19 island, from their allegiance to the king. Whereupon this active king hastened to the Rohana and the Malaya, and destroyed 20 in divers places all those who were against him ; and having thoroughly pacified the country and placed officers over it, he went up himself, elated with success, to the southern country 21 with a great army, and then sent into the field an officer born of his wife's brother's race.§ And this hero took his enemies 22 captive in a bloodv battle, and impaled them ; and having thus delivered Lagka from its thorn-like enemies, and freed it from danger, he returned to the city of Pulatthi. 23 Now, the queen of Jagatipdla, who was a captive in the kingdom of Oola, escaped from the hands of the Cholians with her royal 24 daughter Lilavati. And they made haste and, entering into a ship, landed in the island of Lagka and appeared before the king. 25 The chief of men then listened to the story of her birth and lineage, and having satisfied himself of the purity of her race, 26 anointed (her daughter) Lilavati as his queen. And she con- ceived and bare him a daughter, unto whom the lord of the land 27 gave the name Yasodhard. And the king gave his daughter, together with the land of Merukandara, unto Vlravamma, to " Chattagdhaha-ndtha. f Dhammagehaka-n&yaha. % Setthi-ndtha. § The original Sama^i-bhdtu-vai^saja = Sanskrit SramaJfi-bhdtri-vatfsaja, is of doubtful meaning. It may mean what I have translated, or, as the Sin- halese translators have rendered, ' born of the Samani-bhatu race,' taking Samani-bh&tu as the name of a certain race. Sramagi in Sanskrit means a handsome woman, and the term may not be inappropriately applied here to one of the king's wives. Tumour renders it " his trusty brother, who was as illustrious in descent as himself." CHAPTER LIX. 103 whom she hare two daughters. And the elder of the twain had 28 the same name as her mother's mother (Lll&vati), and the other was called Sugala.* There dwelt at that time a princess of exceeding beauty and 29 delicate form, born of the race of the kings of Kalinga, whose name was Tilokasundari. And the king being desirous to 30 prolong and establish his race, sent forth and brought her hither from the country of Kdlinga, and anointed her as his queen. And she bore these five daughters, Subhadd&, Sumitt^, Loka- 31 ndthd, Batan&vali, and Bupavati, and a son Yikkama B&hu, who 32 possessed all the signs of good fortune. And she gained the king's heart, because she had begotten him a goodly number of children. And none other in the houses of the king's palace 33 conceived a child in the womb for the king, save women of equal rank. And one day the king, when he was in the midst of the 34 assembly of his ministers, beheld all his daughters as they stood beside him in order (according to their age). And being 35 skilled in divining by bodily signs, he perceived on none of 36 them save Ratandvali the signs of giving birth to a son, who would be great and prosperous hereafter. And, being moved by much affection towards her, he called Eatanavali unto him, and when he had kissed her head, he softly spoke, saying, " This 37 damsel's shall be the womb which shall conceive a son who by 39 his glory, and liberality, and wisdom, and valour, shall surpass all kings that have been before him or that shall come after him, in that he would deliver Lankfl from the fear of her enemies and bring her under one canopy of dominion, and be the protector of her religion, and adorn her throne with his many virtues." And the king, who prided himself in his race, gave not his 40 younger sister to wife unto the king of Cola, even though he had entreated him often. But he sent forth and brought hither a 41 prince of Pandu, born of a pure race, and bestowed on him his younger sister, the princess Mittd. And she bare three sons, 42 Mdn6bharana, Kittisirimegha, and Siri Vallabha. And the 43 princess Subhaddd did the lord of the land give unto Vira Bdhu to wife, and Sumittd unto Jaya Bahu, with great pomp. Unto 44 Md,nd,bharana he gave his daughter Ratandvali, and unto the prince Kittisirimegha gave he the princess Lokandthd. And 45 " This was the lady who subsequently fought hard for the independence of Rohana, but was subdued and led captive to Polonnaruwa by Par&krama B&hu's general. See chap. LXXV. 10^ THE MAHAvAlgraA. after the death of his daughter Riipavati he gave unto Siri Vallabha the princess Sugald. 46 Now, three princes, kinsfolk of the queen, by name Madhu- ]vannava, Bhfuiardja, and Balakkdra, came hither from Slhapura. 47 And the king saw them and was filled with great joy, and gave unto each of them wherewith they might live according to their 48 rank. And they lived according as it pleased them, gaining the goodwill of the lord of the land from whom they had received 49 many favours and benefits. And the king gave Sunari, the youngest sister of these princes, unto his son Yikkama £&hu to 50 wife, being desirous to establish his race. And to increase the prosperity of his family he gave afterwards the princess Lilavati* also to wife to Yikkama Bahu with a great portion. 51 Thus did this chief of men, who possessed great riches in abundance, and was full of. loving-kindness, strive after the welfare of his kinsfolk in the paths of justice. Thus endeth the fifty-ninth chapter, entitled " The Patronage (of Relations)," in the Mah^va^isa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. NOTE A. TuBNOUB has translated this chapter (see his translation, Appendix V.) "as a specimen of the style in which a subsequent portion of the Mahavagsa is composed by a diiferent author," and that "he might draw attention to another instance of the mutual corrobo- ration afforded to each other by Professor Wilson's translation of the Hindu historical plays and this historical work." It may not be out of place, therefore, to subjoin his translation here, although it contains several grave errors, almost amounting to a distortion of facts, which may be attributed partly to the incorrectness of his manuscript text. A comparison of the two translations with the text will clearly show where the mistakes occur. Tdknoor's Translation of the Fiptt-ninth Chapter. He (Wijayabdhu) for the security of La^k^ (ugainat invasion) placed trustworthy chiefs at the head of paid troops, and slatiooed them round the sea-coast. On the proper caste he imposed the task of making the requisite repairs and embellishments to the palace and other public edifices (at Anur&dhapura), in order that be might celebrate his inauguration ; and having during a period of three months assembled *' She as well as Sugald (v. 45) appear to have been his granddaughter^. Vide VT. 27, 28. CHAPTER LIX. 105 there and exacted allegiance from all the provincial chiefs from -whom allegiance was due, departed for Fulatthinagara. A certain " A.nd6ti" chief, previously known in the Malaya division hy the name of Balanayako, ia his infatuation, announced himself in the most public manner an uncompromising enemy to the ruler of the land ; and collecting the whole of his forces, approached, with hostile intent, a village in the suburbs of the capital. The monarch of Laqka hasten- ing thither, and completely extirpating that faction, returned to Fulat- thinagara, and incorporated that force with his own. This wise and- virtuous prince, when he held the dignity of sub- king for seven years, causing to be recorded the* ; and thereafter having repaired to, and observed, at Anur&dhapura all the prescribed state forms, and celebrated his inauguration with the utmost pomp, occupied himself in the exercise of his royal prerogatives. He caused it to be registered, as a record to be perpetually preserved, that the period during which he was involved in sinful acts (in warfare) and had devoted himself to pious deeds (in the peaceful administration of his kingdom) amounted (then) to eighteen years. Departing from thence, he established himself at Fullatthinagara, and became celebrated under the title of Sirisanghabddhi. Assigning to his younger brother Wirabahu the office of sub-king, and placing him in the administration of the southern division, he duly supported him. The monarch, conferring also the office of " adipado " on his younger brother Jayabdhu, placed him over the Rohana division; and having bestowed on all his officers of etate appointments propor- tioned to their merits, he took steps for defining relationships (and pedigrees) in the kingdom. This just and benevolent monarch re-established the administration of justice, which had been neglected for a long period, on the most equitable principles. While this sovereign was thus, in the full exercise of his royal power, eradicating those foes who, like unto thorny bushes, had possessed tliemselves of LagkS,, the Chhatagdhdkandtho, the Dhammag^hakand- yako, as also the Setthin&tho, who were three brothers, becoming hostile to the raja, flying from him, repaired to the Jambudip6. After the lapse of nineteen years they returned to Lagkd. All these persons quickly seduced the Eohana as well as the Malaya division, and all the southern provinces, from their allegiance. The accomplished warrior (Wijayabahu) hastened to the Rohana and Malaya divisions, and slaughtered great numbers of the disaflFected inhabitants in those parts. Having thoroughly subdued (those districts) and placed them under the ° The meaning of the omitted word cannot be ascertained, as there is no Commentary to the Mah&wagsa subsequent to the reign of Mahfiseno. 91—87 P 106 THE mahAva^sa. administration of loyal offlcerB, this experienced and powerful (r&ja) himself repaired to the soutliern provinces; sending into the field his trusty brother also, who was as illustrious in descent as himself ; and having then secured his implacable enemies, impelled by resent- ment as mortal as " Mdro " (Death), indiscriminately impaled them ; and having thoroughly established order in Lagka, which was overgrown with the thorns (of disorder), returned to his capital, Pulatthipura. The (ex-) queen named Lildwati, the consort of Jagatipdld, who had been ( carried away captive during the Cholian interregnum and) detained in the kingdom of Chdla, making her escape from her Cholian captivity, together with her royal daughter, embarked in a vessel ; and expeditiously reaching La^ka, presented herself to the monarch. The sovereign having inquired into her pedigree, and knowing that family was of illustrious descent, raised her to the station of queen-consort. This queen bore a daughter unto the raja. The supporter of royalty con- ferred on her the name of Yasddhara. The raja bestowed this daughter, together with the province of mountains and torrents (Malaya) on Wirawammo. She gave birth to two daughters : of these two daughters, the eldest was named Samana, she was as bountiful as the earth ; the younger was called Sugala. This r&ja, intent on the perpetuation of the line from which he was himself descended, caused (also) to be brought from the kingdom of Kdlinga a daughter of the reigning monarch of Kdlinga, named Tti6ka- Bundari, lovely in person, and most amiable in disposition, and installed her (likewise) in the dignity of queen-consort. She had five daughters, viz., Subhaddd, Sumitta, Lokanathd, Ratndvali, and Rupawati ; and a son named Wakkamahdhu, endowed with the indications of eminent prosperity. She so entirely captivated and engrossed the rdj a's afiections, that among all the ladies of his palace none but her, who was as illustrious in descent as himself, could succeed in becoming enciente to him. At a subsequent period, on a certain day, while surrounded by his ministers, he assembled his daughters, and ranged them in order according to their seniority. Overlooking the other daughters, this (monarch), who was versed in fortune-telling, fixed his gaze on Rat- ndvali, who, he discerned, was endowed with the signs of good fortune and with a womb of fecundity. Overpowered by the impulse of his affections, clasping her to him, and kissing her on the crown of her head, he poured forth these endearing expressions : " Her womb is destined to be the seat of the conception of a son, who will be supremely endowed with the grace of dignity, as well as with benevolent and charitable dispositions ; with firmness of character, and energy in action ; with the power of commanding the respect of men, and of con • trolling all other tnonarcha ; he will be destined also to sway the regal CHAPTER LX. 107 power, by reducing Laykd, which will be overrun by foreign enemies, under the dominion of one canopy ; and blessed will he be with all prosperity. The T&ja refused to bestow his daughter, who was the pride of his race, on the reigning king of Ohola, who earnestly sued for her ; and sending for a prince of the royal family of Pdndu, which was already connected with his own, married him to his younger sister, the princess Mittd. She gave birth to three sons, Mdodbharano, Kitti Sirim^gho, and Siriwallabho. The ruler also wedded, in great pomp, Subhada to Wirabahu, and Snmitta to Jayabdhu, He bestowed Ratndwali on Mdndbharano and Lokandthd on Kitti Sirimdghd. Of his remaining daughters, he bestowed the one named Bupavati, as well as the princess Sugald,* on Siriwallabho. At that period there were three royal princes, the relations of queen Tildkasundari, who had come over from Sihapura, whose names were Madhukannawo, Bhimaraja, and Balakkaro. The ruler of the land having received them, and become favourably impressed with them, conferred on them, severally, stations worthy of them. All these three persons, in the full enjoyment of royal favour, and entirely possessed of the con- fidence of the monarch, resided where they pleased. Bent on the preservation of the purity of his house, he bestowed on his son Wikka- mabahu, Sundari, the younger sister of this princess ; and, devoted to the interests of his house, he subsequently also gave unto (his said son) Wikkamabahu the amiable princess Lildwati with a suitable provision. Thus this monarch, endowed in the utmost perfection with all regal prosperity, and blessed with a benevolent disposition, seeking the advance- ment of his own connections, regulated his government on principles conducive to their aggrandisement. The fifty-ninth chapter in the Mahavanso, entitled " The Patronage (of Relations)," composed equally for the delight and afiliction of righteous men. CHAPTER LX. ND the king chose him men from all the great families according to custom, and set them to guard his person. And in the city of Pulatthi he built a strong wall of great height, and ornamented it with plaster work, and protected it with towers built thereon, and with a deep moat round about it of great length and breadth, so that an enemy could not easily break through it. o The granddaughter is here called a daughter. 108 THE mahAva^sa. 4 Moreover, the king, being minded to establish the religion, and seeing that the monks were less in number than that required 5 for performing the rite of ordination, sent messengers with gifts to the Ramafina* country unto his friend the king of Anuruddha. 6 And when he had brought from thence monks, elders of the church, who were endued with great piety and virtue, and were 7 well skilled in the Pitakas, this chief of men made oiferings unto them of great value, and caused monks to be enrobed and to be 8 ordained in great numbers. And the Three Pitakas, with their commentaries, he caused to be read always, so that the religion of the Conqueror, which had been darkened throughout La^kd, began now to shine forth. 9 He caused also a greait many vihdras of exceeding beauty to 10 be built in divers parts within the city of Pulatthi, and caused 11 monks of the three brotherhoods to dwell therein, and satisfied 12 them greatly with the four things that were necessary for a 13 monastic life. And as he was wholly devoted to the three sacred objects, he built a vihdra, and embellished it with a gate of pillars and a wall and a moat, and adorned it with a noble house of five stories. He varied it also with fine rows of dwel- lings round about it, of great beauty, and an excellent spacious, shining gate, which was always full of people. And when he had built this vihdra he gave it unto the monks who dwelt in 1 4 the three brotherhoods. Moreover, he dedicated thereto the whole country, Alis&raka, together with the chiefs of the people who 15 dwelt there, that so the monks might obtain cooked food for themselves. He caused many hundreds of monks to dwell there, and provided them always with great offerings of the four things needful for a monastic life, 16 He made also a beautiful sanctuary of great value for the Tooth-relic, and held a great festival daily in honour thereof. 17 And he shut himself every morning against his people, and made a translation of the Dhamma Saggani within the beautiful hall 18 of preaching. He was wont also to make divers offerings of perfumes, flowers, and other things, with dancing and the like thereof, and to bow down his head and to worship the great 19 Buddha with much devotion. And as he was a generous giver, he delighted many wise men from India by making gifts to them without any distinction. « The Provinces situated between Araocan and Siam. CHAPTER LX. 109 To those also who preached the sacred doctrine he made divers 20 offerings, because he loved the goodness thereof, and caused them to discourse thereon. Three times did he cause alms to be 21 given to the poor, equal in value to his weight in the balance ; and the sabbath day he observed in a very holy manner. The 22 Daudissara* alms gave he also every year, and caused the Three Fitakas to be written and given unto the Order of Monks. And 23 many times honoured he the great Bodhi of India, by sending gifts thereto of gems and pearls and precious things. Now, there came unto this country messengers from the kin^ 24 of Kanndta and the king of Cola, bearing rich gifts ; and the 25 king saw them and was greatly pleased therewith, and did unto them both what was needful. Of the two bodies of messengers 26 he first sent back those that came from Kannata together with his own servants, carrying gifts of great value for the king of Kannata. But when the Sinhalese messengers arrived at the 27 dominion of the king of Cola he cut off their ears and their noses in anger, and utterly deformed them. And the men who had thus been brought to ugliness returned 28 and told the king of all that the Cholian had done unto them. And the king's anger was greatly kindled, and he went into the 29 midst of the assembly of his ministers, and sent unto the Tamil messengers, and gave this message unto them to be delivered unto the Cholian, saying, " Set we apart our armies in either 30 island and make a trial of the strength of our arms in single com- bat between us in the midst of the ocean, or, if it please thee better, 3 1 let us array our armies in battle, either in my kingdom or thine, according as it pleaseth thee, and let the strife be there." (And then he turned and spake to the messengers, saying,) 32 " Remember that ye deliver this my message to your master the king in the self-same words that I have uttered it." And when he had thus spoken, he caused the messengers to be clad in women's apparel, and sent them with all speed to the Cholian 33 king ; and himself took his army and set out for Anurddhapura. And he sent the two captains of his army to Mattikdvdta-tittha 34 and Mah^thittha, that they might go to the Cola country and carry on the war. And when these captains were making 35 ready ships and provisions for the army that was to be sent to the Cola country for the war, in the thirtieth year of the king's 36 * Instituted by Kassapa V. (See chap. LII., v. 3.) 110 THE MAhAvA^SA. reign, the forces that were called Velakkdras* wished not to go 37 thither, and rebelled like unto furious elephants, and killed both the captains, and laid waste the country round about, and took 38 the city of Pulatthi. Being puffed up with success, they took also the king's sister captive with her three sons, and hastened 39 and burnt the king's palace with fire. And the king (who then dwelt at Anur^dhapura), made haste and departed from the city for the southern country, and placed all his treasures in the 40 mountain Vdtagiri. And together with Vfra Bahu, the sub-king, who was fall of courage like unto a lion, and with a mighty host 41 of fighting men that followed him from all sides, he returned to the city of Pulatthi and gave battle, and speedily drove away the 42 rebellious hosts that came against him. And he took the chiefs of the rebellious forces to the pyre where the remnants of the 43 bones of the two captains were lying, and tied them firmly to posts with their hands behind their backs, and burned them with fire, 44 the fiamea whereof blazed all around. Moreover, the king laid waste the lands of the haughty nobles who dwelt there, and thus wholly delivered the soil of Lapka from the thorns of danger. 45 Furthermore, the king forgot not the resolve that he had made to fight the Oholian king, aad made ready an army in the five 46 and fortieth year of his reign, and marched with it to the seaport 47 and abode there for some time awaiting his approach. But, seeing that the Oholian king came not thither, he sent messen- gers unto him, and returned to the city of Pulatthi and dwelt there a long time. 48 And he repaired the tanks Mahdheli, Sareheru, Mah4dattika, 49 Katunnaru, Pandav&pi, Kallagallika, Erandagalla, Dighavat- 50 thuka, Mandavdtaka, Kitta, Aggabodhipabbata, Yaldhassa, 51 Mahaddragalla, Kumbhila-sobbha, Pattapds^na, Edna; and many others also, of which the bunds had been destroyed, he caused to be constructed out of his great desire for the welfare of 52 the poor. And so that the water might be retained of the torrents that flowed from the mountains and of the rivers and streams, the lord of the land built embankments also in divers 53 places, and made the country to abound with food. He built also the bund of the channel Tila-vatthuka, which had been breached, and thus filled the Manihira tank with water. " This name occurs several times in the following chapters. I believe it is the name of a body of mercenaries employed by the Sinhalese kings at this period. OHAPTBK LX. Ill And he caused his own queea to be deprived of all honour and 54 privileges, and to be seized by the neck and cast out of the city 55 because that she had hindered the customs which had always been observed without restraint in the vihfi,ras. And by this means did he obtain the forgiveness of the great Order of Monks, and thus proclaim to the world his great regard for the Order. He built also the Dhdtugabbhas at Mahagdma that belonged 56 to the three fraternities, which the Oholians had destroyed, as also those at the two Thiipdrd,mas. ; And at the cremating place of his motherj and also of his 57 father, he built five large dwelling-places for monks, and the like he did also at Budala-vitthi. And he made repairs to the vih&ras Pandavdpi, Pathina, Eak- 58 khacetiya-pabbata, Mandalagiri, Madhutthala Yihdra, Uruvela 59 Vihdra at Devanagara, Mahiyaygana Vihara, Sftalagama-lenaka, Jambukola Vihd,ra, Girikandaka, Kurundiya Vihdra, Jambuko- 60 laka-lenaka, Bhalldtaka Vihara, Paragdmaka, KS,sagalla, Can- 61 dagiri Vihara, Velagdmi Vih&ra, the vihdra at the village 62 MahSsena, and the Bodhirhouse at the city of Anurdhapura. Thus did the king bring into repair these vihdras and many 63 others also, and he granted lands unto them each by each. And saying, " Let no man endure hardship who goeth along 64 the difficult pathway to make obeisance &t the foot-print of the 65 Chief of Sages on the Samanta-kiita rock," he caused the village Gilimalaya, that abounded in rice-fields and other land, to be granted, wherewith to supply them with food. And on the 66 Kadaligdma highway and the Hiiva* pathway he built resting- places, and gave lands unto them each by each, and caused it to 67 be inscribed on a stone pillar, saying, " Let no lord of the land that Cometh hereafter take them away." To the monks that 68 dwelt in monasteries made for their benefit he gave the village Antaravitthi and the village Sa^ghSita and the village Siriman- dagalla ; and to those that lived according to the rule he gave 69 the four things needful for a monastic life. To their kinsfolk also he gave lands for their support. And in the winter he 70 caused the Order to' be furnished with cloaks and fire-pans and divers drugs in abundance. And being a man gifted with great 71 understanding, many a time did he give unto them befittingly all the things that were needful for a monastic life, as well as the eight ordinary requisites. Those villages also, many in number , 72 " U'va. 112 THE MAHAvA^SA. 73 that were given by former kings wherewith to procure cooked food for the monks who dwelt in monasteries built for them, and the lands that were given to those that busied themselves with the work of conducting offerings to the shrines and other places, yea, all those lands that were in the Rohana, did he confirm as 74 before without abatement. This mighty man gave bulls also for the use of cripples, and out of his great compassion he gave rice for ravens, and dogs, and other beasts. 75 And he was a great poet, and gave to many men who made songs wealth in great plenty with gifts of land, that they might 76 possess them from generation to generation. And when the sons of the king's ministers rehearsed before him the songs that they had made, he gave them gifts of money according to their 77 merits. To the halt and the blind he gave lauds to be possessed by each ; and he took not away that which had been granted 78 aforetime to the Dev^layas. To well-born women that were helpless by becoming widows he gave lands and food and raiment according to their necessities. 79 And the king, who was muoh skilled in making songs in Sinhalese, became the chief of the bards among the Sinhalese. 80 And Vira Bdhu, the sub-king, who was much bound to all that was good, rebuilt the Oetiya at the Baddhaguna Vihira that the 81 Cholians had destroyed, and, being a cheerful giver, he afterwards gave lands of great value to that superior vihara, and caused 82 offerings to be made thereat continually. It was even he who built, in the forest that was hard by, a tank of great strength, 83 and plentifully supplied with water. And Yasodhara, the king's daughter, caused a large image-house of great strength and 84 beauty to be built at the Kappuramuldyatana Vihdra. And at the Selantara-samdha Vihara the king's own wife caused a 85 beautiful palace to be built, very lofty and delightful. In those days also many ministers of the kingdom and many of the king's household amassed to' themselves great merit in divers 86 ways. And when the chief of Layka ruled the land in this wise, the sub-king, a man of great sobriety, was subdued by the 87 terrible hand of death. And when the king had fulfilled all the things that were necessary to be done (on his account), he bestowed the office of sub-king on Jaya BAhu, with the consent 88 of the mouks, and after that the office of chief governor on Yikkama B&hu. And when in process of time a son was born 89 unto him, called Gaja Bahu, the king, being mindful of the welfare of his sons, took counsel with his great ministers, and CHAPTER LXI. 113, gave unto him the whole of the Rohana, and sent him thither to dwell there. And he departed thence and made Mahdadgahula 90 the chief city of his province, and sojourned there. Thus did Vijaya Bahu, the ruler of men, hold the reins of 91 government without any fear in his hands for fifty and five years more ; and when he had improved the religion of the land and the country, which was sore distressed by the wicked Tamils, he ascended up to heaven as if to behold the great reward arising from his good deeds on earth. Thus endeth the si.'ctieth chapter, entitled " The Patronage of the State and Church," in the Mahavapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXI. HEN Mittd, King Vijaya BAhu's sister, with her three sons, 1 and the chief officers of State, and the monks who dwelt in the (eight) chief viharas— even all of them — caused 2 no information of the king's death to be conveyed to Vikkania Balm, the chief governor, who then dwelt at Rohana, but took 3 counsel together, and with one mind anointed the sub-king, Jaya Bdhu, king over the kingdom of Lapkd. And they all trans- 4 gressed the ancient customs and ways, and appointed Prince M^nabharana to the office of sub-king. And the three brethren, 5 the eldest of whom was MAnfcbharana, joined themselves unto the king Jaya Bahu, and forthwith seized and took possession 6 of all the jewels that were considered of great value, even all the pearls and precious stones, and of the vehicles and elephants, and such like also. And, taking the whole army with them, they set ' out from the city of Pulatthi, saying, " We shall soon take Vikkania Bahu cnptive." And when Vikkama Bahu heard these 8 tidings, he exclaimed, " Woe is me that had no opportunity to render my last respects unto my father I But now will I go to 9 the city forthwith and behold the spot where his body was burnt, 10 and ease me of the great sorrow that weighs on my heart." And when the governor had thus determined strongly within himself, he set out from the city with great resolution, taking with him 11 a company of seven or eight hundred fighting men. But while 12 he was yet hastening on his way, he met the great force that was coming, prepared for battle, at the village Fanasabukka in the 91—87 q 114 THE MAhIyA^SA. 1 3 division of Guttahalaka. And he, being the only brave man in his company who knew no fear, fought against them and drove 14 them forthwith on every side. And the three brethren who were discomfited there were roused with pride, and quickly prepared 15 another army, and gave battle in a platee called A'dipadaka-jambn. 16 But he defeated the three of them a second time also. And a third time did he defeat them at Katagdma, and a fourth time at Kdlavdpi, and a fifth time at Uddhana-dvara, and a sixth time 17 at Paijkavelaka. And after he had thus battled with them, and always attained the victory, he went up to the city of Pulatthi 18 with his officers and all his followers. And when he had seen the place where his father was buried, as he had aforetime determined, he was relieved of his great grief and was comforted 19 in spirit. And he abode in the city, and gave unto his officers and to all who had been friendly unto him in the time of his distress, all manner of wealth and offices, to each man according 20 to his merits. And to all his fighting men who had come with him he gave fitting reward, remembering how they had been faithful to him in his troubles. 21 In the meanwhile also, the sub-king M&ndbharana with the rest of his brothers brought the southern district and the Rohana 22 country under their yoke ; and after that, he gave unto Kitti Sirimegha the country of twelve thousand villages,* and 23 commanded him to dwell there. Whereupon Kitti Sirimegha, the chief of the people, went thither and dwelt in the city 24 Mahanagasula, being commanded thereto by his brother. And to the prince Siri Yallabha he gave the country called Attha- 25 8ahassa,t and commanded him to dwell there. Likewise he also went thither and made the village Uddhana-dvara his chief city, 26 and dwelt there and governed the country. But M&ndbharana himself departed to the southern district together with his army, and dwelt in the village Punkhagdma, being known to all men 27 by the name of Vlra Bahu. Now, at that time", the king Jaya Bdhu (who had been routed in battle) and the mother of the three brethren abode with Kitti Sirimegha. 28 Then when a year had passed, Mandbharana and the rest, 29 remembering always the great and lasting defeat and shame which they had suffered in battle from Vikkaraa Bdhu, were roused with a great desire for vengeance, and they said to them- 30 selves, " How doth this man, who hath not been anointed kinv. * Giruwipattu or Giruv&(}olosd&ha ? f Atakalag and Kolonnd K6raUs ? OSAPTER LXI. 115 venture to enjoy the king's country, which belongeth by right only to those whose heads have been duly consecrated?" And being 31 thus carried away beyond measure by envy, they gathered unto them followers, and joined themselves again together to make war. And when the spies of Vikkama B&hu had made known unto 32 him these tidings, he went against them into their own country at the head of a large army, and gave battle at the village 33 Bodhisena-pabbata, which is in the southern country, and defeated the three brethren ; and communing thus within himself, saying, 34 " Now shall I root out all mine enemies," he pursued the enemy hotly as they were fleeing. But they took refuge in the 35 hiding-places of the country of Panca-yojana,t and Vikkama Bahu made haste and entered Kaly&ni with the intent to take them captive. Now, at that time, a certain valiant and furious man, named 36 Vlradeva, who was born in the country of the A'ryas, and was chief of the Pajandipa, landed at Mahatittha with mighty men, 37 thinking that he could take possession of Lapkd. And when 38 tidings thereof were brought to King Vikkama Bahu, he thought 39 thus within himself : " Let everything be rooted out till there shall be no place left in La^ka for the invaders ;" and so he departed from Kalydni and came up to the village Mannara, which was nigh to Mah&tittha. And Viradeva did battle with the king and slew Aiilkanga and 40 others, and the two brothers, the king's sons, and Kitti, the chief 41 of the army, and many others also who were numbered among the valiant men. And he took the commander Bakkhaka alive, 42 and when he had routed the king and his army, he pursued him hotly. And the king fled in terror and came to his own 43 city, and taking what treasure he could find, went straightway to a fortress in the middle of the country abounding with storehouses. § And Viradeva pursued after him, and returned to 44 the city and abode there a few days. Then he went up quickly 45 (into the strong places of the country) to take Vikkama Bahu. But the valiant Vikkama Bdhu sent his great hosts against him, and caused them to give him battle. And he slew Viradeva in 46 a fortress in a great marsh at the village Antaravitthika ; and having thus become the lord of his people, he dwelt in the city of 47 X Pasdun K6raW. § Ko((hasdra a place of security abounding with stores of grain. 116 I'HB MAhAvA^SA. Pulatthi and governed the king's country, although he was not anointed king. 48 Thereafter the three brethren abandoned their desire for war, and went everyone to liis own country, and dwelt there as before. 49 Nor were these four lords of the land able to bring the country 60 under one canopy, even though they strove hard thereto. And because they were imprudent they degraded the nobles and 51 appointed base men in their places, such as they chose. These foolish men gave no heed to religion, neither cared they auglit for their subjects whom the king Vijaya Bahu had prospered in 52 divers ways. The possessions of honourable men also tliey took away by force, even though there was no fault to find in them. 53 And, for their avarice and covetousness, they oppressed their subjects and levied grievous taxes from them, yea, even as the mill extracts juice from the sugarcane. 54 Moreover, the king Yikkama Bahu seized the lands that were dedicated to Buddha and for otlier holy purposes, and 55 bestowed them on his servants. To the strangers that fought for him he gave divers viharas in the city of Pulatthi that were 56 adorned with relics, that they might dwell therein. The gems and other precious things, the offerings of the faithful unto the Almsbowl-relic and the sacred Tooth-relic, took he also by force, 57 as also the perfumes of sandal, aloes-wood, and camphor, and a great number of images of gold, and did with them as it pleased him. 58 Whereupon the brethren of the eight chief vihdras, whom the 59 people regarded as fathers, and the Fa^sukulika brethren that belonged to the two sections, seeing the evil that was being done continually to the religion and the people of the land, were sore 60 grieved thereat, and, taking counsel together, said, " It were better that we should depart from the presence of those who, like the Titthiya unbelivers, work so much evil to the religion of the land." 61 And so they took the sacred Tooth-relic and Almsbowl-relic of Buddha and went to the Rohana, and abode wheresoever they found 62 it convenient for them. Likewise they who were of households of high repute scattered themselves everywhere in convenient places, 63 and lived as if they were concealing themselves. The chief men also, who had been set over the boundaries by the kings of both parties, fell out among themselves, and made war on each other 64 continually. They burnt down many rich villages and made cuttings in tanks which were full of water, and in divers other 65 ways destroyed all the conduits and dams, and hewed down ohaftSiR l:xi1. 117 cocoanut trees and other serviceable trees also. And being at 66 enmity with one another, they so laid waste the country that villages and ancient places could not be recognised. These kings 67 brought evil also upon their people by causing their hired, servants to wander about the land, plundering the villages and robbing on the highways. The servants and labourers also of 68 the great men of the land, fearing nothing, defied their masters, 69 and, because tbey were in the favour of the kings and received offices from them, armed themselves with weapons and waxed 70 very powerful. And the inhabitants of Samanta-kiita and many other strongholds gave not unto the kings the taxes that were 71 paid in former times, but, heeding not their kings, they waxed rebellious and lived in their own places, puffed up with pride. So that it might be said of the whole country of Lapkd (from 72 north to south and from east to west), " They who love ruin and destruction are wandering over the land." Thus lived these lords of the land, transgressing all the 73 established customs of the country. Like greedy owners of the land they were always cruel. Their hearts were wholly bent on evil. They felt not the dignity of kings ; and though placed in high offices of trust, wherein they might seek their own good and the good of otliers, yet lacked they even noble ambition. Thus endeth the sixty-first chapter, entitled " An Account of the Lives of Four Kings," iii the Jilahdvagisa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXIL 9 ND it came to pass that King Jaya BS,hu* and his queen ^ Mittd died while they yet dwelt at Bohana ; and Sugald, ^ the wife of Siri Vallabha, gave birth to two children, namely a son, M4nabharana, and a daughter, Lllavati. Likewise ^ the queen Batai]dvali,t the consort of Mandbharana, had two daughters, Mittfi, and Pabhdvati. And the chief governor Vira 4 Bdhu (Man&bharana), seeing that he had only two daughters (and no sons), thought in this wise : " We who are descended from the ^ pure race of the Moon, which is considered by the whole world * Ex-king. f Daughter of Vijaya Bihu (see chap. LIX., vv. 34 — ^39) and wife of Mipdbhannja, who is ilso called Vira B4hu. 118 THE mahAva^sa. 6 as the head of the generation of all kings, are indeed placed in a very enviable position, being full of all power and might, expert in various arts, and skilful in the management of horses and 7 elephants. Nevertheless, we three (brothers) have been again and again defeated and humbled in battle by Yikkama £&ha, 8 even by him singly ; and yet there seemeth not any likeli- hood of the coming to us of a son, who would be able to wipe 9 off this stain. Alas, how grievous is our lack of fortune I What doth it profit me a kingship stained with the reproach of the 10 world! Now, therefore, it seemeth good that I should give up my attachment to the pleasures of State, and spend my days diligently in the performance of good deeds." Having thus communed with himself, he gave up all the business of the 11 kingdom to his ministers, and lived there (in quietness) for seven or eight months. And one day, wrapped in serene thought, after keeping the holy precepts, he lay down to sleep in the 12 temple of the king of the gods.* And lo ! in the early hours of the morning the king saw in a dream an angel of great majesty, 13 arrayed in gorgeous apparel, adorned with scents and flowers, of exceeding great size, like unto the sun that has ascended up to the sky, making every side radiant with the glory of his body. 14 And he spake unto the king, saying, " Hail, lord of the land, who art favoured by fortune ! Rejoice and be exceeding glad. 15 For ere long there shall be born unto you a noble son, endued 16 with marks of greatness, able to accomplish all his desires, refined 17 in mind, whose glory and dominion will be spread throughout the vault of heaven, resplendent with power and fame and glory, a mine of virtue, and one who shall raise up his people and the religion of the land. Now, therefore, arise and go quickly into 18 the city where thy wife and thy children dwell." Thereupon the chief of men awoke with a feeling of great joy, and when the 19 dawn succeeded the night he returned to Pu^kha-gdma. And the king told the pleasant dream, just as he had seen it, to the 20 queen and to his ministers. And he lived with his queen, expecting a son of great renown, and heaped up good deeds of divers kinds by bestowing alms and observing the precepts of religion, 21 And again it came to pass that one day while it was yet dawn , 22 he saw in a dream a lovely young elephant, tame and wholly white, and endued with every mark of beauty. And it seemed CHAPTER LXU. 119 to him as if he were leading it fondly into the bedchamber of his queen. Having seen this, he awoke and rose from his 23 stately bed, and, with a heart full of pleasure and joy, entered 24 the queen's bedroom at that very instant, and told her the dream just as he had seen it. Thereupon the queen spake to 25 him and said, " I also have seen in a dream a young elephant 26 like unto it, walking round my bed, and I caught him by his trunk and drew him up to my bed and fondly embraced him." Having told each other all that which they had seen, they 27 remained awake until the break of day. And in the morning, 28 when the household Brahman came to minister, and the sooth- sayers also, they (the king and queen) inquired of them (the meaning of the dream) ; and when they heard the dreams they were glad, and interpreted them saying, " Of a surety there 29 will be born to you ere long a son richly endued with marks 30 of good fortune." And when the king and his ministers and the citizens heard this (interpretation), they all joined in a great 31 festival of joy. From that time forth the king looked for the promised favour, and caused many prayerful blessings* to be pronounced on him by the Order of Monks. And he daily gave 32 away, in divers ways, unto the poor, at the gate of charity, gifts of exceeding great value, such as gems, pearls, and the like. He also caused Brahman priests, who were versed in the Vedas 33 and Vedafigas, to perforin the religious rites, such as Homaf and the others that were regarded as acts that bring blessings on men. Moreover, he appointed the king's workmen to repair 34 the viharas and relic- chambers that had been much decayed and the tanks that had been ruined. And thus, while the king 35 was spending his days in the performance of good deeds, a noble child was conceived in the womb of the queen. And the king, 36 having been informed thereof, rejoiced, and was exceeding glad, and took great care of her during the period of her pregnancy.^ And when the full time of her delivery had come, she brought 37 forth a son at a lucky hour when the stars were favourable. And straightway every region of the country was filled with 38 gladness, and sweet and gentle and cooling winds blew every- where ; and the courts of the palace resounded with the 39 trumpeting of the elephants and the neighing of the horses, and o Paritta. t Oblations to the gods. % Gahbha-pariHrari. This is probably the same as the Garbha-lambhana and other rites of the Grihya rules. 120 THE mahIva^sa. 40 were filled with great noise and confusion. And when King 41 Mdndbliarana belieid the various marvels that had beeo mani- fested unto him, he stood amazed ; hut when it was told him, soon after, of the birth of his son, he was filled with a fulness of joy, even as if he had been anointed with the oil of immortality. 42 He then ordered a great many captives who were shut up in prison to he set free, and caused alms to be given in great plenty 43 to Monks and Brahmans. And the inhahitants of tlie city, led 44 by the king's ministers, adorned the whole capital with arches of plantains and in divers other ways, and, attired in their best robes and ornaments, they kept up a great and joyous feast 45 for many days. Moreover, the king, having observed all the 46 ceremonies regarding the prince that were connected with the birth of children, in the manner set forth in the Yeda, sent unto the household Brahmans and others who were skilled in divination by signs. And when he had treated them with much 47 kindness and respect, he commanded them to examine the signs on the body of the prince. And they examined all the signs on the hands and feet and other parts of the prince's body with great care, and then, in the presence of the ministers that 48 were assembled together, with great joy they declared thus 49 unto the king and queen: "This prince hath power to subdue not only the island of L.agkd, but even the whole of India under the dominion of one canopy, and to enjoy it withal." Then 50 when he had again gratified them with presents and shown them kindness, the king questioned them further, whether there appeared any evil whatsoever that might happen to the child. 51 And they answered and said, " The prince will have a long life ; but there is a conjunction of stars that of a certainty meaneth 52 evil to the fatlier." Thereupon the king gave unto the child the name of Purakkama-Bahu, which signified that he would have an arm endued with strength to humble his enemies. 53 And as he had a knowledge of rites and ceremonies, he caused the due performance of the feast of boring the ear and the feast of feeding the child with rice to be held according to the custom, 54 and sent his messengers unto the king Vikkama-Bdhu at Pulatthi to convey unto him the tidings of the birth of his son. 55 And Yikkama-Bdhu, having heard from them about the great good fortune that was foretold concerning tlie son of his fair sister, and the evil that was in store for the father of the child, spake 56 these words: " He hath begotten unto me a fortunate nephew, who will be like a sparkling central gem in the chain of kings OHAPTBR LXIII. 121 . beginniDg with Vijaya. Let the prince therefore grow np here, 58' even with me, so that no evil befall him. For this my son , Gaja-Bahu is nowise able to acquire that which he has not gotten, or to retain that which he has got. And Mahinda, my 59 other son, although he posaesseth valour and other virtues, is not meet to succeed me in the kingdom, being inferior in rank on his mother's side. Therefore, of a surety shall my nephew 60 become the heir to my kingdom, which teemeth with riches that have been heaped up by me." And, with his mind full of 61 such thoughts," he sent messengers with presents of princely ornaments and other valuable gifts to fetch the young prince. And the king Vfra-Bdhu (Manabharana) having heard every- 62 thing from the mouth of the messengers, said anto himself: " The words that he hath spoken are the words of truth and wisdom, intended to profit me ; nevertheless it doth not behove 63 me to part with a son begotten of my body, that so I may turn aside the evil that impendeth on me. Moreover, if the prince 64 be removed thither (to Pulatthi) the party of Vikkama-Bdhu 65 will, like a fire that burneth stronger before a fierce gust of wind, shine forth with an exceeding great blaze of glory, and our house will of a surety sufiFer, in every wise, a great loss." Having pondered thus within himself, he withheld his son from 66 the messengers that came to fetch him, and dismissed them after that he had gladdened their hearts with gifts of great value. And that lord of men (M&ndbharana), while he dwelt there 67 in peace and harmony with his wife and his children, was smitten with a severe disease, and quitted his body and kingdom together. Thus endeth the sixty-second chapter, entitled " The Birth of the Prince," in the Mah&vaysa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. OHAPTBR LXIII. j]HBN the two other brothers, having heard of the death of 1 their eldest brother MAndbharana (Vira-Bfchu), made haste each from his own country, and caused the last funeral rite to be performed. And Kitti Sirimegha took posses- 2 sion of his elder brother's country, and calling his younger brother 3 gave unto him the two other countries, and commanded him to dwell there. So he (Siri Vallabha) hearkened to the request of 91—87 R 122 THE uahAvai^sa. 4 his elder brother, and went to the city Mahfin&gakula with the queen Batan^vali and her two daughters, and lived there peace- 5 ably ; and when the ceremony of the tonsure had been performed 6 on the prince, he brought him up with great care. Thereafter, being desirous of giving the queen's eldest daughter Mitta to wife unto his son, he took counsel with his ministers, saying, 7 " It is indeed true that princes sprung from the race of Kiliyga have, more often, attained to the sovereignty of this island again 8 and again. Now, should the queen (Ratandvali) secretly send 9 her daughter to be given to wife to Gaja-Bdhu, who is of the house of Edlipga, he would wax stronger by the marriage, and • 10 this my son would utterly become helpless. Wherefore, if this princf ss be given unto my son to wife, then of a surety shall 11 prosperity attend us." And the queen, who was an ornament of the race of the Sun, having heard all these things, wished not to 12 agree thereto, and spake these words unto the king : " When the prince Yijaya slew all the evil spirits and made this island of Lank& a habitation for men, from that time forth came the race 13 of Yijaya to be allied to us, and we gave not in marriage save 14 unto those born of the race of K&li^ga ; and so long as there 15 remain princes born of the race of the Moon, how can an alliance take place between us and this prince, who is only known unto 16 us as an A'ryan, albeit born of you?" Nevertheless, even though the queen withstood him in divers ways, he forcibly gave 17 the princess to his own son* to wifej and thenceforth, walking in the footsteps of his wife who was distinguished for her manifold virtues, he gained the goodwill of all the people, and lived with his father. 18 And it came to pass that Yikkama Bdhu died after he had enjoyed the kingdom for one and twenty years, and passed away to the other world according to his deeds. 19 Then Gaja-Bdhu took possession of the rich kingdom filled with troops and chariots, and abode in the city of Pulatthi. 20 And the tidings thereof having reached the ears of the kings Kitti Sirimegha and Siri Vallabha, they took counsel with each 21 other in this wise : " It seems no disgrace to us that Yikkama- Bdhu, by reason of his seniority and for divers other reasons, had 22 assumed the office of chief king ; but, surely, it is not meet that we should look on complacently while his son, the young prince, r ' ...... — - , ,,..,, ... __ ^ ^ M&n&bhara^a. See chap. LXII., y. %, OHAPTBK LXIII. 123 taketh upon him the government of the chief kingdom. There- 23 fore it is right that we should wrest the kingdom from him before his throne is established." Thinking thus within them- 24 selves, they spread disaffection throughout the whole Velakkara 25 army* by distributing money among it. And so it came to pass that, save a few of the servants who were in the king's favour, the inhabitants of the land were displeased with king Gaja-Bdhu, and sent secret messengers in many ways unto the two kings, saying, " We who are all of one mind will strive 26 to gain the kingdom for you, if you would only help us." There- 27 upon the two brothers made haste and got ready each his own army and invaded Gaja-Bahu's country on both sides, and sent 28 messengers unto him (calling on him to give up the kingdom). Then king Gaja-Bahu assembled all his ministers and took counsel together. And they resolved in this wise : " The whole 29 Velakkara army hath openly rebelled, and the two kings have invaded our country (on two sides) ready to give battle. If, 30 therefore, we should first speedily crush the stronger of them, the other could be dealt with afterwards." And when he had 31 thus determined he (Gaja-Bahu) took with him all his forces and materiel of war, and went against Siri Vallabha to give 32 him battle. And Siri Vallabha also fought fiercely in battle, even from the morning unto the evening ; but he could not overcome 33 him in the least, and he ceased therefore to fight and hastened back to his own country. And the king Kitti Sirimegha also, 34 having been discomfited by Gokanna, an officer of Gaja- Bahu, went to his own country. And the king Gaja-Bahu suffered no 35 loss whatsoever in this war, and went back to the neighbourhood of the city, and, after he had punished many great chiefs who had showed themselves traitors to him and restored peace to 36 the country, he entered his own city. After that time these three kings lived, each in his own country, 37 in friendship with each other. Thereafter, Parakkama-B&hu, the son of the king (Mdnd- 38 bharaija,, or Vira-Bdhu), having increased in wisdom and prac- tised himself diligently in various arts, and being wise to discern 39 the things that should be done and the things that should not be done, and being gifted with lofty ambition and great good fortune, was not tempted by the pleasure of living with his 40 mother's sister, nor was he enticed by the pleasures of youth. • A body of mercenary soldiers. 124 THE mahAva^sa. 41 So he thought thns : "How can the sons of kings, like anto us, who are endued with courage and other virtues, dwell in the 42 borders of a kingdom such as this? Even now, therefore, shall I go to the land of my birth, which should be the heritage 43 of a snb-king." And then he departed with his retinue and came in due course to the country called Sadkhatthali. And Kitti Sirimegha having heard that he had arrived there, thought 44 in this wise : " Now is my grief allayed, and the loneliness of my heart in that I have not a son to inherit my kingdom. 45 Blessed am I that I can now always behold, as it were, my 46 eldest brother in his son, who is even his own image." And ' being moved by such pleasant thoughts, the king caused the beautiful city to be adorned with arches and in divers other 47 ways, and on a day when the moon and the stars were considered favourable he went to meet him, accompanied by a great 48 multitude of men of might. And when he had beholden the prince, who was gifted with exceeding rare virtues and with a 49 grace of form, he was filled with delight, and tenderly embraced him and pressed him to his bosom, and ofttimes kissed the crown 50 of his head. And in the presence of all the people he shed 61 tears of joy without ceasing, and when he had mounted a beautiful chariot with his nephew, he proceeded to the city, filling every 62 quarter with the noise of drums ; and after he had shown the sights of the city to his brother's son, he entered the royal palace with him. 53 Then the prince received a retinue of footmen, cooks, and servants of divers kinds, and dwelt in ease and comfort in the house of his father's brother, who was pleased with him for his many virtues. Thus endeth the sixty-third chapter, entitled " The Journey to the City of Sankhatthali," in the Mahava^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXIV. ilND when he had arrived at the country of his birth, which was his heart's desire, the prince had his object fully accomplished, and he was freed from all anxiety. 2 And with the help of a higher wisdom, solid like unto a diamond, 3 he quickly gained a knowledge of divers arts and sciences. In religion, in the various systems of laws such as Kocalla and the OfiAtTBR htVf. 'tis like, in the science of words, in poetry, including collections of synonyms and the art of planning stories, in dancing and music 4 and riding, in the use of the sword and the bow, and in such 5 other arts did he perfect himself exceediogly, because he had been thoroughly instructed therein. He always dwelt with his uncle, comporting himself reverently towards him, and conforming his conduct to his desire. At that time the king, 6 being much pleased with the affection, good manners, and other virtues unceasingly manifested by his nephew, lived with him as with a beloved friend, and in divers ways enjoyed with him 7 the pleasures of the park, sports on the water, and other pastimes, and travelled about with him in divers parts of the country. One day (in the course of the king's travels) he came nigh 8 unto a village named Badalatthali, where Saggha Sen&dhipati 9 dwelt, a man of might, strongly devoted (to the king's cause), and who had been set to guard the boundary of the king's dominions. This general, having heard thereof, caused the 10 village to be decorated tastefully, and having gone forth to meet the king and his nephew, bowed down and stood before them. Thereupon both the father and the nephew* spake 11 kindly to him, and, having been much pressed by him, they went to that village. And the king sojourned there a few 12 days, and sent unto the general and spake these words unto him : " My son (nephew) has even now attained his 13 age and is fit for the rite of ir^vestiture-t Therefore it is meet 14 that great preparations should be made for that end." And the general having heard these words, straightway made all prepara- tions for the feast. The king thereupon first made great offerings, 15 such as scents, lamps, and flowers, to the three Sacred Objects for three days, and concluded the ceremony as became the 16 grandeur of the occasion with the help of Brahmans who were versed in the social laws contained in the Yedas ; and then, 17 with his ministers and the prince Parakkama, he commenced to enjoy the great sports and pastimes of (the season of) spring. Ilow at this time the king, Kitti Sirimegha, having heard from 18 • All throughout the narrative the nephew is called 'son ' (putta) and the Uncle ' father.' According to Eiastern usage, a nephew tiila his father's brother ' big-father ' or ' little-father,' as the case may be. f Gpanapana i the investiture -with the sacred thread of the Brahmana, kshatriya, and Vaijya classes, which take place respectively from eight ' to sixteen, from eleven to twenty-two, and from twelve to twenty-four years of age. l26 THE mah1ta:^ba. the mesaengers who had arrived from the Rohana of the death of 19 his brother Siri Vallabha who dwelt there, and the succession to the kingdom of Minabharana, and also of the birth of a 20 son, Siri Vallabha, to the queen Mitt^,* was filled with exceeding 21 great grief at the death of his brother, but was comforted 22 by the tidings of the birth of a son to Mitt4. But he stopped the sports of the season, and, having left the general Sa^kha there, departed for the city of Sa^khathali with his 23 nephew. And he lived happily there with the prince Parakkama 24 for one year, when M6,n&,bharana's second wife, Pabhdvati, brought 25 forth a son who was named Kitti Sirimegha. Then the king Kitti Sirimegha having heard thereof, was exceeding glad, and exclaimed, "Our house has indeed become great !" 26 And the prince, who was destined by the exceeding great merits of his former births to enjoy the dominion of the island of 27 Lagk^ without a rival, valued not, even as much as grass, the 28 great lovingkindness shown to him by his fatherjjas to a dear friend, nor even the faithful services done to him by a great many 29 officers of state ; but, being anxious speedily to make the whole island graceful by bringing it under the canopy of one dominion, 30 thought within himself in this wise: " This islanJ is not very great 31 in extent, although it is highly considered by reason of its being 32 the repository of the relics of the Teacher's hair, collar-bone, neck-bone, tooth, alms-bowl, and of the foot-print shrine, and the branch of the sacred Bodhi, and the four and eighty thousand divisions of the body of the law, which are like unto the Supreme Buddhas themselves : (it is likewise highly prized) by reason of its being amineof divers kinds of precious stones, pearls, and other 33 things of great value. Nevertheless, could not the three kings, my ancestors, nor my uncle bring it by any means under one 34 canopy of sovereignty. They divided the land among themselves and possessed it in portions, thinking that by so doing their work was complete ; they lacked ambition to become' anointed kino-s, 35 as had been the custom in their royal house, but were contented therewith, and busied themselves in husbandry, like villa^'e landlords, each holding authority over his own | portion of the 36 kingdom. And of these men, save my younger father, the rest « The eldest daughter of Batanivali, queen of Mdnibharana. • See chap. LXIII., V. 6. She was forcibly given in marriage to SiriVallabha's son, also called M4n4bharana, v. 16. Siri Vallabha's son, Miijdbharana, appears to have taken to wife both Mitti and Pabhdvati, the daughters of Ratanirali. CHAPTER LXIV. 127 of the three kings have passed a\7ay according to their deeds. Alas I even the most highly favoured life of man in these days 37 is but short. Children, young men, old men, — all these, in their 38 due course, must yield to death. And although this is the law of Nature it is never acknowledged by men. But princes like 39 unto UB should, in every way, renounce the love for a body that is so corruptible and feeble, and that is despised by those who set their minds on what is solid. Yea, rather should we set our hearts on an 40 enviable body of glory that will endure for ever. Moreover, there 41 are written, in the Ummagga Jdtaka and many other books, the great deeds of courage done by the Bodhisatta; in the Bdmdyana, 42 Bh&rata, and other profane stories, the valour of Bamd, the slayer of Bdvand, as well as the feats of strength displayed in the field 43 of battle by the five sons of Pandu who slew Duyyodhana* and the other princes ; in the story of the epics, f the wonderful deeds 44 of Dussantat and of the other kings who distinguished themselves in the olden times in the war of the gods and the demons, and also the power of the wisdom shown by the chief Brahman, 45 Cdnakka, who destroyed the princes of the Nanda race. Yea, all 46 these things that have come to pass in this world have indeed been heard throughout the world, even unto this day, although the doers thereof are not nigh unto us now. Verily, they have profited 47 by their lives who, in this world, have done such deeds of surpas- sing greatness. And if I, who am born of a princely race, would 48 not do a deed worthy of the heroism of kings, my life would be of none avail. They (the heroes of olden times) have surpassed 49 me in one thing, — in that they had the blessing of a long life; but in what respect are they better than me in point of wisdom and other virtues?" And when he had thought thus, he pondered again in this wise : " The king, my father, is now at the point of 50 death, and if it should so happen that the kingdom which belongeth to him should fall into my hands, and that my mind, being drawn 51 away by the pleasures of the oflfice of king, should fall away into habits of carelessness, then would not my heart's desire be fulfilled, and then would my loss be great indeed. But if I 52 remain where I am, and send my spies to spy out the real state of the upper provinces, and if their report satisfy me not as to the 53 • The eldest of the Kaurava princes and the leader of the war against hia Pfindava cousins. The story forms the subject of the Mah4 Bh&rata. •j- Itihdsa-Kathd. X Dussanta, a prince of the Lunar race. Sk. Dushyanta. 128 THE MAHiVA^SA. 54 weak points in the enemy's country, then shall all those men who are assembled round about me set forth before me in divers ways only the greatness of the enemy's strength. They will 55 then say unto me : ' The three kings, your fathers, who each ruled a separate kingdom, joined together and waged a great war seven 56 times, and yet they found it difBcult to reduce the country. How then can it be conquered by a youth who ruleth over but one small 57 kingdom ? It is therefore meet that you should banish from your mind the foolish thought that it is an easy thing to subdue the 58 chief kingdom.' Such words like heated nails would they drive into my ear, and exalt in divers ways the greatness of the upper 59 provinces. But never, in truth, shall I believe all the wor(}s of these foolish men, who speak not knowing the true state of things, 60 I shall therefore depart straightway, on some pretence, to the opposite province, and shall ascertain myself the condition of that country." Having thought thus, he again pondered to himself in 61 this wise : " But if the king my father should know of this 62 resolve of mine, he might stop the journey through love of me, fearing lest, by going to the enemy's country, evil should befall his 63 sou who would add lustre to his noble house; and then my heart's desire will in no way be fulfilled. Therefore, it is better that I should depart in disguise." 64 Thereafter this skilful prince, wlio lacked not cunning and knew how to take advantage of fitting occasions, found the oppor^ tunity one night when his father knew not of his intended journey, and stole out of the house and departed. Thus endeth the sixty-fourth chapter, entitled " The Departure to the Upper Provinces," in the Mahavagsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXV. 11 ND no sooner had he proceeded, with only his arms for his companion, than there arose before him a blast of conch shells. And the prince, who was skilled in divining by signs, heard it, and was glad thereat, regarding it as 3 a sign that his desire would speedily be fulfilled. Then the brave prince, like unto a lion in courage, departed from the 4 city without the knowledge of the guards who were posted in different places, and made haste and travelled over a, distance pf 5 five leagues on the road, and arrived at a village knowa as OHAPTBR LXV. 129 Piligvatthu, which was not far from the village .Badalatthali. For he had before ordered his men to assemble there and to wait 6 on the road for his arrival; but when he found that only a few of those who had received the command had come, the prince exclaimed, " What I Are these the only men who are come ? " 7 And they answered him, saying, " What is this that our lord 8 speaketh, — he who hath an understanding of all the ways of the world, who feeleth not the fear of death? Our lord seemeth 9 to be yet but a child, and his mouth smelleth like as of milk I Surely thou hast not any separate property of thine own that 10 thou hast acquired ; neither is there any other store of materiel to help thee in this enterprise. And who, we pray thee, are thy 1 1 followers, save us who have been long accustomed to thee, and whose faith in thee remaineth yet steadfast? There is one 12 thing, moreover, to be considered : for who knoweth what punishment the king, thy father, will mete out to us (for having joined thee in this matter) ? Then, again, there is the general 13 Sa^kha, and he dwelleth on the borders of the king's country, and is a man of great might and valour. And other enemies 14 have we yet to encounter ; and being few in number, our hearts are sore troubled, distrusting each other greatly, Andlol the 15 dawn is close at hand (and the light of day will betray our journey)." Thus they spake, and one by one made known the fears with which their hearts were troubled. And when the 16 dauntless prince had heard their words, he smiled pleasantly and looked at their faces, and said: "What a strange thing it 17 is that all these men who have followed me so long know me not yet, and are filled with alarm I" Then, in order that he might 18 calm the fear which had taken possession of them, the lion-Iike hero spake unto them with a loud voice like that of a lion, saying, " Let alone all men : while I hold a weapon in my hand, 19 what can Sakka himself, the chief of the gods, do, even though his anger were kindled ? These foolish thoughts have arisen in 20 your minds only because you think that I am too young I What 1 have you not heard that it is power and authority that should be considered, and not age ? Behold, now, I have thought of doing 21 one deed, on this very day, that shall make the men of my country 22 and those of other countries fear and regard me, and that will drive away your fears ; yea, when this night is past, at the dawn shall I show that act of the highest wisdom, might, and valour ; 23 and if there be any fear in you that my father's men will stop my journey, go you forward before me." And when he had 24 91—87 s 130 THE MAHi.VA:(fSA. 25 spoken to them in this wise, the valiant prince was inspired by a 26 strong resolve, and departed from that village taking his weapons with him, and, like unto the disc of another sun that had arisen in the west that it might eclipse the orb of the sun that stood on the top of the eastern mountain, he spread forth a glory which made the eyes of his people to beam with joy like unto clusters of blooming lotuses, and came to the village Bada- latthali. 27 And when the general (Sa^kha) was awakened by the blast of the conch-shell of victory, and when he had heard that the prince 28 had come thither, he went forth to meet him with a large number of followers. And when he had been received kindly, he bent his head reverently to the ground to perform the customary obeisance, 29 whereupon the prince's soldiers, thinking that he should be put to death forthwith because he would be of no assistance to 30 them hereafter, looked up into the prince's face. But the prince considered that it was unmanly to put one to death in whom was found no fault, and that punishment could be inflicted if 31 he should act against him ; and having, therefore, restrained his soldiers by a sign, the lion-like prince took the general by the hand, and spake kind words unto him and accompanied him to 32 his mansion. The general then thought thus within himself : 33 "This prince's journey must have been made without the knowledge of the king. Until, therefore, I can learn the truth thereof, I must keep his followers apart, so that they may have 34 no access to him ; let the prince only abide in my house." And the general did so, and, in order that he might deceive the noble- minded prince, he showed him great hospitality, and meanwhile 35 sent messengers to the king. And when the prince had been 36 informed of the deception that had been practised by the general, he thought thus : " Now, if I remain indifferent in this matter and do not the thing that should be done, then surely will my object not be accomplished. Therefore must this man be first of all put 37 to death forthwith." So he commanded his followers and caused the general to be slain ; and then there was a great uproar, and 38 a cry arose, saying, " The general is slain." Thereupon a certain 39 soldier, who had spent his life in the service of the general, ran furiously with his sword in his hand towards the prince, who was standing alone, saying, " Why has my master been killed? " 40 But when he looked at the prince, he trembled through fear, and, being unable to stand before him, fell down at his feet. 41 But before the prince had time to say "Seize him," an OHAPTEK LXVI. 131 attendant who stood hard by slew the soldier. But the prince 42 was angry thereat, and said, " He hath done an unlawful act, inasmuch as he did it without my order." And he caused him to be duly punished ; and by merely frowning, put an end to the 43 great tumult that then arose. Thereafter the bold and valiant 44 prince, who regarded glory as the greatest wealth and fame as the most solid substance, and who knew well how to reward valour, gave leave to all his soldiers to possess themselves of the exceeding great wealth that had been acquired by the general, according to thfeir desire. Thus endeth the sixty-fifth chapter, entitled " The Slaying of the General," in the Mahdvapisa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXVI. |HIS greatest of far-seeing men then thought thus to 1 himself: "Now, if I should depart hence this very day to accomplish my desire, then would the people say 'The prince has fled through fear.' I will therefore tarry here 2 and see what my father will do because I have so boldly killed his general." And moved by such thoughts, the valiant 3 prince spent a few days at that very place. The general's soldiers and many people of that country were filled with great 4 fear by reason of the murder of the general ; and the people of " the country were not able to remain in their places (through fear and anxiety), but came from all parts and saw the prince, thinking 6 that the king's son had rebelled against his father and slain his general. And the people spake to him, and said, " What service 7 is there that cannot be done to our lord while there are wise and powerful servants like unto us whose faithfulness is great? While the rightful heir yet liveth (in you), how could your uncle 8 venture to possess this kingdom, which belongeth to your father, saying that (his son) the prince (who is the heir) is young ? . Let us go together to the city of Sankhandthatthali and seize 9 the king, and bring him hither with his household and his treasures." And when they had thus firmly agreed among 10 themselves they went (straightway) to the place which was called Padavdrasunnakanda, being all of one mind to seize the kingdom. Whereupon the prince sent thither some of his men H and brought up the leaders of the soldiers into his presence, and 132 THE mahAva^sa. 12 spake unto them, saying, " Think not that I caused the general to be slain from a desire to rebel against my father, and I pray 13 you not to bear any ill-will towards me on that account. Of a certainty I have not come hither having rebelled against my father, the king ; neither do I desire to possess any portion of his 14 dominion. Is it not the duty of sons, like as we are, both to live 1^ without causing displeasure to their aged parents and to defend them from danger that might arise from others, and to minister 16 unto them carefully all the days of our lives ? Wherefore, then, did ye think in this wise?" So he spake, and having removed their doubts this man of great wisdom turned his thoughts to 17 other things that had to be done. And he thought, "Now, if I remain here, where I now am, though it be even for a few days longer, evil men may destroy the love that there is between 18 us, father and son. It is meet, therefore, that I should now de- part hence to fulfil my first resolve, and not tarry here any longer." 19 Having thus determined, the prince departed from the village Badalatthali to go to the village Buddhagdma, which is near unto 20 the rock Siridevi ; but before he had reached the village Siriyala the people of that village, with one accord, fled and dispersed 21 themselves (to various parts of the country). Thereupon the heroic prince, who had followed after them with his men, put on 22 his full armour and walked along the highway; but some daring men made a device to capture him, saying, " How can we be faithful to our lord who giveth us our bread, if we care not that the prince who hath killed his father's general maketh his 23 escape ?" So they followed the prince, and fell upon him un- 24 awares as he yet walked on the road. And the prince, fearing nothing, fought with the sword that he had in his hand, and put 25 them to flight. After that, he who knew no fear, and was endued with great wisdom, took his followers with him and reached Buddhagdma, and encountered not any other danger. 26 And while he yet dwelt there for some days, the people of that country joined together, saying, "We shall capture the prince " ; 27 and so they surrounded that village. And being desirous to com- mence the fight, they ceased not to pour forth a shower of arrows 28 with great determination. Thereupon the soldiers who had come with the prince, saying, " Our lives even shall we sacrifice if it 29 profit us aught," were sore afraid, save the prince's own atten- dants who carried his sword and umbrella, and ran hither and 30 thither even in sight of the prince. And the prince, seeing his soldiers fleeing, laughed and said, "I^ow is there an occasion CHAPTER LXVl. 133 for me to show an act of great courage, for 1 shall terrify theta 31 and|put them to flight with my single weapon." So the prince gave a fierce cry, saying, " Give me my sword." And he had 32 hardly uttered the words, in a deep tone of voice that resounded on all sides like the blast of the conch of victory, which was heard^by the soldiers that were fleeing, when they saw the heads 33 fall of the^bravest leaders of the enemy, who were being cut down (by the prince). Thereupon the soldiers who at first fled rallied and fought with the enemy, who numbered several thousands, and 34 having put thein to flight they surrounded the prince and praised his great valour, and gave him alone all the praise of their victory. Afterwards, while the prince yet dwelt there (at Buddhagdma), 35 he desired to send for Gokanna Nagaragiri, who dwelt at 36 Kdlav&pi, one of king Gaja-BAhu's generals (who guarded the borders), and to learn from him how. he was affected towards his sovereign. And for this purpose he sent to him one of his trusty men with a letter. And when he (Nagaragiri) saw the letter 37 he received it with much humility, and when he had read it he fully perceived how things stood. And because of this prince's exceeding great power he 38 thought it not prudent to disobey the command ; and, utterly 39 disregarding his duty, he waited not to learn the wishes of his own sovereign, but proceeded to Buddhagama and appeared with all reverence before the prince. And the prince spake unto 40 him, and said, " It is known to you how I have come away from the presence of my father, the king, and how I have dared to cause his powerful general to be slain, and how I have displayed 41 marvellous feats of valour before the hosts of enemies who pur- sued me closely and pressed me right hard ; — and hearing these 42 things, you have come before me without even giving a thought 43 to learn the wishes of your king, and without any knowledge beforehand of me, but simply on seeing the messenger and the letter that I sent unto you. In doing thus you have done well." So saying, the great prince felt much pleased, and bestowed on 44 him all the jewels and ornaments of divers kinds that were on him, and a splendid elephant, and to his chief soldiers he gave 45 divers ornaments, earrings, and other things of great value, and ; afterwards sent the chief from his presence, who also received 46 every attention, and was provided with lodging, food, and other things that were necessary, so that he might take rest with his own soldiers. And when the chief had laid himself to rest for 47 the night, he saw there in a dream that he was encompassed, by 48 134 THE mahAva:^sa. savages armed with weapons, and ready to kill him at the command of the prince in the same manner that the general had been killed ; and, being oppressed with the fear of death, 49 he gave a most terrible cry, and fell down from his couch to the ground. And, taking no heed of his own servants who had 50 charge of his sword and umbrella and other things, he left behind him all the fighting men that had come with him (and fled) ; but as he was not able, through fear, to judge even of 51 the way by which he went, he entered into the great forests and wandered about thither, in great bewilderment, until dawn, when he saw the road that leads to Kdlavdpi, and leaving the 52 forest he arrived in haste at his own village. And when his 53 followers heard that their lord had fled, seeing no other safety for themselves, they trembled with great fear, and, throwing 54 away every man his weapons of war, wandered about the woods as bewildered as their master ; but when the morning broke they found their way out and entered Ealavapi in great 55 haste. And when the prince heard the tidings of the general's 56 flight, he smiled thereat and tarried there a few days. At that time, whenever fatigue overcame him, this pleasant story was told him ; and as it was in itself a pleasant thing, it removed the weariness of the prince, for he had a great love for pleasantry. 57 And when Kitti Sirimegha had heard of all these things, he assembled his ministers and took counsel with them. And he .58 spake thus unto them : " The prince has secretly departed from this city, although it has been well watched, and held by nobles, 59 and is full of soldiers. And having afterwards joined himself unto certain vagabonds, they have fled together with other evil-doers, 60 and have slain the most powerful general in my kingdom, and have taken away all the wealth that he had gathered together. 61 And, fleeing from thence, he has slaughtered in many places 62 many soldiers of the province who pursued him. Moreover, it is said that when he tarried at Buddhagdma he ordered up Gokanna Nagaragiri, an officer of king Gaja-B&hu, before him, and reduced 68 him to submission. This is, therefore, not the time to remain indiff'erent to these things ; for if my enemies, profiting by this 64 opportunity, enter into a false treaty with the young prince, whose good fortune is great, and who is rich in wisdom and valour, they might determine to make war, and great will be 65 our misfortune if it so happen. It is meet, therefore, that he should be taken while he is yet in that village, and before he gives himself up to other evil thoughts." CHAPTER LXVI. 135 Having resolved thus, the king called into his presence the 66 two chief officers, Sena and Mahinda, and also the mah41ana,* Devapddamdia Daraka, and to these and other nobles he gave 67 command, saying, " Take with you all the people that are found in 68 my kingdom who live by the use of weapons, and go quickly and bring up the prince by force." And when he had so ordered he sent them thither. Thereupon these men of great might 69 took each his own great company, and approached the village SiriyAla, and there divided themselves into ten companies. The 70 prince also, having heard thereof, thought thus to himself : " I will take my stand at such a stronghold, that so I may be able to compel the army that cometh hither in ten separate com- panies to join themselves together and present themselves as one body ; and then will I quickly root them up." So the hero 71 went to Saraggdma, in the district of Mahdtila. Then the 72 king's ministers, fearing lest the prince should flee from that place and take refuge in the country abounding in great strong- holds and surrounded by hills, and thus make it difficult for 73 them to take him, proceeded together by the same way, even to that very place. And when the prince had heard thereof 74 he was glad, inasmuch as the movement had fallen out as he had desired. And so he allowed the army to advance and to enter (the pass) without putting any hindrance in their way, and placed in ambush, on both sides of it, a great number of 75 his men, well armed, and whose courage failed not. And when 7g the mighty prince had learned that the whole host had entered the pass, he caused a great slaughter of the enemy's men that were skilled in war. And the rest of those who remained 77 threw down their weapons, every one of them, and fled on every side without any desire to renew the fight. And the victorious ^^g prince departed from that place, and, that he might calm the anxiety of his father, returned to the village Bodhigdma. And the brave prince tarried there a few days, and when he ^g had broken up and routed the army that had come up again to q^ do battle by the order of the king, his father, he proceeded from thence to the village Ranambura, in the country of La^kd- pabbata.t And the prince wearied not, but remained there a 01 few days that he might give rest to his soldiers, who were tired by the march. And thus did he think : " All my pursuers have go I defeated and beaten several times, and though they have no <» Chief Secretary {?). f Laggala. 136 THE MAHAyA]>^8A. desire to fight any more, yet do they not go back for fear of 83 the king, my father. And say they, ' The prince does not fall into our hands because he is entrenched in the strongholds.' As the minds of these evil counsellors are full of such false 84 imaginings, I will now issue forth from my stronghold and go to the very place where they now are, and remove that error." 85 And when he had resolved thus, he departed for the village Khlravdpi, where the enemy's hosts were encamped, and entered 86 the country of Ambavana,* and tarried awhile there. And after he had himself learned from the men of that village the spot ■where the enemy was encamped, he marched forth into the village 87 at night. And his men halted without, being unable to break through the fence that surrounded them, which was rendered formidable by reason of its being fortified with sharp, piercing 88 thorns. Then the hero went forward fearlessly and brake the fence, and entered and stood in the midst of the village, and 89 made his name heard throughout it. And the enemy, who had before seen the marvellous valour of the prince, when they heard 90 his deep voice in the midst of them were panic-stricken, and all of them, quite unmindful of their clothing and weapons, fled on all sides like unto a flock of deer when they see a lion among them. 01 And his men, who had entered the village by the same way that he had, killed all such of the enemy as they met in flight, and 92 destroyed the village with fire. Then the prince went straightway 93 to the village Ndvdgiri and rested there until the dawn. There- upon the king's ministers assembled themselves, and spake together concerning the great courage and skill shown by the 94 prince in every battle. They said to one another : " We have now taken with us armies, many thousands in number, saying, 'We shall take the prince speedily after we have destroyed 95 his army.' But on every side in the battle field they have all fled, and we have thereby only proclaimed the glory of the prince. 96 The letters that the king hath now ofttimes sent are full of alarm, and our negligence in this matter will cost the life of 97 the king our kinsman. Therefore, it is not meet that we should let the time pass by without endeavouring in some manner to 98 carry out the king's command. Nay, it is our duty, even by sacrificing our lives, to please our lord whose bread we eat, and 99 to save the life of our kinsman." So all these great hosts, being * Ambana, or Ambokka. CHAPTER hXVI. 137 well armed, marched forth eagerly, like the host of Mdra, on the highway poiated out by the spies. They entered the village 100 by the gates of the four quarters thereof, aad then encompassed the house where the prince dwelt. Because that the country was 101 cold, the prince girded on a red blanket, and amused himself . ; with a game that was suited to youths; and knew only that., the >,} 02 enemy was nigh by the uproar. And when he looked rqnnflf he ' ' saw not even one of his followers about him. , ' Thereupon, he forthwith fastened his hair-knot firmly, and 103 wrapped himself closely in the blanket that he had girded himself with, and, takiag his sword in his hand, he gave a terrible look and entered into the midst of his enemies, like unto a lion. i04 among the elephants, and forthwith put them all to flight on every side. Then he called to the men who had followed him, 105 and who had entered the forest through fear of the great tumult, and, bringing them together, spake to them sayiog, " If there 106 be any doubt in the mind of the king, our foe, as to the reason of my coming hither after I had left the king, my father, the 107 slaughter of the general and all the deeds that followed it should suflSce to remove that doubt. It is time now to go to the opposite country." Aad when he had resolved thus, the prince 108 proceeded on hi8Jouraey,and at the place Porogdhali-Khandhaka he washed his hand with water and thereby released it from the hilt of his sword, to which it had cloven by reason of the hardened blood ; and he put off the blanket that he wore, and 109 took a change of raiment, and, having enjoyed the pleasure of rest for a while, he crossed over the boundary of the kingdom of the 110 king, his father, and entered a place called Janapada in. the kingdom of Qaja Bahu, and stayed there a few days, enjoying the HI divers pastimes and amusements for which that country was famous. And when the king Gaja Bahu had heard from the mouths 112 of his body-guards of the manner of the prince's coming, he was greatly troubled, and, taking counsel with his ministers, 113 determined on what was meet to be done. And he sent unto him garments and jewels and other gifts, with a message saying, " My heart overfloweth with exceeding great joy because that I ] 14 have heard of your departure from the presence of the king, my 115 uncle, and of all the wonderful courage that you have shown on your way hither, and how you have come and entered into a place in my dominions. What kinsfolk are there to you on your 116 mother's side save me? Of a surety, therefore, your sight is to 91—87 T 138 THE MAHAVA^SA. 117 me like a feast of the coronation. My uncle, the king, who is now in his old age, maketh not a jewel of a son like unto you 118 his greatest treasure, bat by some evil or mistaken policy hath sent you to me ; wherefore do I indeed consider it the beginning 119 of my great good fortune. Now, if we are both firmly knit together (in the bonds of peace and unity), what enemy will dare 120 to approach us with the intent to make war against us ? Yea, even now will my glory become great indeed in every way, even 121 like unto the fire that is fanned by the wind. And as soon as it shall be that we have the pleasure of beholding each other, it will not be hard for me to place the son on the throne of his father. 122 Wherefore, tarry not long on the road, but hasten to come and see me." With these words did he send messengers unto him. 123 And when he had heard these things from the messengers, the prince, who was endued with an exceeding great power of judging what was right and wrong, thought thus : "Verily, it is hard, 124 in every way, to fathom the wiles of princes. It is meet, there- fore, that I should go to Gaja Bahu after that I have learned somewhat more regarding his designs." So he sent along with the king's messengers a crafty soldier from among his own men, 125 Nimmala by name ; and the prince having learnt from him how the king and his ministers were truly disposed towards him, proceeded to the neighbourhood of the city of Pulatthi. 126 Then king Gaja Bahu went forth to meet him, surrounded by 127 his army, and was received with great respect ; and as he was overcome by the fulness of his joy he made the prince to mount the elephant on which he himself rode, and after that he had shown him all the beautiful sights of the city (as he passed 128 through it) entered the royal palace together. And the prince spent many days in the palace, and praised all things greatly, and showed forth to all men the great delight that he felt 129 because that he had seen the king. And so that he might know 130 to a certainty those who were faithful from those who were unfaithful among the subjects of the king, he chose faithful men of his own, who were skilled in all expedients and were 131 familiar with the languages of many countries. From among them he (the prince), who was skilled in devising devices, appointed some who were experts in the science of poison to 132 go hither and thither in the disguise of snake-dancers, and some of physiognomists, and some of musicians, wearing the garments 133 of Oandalasand Brahmans. From among the Tamils and other strangers he chose such as were skilled in singing and dancing, CHAPTER LXVI. 139 and induced them to assume the guise of such as wander about displaying puppet-shows and other sports. Some also he 134 appointed to walk about disguised as pedlars, taking with them as merchandise rings and bangles and other ornaments made of glass. He made some to carry umbrellas, staves, and other 135 things needful to hermits, and, causing them to take the guise 136 of devout ascetics, sent them forth to wander from village to village, as if they made pilgrimages to shrines. He commanded 137 others who were skilled in healing diseases to go about the villages and towns practising as physicians. Likewise also he 138 commanded those who were versed in teaching the young the knowledge of letters and arms, and those who were versed in alchemy, those also who were sorcerers, and many who were 139 cunning in working in gold and other metals, to betake themselves to their trades and to wander about the country. And as he 140 himself desired to know the true feeling of them that dwelt without the city, he feigned himself to be fond of talk, and spake to all men whom he met with ; and when it happened 141 that he was in the company of those who constantly found fault with the king, he showed himself like as if he were dull of understanding by reason of his youth and inexperience. Thus 142 did he find out from among the chief ministers and the king's soldiers those who were puflFed up with pride and those who were kindled with anger and resentment, those who lacked courage and those who were greedy of gain. And the spies, who were well versed in the folklore of the 143 divers systems of religion that are contained in the Itib&sa, the 144 Purfina, and the other books, and who were skilled in devising proper means to lead the minds of their companions, took them- selves the guise of Samanas,* and repaired to the houses of the people, and, having gained their entire confidence and obtained their favour and regard, took to themselves the office of house- 145 hold counsellors, and undermined the fealty of the people, and themselves acted in such a manner and gave such counsel as made them to be one with them. Thereafter the prince thought, 14tt that as soon as the king was made to feel himself safe he might go about the country as it pleased him, and easily learn the state of things within it. So he sent a letter to his mother, 147 who dwelt in the Rohana, and called for his younger sister, the beautiful princess Bhaddavati, and for a great quantity of wealth, 148 * Samaifas ; mendicant monks. 140 THE mahIya^sa. pretending that it was her property, and took that wealth unto 149 himself. He then gave the princess to wife unto Gaja B&hu, 150 and thus gained the entire confidence of the king. Thereafter he was wont always to go about the streets, as if for pleasure, 151 accompanied by a spirited elephant of noble breed,* and, feigning to be pursued by the beast, he would run a distance and take refuge in the houses of those whose goodwill he thought 152 it needful to obtain by making suitable gifts to them of ornaments of great value and other treasure ; and in this manner 153 he secretly brought them all under his influence, so that all the traders and townsfolk, even to the lowest of people, every one, 154 regarded him only as his sole benefactor. Thereafter this clever 155 prince set his own writers to work, commanding them, according to their several branches, to take account of the king's treasures, of the number of his stores of grain and of his fighting men, and 156 of the quantity of his materiel of war. But to inquire how those were disposed who were appointed to guard the city, and who were the chiefs of the army, sent he not any of his men. But 157 for this purpose he himself went about from place to place, pretending that he amused himself, and thereby escaped he all danger of detection, and found out for himself all things regarding the two countries. 158 Thus do all the endeavours of beings endued with the power of meritorious deeds heaped up in former births meet with no hinderance, but are crowned with success. Let, therefore, the prudent man take this to heart, and become diligent in the performance of good deeds. Thus endeth the sixty-sixth chapter, entitled " The Spying out the Condition of the Upper Province," in the Mah&va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXVII. |NE day the prince was borne through the king's highway in a litter, attended by his followers. And a fierce buffalo, that had broken loose and killed every one that came in its path, rushed at him with his eyes red and glaring in their sockets. And when they that bare the litter and the men that followed ° The words of the text are Rdja-kulai}-vena-karina. This hardly conveys any connected sense. I have therefore altered the reading to Rdja-kulinena- karink, which may convey the meaning of a spirited elephant of noble breed. OHAPTER LXVII. 141 him saw it coming nigh unto them, they were confused ivith fear and fled. Then the prince thought to himself: "Of a 4 surety it is not meet for me also to run away like unto these men." Then, nothing doubting or wavering, he went up bravely 5 before the beast and shouted with a loud voice. And the 6 buffalo, hearing thfi voice, which was like unto the roar of a lion, paused of a sudden, and turned round and fled, killing and wounding all who came in his way. And they who saw this 7 marvel with their own eyes, and they who heard thereof, were astonished, and praised him loudly, saying, "Behold, the 8 possession of glory I Behold fortitude I Behold the courage of brave men I Behold self-reliance I Behold the dawn of good fortune 1 " And when ting Gaja B5hu heard of the tribute of praise that 9 the people lavished on the heroism of the prince, and his other great virtues, he thought thus to himself: "This man is truly 10 great, seeing that he is endued with marvellous courage and a glory that hath not been surpassed by others," and so he became jealous of the prince. And the prince, having been made aware H of the suspicious thought that had arisen in the mind of the king Gaja Bfihu, thought in this wise: "If I desire now to seize the 12 kingdom even whilst I am here, it remaineth for me only to knit my brows, and my desire will be fulfilled. But if it should so 13 happen, then will not my renown and my exceeding great valour and the strength of my arm be spread throughout the world. Nor will the itching of my proud arm (for the fight) be appeased 14 except by the pastime of war. Therefore shall I go to the land 1ft of my'birth and crush this king together with his ministers, and take them alive. And if I succeed in bringing my father Kitti 16 Sirimegha into this city, and wipe off the stain of defeat which 17 my three fathers before me have sustained with the water of ointment that shall be poured on his head, even so shall my glory overspread the whole of India." And knowing that there 18 were secret ways leading to and from a city, he thereupon ascer- 19 tained from the hunters the secret way by which the army would 20 enter the city (in time of war) to make ready (for a siege), the way , by which they would depart from the city in secret when it was needfal to leave it, and also the secret way by which spies are sent out. , And he himself wandered about the forest in the neighbourhood of the city, seeming to hunt the deer, and set various signs there, and thereby became familiar with the ways and byways thereof. And remembering the ancient saying that 21 142 THE mahIya^sa. " in the passing away of time time absorbs its own sap,"" he resolved to go to his own country. 22 And he sent beforehand a great number of his followers to a place called Janapada, where it was determined that they should 23 assemble together. But he thought : " It becometh not my manliness that I should remain so long here and depart without 24 informing the king thereof." So at eventide he arrayed himself gorgeously with ornaments and went and stood before the king 25 Gaja Bdhu. And when the evening was come, with its amuse- ments and pleasures, the prince put on a pleasant face and spake 26 smilingly to the king, saying, " It is needful that 1 should go to the sub-king's country and see my father and come back hither ; 27 I must depart also this very day, and that forthwith." And when the king had heard these words, he thoughtthat the prince spake thus thinking to visit his own house, because that he had 28 not the wisdom to understand their meaning ; and he answered him pleasantly in these gracious words : " May the desire of your heart be fully accomplished." 29 Now, at that time the chief of the Brahmans, who stood near the king, rehearsed the usual greeting and the auspicious words 30 praying for wealth and security from danger, for victory in battle and for the destruction of their enemies, and for an 31 abundant store of prosperity. The prince also heard this as he went, and thought to himself: "In truth, this is an exceeding lucky hour for me," and went straightway delighted to his house. 32 Furthermore, the prince, being gifted with great wisdom and virtue, and seeing and hearing divers good signs, departed from 33 his house. And like as if he pursued the elephant £&makala in sport, he sped from street to street, and at night departed from 34 the city. And as he walked in the light of the moon he saw a man seated under a tree taking his rest ; and he asked him, 35 " Friend, who art thou ? " And as he got no reply, he knew that he was a wayfarer, and spoke to him a second time in a loud voice, saying, " What, knowest thou not who I am ? " But the 36 man stood silent through fear. Then he said, " Fear not ; they call me Parakkama B&hu, the governor," and assured him 37 and treated him kindly. And he said further, " Friend, it is an exceeding great gain to me that I have met thee here. Now, there- fore, depart at once, and go quickly to the camp in the city, and 38 say, " I have seen the prince Parakkama Bahu as he returned to his <* Cf . " Procrastination is the thief of time.' CHAPTER LXVII. 143 country," With this message he sent the man away forthwith. And he waited on one side of the tank Khajjdraka Vaddhamana 39 that he might see whether any armed hosts pursued him, but 40 not espying any the prince departed from thence to go to a place called Kanapaddauda. And as he went through a thick forest 41 a fierce she-bear, with rough claws of great size and with a horrible growl, came before him with her cubs ; and he pressed 42 her down with the end of his shield, and cut her in twain with his sword, and quickly cast off her cubs to a distance. Then, 43 calling back his followers, who had entered the wood for fear, the brare prince proceeded farther and crossed Sil&khanda. There he likewise killed a wild boar that came towards him 44 with a fierce grant, leading a herd. And going on his journey 45 onwards he came to a place called Demeliyanaga, in the village Opanamika, where he met some country folk early in the morning, 46 armed with swords, proceeding on some expedition in which they were concerned. And seeing them he thought that they had come there beforehand to oppose him. So he struck his 47 sword hard against his shield, and crying out in a stern voice, " I shall slay these villains," he rashed into their midst like as a 48 lion rushes into a herd of deer. And great fear fell upon them, so that their weapons dropped from their hands, and they fled into the thick forest. Thereupon the prince looked round, and seeing that one of 49 the men who had fled had fallen into a precipice, he raised him 50 up from the clifiF and inquired of him saying, " Who art thou ? " And when he had obtained from his lips the truth, he was moved with pity for him, and spoke to him saying, "Fear not, but 51 take up thy weapons," and straightway told him familiarly all about his own journey. And when he came to the village of 52 Ma^galaba he met his fellow-soldiers assembled, who were there according to the former agreement, and made merry with them. 53 And with these men he went to the place which was called Jana- pada, and joined his followers who had reached there before him. And the noble prince tarried there two or three days with these 54 men, and beguiled the time with deer-stalking and other pastime. Now, when it came to the knowledge of Kitti Sirimegha 55 from letters that were sent to him by his faithful servants 56 that his son had come thither, he was filled with joy, because that his son, who dwelt for a long time among his enemies, had escaped narrowly from their hands and had come back without any evil befalling him. And he sent men who were the 57 144 THE mahAva^sa. 58 reputed heads of the five trades,* with a letter in his own handwriting and with gifts to his son, commanding them saying, "Friends, I pray you bring hither and forthwith show me my son, who will drive out my sorrows before any evil 59 befall me." And they went, and the prince saw them and the gifts that they had brought, and was glad thereat. And being himself anxious to see his father, he departed thence to Saraggdma. 60 And when Kitti Sirimegha heard that his son had arrived there, he 61 sent Kuth&ra and other chiefs of the assemblies and the chief monk who lived in the Fanca-parivenami^la monastery, that the 62 prince might be brought to him straightway. And when the prince had inquired from them news about all things, especially about the king, he said : " I shall proceed with you at the moment that the stars are favourable, and then it is meet that 63 you should go with me." Having spoken thus unto them, he spent some days pleasantly engaged in divers sports at this place, which was beautiful with waterfalls and other 4ovely scenery. 64 And the followers of the prince, seeing the soldiers who had come from every side to see the chief of the assembly and the 65 other ministers (who had come to convey the prince home), and remembering the offence that they had already given to the king by joining themselves unto the prince, were overcome with fear, 66 and spake unto each other saying, " Many are the soldiers who assemble hither from divers places, so that it is hard to know 67 the intent of these ministers. All the men who have come together have surrounded us, setting us between them, and 68 have taken their stand each in his place." In this manner spake they unto each other, and went up to the prince and told 69 him all their doubts and foolish fears. And it provoked the prince to anger, and he spake words of such import unto them : " So it is always : these base men know not how to discern things, 70 and therefore see danger even when there is none. Seeing the country-soldiers who have assembled hither to see the chief of the assembly, they now come before me and utter words of 71 despair. " But although he spake thus (to assure them) they abandoned him one after another and fled on every side. And 72 when the prince was informed of this he said, "Even after they 73 have seen my prowess in divers places, and the many times that « Panca-pessiya-vagga. They are the carpenter, weaver, washerman, barber, and ahoemaker. CHAPTER LXVII. 145 I myself have shielded others from danger, these base men durst not cast oflF their inborn fear. Whether they remain here or depart, maketh not any difference to me. Would any man 74 ever think aught against me while I am here alive?" So he remained there and spent some time in the place. Then the queen Ratanavali, hearing that her son stayed there 75 and came not with the messengers that had been sent by the king, thought to herself : " If my son should remain there and 76 not return home_ forthwith, it might grieve the king, and that of a surety is not beseeming. I will therefore go there myself 77 and fetch my son, and straightway show him to the king." So she made haste and departed from the Rohana, and proceeded 78 to Sa^kha-ndthatthali and saw the king, and after she had exchanged many pleasant words with him she drew near unto 79 him and declared the purpose of her visit. And then she went to Saraggama and saw her son and the chief elder and the chief 80 of the assembly ; and they all took counsel together as to what was to be done. And as they thought it in nowise prudent to delay longer out- 81 side the city, they took the prince with them and came to Badalatthali, where they joined unto them the general Deva, and 82 went with him to Sa^kha-n^thatthali, and showed the prince to the king, his father. Whereupon the loving father, Kitti Siri- §3 megha, having seen his son, delivered himself thus in the presence of his chief nobles : " This day hath removed from my 84 mind the sorrow which had pierced my heart like an arrow concerning who should minister most dearly to an old man like unto me, or who should perform the last rites of the dead unto him. Therefore, I pray you think not (that the return of the prince) 85 is a gain to me only. Doth he not foreshadow the dawn of good fortune to you all also ? Henceforth, therefore, submit yourselves 86 unto the prince, even all of you." 80 saying, he gave his son charge over them. And while the ministers fulfilled his command 87 with all reverence, the king Kitti Sirimegha died in due course 88 of time. But the prince, whose calmness forsook him not, and who was versed in all knowledge and religion, yielded not to the grief caused by the death of his father, but comforted the chief 89 ministers and the other inhabitants of the country, and performed the rite of burning the dead body of his father as it became his high office. And then he set over the different districts and 90 borders of the country officers whom he had trained, and who were very faithful to him. And as he was well versed in the 91 91—87 u 146 THE mahAva^jTsa. laws of Ihe Eshatriya tribe, he held the great festival in honour 92 of his being appointed to the office of chief governor. There- 93 upon the ornament of La^ka ( Parakkama Bahu), decked with all the emblems of the kingly office, and endued with great power, and chiefest amongst the most skilful, mounted his elephant, and, like the chief of the gods proceeding round his habitation, he rode around the city, which was ornamented in 94 divers ways with numerous decorations. And the season of the drought of poverty that the Sramanas and Brahmanas had long' . suffered from was now refreshed by the shower of rich gifts that were bestowed on them that day. 95 Thereafter he sent his messengers to give an account of these doings to king Gaja Bdhu and king Mdnabharana. 96 So the chief governor Parakkama Bdhu, who by his excellent virtues had gained the hearts of a great number of chieftains, and made his enemies to tremble greatly before him, succeeded in acquiring great renown ; and his chief desire being to spread his good name and fame throughout the whole world, he dwelt in that city and devoted himself to doing many noble deeds. Thus endeth the sixty-seventh chapter, entitled " The Festival of the Chief Governor," in the Mahivapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXVIII. ND as his aspiration soared exceeding high, and because of his great knowledge of the opposite country, he took counsel with those who were appointed to manage the 2 affairs of the kingdom. And he thought thus (within himself) : " Inasmuch as the end of my kingly office is to destroy all my enemies and to establish the prosperity of the land and its religion, 3 I have even now, by my great wisdom, raised this kingdom to 4 a state of prosperity. Notwithstanding that it is a small one, I shall soon make it yet more prosperous, so that it will surpass even the greatness of other kingdoms." 5 And the governor having thought thus (within himself) gave unto all those officers that had been brought up with him offices according to their deserts, and gained their affection by giving 6 them wealth and power. From the mountain Samanta-kAta* as ' Adam's Peak. OHAPTBB LXVIII. 147 far as the seabord he set his own soldiers in divers places in the borders of his kingdom. And he thought to himself: "It 7 is my chief duty to gather up an abundance of grain by all that lieth in my power." Havingsoresolved, he spake to his ministers 8 in these words : " In the kingdom that belongeth to me there are many paddy lands that are watered chiefly by the water from rain clouds ; but the fields that depend on a perpetual 9 supply of water from the rivers and tanks are verily few in number. The land is studded thickly with numerous rocks and 10 thick forests and great marshes. In a country like unto this 11 not even the least quantity of water that is obtained by rain should be allowed to flow into the ocean without profiting man. Therefore, save the mines of gems and gold and other precious 12 things, the rest of the land should be turned into rice fields. Remember also, that it is not in the least meet that men like 13 unto me should live and enjoy what has come into our hands and care not for the people. And all of you who have a hard work 14 to do, slacken not your energy because of the hardness of your work, nor take any account thereof, but fail not in the least to 15 perform all that I have commanded you according to the command that I have given unto you." So this great king 16 commanded them to build the causeway known as Kottha- 17 baddha over the river Jajjara,* that had been long in ruins, and which had caused exceeding great trouble to kings in former times. Whereupon all the ministers set forth before 18 him, in divers ways, the difficult nature of the work, and its un- stableness even if it should be accomplished. But king Farak- 19 kama Bihu would not listen to their words, saying, "To men of perseverance, what is there in this world that cannot be accomplished ? Even in the depths of the sea Bkmi, built him- 20 self a great bridge with the help of his hosts of apes,t and this saying remaineth in the world even up to this day. If it be 21 my destiny, by means of my exceeding good fortune, to bring La^kd under the dominion of one canopy and to advance the welfare of the country and its rehgion, then, indeed, will the 22 beginning of the work see also the end thereof." Thus did this man of great courage fill them with courage. " D?duru-oya. t Kef erring to the episode in the Rftmfiyana about Hanuman and his horde of monkeys building a bridge across the Gulf of Mann&r, of which the reef of rocks called Adam's Bridge is supposed to be its remains. 148 THE mahAvai^sa. 23 Before beginning to build the causeway this prudent ruler of the land caused a great channel to be made of great breadth and 24 strength, the depth whereof was equal to the height of several men holding their hands aloft, and extending from (the site of) the head of the causeway up to the country of Eatta-karavha.* 25 And this great and renowned ruler assembled a multitude of stone-cutters from among the dwellers of the country, and a great many workers in brass and copper and iron and gold, and 26 employed them in the work of cutting stones, and caused them 27 to build a causeway of exceeding strength and firmness, with stones so closely knit together that the joints thereof were difiBcnlt to be seen, like unto a single slab of stone, having the 28 plaster work beautifully finished. And the faithful king placed a Bodhi-tree and an image-house and a Dh&tugabbhaf on the 29 top of the causeway, and in such a manner did this wise and prudent ruler finish the work that the whole stream of water 30 flowed to the sea through this channel. And when he had caused the forest on both sides of the stream to be cut down, he formed fields of several thousand waggons of paddy seed in 31 extent ; and because this portion of the country was full of granaries, filled with a perpetual supply of paddy, they called it Kottha-baddha, which signifieth ' the perpetual granary'. 32 Afterwards, at the confluence of the two rivers Sa^kha- 33 vaddhamdna and Kumbhila-vdnaka, he caused the place Biikara-nijjhara to be dammed up, and there also he built a 34 channel in the manner aforesaid, and caused the water of this channel to fall into the tank Mahagallaka, after he had 35 completely repaired the breaches thereof. And then he enlarged the gates of the sluices, and made the body of water that 36 flowed through them to be greater than before. And from that place (Mahdgallaka) up to Si^kara-nijjhara he formed paddy fields, and collected heaps of grain there also. 37 And in the middle of the Jajjara river, at the -place D6rddat- tika, he built a waterfall and a large channel also (to convey the 38 water thereof), and from thence up to Sdkara-nijjhara he formed paddy fields ; and there also collected he stores of grain in the same manner. 39 The tank Panda-vdpi, which was aforetime of very small size. Batk^rau-wa (?) in the Atakalan k6raM of Sabaragamuwa, where exten- sive remains of stupendous irrigation works are still to be seen, ■j- Dfigob^, CHAPTER LXVIII. 149 he rebuilt with embankments greatly, enlarged in height and. 40 length and breadth, and with sluices to convey a body of water of great and exceeding height, and gave to it the name of "The Sea of Parakkama." In the islet in the middle of the 41 tank he built a Cetiya* on the top of a rock, like unto the top of Mount Keldsa in beauty ; and in the centre thereof he built 42 a royal palace of surpassing beauty, three stories high, — a palace fit (to draw unto it) the multitude of joys in this world. The tanks Mahdgalia, Setthivdpi, Chattunnata, Tambavapi, 43 Ambavdpi, Vds&v&pi, Girib&vdpi, Pdtdla, Mandika, Moravdpi, 44 Sddiyaggfimavdpi, Tilagullaka, Md,lavalli, KAli, Kittakandaka, 45 Kanikfi,ragalla-vapi, Buddhagamaka-nijjhara, Siikaraggdma-vdpi, 46 Mahdkirdla-vdpi, Giriyd-vdpi, Rakkhdna, Ambdla, Katunnaru, Jallibdva, Uttarala, Tintinigdmaka, Dhavala-vitthika-gdma, 47 Kirdvdpi, Nalannarn, Kharavittha-vilatta, Dumbaragdmaka, 48 Miinaru, Kasdlla, Kalalahallika, Mdlavdrika, Girisigdmuka, 49 Folonnarutala, Visirdthala, — these and many other reservoirs 50 that were in ruins, mountain streams and tanks also, did this bountiful king build in his kingdom. In the country of Panca-yojanaf he drained great marshes and 51 bogs, and made the water thereof discharge itself into rivers, and formed paddy fields, and gathered together a store of grain. 52 In the forest of that part, and in many other places also, he set 53 boundaries to all forest land ; and when he had assembled all the village chiefs of the people together he set the inhabitants of the country to work in making paddy fields. Thus did this wise 54 ruler make the revenue that was obtained from the new paddy fields alone to be greater than the revenue which had been derived from the old paddy fields in the kingdom ; and when he 55 had accomplished this he made the country so prosperous that the inhabitants thereof should never know the evils of famine. And, being skilled in the laws of government, he thought 56 within himself : " Let there not be left anywhere in my kingdom a piece of land, even though it were the least of the yards of a house, which does not yield any benefit to man." And so he 57 caused delightful gardens to be planted in every place, and many 58 fine groves thickly covered with all manner of running plants and trees famous for their divers fruits and flowers, and fit for the use of man. Thus did this king, because he was a skilful governor, by 59 ** A large d&goba. f Pasdun k(5ral£. 150 THE mahAva^sa. his own superior wisdom cause his kingdom, though a small one, to surpass others even greater than his own. Thus endeth the sixty-eighth chapter, entitled " The Improve- ment of his own Kingdom," in the Mah^va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXIX. [^D Farakkama Edhu having thus firmly established his own kingdom, thought with himself in this wise concern- ing the! matters that required his attention : " Foolish kings in past times, who were enemies to good government, did for a long period ruin the kingdom and the religion according as 3 it pleased them. The monks, too, turned the doctrine and discipline of the religion of the Teacher upside down, and, acting 4 against its precepts, lived just as it pleased them. Now, there- fore, it would be well if I should establish one canopy of dominion throughout La^k^ and set in order the kingdom and its religion." ^ And when he had thus thought he gave orders to the chiefs of districts and provinces to gather men and to procure materials 6 for war. Above all things, the royal prince sent for the Malaya RAji, who was then the chief of the Tamil forces in the country 7 of Eatta-kuravaka, and (after he had given him orders) sent him to remain there ready with many thousands of mighty men of 8 valour, with armour and weapons also for them. So also from the countries Tabbd and Giribd and Mora-vapi and Mahip&la 9 and Fila-vitthika and Ruddhagiimaka and Ambavana and 10 Bodhig&ma and Kantaka-petaka, he sent separately for the chiefs who guarded the frontiers, and after he had given them orders to make ready many thousands of men and strongholds 11 and armour and weapons — swords, lances, darts, and other weapons of war — he sent them back every one to his own country, 1!2 to remain there. At that time La^k^-Mah&ldna, Sikha-Ndyaka, 13 Jayamah^l&na, Setthi-Ndyaka, and Mahinda — the five famous men who were descended from the Lambakanna race — dwelt in 14 the Moriya country ; and he commanded them also to have in readiness, each one, a thousand strong men with their materiel 15 of war. The king also appointed twelve chiefs of provinces over the interior of the country, and gave in charge to each of them two 16 thousand men of valour. He also conferred on four and eighty OHAPTBR LXIX. 151 men, who were used to overcome difficulties and hindrances, the offices of chiefs of districts, and gave unto each of them a thousand fighting men. He chose him many thousands of men, 17 also of great stature and of great strength, and formed them into a body of fighting men, armed with maces, and supplied them with all the requirements of warfare. Of strangers also, 18 who were dwellers in Kerala and other countries, he formed bodies of fighting men of many thousands of trained warriors. He also formed a body of a thousand moonlight archers* skilled 19 in fighting at night, and provided them with dresses made of furs and the like. He trained many thousands of huntersf 20 and made them skilled in the use of their weapons, and gave them suitable swords, black clothes, and the like things. Then the 21 king chose from divers artificers a thousand of each kind, and commanded them that they should devote themselves each ax&n to his own labour. And the lord of the land brought up in his own palace the sons 22 and brothers and grandsons of many noble families, saying, " Let 23 them grow up and become familiar with the service of kings and be skilled in managing horses and elephants and fencing, and in the knowledge of strange tongues, and in music and dancing. Likewise also he maintained in the king's own house many thou- 24 sands of attendants of divers classes, such as sword-bearers, 25 incense-bearers, menials, Sinhalese musicians, and pages. He 26 gave materials and implements to young men of the liveried, the barber, and other castes, and commanded them to serve each one his chief. And when he had learned from the chiefs of the treasury of the 27 king his father the amount of the wealth (that could be taken), 28 he decided that he could not, with that amount, bring La^ka under the dominion of one canopy. Therefore, without oppressing the people, he laid up wealth in the following manner. The lord of 29 the land divided the army and the revenue into two branches of the king's service, and placed them under (the oversight of) two chief officers. Likewise, also, the king divided equally the whole of 30 the country that he had gotten by conquest, and put the two parts thereof under two ministers of accounts who had a claim to hold the offices by right of regular succession. From the 31 * Canddloka dhamtddJiare. Men accustomed to use the bow and arrow in the moonlight. f VyAdhd. Sij. Vfddd, Most likely, the V§ddds. 152 THB mahAva^sa. country on the seabord, from the country of gem quarries,* from 32 the country of the great Malaya and the rest, the king separated all the land of great value and gave the charge thereof to a minister, 33 for whom he created the office of Antarapgadhura.! And he exported in ships gems in great number for merchandise, and 34 thus increased the king's treasure. And his materiel of war and his thousands of fighting men he placed under the oversight of 35 his two chief ministers. So that an exceeding great host was there kept under these three ministers, — namely, he who filled the office of Antaragga and they twain who filled the offices of the two divisions (of the kingdom). 36 And that he might make the soldiers dexterous in war he caused mock battles to be practised in the streets, and chose those who showed themselves most skilful, and rewarded them highly ; 37 but those who were feeble and unable to fight he sent away, full of compassion and pity for them, saying, " Let them live in com- fort by giving themselves up to husbandry and other labour." 38 Thus did the king, who knew how to command and how to make ready armour and weapons and valiant hosts, acquire great wealth with ease without oppressing the people. Thus endeth the sixty-ninth chapter, entitled " Preparation for War,"t in the Mahava^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXX. HEREAFTER he (Parakkama Bdhu) beheld his great army and the extent of his wealth, and his grain, and other possessions, as well as all his materiel of war ; and he thought to himself : " Now is it not difficult for me to subdue even the continent of India, much less even the island of Sihala "; 3 and so he began to make ready the kingdom (for war). And by 4 kindness he induced Rakkha-Dandanatha, the chief captain of 5 king Gaja Bdhu, who was in charge of Yatthi Kandaka and 6 Dumbara in the great Malaya country, to come to him, and, after he had shown him great favour, the king treated with him for the surrender of the Malaya country which he then governed, — a country that could be passed only by a footpath, and which. " Ratandkara. The similarity of this name to the present Ratnapura is significant. f Minister of the interior. i Bala-dhana-aa^gaho, Literally, " collection of men and money." OHAPTBB LXX. 153 because of the mountain fastnesses and of the ' wild beasts which haunted it, was difficult to be reached, and was not resorted to by men of other districts. Moreover, it was made ex- ceeding dangerous by the numerous streams that flowed through it, broad and deep, swarming with crocodiles that feed on the flesh of man. Thereupon the people of that country, when 7 they heard of these things, took counsel together, saying, " When Dandandtha comes back then shall we kill him." And DandanS,tha, also, when he had heard thereof, returned 8 in haste and ' fought with the rebels and put them to flight, and seized the country of Dumbara. And then he fought 9 a battle at Yatthikanda, and drove away the enemy and cut off the head of the chief of that district. At the village Tdlakkhetta 10 he gave battle to the enemy in two places, and likewise also at I^&gapabbata. In the villages Suvanna-doni,* B&mucchuval- 11 lika,t and Dematthapddatthali he fought battles, one at each place, and having driven them all from the places that they had 12 held, this powerful chief captain of the army seized the country of Yatthi-kandaka also. And when he had placed his younger 13 brother there in charge of the army, he returned to the king (Parakkama B&hu) that he might learn what was meet to be done. And meanwhile the soldiers that his brother had led 14 fought against the enemy and took the country Nilagallaka. And when Dandandtha returned he fought the enemy at 15 Sayakhettaka, Battabednma, and likewise at Dhanuvillika,f a 16 battle at each place, and killed great numbers of the enemy, and established himself firmly in the country of Nilagallaka, which he had taken. Thereafter hefopght twice with the powerful chief 17 Ottnr&mallaka, and with Dhanumandala-Ndtha, and when he 18 had taken the country of Nissenikhettaka, which he freed from its enemies, he brought Otturdmallaka and the others to submission. Thereupon the king sent for Rakkha Danda-n&yaka, and be- 19 stowed on him the rank of Kesadh&tu,§ together with much wealth and honour, and sent him to the king's country to take the 20 district of Majjhima-vaggaka. Accordingly he went to Nilagiri j 21 and when he had added to his army there and waxed very " Bandeniya. f Rambukvella. J Dunuvila. § This rank appears to have been conferred on many distinguished captains of this period. Kesadh&tu means the Hair-relio ; and the rank probably consisted in the installation of the recipient to a certain Order of Knight- hood, instituted at that time in connection with the Hair-relic. 91—87 3i 154 THE mahAva^sa. powerful, he fought at ViSpivfitaka, and at Majjhima-vagga also, 22 and gained a victory. And when king Gaja Bahu heard of these things he sent a great army to fight against the enemy ; and 23 Kesadh&tn, when he knew thereof, made ready to meet it with a powerful army and equipage, and broke the enemy's forces and took the country of Majjhima-vagga. 24 Thereafter the two ofiScers, who were like unto lions in courage, named Ldkajitvdna and Rakkha-Lagk&dhindyaka, raised an army 25 and went and fought with Htikitti-La^k&ndtha ; and they slew him and took possession of the country of Berupallika. Then 26 the king (Parakkama Bahu) won over the chief Samanta- malla of Kosaka-vagga by showing him kindness, and, having 27 bestowed on him much wealth and honour, he sent him with a large army and materiel of war to take the country of Kosaka- 28 vagga. Whereupon Samanamallaka, Otturdmallaka, and the others fought with the enemy and made a great slaughter of 29 them in battle ; but at the place called Sisacchinnaka-Bodhi these powerful chiefs utterly defeated the enemy in a pitched battle and took the country of Kosakavagga. 30 In this manner did he restore peace thoroughly in the Malaya 31 country, which was troubled by its own inhabitants, and dwelt in his own city, passing the time in pleasure parties and sports on water, and in dancing and music, and other pleasures. 32 And in order to restrain the rival chiefs and to keep down the robbers, and also for the sake of exercise, it was his custom at 33 that time to go out hunting. And one day the king went with his chief queen and his ofiScers and followers for a hunt, and 34 seeing a certain wood in which there were signs of the presence of deer, the king caused the queen to sit down on one side, 35 and the whole forest to be surrounded with nets and hunters armed with javelins, and caused them to shout on every side. 36 Thereupon a stag, of the size of a young elephant, being exceeding frightened by the terrible noise, broke cover and, 37 looking wildly around bim, fled down the precipices, leaping 38 over the mountain streams, and, breaking through the branches of the trees, burst asunder the network of creepers, trod down the brushwood, and rending and tearing up the nets to pieces, 39 and terrifying and driving away every man that came in his way, fled with the speed of the wind in the face of the 40 queen. And when all the people saw the deer fleeing so wildly they were struck with fear, and fled on all sides, leaving 41 the king and his queen alone. But the king, being a man of CHAPTER LXX. 155 great courage, saw the fierce deer that had burst cut of the wood, and ran up against it and smote it with his spear. And the beast, being now wounded, bent down its head to attack, 42 and lo I at that moment his antlers dropped and fell at the feet of the king. And when the cries of the deer that had 43 been wounded were heard by the oflScers, the hunters, the servants in livery, and the barbers and the other followers of the king, they turned back and came together from all sides. And when they reached the spot they saw the king standing 44 •bravely like a lion, and the antlers of the deer (on the ground beside him). And when they saw this they were astonished, and being 45 exceeding glad and merry thereat, they made the whole forest to resound with their shouts. And when they had many times 46 praised the king for his great good fortune and courage and valour, they took up the antlers, and, surrounding the king, 47 went into the city, which was ornamented like unto the city of the gods. And after they had told the chief ministers of this 48 marvellous thing, they displayed the antlers before all of them. And when they had heard the wonderful story they were greatly 49 astonished, and showed forth their admiration in these words : "Oh that this man of great might and power had been born 50 on the continent of India, for then would he have become a monarch with supreme power and dominion over all things (Oakkavatti Rdja) I " Thus did they sound forth the praise of 51 the brave king, whose valour it was difficult to surpass. And 52 after they had caused letters to be engraven on the antlers, they placed them in the king's treasury, where they remain until this day. Now, at that time, it came to the ears of the king that king 53 Gaja Bahu had brought hither royal princes, believers of false 54 creeds, from strange countries, and thereby filled the king's country with enemies as with a bed of thorns. And he was greatly displeased therewith, and thought thus within himself : "And yet hath he done this, when men like unto me, of great skill and good fortune, of rare gifts and exceeding courage, are still to be found here." So he commanded his generals to seize the king's country also. And as he had diligently studied 55 the books that related to the business of war — td wit, the Kocallasattha, the Yuddhannava, and other books— and had used his own judgment in those matters, he knew well how to 56 carry on the war according to the times and places, and wrote 57 156 THE MAHlVA:i;irSA. dowa the plan of carryiDg oa the war, and caused it to be delivered to the chief officers that were in commaad of districts, 58 aad enjoined them strictly not to turn aside from his commands, 59 even unto a hair's breadth. And they all received the king's command with great submission, and began the attack in great force (on all points). 60 Now there was in the service of king.Gaja Bahu a chief officer of the king's canopy-bearers,* Kombd by name. And he was much skilled in war, and had an abundance of men and 61 materials. And he had built himself a very strong fortress at the village Mallavdldua, that so he might hinder his enemies from invading the country, and was for a long time in possession 62 thereof. (And when the war was begun) Malaya Rayar, who was placed in the stronghold at Yilikdkhetta, fought with 63 him, and drove him away, and took his fortress. And the valiant captain led a large army in ships by the sea to the 64 pearl-banks,t and fought a great naval battle with Danda- n^tha, who was stationed there, in which the mighty 65 captain (Malaya Bdyar) routed the hosts of the enemy. In a second great battle also, which he fought there, he put many 66 thousands of the enemy to death. And the host (of Parak- kama), under the captain NambI, Kesadhdtu and other chiefs, 67 destroyed the enemy at Mdlavalliya ; and Nilagalla, the captain of the borders at Moravdpi, went up at the same time to Katiydgama and killed a great number of the enemy. 68 Now in the village Kdlavdpi there lived a celebrated captain 69 of Gaja Bfihu, by name Gokannaka Nagaragiri. He was a true and brave officer, endued with great qualities, and had under his command chariots and men and materials, and was 70 able therewith to withstand the attacks of the enemy. But Rakkha Div^na (one of Parakkama's captains) gave him battle 71 at the place Gonagamuka, and defeated him. And being greatly shamed by the defeat, the chief Gokannaka increased and strengthened his army, and gave battle in the following places : — 73 at the stronghold Pilavitthi, at the stronghold called Sdllaka, at the stronghold Tatavdpi, at Jambukola, at Yajiravdpi, at 73 Nandivdpi, at Pallikdvdpi, and at Kalalahallika. And when he had given battle in each of these places, and had been defeated on 74 all sides, he thought within himself : " This army of mine, * Chatta-gdhaka Ndyaka. f Muttdkara, lit. ' the pearl mine.' OHAPTBR LXX. 157 which had aforetime gained the victory even when fighting 75 with the king himself, though now double in number, hath met with defeat, and its officers have been slain in the divers battles which it hath fought with two or three of Farakkama Bdhu's commanders of the borders. It seemeth clear, therefore, that the 76 war cannot now be carried on any longer." So he sent mes- sengers to Gaja B&hu, informing him of all that had happened. And the king Gaja Bahu, having heard all these things, called 77 his ministers together and spake these words unto them : " We have heard not, at any time, of any defeat that hath 78 happened to us before; wherefore it is a sore disgrace to us that we have now been discomfited. The mightiest and most 79 powerful of my generals hath fought more than once, and hath been defeated. It would not be well, therefore, for me if 80 any further disaster should overtake him." And when he had thus delivered himself, and taken counsel with his ministers, he sent much treasure to his captain, and men also, and officers, 81 and weapons of war, and armour that could not be pierced through. Then the officer Gokanna, having made haste and 82 armed the hosts that the king had sent, and his own men also, that consisted mostly of the country people, went up again to 83 Nllagala and fought a great battle with Maydgeha, the chief captain (of Parakkama). And a great number of Gokanna's 84 men fell in that battle, and some threw down their weapons, and others fled into the forest. And the slaughter was so great 85 that the people spoke thereof as if none had escaped. And he himself fled into the forest, leaving behind his chariot and umbrella ; and henceforth he abandoned all thought of giving 86 battle, and kept himself within the fortress at Kilavdpi, after he had strengthened it. After that the officers who were kept in the Siira-ambavana 87 district invaded Janapada, and slaughtered the host of the enemy. , And the leaders of the hosts that were kept at Bodhigima 88 attacked La^kagiri, and destroyed the enemy there. And Parakkama Bdhu sent Mahinda, Nagaragiri, and other 89 officers under them to fight again in the MallavdlAna country. And these mighty men went thither, and drove the enemy before 90 them, and entered and took that country and fortified it strongly. And from thence they departed by the sea in many hundred 91 ships, and attacked the country of pearls and took the chief 92 158 THE mahAva^sa. captain in charge thereof with his army, and sent the pearls to their lord (the king). 93 Thereupon the king caused a fortress to be built at a place callad Pilavasu, wherein he kept his strong and mighty men and officers. 94 And king Gaja B^hu, when he had heard of these things, 95 consulted his ministers and began to send an army. And Parakkama Bahu, knowing how to manage (under difficulties), sent his general (Rakkha) Laykdn^tha to the Jauapada country. 96 And when king Gaja Bdhu heard thereof he gathered together his 97 army, and dividing it into two, sent them with arms and weapons by two ways, — the one towards the place called Janapada, 98 and the other towards the fortress at Pilavasu. And Bakkha* La^k&dhindtha also, in order that he might wholly destroy the host of the enemy, advanced at the head of his great army and 99 proceeded to Ambavana, and gave battle to the enemy in the village Bubbula, where he destroyed a great number of them 100 and put the remainder to flight. Thereupon the people who dwelt in the country stopped the highways with trees which they 101 had cut down, and with thorns and creepers ; and the enemy stood under cover behind them and continued the fight. And 102 La^k^natha, who was resolved to destroy the enemy, pursued after them, breaking through their stockades, and after he had , fought fiercely with them from place to place, succeeded in 103 entering the Janapada country. And he took Janapada, and, in obedience to the commands of Parakkama Bahu, he built 104 a fortress there and held it. Thereupon king Gaja Bahu sent 105 Deva-La^k&dhindyaka and D4thd Bh&ra to oppose him. And Laykadhindtha fought a great battle with them, and put them 106 to flight and took the village Tagdlla. But king Gaja B&hu sent a host of men that was called the Gatasso Parisd (' the four com- 107 panics') that were in the A'lisdra country, to fight again; and La^kanatha advanced and fought with them, and some of them 108 he took alive, and subdued the TaUthala country. Whereupon 109 king Gaja B&hn, wishing to subdue him by favour and kindness, sent him numerous presents of jewels and ornaments of great 110 value, and divers garments of silk and linen. And the chief of the army received the presents, and after he had disfigured the messengers he sent them with the bribes to his own master 111 (Parakkama). And the king was much pleased on seeing them, and sent back all the wealth and the valuable presents to him CHAPTER LXX. 169 (the chief of the army). After this the chief of the army left 112 the Taldthaliya fortress and took possession of the fortress at A'lig&ma, which is by the side of a river. Then Gaja B&hu sent Slkd, the chief of the army, and other 113 valiant and mighty men of war (against La5kddhind,tha). And 114 they all set out T?ith an abundant supply of men and waggons, and besieged the fortress and poured showers of arrows into it. And some of Lagkddhindtha's mighty men, armed with weapons, 115 stood at the gates and carried on a fierce fight. Archers and 116 other strong men also, who stood on the battlements, killed many of the enemy with their arrows and their lances and javelins. In this manner did all the fighting men exert them- 117 selves to their utmost might, and carry on the great struggle without ceasing, for three days. At last the mighty men of 118 king Gaja B&hu, who were determined to destroy the enemy, essayed to break the great gate of the fortress. Whereupon 119 Lapkddhinatha and, his strong men sallied forth, and (after a hard struggle) drove back the enemy, killing so many of them all along unto the river that he made the water of the 120 river mingle with the blood of the slain ; and at the same time he took captive many of the chief ofiScers of the enemy's army. And Bakka-La^kddhin&yaka, who gained the victory in this 121 battle, enjoyed the pleasure of a feast of triumph in his own fortress, and sent to his own master the heads of the chiefs of 122 the enemy that he had slain, with their umbrellas and waggons and weapons, and also those whom he had taken alive. There- 123 upon the king called his general Deva-Sendpati, and told him all that had been done by Bakkha-Lapkddhindyaka ; and inasmuch 124 as he feared that Qaja Bdhu, when he heard of the losses sus- tained by the victorious army, would assuredly send a great army to take the general captive, he commanded Deva-Sendpati to proceed 125 to the Giribfi country that so he might divide Gaja B&hn's great army in twain. And this general, being a prudent man, 126 made ready all his host, and advanced to the border of the Ediavdpi river, and built a fortress there and remained therein. Then, at the command of the king, he built over the Edlavdpi 127 river a bridge of timber, two hundred cubits in length and twenty 128 cubits in breadth, fastened and made exceeding strong with plates of iron and pegs,— a bridge of exceeding great beauty, that could be passed by elephants, and horses, and chariots, and foot- men. And the general Deva- Ben Apati left some officers in charge 129 thereof, and proceeded thence, and gave battle to the enemy in 160 THE mahIya^sa. 130 divers places. And being yictorionsin these battles, he proceeded to a place called Apgamu, and, with the intent to make farther advances against the enem]^, he built a fortress there and held it. 131 And when the enemy had heard thereof, he also built a fortress of great strength in the village Senag^ma, to oppose the general. 132 Thereupon the famous Deva-Sendpati went forth and fought 133 with the enemy at Sen&g&ma, and seized the fortress. And the enemy having again fought twice and being defeated, he 134 built a fortress at Manydg&ma, and held it. Then Deva-Sendpati went forth from Sen&gdma and took the fortress at Manydgdma 135 and the forts at Mita and Siikaragdma also. And when he had repaired all these fortresses, he left them not unoccupied, but 136 set ofiScers in charge of them. The chief of the army also built a fortress at Terigdma, and placed officers therein who were accounted mighty men of valour, with soldiers under them. 137 Whereupon Gaja Bdhu sent Bdma Nilagiri, with the chiefs of districts and many leaders and their forces, to destroy him. 138 And they all went forth well furnished with men and materials, and raised fortifications in the neighbourhood of Terigdma. 139 And both the armies began the fight vigorously, and continued 140 it from morning until evening. Then Nilagiri and the mighty 141 men who were accounted men of valour, seeing that their army was losing ground, armed themselves well with their weapons, and, striking down the strong men and causing great terror among the enemy, rushed into the midst of the contending 142 host like lions among a herd of elephants. But Deva-Senddhi- 143 pati's mighty men, who flinched not in the fight, spread them- selves around, them, and slew Rdma-Nilagiri and many officers of the army in the field of battle, and took captive the great warrior Kadakkdda and other warriors also who were with him. 144 And the general Deva-Sendnatha, who gained the victory in the 145 field of battle on that day, sent the men whom he had taken 146 alive to live in comfort with his master (Parakkama). And the wise Parakkama Bahu spoke to Mahinda Nagaragiri as he stood in attendance on him, and told him of the marvellous 147 courage of his generals. And when he heard it he was straight- way roused with a great desire to excel them, and exclaimed, " I also will go to the field of battle and soon take Anurddhapura 148 for you I" And when he had made the promise, the general, being desirous to crush his enemies, proceeded with a great army, and fought a great battle with the enemy at a place called Badarlbhdtika-mdna. dHAliTiBll LXX. 161 And having gained great fame thereby, he proceeded to fight 149 great battles at the village SiyAmahanta-kudddla and in the 150 neighbourhood of Tissavdpi and Anurddhapura, and defeated the enemy everywhere until he took Anurddhapura at the head of a large army. Then king Qaja Bdhu, having heard of these ISl things, sent several captains of armies with a chief commander over them. And they all came ready for war, and set up barriers 152 on the roads on all sides of the city, and hindered communi- cation thereby. And -when Deva-Sendpati heard these tidings 153 he set off to rescue the general (Mahinda Nagaragiri) who was besieged closely, and, giving battle once again in the village 154 Siy&mahanta-kudd&la, he fought three fearful battles on his way to the besieged city. And Malaya Rayar also having heard 155 how things stood, set out from his fortress, and having fought twice on his way, arrived (and joined his forces with those of Deva-Sen&pati). But at the command of (Deva) Sendpati he 156 proceeded in a certain direction, and fought with the enemy's forces nigh unto Anurddhapura. Meanwhile (Deva) SenSpati himself, having fought hard with 157 the enemy in many places, came close to Anur&dhapura and .commenced to fight (with the besiegers). Then Mahinda, the 158 valiant chief of the army, sallied forth straightway from the beautiful city of Anurddhapura and slaughtered the enemy and 159 brake down the barricades, and cut his way out by force and joined Sen&pati. And when the armies of Sendpati and the chief 160 captain had joined themselves together, they fought with the opposing host, and again put the enemy to flight; whereupon 161 the chief captain (Sendpati) returned to Siydmahanta-kudddla and strengthened the fortress there, and occupied it. Thereafter Parakkama Bdhu sent unto the general MAydgeha 162 and commanded him to carry on the war at A'lisAraka. And he 163 proceeded thither with great joy, with skilful and valiant men, and built a fortress at Kalala-Hallika and occupied it. Thence he advanced to A'lisaraka, and fought three battles at 164 the fort in the village Nanddmiilaka, and seized the fortress. After that he took the fortress at the village Kadddra, and 165 again fought and took possession of the fortress at Kirdti. And king Gaja Bdhu's forces, who came to oppose him, 166 held the fortress which they had built at Vil&na. At this time 167 Parakkama Bd.hu, whose valour no man could surpass, built himself a fortress at Ndlanda, and held it. And hearing that (the 168 enemy held a fortress that so they might oppose the advance of 91—87 Y 162 tHE uah1ya:^sa. May&geha), he secretly sent forth two or three hundred thieves 169 skilled in house-hreaking, commaodiDg them to set oat at pid- night and, taking with them sharp-edged xleer horns, to break 170 into the fortress and seize it. Thereupon the general Mdy%eha, in obedience to these commands, broke the fortress and took the 171 enemy captive. And then he took the stronghold at Mattik&vdpi and the two strongholds at the Dddhakiira and Adhokiira 172 villages, and moreover broke into and took the fortress at the village N&sinna. Thus did he bring the country of A'lisdraka under his authority. 173 At the same time, the king, who knew the proper time when he should act, commanded his officers to take the city of Fulatthi 174 without delay. Thereupon Bakkha Lagkddhinatha and Sukha- Jfvitaputthaki went forth with all speed from the fortress at 175 Talakatthali, fighting with the enemy in divers places on the way, 176 and engaged in battle at the place Bajakamata-sambddha. They fought again on the borders of the tract of fields called Milana khetta and, proceeding thence, fought again, even amid the field, 177 and slaughtered many of the enemy. And from that place they pursued after the enemy, and overtook him at Dara-aga, and 178 fought a battle there also and gained a victory. And from thence they went forward, and took the fort at the village Ma^galaba by assault, and brake down the walls thereof, and destroyed the enemy there and took possession of the fort. 179 Now at that time king M&ndbharana, the lord of Bohana, 180 who had waged many wars with king Gaja Bdhu's chiefs and had been defeated and humbled by them, had given up the thought of war, and dwelt for some time much broken in spirit. 181 But afterwards, accompanied by the Order who dwelt in the three Fraternities, he went and submitted himself to Gaja B&hu and 182 entered into an alliance with him. But when he heard that the mighty generals of king Parakkama had made war against king 1 83 Gaja Bdhu, and had destroyed their adversaries and gained the victory in every battle, Min^bharana communed with himself in 184 this wise : " Of a certainty will Parakkama B&hu, who is ex- 185 ceeding rich in resources, subdue the whole of the king's country ;• and if peradventure that ruler took the king's country then would 186 it not be possible for us to dwell in the Bohana country." So he broke off the alliance that he had made with king Gaja Bahu *> The upper portion of the island, Sdja ra({ha, in contradistinction to the DakkhiQa or Bohaija, the southern part of the island. CHAPTER LXX. 163 and songht the friendship of Parakkama Bdhu, and, raising a 187 great army from among the inhabitants of both countries,* he threw up fortifications in the valley of Sobora. And the king Parakkama B&hu, wishing at that time to show 188 forth his marvellous valour, thought thus to himself: "Oh, that 189 1 could let not my generals, who are in divers places, know there- 190 of, and secretly go to the city of Pulatthi with the mighty men who have been brought up with me, and give battle and break down the gates and battlements and towers thereof, and enter the city and take Gaja Bdhn captive I" Then the wise king 191 sent nnto the general Mdy%eha, who was left at Ambavana, and told him of his purpose ; and as his desire was to go to Ambavana, 192 pretending that he had other business to do there, and from thence to proceed to the city of Pulatthi, he instructed his general Mdydgeha secretly in this wise : " Send you a letter to 193 me in these words, saying, 'It is my heart's wish to hold a great feast in honour of Buddhd. I pray you, therefore, send unto me the things that are needful for making offerings unto Buddhd, — namely, chanks and the five kinds of loud instruments 194 of music, and CAmarasf and white umbrellas and banners : and 195 may it please my lord also to come hither and behold my feast.' " And M^y&geha went accordingly to Ambavana, and having made 196 all things ready for the feast, he sent the letter as he had been commanded. And when the king saw it he was glad, and caused the letter 197 to be read in the midst of the assembly of the ministers ; and 198 then the great king made haste and sent nnto the general the articles of divers kinds that were necessary for the feast, and declared before the ministers his desire to go thither. There- 199 upon the chief of the ministers, who knew what the true purpose of the king was, sent a messenger to his brother Nagaragiri, telling him of these things. And when he had heard the tidings, 200 he set out from Morav&pi and made haste with his army to see the king. And when they asked why he had come, he. replied say- 201 ing, "Because that I have known my master's mind have I come hither," and moreover he said, " Servants like unto ua are in 202 the employ of the king for the intent that they might bring under subjection the rulers of the land who are his adversaries. * Meaning the two portions into which the southern country was divided at this period, f Yak's tails used as whisks and as insignia of royalty = ohowries, 164 THE mahAva^sa. 203 Wherefore shall I go up alone and seize Gaja B&hu with bis numerous hosts and chariots, and give him as a captive to my lord." 204 And when he had spoken these words the chief of the border 205 entreated of the king that he might proceed thither. And when the ambitious chiefs of the army,M&y&geha and Kitti La^kddhin&tha, and many other mighty officers, saw how matters stood, they offered themselves also, and each entreated the king, saying, " I 206 shall go first, I shall go first." Thereupon the king, who was much skilled in all stratagems, made known his plan and 207 Bent his mighty men to the field of battle. And they all departed with their chariots and men and waggons, and built 208 fortresses nigh unto Nalanda. And as they tarried there, great clouds gathered in the sky, and the rain fell with great violence all around as if it would wash away the earth with its flood of 209 waters. Thereupon the king, who clave strictly to the truth, fearing that his army would be drenched by the clouds which were fast approaching, made the following solemn declaration 210 (before them) :* "If the establishment of the kingdom be for the prosperity of the religion and the state, then let not the rain fall (in this place) ; " and it ceased to rain there accordingly. 211 And then he sent to the army rice mixed with acids, plantains, rice roasted and beaten into cakes, and divers things to eat in 212 great plenty. He also sent many thousands of bamboos (made 213 into water-pipes), each formed into one long channel, replenished with water and pierced with holes and stopped at both ends so that many persons could drink thereof at one and the same moment (by taking away the plugs in the holes that were pierced along the bamboo). 214 Thereafter the general Mahinda went forth with a great army, and took the fortress in the village LahuUa after he had de- 215 stroyed the enemy. Then Laykd^dhin^tha, having heard thereof, made great haste and took the fortress Hattanna after he had 216 put the garrison thereof to death. And the general Mdydgeha, having heard thereof, hastened with a great host and reached 217 Khandigdma, so that Gaja Bahu's army, consisting of elephants, cars, horsemen, and footmen, was shut in on three sides in the 218 pass at Khandig&ma. Thereupon the son of Laykddhin&tha, Layk&pura by name, a man of great might, came up to the gorge 219 at Khandig&ma and joined together all the forces that had come_from the three sides, and drove the enemy before him as * Sacca-Jciriydj an adjuration by the power of truth. OHAPTBK LXX. 165 & lion driyes a herd of elephants. Then the other chiefs, with 220 La^kadhin&tha at their head, routed and slaaghtered Gaja 221 Bdhu's army, and pursued it unto the place called Konda^gulika- Ked&ra : and Gaja Bdhu's broken forces then entered the city of Fulatthi. And when king Gaja Bdhu saw the great host enter 222 the city he was greatly roused with pride, and thought thus haughtily within himself : " When the king my father departed 223 to heaven to join himself to the gods, and when I was scarce 224 established in my father's kingdom, then came Kitti Sirimegha and Siri-Vallabha, from both sides of the land, to fight against me ; but they were not able to stand against my flag of victory, 225 and fled; and from thenceforth did they abandon all thought of war until their live's end. And now am I well established in 226 the king's country ; and my army, consisting of elephants and chariots and horsemen and footmen, is perfect. If, therefore, 1 227 should arm these hosts and lead them (myself) to battle, what king is there who is able to hear the sound of my drum in the field of battle ? " And king Gaja Bahu, being thus pufl'ed up with 228 pride, commanded the ministers of the interior to set the whole army in readiness. Thereupon the ministers made ready 229 elephants and horses that were well harnessed, and also great bodies of very mighty men skilled in war and clad in ten kinds of armour, and soldiers also from the Kerala, Kann&ta, Damila, 230 and other races. And when they had arrayed these forces the ministers informed the king thereof. Then Gaja Bdhu set out from the noble city of Pulatthi 231 at the head of a great army, and came to a place called Sikaviyala. And the commanders of Farakkama's armies, 232 under their leader Bakkha-La^k&dhindtha, made war with the king Gaja Bdhu ; and these mighty men broke through his host 233 of elephants and horses, and slew their riders, and put the king to flight. And the king made haste and entered his own city, 234 and caused the gates thereof to be shut, and hid himself in Anurd;* and the mighty men also, who pursued after 235 the king, came up and surrounded the city of Pulatthi on all sides. Then they began to attack its walls, battlements, 236 and towers; and the spies whom they had before left in thfij city (treacherously) opened the gate thereof. Whereupon 237 . * This is probably the name of a secret place of conceaIment,'or of a tower, a palace, or a grove. • 166 THE mahAva^sa. the besiegers entered |^the city with great ease, and took 238 Gaja B^hu captive, and shut him in the palace. The princes Colagapga and Yikkama £&hu also they took captive, and bound them and cast them into prison. 239 Then the chief captains of the army sent tidings unto the king of these things. And the king, who by his wisdom was able to judge wisely of the matter, when he heard thereof thought 240 within himself, saying, " It is meet that he should live at ease, without any cause for fear from us, until that we could see each 241 other at a lucky hour." So he sent forthwith to Gaja Bdhu gifts of great value : garments, perfames, and jewels, that he had set apart for his own use. 242 Thereupon the chiefs of the provinces and of the districts took counsel together, and sent a letter unto the king written in 243 this wise : " While the king (Gaja £&hu) liveth a great part of the inhabitants of the country will not submit unto thee : therefore 244 ought this man to be put to death." And when the king heard the message his heart was moved with compassion, and thinking 245 to himself, "That king, surely, must not be killed," he straightway commanded the noble-minded general Deva-Sen&- pati, who was at Sendgama, to come before him, and spake these 246 words unto him : " If these chiefs of the provinces and the districts, who are puffed up with victory, should seize the king 247 and kill him, it would not be well ; neither would it be well if they should plunder the city and oppress the people and 248 conduct themselves riotously. For, is not the kingdom to be established with the intent that the religion should be pro- moted and the welfare of the State ? Surely it is not only for 249 the purpose of putting the king to death ! Go you, therefore, and put down all those that are riotous and disobedient ; pre- serve the king's life, and establish order and authority in the 250 city." And when the king had spoken these words, it is said that he hastened away the chief captain, who departed with his 251 army, and went to the city of Pnlatthi. But before he came thither the soldiers, by reason of their perversity and wicked- 252 ness, had set at nought the king's command. They brake open the doors of the houses in the city of Pulatthi, plundered the wealth thereof, and robbed the people of their raiment 253 and jewels. And the noble city of Pulatthi, oppressed thus by the violence of the soldiers, was then thrown into great con- fusion, like unto the ocean that is disturbed by the tempest at 254 the end of the world. And they that dwelt in the city, and O&APTfiR tXX. 167 the ministers and their followers, and the country folk and the armed men were disgusted with these deeds of violence ; and 255 all of them went up with one accord to Mdndbharana,* and told him of these things, and spake to him, saying, " We 256 beseech you come with us: we will conquer the kingdom for you, and it will be for you only to support our cause." And Qokanna, the chief, who was left at K&lavdpi, also sent 257 a messenger to him asking him to come up quickly. And the 258 weak-minded prince Mdndbharana, having heard all this, and having taken counsel with his foolish ministers, determined 259 that he would go thither, pretending to deliver the captive king, and then destroy the enemy and take possession of the whole of the king's country. So he made haste and gathered together an 260 army from among the inhabitants of both countries, and having 261 joined them with the forces of the officers of the king's country went up to the city and fought a fierce battle there, in which he utterly defeated Farakkama's army, albeit that it was so great. And king Mdndbharana went up to the palace and saw 262 king Gaja Bahu after he had made the customary obeisance to him. And so that he might calm the fears of that king's people, 263 he delayed a few days, and then put to death all the commanders 264 of the king Gaja B^hu, and seized the king himself and cast him in prison. All the elephants also, and horses, and such 265 moneys as were in the treasury, he seized and took to himself ; and, thinking that he had now gotten himself the kingdom, he commanded the Tooth-relic and the Alms-bowl relic and his 266 mother and all the women of his household to be brought thither from the Eohana. And after that the king (Man&bharana), who 267 had neither compassion nor wisdom, secretly took counsel with his mother and his chiefs in this manner, saying : "While the 268 king (Gaja B^hu) liveth the forces of the king's country will be true followers of him only: he should therefore be put to death. But should we put him to death publicly, then would i 269 there be a strong uproar among the people : it is meet, there- fore, that the king should be put to death secretly;" So he 270 made the king to endure great hardship by depriving him of food and rest, and also devised means to kill him. by giving him poison. Now king Gaja Bdhn could not endure the tyranny 271 of the king Mdnfi,bharana ; so he sent secret messengers to Parak- 272 kama Bdhu, saying " I have no other refuge but in thee. I pray 273 * Siri-Vallabha's son, and cousin of both Farakkama and Gaja B&hu. 168 tnis mahIva^sa. thee, therefore, pour upon me the water of thy mercy, and quench '■ the flame of sorrow with which I am eternally scorched and tor- 274 mented." And the king (Parakkama), being full of mercy, gave good ear to all the words that the king (Gaja Bahu) had sent by the mouth of his messenger, and was moved with exceeding pity, 275 and thought in his heart, saying " Verily hath he suffered all this grievous pain because of me 1 It is therefore my bounden duty to 276 deliver him from that pain." So, although he had lost his army and his materiel of war (at the city of Fulatthi), yet, being endued 277 with great heroism, he slackened not his energy, but chose the more valiant men from among those who had been brought up with him, and gave them offices and great wealth and honour. 278 He gave the office of Adhikdri* to the general M^ydg^ha, and likewise the office of La^kddhikdrit to the chief Kitti-Sa^kha. 279 And of the two generals who were brethren the king gave to 280 the elder the rank of Kesadh&tu Nd.yakat and to the younger the office of Nagaragalla. And the wise and prudent ruler won their hearts by giving to both of th^m great wealth and honour and many soldiers. 281 Thus did this wise king furnish great and powerful armies with all speed, and send them in divers directions. 282 He sent the chief captain Bakkha Kesadhdtu-Ndyaka with an army to the village Vacd-vataka in the Merukandara country. 283 In like manner also he sent Rakkha La^k&dhindtha to the village Maygalaba and Kitti La^kddhikari to the place Kyana-gdma. 284 The two generals who were brethren, did the king send with a great host to Makkala-gama. 285 At that time the king sent messengers secretly to the chief captain Deva-Sen&pati, who was shut up in the city of Pulatthi, 286 and brought him hither and gave him the command of a great army like that of the gods. And the king, who was skilled in the manner of commanding his forces and disposing them, sebt him to Ga9gdtata.§ 287 And all the chief captains went with their armies and took each the post that was his, and plundered divers places on the way to 288 the city, and cut off the heads of their enemies, striking them with terror, and stopping the supplies of corn. In this manner 289 did they sorely oppress the people that dwelt in the city ; and the * Chief Executive Offleer : the " Adigar " of later times. t Executive Officer of the Island j Warden of the Hair-relic ; but see note infra. § Gantalawa or Kandalai. CHAPTER LXX. 169 strong men of war who were set to guard different places killed and plundered the people, so that they ventured not to come out- 290 side the city even to seek wood or leaves, because they feared that they would be robbed of all their possessions. In many places 291 they stopped up the highway from the Rohana to the city, and hindered the dwellers of that country from going to and fro from it. Then did the men of Mdndbharana, who were shut up in the 292 city, feel as if they were birds penned in a cage. Thereafter the 293 two generals who were brethren fought a battle, and took Konta Disdn&yaka (Mdn&bharana's general) prisoner. They also fought 294 with the hosts that were led by Bodhi La^k&dhindtha (also a general of Mdndbharana), and pursued after him unto^the city of Pulatthi. The general (Rakkha) Kesadh^tu, who held the village A"ac£- 295 v&taka, fought with the chief captain of M^ndbharana, called Uttama, and gained a victory, and went up to the village Ndla, 296 and fought a battle there with Buddha-Nfiyaka and gained the victory. Afterwards the general Rakkha-adhikdri (Rakkha 297 Laflikadhik&ri), who was left at the village Maggalaba, fought with the enemy and took the village Hattanna ; and this famous 298 man followed up his victory with all speed, and fought Ndthddhikari and drove him back with his army. And when 299 the king Mdnabhtisana (Man&.bharana) heard thereof, he went with his mighty men of war to Mdsiviyalasa to fight against him. Thereupon Kitti Adhikari, who was then at Kydnagdma, 300 and Deva-Sendpati, who was at Gangdtata, and the two 301 brethren, the generals, who were at Makkalagdma — even all these, with their great hosts, made haste and went up in 302 battle array each from his place (against the city), and slaughtered and put the enemy to flight wherever they chanced to meet them, and then went up with all speed from divers points to the city of Pulatthi, where they scattered the strong men who 303 were set as guards all round the city (and entered it) and set the king Gaja Bdhu at liberty. And they seized the women of 304 the household of king Man dbharana, and his sons, and his mother, and all his treasure. But as soon as king Gaja Bdhu 305 was set at liberty by them he made all haste and fled straight- way, and took refuge in the country abounding with stores of grain. And king Mdn^bharana, who then fought against Rakkha 306 Lapkfidhikdri, having heard of these things, was filled with grief 307 for the loss of those he loved, as if he had been pierced by an 91—87 ' z 170 THE MAHAVA^SA. arrow ; and he put oa his armour aud his weapons, and regard- 308 less even of his life he returned to the city at ni^ht with his great army, and fought a fierce battle, resolved to destroy the 309 enemy. But when his general Bodhi Laykidhinatha fell in the ~ field of battle, he could not maintain his ground in the city of 310 Pulatthi, and therefore he took with him the sacred Tooth-relic and the Alms-bowl relic, and his mother and the women of the palace, and departed for the Eohana at night. 311 Now at that time Parakkama Bahu had left Buddhagdma and, 312 having repaired to the neighbourhood of the city with the intent to set the king Gaja B&,hu at liberty, had built himself a beauti- ful palace of two stories, and lived in the village Giritata 313 with his army and all his retinue. And it chanced that certain of the king's men of valour had gone to the village Tan- naru that they might amuse themselves there after the toils of 314 the war ; and certain of the generals of king Gaja Bahu kept the king behind and treacherously attacked them with violence. 315 And when the king Parakkama B^ha heard this he was greatly incensed, and commanded his own chief officers to seize Gaja 316 Bdhu, Thereupon Kitti-Lankadhikdri and Deva-Senapati, with 317 a great host, proceeded to the village Tannaru, and fought three great battles there with the chief officers of the king Gaja B^hu, 318 and slaughtfered many of the enemy. And Natha Nagaragiri and Mandi-jivita-putthaki scattered the hosts of the enemy at the 319 village Viluka-patta. So also at the village Tannaru, they who commanded tlie great hosts destroyed the forces of the enemy 320 that they met, and proceeding to the village Kohomba they carried on the war, and slaughtered many of the enemy that were there, and broke down the walls of the fortress, and seized it. 321 They scattered also many of the enemy that were armed at the village Ambagama, and took possession of the fortress. And 322 from thence they marched to Tannitittha, and, succeeding there, they went further, and put the enemy to flight at Antaravitthi. 323 Now at that time certain of Parakkama Bahu's commanders, at 324 the head of a great host, lay nigh unto the city of Pulatthi, and Gaja Bdhu's officers that Devd.dhikari had led fought against 325 them, and were defeated. Likewise also they defeated great numbers of the enemy at a place called K&lapilla, and destroyed 326 them, and took up their abode at Madhilka-Vanaganthi. And they all then moved quickly in divers directions, and spread over 327 the country with the intent to seize the king, who, when he heard that the armies had overwhelmed the country and were descending CHAPTER LXXI. 171 upon him from all sides, and seeing none other course left to him, sent messengers to the Order of all the three Fraternities 328 that dwelt in the city of Pulatthi, saying, " I see none other 329 refuge now but in my lords : I beseech you, therefore, take com- passion on me and save me in my distress." And the brethren 330 received the message and were moved with compassion, and proceeded (in a body) to Qiritat^ka, and went up before the presence of the king (Parakkama Bd,hu) ; and when they had 331 spoken civilly to each other and the king had asked them of the reason of their visit, they made answer to him in these words of peace : " The blessed and merciful Buddha hath, in divers dis- 332 courses, spoken at length of the evils of strife and of the bless- ings of peace. The (vanquished) king hath neither a son nor 333 any brethren ; moreover, it seemeth clear that by reason of his age he standeth now at the gates of death, insomuch that your vow 334 to establish the kingdom with the intent to advance the welfare of the country and the religion thereof will soon be fulfilled. There- 335 fore is it meet that you should abandon the strife and return to your own country, having respect to the counsels of the Order." So the king (Parakkama B&hu), who had subdued the country with the utmost difficulty, hearkened to the words of the Order, and yielded it to the vanquished king (Gaja B&hu), and returned to his own country. Oh, how marvellous was the fulness of his compassion ! Thus endeth the seventieth chapter, entitled " The giving away of the Kingdom," in the Mahavagsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXI. ND the king Gaja Bdhu then came to Ga^gdtataka and 1 made it his royal city and dwelt there in peace. There- 2 upon king Mdn&bharana sent presents unto him, and assayed to enter into an alliance and live with him in friend- ship ; but king Gaja Bfi.hu wished not to enter into an alliance 3 with Manibharana, and went up to the vihdra Mandalagiri, and 4 made a solemn declaration there, saying, " I have given the king's country to, king Parakkama." And when he had caused this to be inscribed on a table of stone he returned to Gangdtatdka, 5 and died there of a certain disease with which he had been afflicted after he had reigned two and twenty years. Thereupon the foolish ministers of king Gaja Bihu joined 6 172 THE mahAva^sa. themselves together, and caused his body to be taken to a stronghold abounding with grain, and sent messengers to king 7 M^nibharana to come up quickly whilst they yet tarried there. 8 King Parakkama also, having heard of the king's death, set his army in array and came up to the city of Pulatthi. 9 And then king Mdndbharana, because that he had under him 10 a great host from among those who had come from the king's country and bad taken refuge in Bohana, and being advised thereto by wicked men, thought to himself saying, " I surely 11 will take the king's country." And being overpowered by this foolish ambition, he set out from Rohana with a great host and reached the stronghold (where the generals of Gaja £&hu 12 had tarried till he should come). And Parakkama Bdhu also, the ruler of the land whose valour no man could even conceive or surpass, having heard thereof, thought within himself 13 in this wise : " Even Gaja Bdhu, the generous king, and his 14 chief captains had resolved not to continue the war ; but the 15 people say that this Mdndbharana hath now come to war (against me), trusting on the vain talk of the cowards from the king's country, who had fled thither in all haste with not so much as 16 the cloth round their bodies which belonged to them. Him indeed will my ministers humble, yea, even two-fold more than the 17 humiliation that the king Gaja B^hu was made to endure. Nor 18 will I let him to cross over to this side of the river Mahdv^luka." And when the king had pondered within himself in this wise and with the wisdom and skill that he showed in making ready for war, he placed his armies with commanders over them at every ford, even from the ford of Sarag^ma unto the Gokanna sea. 19 Then the chief ministers of State, who were men of great wisdom, came together to the presence of the ruler of the land, and made obeisance to him with their hands lifted up to 20 their heads, and prayed that he might be anointed king. " Great 21 king," they said, "the victorious monarchs of old caused the ceremony of anointing to be performed on them even in the field of battle, that so they might impress fear and affection among the people, and that their exceeding great power and 22 majesty might be made known everywhere. Therefore also it should be the duty of our lord to preserve the customs of those great and good men, because that he is learned in the law 23 and knows its precepts. king I although thou art young in years, yet it is hard for thy enemies to bear the weight of thy might and majesty, and to overcome the strength of thine CHAPTER LXXII. 173 arm. With the dawn of thy prosperity thou wilt be able to 24 exercise dominion over the whole continent of India, let alone the island of Laijkd. From the first ages of the world unto this 25 day has thy race continued as pure as the milk that is poured into a cleansed chank. Wherefore, let it please thee to ordain that 26 the anointing be held on a day of good omens,— that anointing which of a certainty will bring blessings upon the whole world." And the king Parakkama Bahu, of thoughtful men the most 27 excellent, whose enemies could be subdued only by his frown, hearkened to this request ; and on a day that seemed of good 28 omen, when the stars on the moon's path signified excellence, he put the crown on his head, and arrayed himself in all the royal apparel. And although the tidings came to him at 29 that moment that Mdndbharana had crossed over to this side of the river, he cared not so much as a blade of grass for him ; but 30 himself ascended the ornamented pavilion, and placing his armour and his weapons near him, he went in great state from his 31 palace and, like unto a fearless lion, marched round the city, 32 astonishing the people who were drawn to the ceremony by the splendour thereof, and entered the royal palace that was the home of the goddess of prosperity. [This seenis to be the end of the chapter. From some cause or another there appears to be a slight omission.] * CHAPTER LXXII. T that time the great scribe Mahinda came with a great 33 army (on Mdndbharana's side) and carried on a great 34 fight with the famous Eakkha Kesadhatu who was left at the ford of Sarogdma. But Eakkha Kesadhdtu, the mighty chief of the army, like unto a lion amid a herd of 35 elephants, slew a great number of Mahinda's mighty men in battle and drove away the great scribe and all his host, as doth the wind a tuft of cotton. And when he essayed again to cross 36 over at the ford of Talanigdma with the intent to renew the 37 contest, the selfsame Rakkha Kesadhdtu fought a great battle with him and put him to flight. In the same manner also did Buddha Kesadhdtu, who was 38 * The words within brackets are remarks made by the editors of the text. I may add, that iprobably the concluding verse, which is generally either laudatory or hortatory, is the only one that is missing. 174 THE mahAva^sa. 39 charged to defend the ford of Pfina, encounter the king 40 Mandbharana, when be essayed to cross that ford with the intent to make war ; and in a fierce battle that took place with the commanders of Mdnabharana, he slew many of his mighty men and utterly defeated the enemy so that they wished not to return to cross by that ford any more. 41 Likewise also did a certain chief of a district, who was left to 42 defend the ford of Samirukkha, defeat the army of the chief captains Mdydgeha and Gaja Bhuja, who came thither to carry on the war, and put them to flight. 43 And a chief of Mdrdgiri, by name Mattat&.la, came up with an 44 army and essayed to cross the ford called Mahdrukkha ; but Bdma, the commander who was left at Nilagiri, which was his birth- place, a man of great prowess, fought a terrible battle there, and 45 took him alive with the other mighty men who were worthy of being taken captive, and put the remnant to flight, who lost heart and desired not to flght again. 46 And a certain other chief who was left at the ford of Ndlikera- 47 vatthu fought a battle with the forces of the king their enemy, who sought the fight, and killed many of his men, and defeated and scattered on all sides the remnant of the army. 48 A certain other brave and valiant chief of a district, who was 49 left at the ford called Anantara-bhandaka, gave battle to an 50 exceeding great army of the king their rival, who had come to wage war there with the chiefs of the army, and made the field of battle to look like a heap of mangled flesh, and drove away the remnant of the army with its commander, as the wind doth a gathering cloud. 51 A certain other mighty commander of a district, who was 52 chosen to defend the famous ford Kdnatdlavana, with a well- equipped army and materiel of war, fought fiercely with the host of the enemy who had come by the way of that ford to wage war, and defeated them so that they wished not to renew the fight. 53 And the commander Kitti-Adhikari, who was left at the ford 54 Yakkha-sfikara, fought a terrible battle with the enemy who landed there for the fight, and killed a great many men and put 55 the remnant to fiight. And while he yet held this ford, in obedience to the commands of the great king Parakkama, he 56 appointed a great officer in his stead, and returned ; and this officer also fought three times with the hosts of the enemy (who returned to the fight), and utterly scattered them so that they had not the heart to renew the fight. CHAPTER LXXII. 175 And Jitagiri Santa, the great captain who defended the ford 57 Vihdra-Vejjas^la, and whose army consisted of proud and 58 haughty men, waged a terrible war with the enemy who had come thither to cross the ford and utterly destroyed the army of the king their rival. And Kitti Potthakl, who was at the ford Assa-mandala, and 59 Mahfndma, who had a great army, and La^k&giri, with his mighty 60 host — even these and other great armies destroyed the hosts of the enemy who came against them, and returned to the king. And the valiant men who were nigh unto the river Sakkhar&- 61 laya crossed the bridge there, and entered the grove Sakkunda and straightway fought a battle and put an end to the lives of 62 many men, and brake the spirit of the enemy so that he had not the courage to essay to break through that way any more. Moreover, the general Sapkha-ndtha, who was left at the ford 63 of Sarogama, checked the hosts of the king their rival who came thither to fight through that way, and himself crossed 64 the river, and destroyed a great number of the enemy and returned to his position. In the same manner also did a great 65 army that was left at the ford Samf make a slaughter of a great 66 number of the hosts of the enemy who essayed to cross it, and 67 thereby stop the enemy from coming any more to the attack. A great host of the king that kept tlie ford at Oulla-ndga destroyed many of the enemy who essayed to cross it with their armour and weapons of war. At Bun\datthali also the two generals 68 who were brethren withstood the attack of the enemy who came from that side to cross it. And the great hero Rakkhd - 69 dhikdri, who guarded the ford Niggundi-vdluka, withstood a great host who came to cross thereat, and maintained the fight 70 without ceasing for two months, and, unmoved by any fear what- soever, destroyed them utterly. Likewise also the mighty hero Lap,kapura, who was known by 71 the name of Kadakkiida, and wlio had fought great battles and become exceeding powerful, utterly destroyed a great host 72 of the enemy, and with a mighty effort utterly destroyed the army of the enemy so that there was no hope left in them. And Rakkhaka Sadkha-ndyaka, the chief captain who remained 73 at Bhillapattaka Khanda, utterly routed the hosts of the enemy who had come thither to carry on the war. A certain great 74 chief also, who was left at Titthagdma with a great army to 75 defend it, began the strife with the enemy with great vigour when he essayed to make his way through it, and fought a very 176 THE mabIva^sa. great battle and put the enemy to flight, and bo weakened him 76 that he cared not to renew the fight ; and a powerful commander, who had fought many great battles, and who was left at Nandi- gdma, drove back a great host that essayed to pass through it. 77 And the commander D6va SenSpati was left at the Hedilla Khanda ; and when the prince Mahinda came up to give battle there with an army that was well equipped, four times he 78 fought with him ; and he covered the field of battle with the bodies* of the enemy's mighty men who were slain, and brought 79 the prince into great danger. And with his host of men and 80 with his materiel in no wise diminished, he pursued after the prince as he fled with his army, and made haste and crossed the 81 ford at Bhillagdma. And there he carried on a terrible war for two months, and prevailed everywhere and drove the enemy from their position in that place. 82 And the chief of the district who withstood the enemy at the ford of Mdligama, and was constrained to play the game of war 83 ten times over, routed an exceeding great number of the enemy who had come thither to cross at that point, and scattered them like as the rising sun scattereth a thick darkness. 84 And a certain chief of a district, of great might, who was 85 appointed to guard the ford at Golab6.ha, defeated the army of the enemy in battle that had come to fight their way through that ford, and put them to flight with their leader, even as a lion 86 putteth to flight a herd of deer. A mighty chief also who was left at the ford Dlp^la, fought with the enemy and routed the hosts that had come to cross the river at that place. 87 And while the war was being carried on in this manner, the great king and best of rulers, Parakkama Bahu, of dreadful 88 might, thought thus within himself, saying : " To the king M&nd- bharana, who hath been utterly defeated in the war here, shall I 89 not give a resting place even in the Eohana." And so the warlike 90 king, strong in his purpose, commanded Devila and Loka, both of whom held the rank of Kesadhdtu, and dwelt the one in the Mahdniydma country and the other in the Panca-yojana 91 country, and A'rakkhakamma-Ndtha and Kaiicuki Ndyaka also, to proceed to the Bohana. And these skilful men departed thence in obedience to his command, like as the four great kiagsf departed in obedience to the command of king Sakka. " Lit. skeletons. t The gods of the lowest deva-lokas and guardians of the world of men under Sakra's command. CHAPTER LXXII. 177 And they came to the country Navayojana,* and played the 92 great game of war twenty times with the mighty army of the 93 king, his adversary, that was left there. And they destroyed that great army and took Navayojana. And from thence they de- 94 parted and came to the borders of Kdlagiri,t and fought twenty 9.5 battles with the army that was there, and took that place also. And they advanced yet further and, in like manner, took posses- sion of Dlghalika-Mahdkhetta. And when the king Mfin&- 96 bharana heard of these things, he divided his army in two parts and hastened one part to that place. And it came to pass that on one occasion a certain great 97 officer named NS,rdyana, a captain of the army, who had been 93 charged to defend Anurddhapura, bethought himself foolishly that he could subdue the country and raise a fortress therein, and free himself from subjection to kings. But when king 99 Parakkama Bahn had been informed of this matter, he thought thus within himself, saying, " Him will 1 root up before that he take root himself"; and the valiant king made great haste and jqq sent GhattagSiha-ndyaka against him. And that great captain was moved with an ardour that durst not be compared with any man's, even like the ardour of a lion pursuing after deer or young elephants ; and he went up and waged a dreadful war with him, jqj and destroyed him and his army, and freed the country of its enemies that were like thorns unto it. Now at this time when alt the public fords round about were ]02 guarded by the great officers of the king, as if by evil spirits, so 103 that the king M&ndbharana could not cross them, they that dwelt in the king's country, who were faithful to him, showed a certain secret ford, whereby he crossed over at last to this side ; and when king Parakkama Bahu heard of these things he resolved 104 to root him up with his host on the borders of the river, and chose 105 him a spot for a stronghold at a place called Maydra-p&sana f and sent thither that man of exceeding great valour, the chief 106 captain Kakkhddhikdri, with a great body of soldiers and many men and chariots. But Rakkhddhikdri was displeased with the king, because that 107 by reason of his envy it vexed him of the great favours that the 108 grateful kiag Parakkama had bestowed on his adversary Deva- 109 Sendpati, in that he had given pleasure to the king mightily in a great battle that was fought by him. So he (Rakkhddhikhdri) ♦ Navadun korald. t Kalupahana. J Monaragala. 91—87 2 A 178 THE mahAya^sa. showed not any zeal for the war. And because the fever of envy was on him he was languid and indiiferent, and cared not to 110 exert himself. And at this time a certain evil-disposed chief of 111 the king Gaja Bdhu, whom the king Parakkama had saved, accompanied the general and learned how he was really disposed towards him. And because that he had a secret understanding 1 12 aforetime with the king Mdndbharana, he made haste and sent a message to that king, asking him to come thither with all speed 113 before that they began with the fortifications. And the king Mdndbharana gave heed to this request, and commanded his 114 forces to carry on the war (with zeal) in divers sides. Whereupon the prince Mahinda came up and fought at Vallitittha with the 115 captains of the general Deva Senapati. But they slew many mighty men in the terrible fight, and soon disabled that prince 116 and routed his army. And the king Maadbharana himself 117 fought a great battle with Rakkhadhik^ri, which was fought fiercely, insomuch that sparks of fire were sent forth by the clashing of the swords, and many great and mighty men fell on both sides ; nevertheless, Rakkhadhikari's forces were utterly 118 routed. Whereupon he fought alone with his sword in hand, and slew many brave men, and himself fell dead in the field of battle. 119 And when the mighty and terrible king Parakkama Bahu heard of this event, his lotus-face beamed with a smile, and he 120 communed with himself, saying, " While I live, what profiteth me the living or the dead ? The lion seeketh not a companion to 121 rend him an elephant. Now, therefore, shall I in very war fulfil the desire of my arms which have, for a long time, longed 122 fondly for battle? And soon shall I take to myself, as a man 123 doth a wife, this kingdom which hath been defiled by its con- nection with many kings whose ways were evil, after that I have cleansed it with a stream of blood from the bodies of the enemy and purified it in war. Verily it shall become a glorious hall 124 wherein heroes like unto me might display their skill.* As the sun needeth not a firebrand, so also to me, who am the destroyer of the enemies who surround me like a thick darkness, what profiteth 125 it the help of another power ? " And when he had pondered with o In the original the words are combined in the form of a metaphor, in which the author alludes to Lagki as a female that had been defiled by contac t with wicked sovereigns, and whom the king intends to wed after having washed her in the blood of her enemies. OHAPTBK LXXII. 179 himself in this wise, he appeared on the field of battle like a fifth sun» over the great sea of the hosts of the king his enemy. And this chief among the judges of harmony went thither and 126 tarried there and gave ear to the songs of the singing women, enjoying the delightful strains of their sweet melody. At that time the chief officers of Parakkama Bahu, as they 127 pursued after the hosts of the enemy, met with the king (Mand- 128 bharana) as he returned from pursuing after the great army (of 129 Parakkama) that was routed, and fought a terrible battle at the 130 village Badaravalli, and defeated the victorious army of Mdnd- bharana, and hotly pursued after them. But their army was greatly diminished by reason of the losses they had suffered from the attacks ; and although they killed also a great number of the enemy they dispersed themselves and turned their faces back- wards with the intent to return to their own country ; whereupon the great army of the enemy took heart, and increased their efforts two-fold. Then the commanders of Parakkama left 131 them that were wounded to the care of physicians, and began to retreat with the army ; but Parakkama met the host as it retreated and looked at it with a scornful smile on his face. And 1 32 then he frowned on the officers who commanded his bearers not to advance, and commanded his officers to stand still, and sent the 133 bearers away, and turned his face towards the enemy. And that 134 so he might commemorate the happy union of valour and good 13,5 fortune, and send forth his sword like a messenger into the field of battle, the mighty hero bethought him that he would hold the festival of war, and shouted to his armour-bearer, saying, " Bring hither to me a Sinhalese sword." And the armour-bearer understood it not, but brought the Indian sword called Pdtava, saying it was a Sinhalese sword. But he cried out saying, " Say 136 not to me that this is a sword of Sinhalese handiwork ; it is one that hath power (in my hands) to put an end to all the kings of India. Lay this apart and bring me quickly a sword of Sifl.- 137 halese handiwork." And when he had thus spoken, lo I a fearful sword of Sinhalese handiwork was forthwith brought unto him j and the king, who was like unto a haughty elephant when he 138 snbdueth his foes, considered in his heart that there was not a 139 man in all the island who could even place in his hand a (proper) weapon, and looked at the faces of Bakkha Kesadhatu and " Alluding to the seven suns that are said to rise in succession at the destruction of the world, the fifth drying np the waters of the deep. 180 THE MAHAVA^grSA. 140 Ndtha Nagaragiri who stood nigh unto him. Thereupon they 141 twain understood what the king's gesture meant, and, like unto lions in courage, they rushed into the midst of the host of the enemy. And these men, whose courage was to be compared to no man, entered the field of battle and seemed to the enemy as if 142 they numbered thousands; and from noon till the darkness . came on did they continue the fierce strife that was horrible to behold because of the bodies of the enemy that were hewn in 143 twain by the blows with the sword-cuts. Then the great officers joined hands together and raised them to their foreheads, and 144 saluting the king spake unto him, saying, " lord of men, the 145 great host is broken ! We were indeed only a few who fought against it ; but nevertheless that we were few in number, we allowed not the goddess of fortune to turn her face away from us as we engaged in this great fight. It seemed also that the sun had hid himself behind the western mountain as if terrified at 146 the sight of the battle. Let us, therefore, go back to the city of Pulatthi and vanquish the enemy in the morning. This is not the 147 time for fighting." But as soon as the king heard this counsel he rejected it, as he longed to pass the night in that very place and renew the fight in the morning. 148 Then the brave king laid him down to sleep for a moment ; and in that moment (while he yet slept) the officers began to bear 149 him to the city of Pulatthi. But in the middle of the night, when they arrived at the Paiica Vihdra, the king awoke and 150 enquired saying, "What place is this?" And when they told him that it was the Panca Vihira, the chief of men waxed wroth, 151 and said, " You have surely done a wrong thing in that you have brought me hither while I lay asleep"; and, as he wished to take all his retinue with him so that no man should be left behind, 1 52 he tarried there a short time (to make ready), and caused the village to resound with the blast of chanks and the sound of the five kinds of instruments of music ; and when he had himself 153 examined the retinue that had come with him, he sent them forward, and himself followed behind, and reached the city of Pulatthi at dawn. 154 And afterwards Parakkama Bdhu, who by his unsurpassing courage had subdued the earth, heard (the following tidings) when the sun, who was the firstborn of his race, arose (in the 155 morning), to wit : That at the ford called Billa the chief captains of his army Deva Senapati and Kitti Adhikfiri with their great hosts 156 had encountered N^th A'dhikdri, Prince Mahinda, Sukha Senfipati, OHAPTEE LXXII. 181 Ndtha La^k&giri, and others (the chief captains of Man^- 157 bharaua), and had with their armies crossed that ford and given battle ; that they (his chief captains) had maintained showers of arrows without ceasing, and, after that they had killed Sukha 158 Sendpati and N&tha Lagk^giri with many of their strong men, they pursued after Nath A'dhikdri and Prince Mahinda, as they 159 retreated with their hosts; but when they entered into the 160 midst of the enemy's country, the whole army of the enemy and the inhabitants of the country made the roads so "that no man could pass by them, and surrounded them on all sides. And 161 when the great conqueror heard these tidings he prepared to go thither that he might rescue them, because that he was always intent on brave deeds. Thereupon the great officers who were 162 with him raised up their hands in supplication to hinder the king who was so eager for the strife. (And they spake to him, saying), " Ruler of men I Except in thy exceeding glory that 163 cannot easily be surpassed, verily have we no other help what- soever. The inhabitants of the country, yea, even all of them, 164 have gone over to the enemy. It is meet, therefore, that we should go hence to Nandamtila and begin the fight from that place." With such and other deceitful sayings of the kind did they hinder 165 the ruler of men from going forward. And they departed thence and set out on their journey with the king. But the inhabitants 166 in the neighbourhood of Nandamtila (who were armed), seeing that the king came attended only with a few followers, began to pour 167 showers of arrows upon them from every side ; whereupon the king stopped at a place called Karavdla-giri and sent unto them 168 a few of his valiant officers in whom he trusted, and caused that armed body of men to turn from their resolve, and make not further resistance to him. And then, commanding his followers to 169 advance, and himself proceeding behindJihem, this great and wise king reached Jambukola. And setting out from thence he 170 went forward with the intent to rescue Deva Sendpati, and entered into a place called Navagdmapura. Now at this time Deva 171 Sendpati and Kitti Adhik&ri, because that they had followed not 172 the counsel of the king, endured much privation with their armies, and abandoned the struggle, and gave themselves up to the enemy at the village Surulla. And as they knew that the king had 173 set out to rescue them, and wishing to hinder him from so doing, they sent messengers to him saying, " Here are we in the 174 midst of this great country, fallen into the hands of the enemy ; and none help have we save in our lord's exceeding great 182 THE mahAya:^sa. 175 valour. The inhabitants of the country also have set their 176 faces against us and are on the side of the enemy. Neverthe- less, we doubt not that if our lord's exceeding great glory should continue he will bring this land that the sea surroundeth under one canopy of dominion, and ensure the prosperity of the king- 1 77 dom and the religion thereof. And if there be such good fortune for us that we may have the comfort of beholding again thy 178 lotus-like feet, then indeed shall we escape. But ye who are the defenders of the four tribes and of the sacred Orders ! 179 abandon your resolve to come hither, and turn back." And when the wise and prudent king heard this message, he perceived that evil would befall them even before he could accomplish his 180 journey thither ; and being moreover entreated thereto by all his ministers with uplifted hands, he wisely refrained from going, and went to the city called Yikkama. 181 Now, at this time, when it had come to the ears of the great officers that king Mdn^bharana had joined his forces together and had come to the city of Pulatthi, and setting out from 183 thence had arrived at a place called Giritata, and when they had 183 heard also other tidings of this kind, they told them, every word, even as they had heard them, to the king, and also how that the army had been utterly destroyed in the divers great battles that 184 they had fought with the enemy ; and then they declared that it was prudent to go to the city of Parakkama or to the village of Kalyani, and to begin the war again after that they had got together an army. 185 And when the king had heard this counsel, like unto a lion he displayed the fire of his anger that could be discerned by the frown which like unto smoke gathered on his brow ; and he spake 186 thus : " Let them that fear go whithersoever they choose : we need them not. To such as I am, there are even great hosts in the 187 strength of our arms. While I live, it seemeth to me that there is not one in the three worlds, even to the chief of the gods, who 188 will venture to cross the bounds of my dominion. No king who is an enemy unto me will dare to set foot in the kingdom wherein I am established, even as an elephant will not, in the cave that 189 is guarded by a lion. Who is there that becometh not a hero by a glance of mine eye ? And if but I so desire it, even the 190 babes and sucklings would fight on my side. Lo I within two months or three, not only will I drive the king Mfindbharana out of the king's country, but I will shut him out also from his own. 191 Yea, it is even in such a pass as this,when all things seem hopeless, OH AFTER LXXII. 183 that the strong arm of heroes like unto me availeth something." With such bold words as these did he give courage to those whose 192 hearts had failed them. And then the skilful warrior sent 193 the captains Rakkha Adhikdri and A'di Potthaki that they might take up a position at the village Madgalaba. And then the king, whose fame was great and who knew how 194 to command, bestowed oflSoeson such as were worthy of them, and 195 chose him as officers Rakkha the chief secretary, Mandijivita Potthaki, Saijkhadhatu, and the generals Kitti who were bre- thren, to serve under him. And to these officers the great king 196 entrusted a mighty army, and sent them to Pillavitthi to subdue the great districts that adjoin Kdlavapi. Likewise also did this 197 exceeding great and mighty man place Mdragiri and Nigrodha at Uddhavdpi with a great host. Moreover, he left in divers igg places bodies of fighting men with captains over them to carry on the war at divers points. Now, at that time, the chief secretary Mandi went at the com- 199 mand of Mdndbharana to the place called Janapada, to make war ; but the fighting men of Janapada, who were skilled in the game 2OO of war, fought with him and put him to flight ; and being thereby discouraged he renewed not the contest. And that host sent 201 tidings of what had happened to king Parakkama while he 202 tarried at Ndlanda, and took his pleasure there like unto the chief of the gods, and also daily performed many great and good deeds. Afterwards the commanders who were set at Pilla- 203 vitthi with Rakkha, the chief secretary, at their head, fought a 204 terrible battle for eight days with Buddhandtha, M^hdlana, and Deva Senapati, the generals of Mandbharana who occupied Kdla- vS,pi,and killed many strong men and put the remnant to flight, 205 and also took possession of Kdlavapi, and speedily cleared the place of the thorn-like foe ; and, in obedience to the command of 206 Parakkama Bdhu, they fortified the place and tarried there with the army. And Nigrodha Maragiri, who was set at Uddhavapi, also gave 207 battle three times and broke the enemy's forces. And then he 208 fortified himself in a grove at the village Tannaru, and tarried there with the army according to the command of the great king. Thereupon king M4n&,bharana bestowed honours and much terri- 209 tory on the prince Mahinda, and said unto him : " Go thou with a 210 great host in the direction of the country Morav&pi and ta rry in the noble city of Anuradhapura that so we might seize the southern 184 THE mahAva^sa. part of the country, and I will proceed to PallavavAla that so 211 I might from thence move towards Buddhag&ma." And he gave 212 Mahinda a great army first, and sent him to the beautiful city of Anurddhapura, but he himself tarried behind, even where 213 he was, in the king's country. And the chief officers who were 214 placed at Edlavdpi heard that prince Mahinda had advanced with a great army to Anuridhapura, and they desired greatly to defeat his purpose before he could establish himself there. 215 So they placed the great secretary Rakkha and Eitti Bhandara Potthaki to defend Kdlavdpi, and of their own accord they 216 proceeded thence with their armies and their equipage to the place called Kanamlila, and built a stronghold there and occu- 217 pied it together. And the king Parakkama heard thereof, and, being a cautious man and one whose cunning in war failed him 218 not, he sent messengers unto them, saying, " Ye are men of none 219 experience in the country, go not therefore without my command into the heart of the country to carry on the war." Thus did the wise and far-seeing king, with authority like unto the god 220 Sakka, send forth his command. But the foolish officers were impatient, and went thither even against the king's command, 221 saying " We shall soon take Anurddhapura." And those 222 among them who were not fortunate would not be advised by the king's message, and not being skilled in action nor in devising devices, proceeded to the place called Katuvandn, as if they sought after the consequences of disobeying the king's 223 command. And when they had arrived there, they did many wicked things in divers parts of the great country, by reason of 224 which their forces were scattered on all sides. Thereupon the prince Mahinda, hearing of their doings, took counsel with his officers, and, gathering together his forces around him, commenced 225 the fight with them. But, inasmuch as Parakkama's army lacked unity, the prince Mahinda broke and utterly routed it in the field of 226 battle. And the leaders thereof returned to K&lav&pi with their forces shattered, as if they had only then remembered the 227 king's command which they had not regarded. And the prince then returned to Anurddhapura and gathered together an army 228 of his fellow-countrymen. And as he was now powerful he sent them to Kalav&pi to seize it, which was his great desire. And when the lord of the land, whose wisdom was great, heard 229 thereof, he made haste and sent thither Bhiita Bhandara Potthaki at the head of many hosts of mighty men of valour whom he 230 had carefully chosen. And they all joined themselves together CHAPTEK LXXII. 185 and for the space of three months maintained an exceeding fierce contest day after day. And these skilful men despised 231 not the king's counsel, but continued to fight vigorously, and broke in pieces Mahinda's four-fold army. And they took the 232 great country round about, and remained at K^lavdpi, even where they then were, mindful of the king's command. Then the prince Mahinda, being puffed up with his success" in 233 the unequal struggle that he had with those who had obeyed not the king's command, came himself, ready for the strife. But a certain captain who was left at the place called Moravipi, 234 set not at naught the counsel of the far-sighted king, and drew up 235 his forces on both sides of the road ; and when all the hosts of the enemy had entered within their lines, they closed on them 236 from all sides and kept up a terrible fight. And they made an end of the lives of many captains and leaders, and put the prince 237 to flight, and sent unto the king the heads of many of the enemy that had been slain in the field of battle. Thereupon the mighty and terrible king Parakkama Bahu 238 gathered together his armies that were set at divers places. And that he might drive the king Mdn&bharana out of the 239 king's country, he placed Rakkha, the great secretary, and Anjana, the chief of works, at Kydnagdma, and sent forward Kitti 240 Potthaki and Rakkha Adhikdri to the village Mafigalaba, And 241 he sent companies of hunters and robbers, and such as were accustomed to the fastnesses of the forest and the mountain, and to roaming at night, and caused them to destroy (the enemy's) 242 men by day and night, wheiresoever they found them. And so 243 greatly did they disquiet the king Mdn&,bharana and harass the city, that the inhabitants of Palatthi, like unto birds that were made captive in a cage, feared to come out of their houses even in the daytime ; neither were they who had been for a long time 244 in want of fuel and water able to do the works that were needful, because that all the grass and the plants had been rooted out. Yea, everything that was in each man's house was destroyed ; 245 even all the divers stuffs in the markets on the borders of the city were cut off, and, by reason of the constant tumult that was 246 raised by this war of kings in the streets that led to the town, 247 the whole city trembled with fear, even to the court of the king's palace. Then the king Mfi,nAbharana, being sorely vexed, and filled 248 with anxious thoughts, communed with himself in this wise : 249 " Alas I If we flee into the Rohaua the people of the king's 250 91—87 2 B 186 THE mahIva^sa. coaatry who dwell there, seeing that we are weakened and in flight, will not permit us to remain there, that so they might 251 show their fealty to the king Parakkama. On the contrary, it is even difficult for us to remain here, where we now are, by reason 252 of the distress that we endure by day and night. It is therefore meet for us that we should engage in a fierce battle with the enemy, and partake of the pleasure (of victory) or suifer the 253 misery (of defeat) that would happen therefrom." And when he had thus resolved he stirred himself up for the fight and put his four-fold army in battle array, and proceeded to Pallava- valaka. 254 Thereupon the king Parakkama Bdhu, who was brave like 255 unto a lion and prudent in action, when he heard everything 256 concerning this movement, desired greatly to drive away the army of the enemy that came from that side, and sent Lagkapura, the two generals who were brethren, and Lokagalla, by three ways, having before instructed them in the divers stratagems of 257 warfare. And these mighty men went thither, and kept the enemy engaged daily in exceeding great encounters for the space of one month. 258 Then was the king Mandbharana's distress increased two-fold ; and he thought within himself, saying, " Our strongholds have 259 we quitted and come hither with the intent to give battle ; but even here is there no hope for us. Verily our misfortune hath 260 taken firm root, and increaseth daily. Instead of contenting ourselves with the good or the evil that would have been our portion in the wilderness, have we ventured to come hither, and are therefore well served in that we are brought to such great 261 misery. Should we then endeavour again to return thither? 262 But that also is now an exceeding hard matter. Nor is it right 263 for us to tarry in a place where we are hemmed in by the great hosts of the enemy who occupy divers places on the highway. Let us therefore, inquire of them that are familiar with the country and go about among the hosts of the enemy, and proceed by some secret path which peradventure they might show us." 264 And when he had determined in this wise, he inquired of them that dwelt in the country, and went by the way that they showed him to the village Konduruva. 265 Thereafter Rakkha Adhikdri, mindful of the king's counsel, 266 held possession of the village Mihirana-Bibbila. And he put up posts, pointed like unto arrow-heads, and fixed them firmly in the ground, joining the one with the other, that so they might CHAPTER IiXXII. 187 not be shaken even by elephants. And on the outside thereof, 267 he put up huge posts, greater in size than the rest, and placed them close together on the ground, that so there might not be any fissures, and bound them crosswise with poles. Moreover, 268 he caused a moat to be dug between the two stockades, twenty or thirty cubits in breadth, the circumference whereof was equal to the measure of one hundred men with their hands raised, and he laid sharp spikes and thorns therein. On the ground 269 outside thereof, he also fixed rows of spikes, and made a fence of thorns along it without gap or opening ; and between them 270 also he made a trench as before, and in it also he made rows 271 of spikes and thorns, and caused the ground outside the fence to be dug, and thus formed a trench so deep that it reached the water. And he covered the bottom of it with spikes and 272 thorns. At the same time also he caused the forest beyond the 273 trench to be cleared to a distance of two or three bow-shots ; and outside this space, where there were secret paths, he dug pits, and spread the bottoms thereof thickly with sharp thorns, and 274 covered them all over with dry leaves and sand that so they might appear passable. And in order that he might utterly 275 destroy the enemy who ventured to come from that side, he caused 276 secret paths to be made round about it, and placed sharp- shooting bowmen therein. He then built a tower of four stories 277 in the middle of the fortress, and set archers on the top thereof in divers places. Thereafter, in order that he might tempt the 278 enemy's hosts to draw near unto the fortress, he sent forth two or three thousand archers skilled in the use of the bow. And they cunningly feigned that they were driven back by a 279 shower of arrows that they could not resist which the enemy had 280 poured out on them on all sides as they came forth to meet them, pursuing after them as they stood still (and turning round and fleeing from them when they pursued after them). And when the enemy had come sufficiently nigh unto the fortifications, many thousands of good and valiant men, skilled in warfare, 281 armed themselves quickly, and rushed forth on the enemy like 282 unto so many elephants, and fought like the hosts of the king of Death that had appeared against them. Then the showers 283 of arrows began to pour down on all sides ; and they that were placed on the top of the tower began to shoot their arrows on those that were on the ground. (And now the battle waxed hot), and stones without number 284 were seen, hurled from engines, that flew about on every side. 188 THE MAHAVA^SA. 285 Aud the heat of the iire of the reeds that were lighted and 286 thrown among the enemy could not be endured, nor the many burning javelins bound with chains with which they harassed them. And this cruel work lasted for seven days. 287 Thus did the noble officers of the great king carry on the 288 war with zeal according to his commands. Then, of a sudden, were the hosts of the enemy with their kings broken up and destroyed, like the billows of the sea when they dash themselves 289 upon the shore, the one after the other ; and the king ( Mandbha- rana) and his army on the field of battle resembled the (fading) moon and the stars at the rising of the sun, 290 Moreover, they weakened the hosts of the enemy in the terrible war that they had ceased not to wage at Eajata-keddra for six 291 months. Then the king Mdndbharana began to build him a for- tress with an encampment, after that he had covered the ground 292 outside with thorns. Thereupon the lotus-eyed king Parakkama Bdhn, resolute and lofty in wisdom, pondered the design with 293 care, and being also skilled in the stratagems of war, thought in this wise : " If now, he purpbseth to raise a fortress, it 294 seemeth to me that it is but a feint, for his forces are now weakened ; and he intendeth of a surety to retreat. Now is 295 the time, therefore, to seize him. And for this end it is meet that I also should go thither in such a manner that he would not know aught thereof, lest otherwise he escape." 296 And when he had thus resolved he set out from the city called 297 Vikkama, feigning that he desired to go out hunting, and 298 reached Ky^nagdma, surrounded by a band of musicians. And the wise king, who delighted in the strains of Yiuas and flutes and songs, tarried in that village, taking his pleasure like unto 299 Sakka. Then the lord of the land sent messengers to Bakkha Adhikdri, commanding him to make ready a force and to engage himself quickly in battle with Buddha Nayaka, the chief 300 captain of Mdn&,bharana, And the great king's commander 301 (Bakkha), who was a man of great mind and obedient withal, gave due heed to the king's wish that was conveyed to him, and straight- way made ready an army skilled in war, which was able to blow away the enemy like a blast of wind which bloweth away the cotton, 302 And that army of four divisions proceeded to Bajat^-ked&ra, 303 and fought a great battle there until the going down of the sun . And they slew Buddha Ndyaka and the other captains, and put the remnant of the army to flight, and passed the night at that 304 place. And when the skilful ruler heard the tidings thereof. CHAPTER LXXII. 189 he went to the village Mihirana-Bibbila ; and called unto him 305 Kadakkiida Lapkdpura, an oflScer of exceeding great might, and the two chief captains who were brethren, and spake unto them, saying, " The king Mdudbharana, whose heart is bowed down 306 with great fear, will of a certainty flee from hence this night. Do ye, therefore, go before him and hinder him by stopping 307 the road by which he would escape." The discerning king spake thus unto them and sent them on this errand. But as they went, 308 while the clouds yet poured down torrents of rain and ceased not, and in the thick darkness of the black night, they were not 309 able to overtake the king Mdndbharana, who fled from them with great fear. For on that day did the king Mandbharana think thus within 310 himself : " This day there is heard in the camp of the enemy's 311 hosts a great and terrible uproar, like unto the rolling of the great sea. It seemeth therefore to me that the king, mine enemy, hath come into the camp. Of a certainty, then, shall I fall into his 312 hands, who have never before submitted to any man, if 1 tarry here at night and escape not forthwith. It is well, therefore, that 313 I should depart hence and let none of my followers know aught thereof." And as he was bowed down by fear, he resolved in this wise; and, leaving his children behind him, while the rain fell 314 fast and the darkness around him grew thick and heavy, he 315 departed, falling ofttimes into deep pits hither and thither, and starting with fear while his feet stumbled over the thickets of the forest. And, with a mind sore troubled with fear, he came 316 at last to the banks of the Maha,v&,luka river. And here he 317 thought thus within himself : " If, peradventure, I cross by a ford that is well known to the enemy and make my escape thence, then shall he pursue after me and take me alive." So 318 thinking, he crossed the river with much diflSculty by an un- known ford, and was forthwith relieved of the anxiety of his mind; but as he trusted not even the people that dwelt in the 319 country, he fled in fear and disguise from village to village, until he entered undisguised into his own country. Thereupon the mighty men of king Parakkama, who were 320 set in divers places, heard of Mdndbharana's flight and rejoiced greatly. They waved their garments aloft in thousands, and 321 lighted hundreds of thousands of torches around, and put many 322 thousands of the strong men of the enemy to death. They clapped their hands, and shouted and leaped about for joy. And 323 then they all entered at once from every side into the fortress that 190 THE mahAva:^sa. 824 the king Mdndbharana had held, and took the prince Sirivailabha who had been left there, and many other great officers also, 325 alive. They seized much treasure also that belonged to the king their enemy, that was scattered in divers places, and took many 326 elephants and horses and armour and weapons ; and after that they had set guards over such of them as required to be watched, 327 they all pursued after the king MAndbharana. And when they 328 arrived at the river Mahavaluka, they forthwith slew the hosts 329 of the enemy that they found there also in confusion, and made a river of flesh and blood out of the army of the enemy. Then they resolved firmly, saying, " Even unto the sea shall we proceed 330 to seize the king Mandbharana, and cease not otherwise." But while they set ofP, Parakkama Bdhu, whose arm was proud and mighty, and whose commands none dared to transgress, sent messengers unto them that they should not cross over to the other side of the river, and thereby stopped them from pursuing 331 any further. Thereafter, Parakkama Bdhu, who vanquishes all kings that oppose him, arrayed himself with all the ornaments 332 of the kingly office, and surrounded by his army, and followed by 333 the prince Sirivallabha, entered the beautiful city of Pulatthi, filling the whole heaven with shouts of victory, like unto the victorious king of the gods as he entered his abode in the heavens after his battle with the spirits of evil. 334 And after this the king Mdndbharana approached the end of his days by reason of a disease that had come upon him 335 through fear of the king Parakkama Bdhu. And as he lay on his deathbed in great pain, amidst the women of his household 333 who bewailed him with uplifted hands, he called the prince Kitti Sirimegha and his ministers also into his presence, and 337 spake these words unto them, saying : " Many treasures that the faithful had offered up to the holy Tooth-relic and the 338 sacred Alms-bowl of Buddha have I taken, and divers villages also that belonged to the Order have I destroyed, because that 339 the lust of dominion had overpowered me. But now I have laid me down on a bed from the which I shall not rise up again. And even after that I am dead and have departed from 340 this world, whither indeed can I look for salvation ? Do not, therefore, bring yourselves to ruin as I have done ; but go up 341 to the king Parakkama and do as he shall bid you, and live in obedience to his commands." And when he had spoken 342 these words he wept bitterly, and, as if it moved him to go unto the place whither the good soldiers of the great king CHAPTER LXXII. 191 Parakkama would not desire to follow him, he set out for the fortress of the Ruler of Hell. And when the king Parakkama B^hu, who had joined to him- 343 self a number of goodly followers, heard of the death of king Mdndbharana, he commanded that Kitti Sirimegha should be 344 brought from thence. Then the great ministers assembled themselves together, and made great obeisance unto the noble- 345 minded king, and prayed that it might please the king to appoint a day for the feast of the coronation. And the king, being now 346 freed from his enemies, held the great feast of the coronation 347 under a good star and a prosperous hour. And on that day the deafening sound of divers drums was terrible, even as the rolling of the ocean when it is shaken to and fro by the tempest at the end of the world. And the elephants, decked with coverings 343 of gold, made the street before the palace to look as if clouds had descended thereon with flashes of lightning ; and with the 349 prancing of the steeds of war the whole city on that day 350 seemed to wave even like the sea. And the sky was wholly shut out of sight with rows of umbrellas of divers colours and with lines of flags of gold. And there was the waving of garments and the clapping of hands. And the inhabitants of 351 the city shouted saying " Live I live I Great King 1 " And 352 there was feasting over the whole land, which was filled with arches of plantains intermingled with rows of flower-pots ; and hundreds of minstrels chanted songs of praise, and the air was 353 filled with the smoke of sweet incense. Many persons also arrayed themselves in cloths of divers colours and decked in orna- ments of divers kinds ; and the great soldiers who were practised 354 in war, mighty men, armed with divers kinds of weapons, and with the countenance of graceful heroes, moved about hither and thither like unto elephants that had broken asunder their bonds. By reason of the many archers also, who walked about with 356 their bows in their hands, it seemed as if an army of gods had visited the land ; and the city with its multitude of palaces, 356 gorgeously decorated with gold and gems and pearls, seemed like unto the firmament that is studded with stars. And this mighty king, with eyes that were long like the lily, 357 caused many wonderful and marvellous things to be displayed, and adorned himself with divers ornaments, and ascended a 358 golden stage supported on the backs of two elephants that were covered with cloth of gold. And he bore on his head a crown 359 that shone with the rays of gems, like as the eastern mountain 192 THE MAHAvAIJSA. 360 beareth tlie glorious and rising sun. And casting into the shade the beauty of spring by the strength of his own beauty, he drew tears of joy from the eyes of the beautiful women of the city. 361 And he marched round the city, beaming with the signs of happi- ness, and, lilce unto the god with the thousand eyes, entered the beauteous palace of the king. 362 Thus did this ruler of the world of men make every quarter and every point thereof one scene of feasting ; and this king Parakkama Bdhu, whose dominion now was supreme, held the ceremony of his second inauguration in the second year (after that he had held the first). Thus endeth the seventy-second chapter, entitled "The Festival of the Coronation," in the Mah&vapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXIII. ilFTER WARDS the king Parakkama who had been duly anointed king, being endued with much wisdom and become eminent among those who understood what was good for the people, thus thought within himself : " In times past were these people much oppressed by kings of old, in that they placed a heavy yoke on them by unjust taxes that they levied on them and by other similar burdens, from which arose great grievances. And they were led astray (from the path of duty) by love and hate, and fear and ignorance, and sought not to govern for the good and the advancement of the church and the kingdom, albeit that subjects should be so governed that 4 their happiness may thereby be increased. And the religion of 6 the great Sage has now for a long time past been shaken to 6 its foundations with hundreds of heresies, and broken up by reason of the disputes of the three Fraternities, and ministered to by crowds of monks who know not any shame, but whose object it is to fill their bellies, so that it hath come to pass that the religion of Buddha hath fallen to decay before even the five thousand years have passed for which, according to his prophecy, it was to endure. But these things must be so ordained that 7 the religion shall endure for a long time. Again also, there are men of great families who have been utterly ruined and are scattered everywhere, who should be restored to their positions 8 and defended according to the custom. And more also, there are the poor whom I should feed by giving alms unto them, as the OHA.PTBK LXXIII. 193 cloud that is gathered from the four corners of the heavens poureth down the shower of rain that ceaseth not. All these 9 things had 1 meditated as the fruit of my labours when I strove with great difiSculty to establish the kingdom. Now, therefore, is 10 the time to order these things according to my desire." And when he had resolved thus, he commenced the work by bestowing oflSces on them that were deserving of them. And then he caused the 11 poor to assemble by beat of drums, and gave unto them a feast of alms for which he expended precious things equal to his weight in the balance ; and this feast he caused to be observed every year. Thereafter the king assembled a great 12 body of the monks that belonged to the three Fraternities, that so he might order their affairs to advance the welfare of the Church. Likewise also, he assembled many great doctors, 13 learned in the ways of searching into the guilt or innocence of persons who had committed crimes and offences. And as he 14 was himself the foremost among them that were learned in the laws of the Church, and was able to distinguish between the true and false views of things, he made inquiry concerning such as were pure and such as were impure among the recluses. And 15 as he took not part with the one side or the other, and was moved neither by love nor by hatred, but was diligent and constant in duty both by day and night, the wise king, in that 16 he was able to discern the fitness of things, like unto a skilful physician or surgeon who carefully considereth the diseases that could be healed and such as could not, restored such as 17 he could unto the Order, and seiit them away whose diseases could not be cured. And this union of the three brotherhoods jg who had set their faces against each other and stirred up divers 22 disputes, was not wholly effected, even though many kings had tried to do so from the time of Vattagamani Abhaya up to this day. But this wise king, whose mind was set against injustice, in that he acted according to the manner laid down in the Vinaya, and in former births had held fast to the hope of purging the religion, endured two-fold more hardship than he did while he established the kingdom, and brought about a union whereby the religion of the Conquerer might continue for five thousand years in a state of purity, like unto the water of the milky ocean.* Afterwards this chief of men erected in the middle of the city 23 a square hall facing the four quarters, with divers rooms of <» This subject is more fully detailed in chap. LXXVIII., vv. 1 — 27. 91—87 2 194 THE mahAva^sa. 24 great size, aad established a charity with all the things that were needful thereunto, so that many hundreds of pious monks 25 might be fed there daily ; and this ruler of men, who was well pleased with them, failed not yearly to give unto them garments and robes according to their standing in the Order. 26 Then, in the four quarters of the city he built four Alms-halls, duly defined and separated from each other, and furnished 27 with many vessels made of metal, and pillows and cushions, 28 and mats, coverlets, and beds ; and for the use of those halls 29 he gave thousands of cows that yielded good milk. Then he planted gardens near them of exceeding beauty, delightful like those of heaven, with fountains of pure water, and ornamented 30 with rows of trees bearing divers flowers and fruit. He built also many storehouses near them, filled with much grain, and supplied with candied sugar, treacle, honey, and all things of 31 that kind ; and this wise and firm and spirited king stinted 32 not, but, with a heart full of joy, caused a great distribution of 33 alms to be made daily to many thousands of pious and devout monks who came from the four quarters of the land, and to Brahmans, and to begging minstrels, and to very many other 34 poor beggars. And this ruler of men built further a large hall that could contain many hundreds of sick persons, and provided 35 it also with all things that were needful, as stated underneath. 36 To every sick person he allowed a male and a female servant, that they might minister to him by day and by night, and furnish him with the physic that was necessary, and with divers 37 kinds of food. And many storehouses also did be build therein, filled with grain and other things, and with all things that 38 were needful for medicine. And he also made provision for the 39 maintenance of wise and learned physicians who were versed in all knowledge and skilled in searching out the nature of diseases. And he took care to discern the different wants of the sick, and caused the physicians to minister to them, as seemed necessary, 40 both by day and night. And it was his custom, on the four Sabbaths (Uposatha days) of every month, to cast off his king's 41 robes and, after that he had solemnly undertaken to observe the precepts, to purify himself and put him on a clean garment, 42 and visit that hall together with his ministers. And, being endued with a heart full of kindness, he would look at the sick with an eye of pity, and, being eminent in wisdom and 43 skilled in the art of healing, he would call before him the physicians that were employed there and inquire fully of the CHAPTER LXXIII. 195 manner of their treatment. And if so be that it happened that 44 the treatment that they had pursaed was wrong, the king, who 45 was the best of teachers, would point out wherein they had erred, and, giving reasons therefor, would make clear to them the course that they should have pursued according to science ; also, to some sick persons he would give physio with his own hands. Like- wise also he would inquire of the health of all those that were 46 sick, and unto such as were cured of their diseases he would order raiment to be given. And as he desired greatly to gain 47 merit, he would partake of merit at the hands of the physicians, and impart his own merit to them,t and then return to his own palace. In this manner, indeed, did this merciful king, 48 free from disease himself, cure the sick of their divers diseases from year to year. But there yet remaineth another marvel to relate, the like of 49 which had neither been seen nor heard of before. A certain raven 50 that was afflicted with a canker on his face and was in great pain, entered the hospital of the king, whose store of great good- ness was distributed to all alike. And the raven, as if he had 51 been bound by the spell of the king's great love for suffering creatures, quitted not the hospital, but remained there as if its wings were broken, cawing very piteously. Thereupon the 52 physicians, after they had found out what his true disease was, took him in by the king's command and treated him ; and after 53 he was healed of his disease the king caused him to be carried on the back of an elephant round the whole city, and then set him free. Verily, kindness such as this, even when shown unto 54 beasts, is exceeding great. Who hath seen such a thing, or where or when hath it been heard before ? Thereafter the king Parakkama Bahu, who had gained the 55 love of all good men, began with great vigour to enlarge and 56 adorn the famous city of Pulatthi which (had then been brought low and) was a city but in name and could not show forth the exceeding greatness and majesty of the king. And from that time 57 forth the protector of the land began to surround the city with 53 fortifications ; and outside the belt of the city-wall of former kings he caused a great chain of ramparts to be built, exceeding high, and greatly embellished it with plaster work, so that it was as f Fata. In Buddhism the meritorious acts of one person may be partici- pated in by another by the exercise of sympathy, goodwill, &c., and both he who gives and he who receives are supposed to be benefited thereby, if they do it in sincerity. 196 THE mahAva:ijsa. 59 white as a cloud in autumn. Thence he built three lesser walls, one behind another, and caused divers streets to be formed around 60 them. Likewise also, he surrounded his own palace and the chambers of the women of his household with a circle of lesser walls. 61 Then the greatest of all kings built a palace of great splen- 70 dour called Vejayanta, so that none could be compared unto it, like unto one of the creations of Yissakamma that have not been surpassed. It had seven stories, and contained one thousand chambers supported by many hundreds of beautiful pillars. It was surmounted with hundreds of pinnacles like the top of Kel^sa, and adorned with networks of divers leaves and flowers. Its gates and doors and windows were made of gold, and its walls and staircases were so ordered that they gave pleasure in all the seasons. It was also always well supplied with thousands of beds of divers kinds covered with carpets of great value, made of gold and ivory and other substances. And the splendour thereof was increased by the addition of a bedchamber for the king, which sent forth at all times a perfume of flowers and incense, and which was made beautiful with rows of large lamps of gold, and made exceedingly lovely by reason of the garlands of pearls of great size which were hung at the four corners thereof — pearls white like the rays of the moon, and which, as they waved to and fro, seemed to smile with scorn at the beautiful ripples of the river of heaven. And the network of tinkling bells of gold that hanged here and there in the palace and sent forth sounds like unto those of the Ave instruments of music, seemed to proclaim the unlimited glory of the merits of the king. 71 (Thereafter he caused the following buildings to be set up: namely,) a golden house, so that he might have the propitiatory rites performed therein by Brahmans ; a beautiful house of 72 Vishnu, for the Mantra ceremonies ; a delightful circular house, where he might listen to the Jdtakas of the great Sage, read by 73 the learned priest who dwelt there ; and a Fancasattati house, to receive the holy water and the holy thread that were offered to him by yellow-robed ascetics. 74 And he who walked always in the path of religion caused a religions house (Dhammig^ran) to be built, surrounded on all sides by a curtain-wall of many colours and ornamented with a 7,') canopy of gold of great price. And by reason of the fragrant flowers of divers hues that were offered at divers places therein, 76 its splendour was like unto a nosegay. The chambers thereof OHAPTER LXXIII. 197 were always lighted with lamps fed with perfamed oil, and all around it the air smelt with the smoke of benzoin. It was 77 adorned with many images of the Conqueror made of gold and the other precious substances, and decorated with an array of pictures of the Omniscient wrought on cloth. And whenever 78 the great king entered the house to paint with his own hands the eyes of the images of the Conqueror, or to make offerings to the TathSgata, or to hear the preaching of his doctrines that have never been surpassed, the nautch girls danced and sang songs sweet and melodious as the music of heaven ; and it was also adorned with (the image of) a peacock of great splendour that joined the women always in the dance, uttering wild screams that amazed and delighted the people greatly. Afterwards the king caused a theatre to be built, the Sarassati 82 Mandapa, hard by his palace, that so he might listen to the sweet and melodious singing of divers singers, and witness the delight- ful dance. It glittered with golden pillars all around, and pleased 83 the mind with the paintings that described the events of his own life. And it was adorned with an imitation of the ' wish-confer- §4 ring tree of heaven' (Kappa-rukkha). The trunk and the branches 86 thereof glittered with gold, and were ornamented with a multitude of divers kinds of birds of beautiful workmanship. It shone also with divers ornaments, such as earrings and bracelets and garlands of pearls and the like, and with beautiful garments made of linen and china silk, silk, and such like. Then he caused to be erected a very pleasant open hall of 87 recreation, Eajavesi Bhujafiga by name. It seemed as if the 91 hall of assembly of the gods (Sudhamma) had descended to the earth, and as if the manners and customs of the whole world had been gathered together into one place. It was a three-storied building, ornamented with beautiful pictures and surrounded by rows of seats arranged with much beauty. It was also orna- mented with a throne of great price, like unto the throne made under the * wish-conferring tree of heaven ' (Kappa-rukkha) which giveth to the musicians of heaven all that they desire. It looked also like his glittering crown shining with divers gems when in battle he won Laijk^ by the strength of his arm, and also like the heap of matted hair on the head of this earthly Siva. Likewise also he caused a charming palace to be built, sup- 92 ported on one column, which seemed to have sprung up, as if- it 94 were, by the bursting of the earth ; and it was completed with 198 THE MAHiVA^SA. figures of the Makara.* It was then adorned with a golden house full of beauty ; its floor of gold was lighted with only one chandelier ; and the house stood on beautiful pillars of gold, bearing the glory of a golden oave of this lion-king. 95 This chief of kings and lord of the country caused also a park to be made nigh unto the royal palace. And they called it Nandana, because that it displayed the splendour of Nandanaf the 'park of heaven,' and pleased the eyes of the people and gave them delight. It had trees entwined with creepers of jasmine. 98 And the air was filled with swarms of bees, roused with the '^ enjoyment of the honey of divers flowers. The Oampaka,^ Asoka, and the Tilaka ; the Ndga, Punn&ga, and Ketaka ; the S^Ia, Pdtali, and Hlpa ; the Amba, Jambu, and Kadambaka ; the Yakula, the Nalikera, the Kutaja, and the Bimbijilaka; as also the M^lati and Mallika, and the Tamila and !Nava-mallika : these and divers fruit-bearing and flower-bearing trees of their kind were found there, such as charm the people who resort thither. And it was made delightful by the screams of the peacock and the sweet and deep tones of the Kokila§ that charm the world and always give pleasure. It was interspersed also with sheets of water ornamented with fine banks, and made pleasant by the abundant growth of the lotus and the lily, and 103 the musical tones of the Saras. || It was railed also with pillars 105 decorated with rows of images made of ivory. And it was ornamented with a bathing hall that dazzled the eyes of the beholder, from the which issued forth sprays of water that was conducted through pipes by means of machines, making the place to look as if the clouds poured down rain without ceasing,— a bathing hall, large and splendid, and bearing, as it were, a likeness to the knot of braided hair that adorned 106 the-head of the beautiful park-nymph. It also glittered with a mansion of great splendour and brightness such as was not to be compared, and displayed the beauty of many pillars of sandlewood carved gracefully, and was like an ornament on the 107 face of the earth. A hall shaped like an octagon, and a beautiful 108 and pleasant hall, formed after the fashion of the beautiful coils cif ** A fabulous animal. It is generally depicted with the head of a crocodile and the body and tail of a fish. f The garden of Indra. i Michelia Champaka. (See the botanical names of these plants at the end of the chapter, Note A.) § The Indian cuckoo. I The Indian crane. CHAPTER LXXIII. 199 the king of serpents, adorned this park, wherein ' the stone-bath ' 109 (Sild-pokkharani*) continually attracted the king, who surrounded himself with a great number of good men, and who was like a crest on the heads of kings — and whose 'bath of fortune' (the HO Ma^gala Pokkharanff) made it yet the more delightful, and caused the beholder to feel as if it were Nandana, the ' garden of heaven,' with its Nandd tank — and where yet another, the 111 ' overflowing bath ' (Punndpokkharam), full of perfumed water, embellished it, and delighted the moon-like king — and which 112 also, with its baths audits cave Vasanta, always looked charming by reason of its exceeding beauty and gracefulness. And the king, who kept all men under subjection to him, caused 113 the ' park of the island' (Dlpuyydna) also to be laid out at a place like unto an island, because of the water that flowed there on two sides, — wherein is to be seen a wonderful white house, wholly of 114 plaster-work, and resembling the crest of the mountain Keldsa ;t and it was ornamented also with a mansion, Vijjd-mandapa§ by 115 name, so named because that it was made for displaying divers branches of knowledge and the arts (Vijjd), — where also shineth 116 a ' swinging hall ' (D61A-mandapa) of great neatness and beauty, containing a beautiful swing with its tinkling bells of gold ; where in also there is a ' hall of pleasure,' by name Klld-mandapa, which attracted the king and the gay and witty attendants of his court. And this park was likewise rendered beautiful by a pavilion called 118 S&nimandapa,|| wrought with ivory ; and with the ' peacock hall' 119 (Mora-mandapa), and with another called the ' hall of mirrors ' (A'ddsa-mandapa), the walls of which were overlaid with mirrors. In this park the bath, Ananta-pokkhara^i, overlaid with stones 120 coloured like unto the body of the serpent Ananta, continually delighted the people ; where also, the bath Cittd-pokkharani, with 121 its paintings of divers colours, attracted the brave and wise Parakkama Bdhu the Conqueror, and where also, stood the 122 four-storied palace that was not to be surpassed, with its divers paintings, shining clear above all, from whence proceed the voices of love. And the park was ornamented with the Tdla 123 and the Hintdla trees ; the Ndga and the Punndga trees ; the Kadali, Kannikdra, and Kanik&ra.l " Big- Gal-pokuna. t Sifl. Magul-pokuna. % One of the highest peaks of the Himalaya range, and supposed to be the residence of Kuvera. § Lit., ' the hall of science.' II Lit., the ' hall of curtains.' f See note A. <500 THE marIva^tsa. 124 And it so happened that among the ministers of the inner ^'^' palace of this king, who was like unto Meru amidst all the races of kings that were like mountains, there was a pious and wise man, Mahinda by name, who loved the Three Gems with all his heart, — a man pure in heart and of sound wisdom, and one who knew what was good and evil, and had a knowledge of the ways and the methods and forms and practices for doing religious works, without being moved either by love or hate, or by fear or ignorance. And though he had heaped up much merit, yet was he not satisfied therewith, being like unto the ocean that the waters never satisfy. And he abstained from sin by reason of the shame and fear within him, and strove always 128 to overcome difiiculties. And for a receptacle for the noble Tooth- relic that was made holy by reason of its being washed with the nectar of the four-and-eighty-thousand sections of the 129 law (delivered by Buddha and his disciples), he, with the favour of the gracious king who always gave help to good works, caused a wonderful temple of great splendour to be built, giving delight 130 to all. It shone with roofs of gold, and doors and windows, and divers works of art wrought both within and without. And 131 it was ornamented with canopies painted with divers colours, like as a golden mountain encompassed with streaks of lightning. 132 And by reason of the bright curtains that flashed with divers colours, and the rows of beds spread out with coverlets of great price with which it was furnished, it was like unto the palace of 133 the Goddess of Beauty ; and it shone with a lustre so great that all that was beautiful on earth seemed to have been gathered 134 together and brought into one place. And it was made exceed- ingly attractive by a spacious upper room (Candas&U) of great excellence and exquisite beauty, white as the snow or the swan, or a 135 bright cloud or a garland of pearls. And the temple was decorated with flags flying aloft, and crowned with a pinnacle of solid gold. 136 And there was also the queen Biipavati, the best of beautiful beings, who, like the young moon, rose from the ocean-like great king Kitti Sirimegha, and drew upon her the eyes of the world. 137 She was the beloved wife of him who was like the banner of the Khattiya race, and carried the heart of that king captive, who was like the crest of kings, even as Sit^ carried captive the heart 138 of Bdma. And among the many hundreds of women who were in the inner chambers of the palace, she was beloved the most, as were the Three Gems that she loved best. And save her own husband, she regarded not, as much even as a blade of grass, OHAPTEK LXXIII. 201 any other person, though he were like unto the chief of the gods. She spake loving words, and conformed her conduct to the 140 wishes of the king. She was adorned with the ornament of many virtues, as faith, piety, and such like. She was skilled in 141 dancing and music, and was richly endued with a mind as keen as the point of the blade of a Kusa grass. And she was always generous and warm-hearted, being moved thereto by a merciful disposition. Chaste, and wise, and virtuous, and pure in action, 142 and of good name and fame, she remembered the exhortations of the Conqueror of Sin regarding the fleeting nature of things, that "Men are frail and their lives are short"; " The good man should 143 walk through life circumspectly, as if he carried live coals on 144 his head"; "There is no truth in the saying 'Death will not come' "; and the like. She heard and remembered the sayings of many great Sages ; and because that she knew that short-lived 145 beings, whirled about in the great ocean of life, had none help but that which could be obtained from the merit of good works, she was diligent in gaining merit of divers kinds. And, like unto 146 a vessel of gold that was to carry her speedily over this sea of 147 transmigration unto the shore of Nibbdna, she caused the great golden Thiipa to be built in the midst of the city. And the great and wise king caused divers roads to be made 148 in that beautiful city ; and many thousands of mansions, of two and three stories high and the like, were built on the borders thereof. They abounded on all sides with shops filled with goods 149 of all kinds. Elephants, horses, and carriages passed without ceasing along the roads, which were crowded every day with people 150 who continually took part in great feasts. Afterwards the king caused three smaller cities to be erected, 151 namely, the Rajavesi Bhuja^ga, the Raja Kulant aka, and the ^^* Vijita ; three vihdras near unto them, namely, Veluvana, Isipatana, and Kusin&rd, each having three stories and adorned with three temples, that shed lustre and beauty on the place, and advanced its great prosperity. And the king caused to be 154 made in the space between the royal palace and the three 155 cities, at a league's distance from each other, three stately vihSras with beautiful preaching-halls and image-houses, which were furnished with resting-places for the priests that came from the four quarters of the earth. Thus was this city, Pulatthi by name, surrounded with fine 156 and noble ramparts, four leagues long and seven leagues broad ; 159 and to this size were they extended by the king himself, so that 91—87 2 D 202 THE MAHAvA^SA. the city bore his own name. It was diversified also with streets great and small, delightful to the eye; and it shone brilliantly with beautiful mansions. It was perfect in all its parts, and was like unto the beauty of the spring and the city of Sakka. In this city he reigned like the king of the gods, after that all his desires had been satisfied, and showed great skill in 160 defen ding the rich and the poor alike. And this ruler of men caused these fourteen gates to be made therein, namely, the exquisite King's gate, the delightful Lion's gate, the broad 161 Elephant's gate, the gate of Indra ; and Hanumanta's gate, the high Kuvera's gate, the many-coloured Durga's gate ; likewise 162 also the Bakkhasa's gate, the lofty Serpent's gate, and the Sparkling Water gate ; and also the graceful Park gate, the Illusion gate, the great Port gate, and the excellent Musician's gate. Thus did this king Parakkama Bahu, stable as the king of the mountains* and sharp as the edge of the diamond, adorn the city of Pulatthi, which aforetime was exceeding small by reason of many wars — like unto the city of the Tavatipsa heaven.f Thusendeth the seventy- third chapter, entitled " A Description of the Improvements made in the City of Pulatthi," in the Mahdvaysa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. 163 164 NOTE A. As oka, Jonesia Asoka. Tilaka (doubtful). N^ga, Mesua ferrea. Funn&ga, RotUeria tinctoria. Ketaka, Pandarus odoratissimifs. Sdla, Shorea robusta. Patali, Bignonia suaveolens. Nipa, Nauclea cadamba. Atnba, Mangifera indica. Jambu, Eugenia jambolana. Eadambaka, a species of Asoka. Vakula, Mimusops elongi. N&likera, Cocoanut tree. Kutaja, Echites antidysenterica. Bimbij&laka, Momordica mono- delpha. llaXaAi, Jasminum grandiflorum. Mallikd, Jasminum zambac, Tamdla, Valernana jalamansi. Navamallikd, a species of jas- mine. T61a, Palmyra tree. Hintala, Marshy Date tree {kitul). Kadali, Plantain tree. Eannikdra, Pterospermum asce- rifolium. Ea^ikdra, I*remna spinosa. " Mount Meru. -j- The lowest ^orld of gods situated on the top of Mount Meru. CHAPTER LXXIV. 203 CHAPTER LXXIV. FTERWARDS when the king saw that his chief city of 1 Anurddhapura had been wholly destroyed by the hosts ^ of the Cholians, deeming it worthy of being held in great honour, insomuch as the feet of the living Master, which bore the marks of the wheel* with its thousand spokes and rim, had trodden the ground thereof and made it holy, and insomuch also as it was the place wherein the right branch of the great Bodhi and a donaf of the relics of the great Sage had been preserved, he resolved to commence the repairs thereof. And for this end the wise king sent unto a certain great minister 6 and bade him do his (the king's) will. Thereupon the minister 6 despised not the king's command in any way, but received it humbly, raising his joined hands to his forehead, and set out for 7 Anurddhapnra ; and being himself skilled in the art of command, he commenced to execute the king's order, and left not undone a single point. Then did this wise minister delay not, but caused ramparts and 8 walls, streets, palaces and towers, pleasant baths and delightful 9 parks, to be built as aforetime within the limits of the chief city of former kings. And afterwards he repaired the great Cetiya and 10 other Oetiyas that belonged to the three Fraternities, and also the Lohapds^da and many other vihdras, and the beautiful palace also 1 1 with its gates and doors and towers and courtyard, and its pleasant hall on the topj thereof, in the which (the king) himself had dwelt. And this city, which possessed such grandeur, did he 12 restore throughout, and make it to look as it did in former times. In this manner did he (the king) make haste and finish by the 13 hands of his one minister the works that had been done by many former kings. (Yea, it is even so :) the desires of men endued with 14 wisdom, who are like unto vessels overflowing with merit gathered together in numberless births, are all fulfilled and fail not. Thereafter the great and wise king caused a city to be built, by 15 name Parakkama, and ornamented it with gates, towers, and ramparts, and moats, streets, temples, and markets. And it was 16 ornamented with gardens shining with temples built for the ° The Cakra, being one of the auspicious marks on the soles of his feet, f A measure of capacity, equal to thirty-two seers, or about sixty-four pounds avoirdupois. :( CandasaJd. 204 THi: mahIva^sa. habitation of mauy hundreds of monks who were endued with 17 piety and other virtues. And like unto A'lakamandd, the city of the gods, it was wealthy and prosperous and filled with great plenty, and continually crowded with people. 18 And afterwards he ordained that the chief ministers of the 19 kingdom who were set over divers districts throughout the island of Sihala should collect the revenue thereof in a manner that would neither oppress the inhabitants thereof, nor diminish aught from the taxes paid to the revenue. 20 And the king, who was endued with great wisdom and had not 21 cause to fear aught, ordained that freedom from fear should be given on the four holy days of every month to the beasts and the fish that moved in land or water ; and this command he extended to all tanks and other places throughout the island. 22 Now at that time many chiefs in the Rohana country were brought to great distress upon the death of the king Mdnabharana, 23 and had become utterly helpless. They knew not the nature of Parakkama Bdhu ; and as their minds were overawed with fear, 24 they durst not show themselves to that ruler. And they remembered them often of their own offences, and in the course 25 of time their fears increased two-fold ; and p,lbeit that they well knew that the great prowess of this lion-like and lordly 26 king could not be surpassed by any others, yet did they think it best for them to live (at liberty), though it were even for one day, in the country of their birth. And they cared 27 not for the consequences, but said to themselves, " Shall we at any time allow the enemy's hosts to behold this province, that 28 aboundeth with rivers and mountains and such like?" And uttering such words (of defiance) they brought the inhabitants under their control, and approached the king's* mother Sugala, 29 and spake unto her saying, " lady ! if thou art troubled with sorrow for the death of the king Mdndbharana, let that not any 30 longer afflict thy mind. While we live, who will venture to enter this our province which containeth so many strongholds?" 31 And with such words did they make known their purpose to the 32 queen. And they all joined themselves together and made numberless strongholds, such as could not be shaken even by elephants, in all the remote places, even unto the borders of 33 the country, and dug trenches round about them, and scattered sharp thorns like nails of iron on them, and cut down trees ^ Mandbharana's- CHAPTER LXXIV. 20S across the roads so that no man could pass through them. Then 34 did all the inhabitants of the country rebel openly; and many 35 thousands of strong men, with their loins girded for war, and furnished with much armour and weapons, held each stronghold. And being very powerful they boldly awaited the enemy. And as the queen SugaU was wanting in discernment and was 36 by nature wicked, she believed the words of those men, who were 37 doomed to utter destruction, and gave up all the jewels and pearls and such like treasures that she had, and also a great 38 quantity of precious things that belonged to the Tooth and Bowl relics, and expended them for these men, as if she had thrown them into a fire. And as she knew not how to put men into 39 places that were suited to them, she gave away offices (foolishly), and herself began to stir up the rebellion through them . And when Parakkama the chief of men, heard of all this, he, 40 whose might no man could surpass, smiled sweetly and sent for the 4 1 general Rakkha, a man of great endurance in war, and told him the news as he had heard it, and commanded him saying, " Go 42 quickly, and quench this wild fire of a rebellious host by pouring 43 down showers of arrows on them; and after that you have appointed persons who are able to defend that province, hasten back hither." So saying, the king sent him at the head of a great host. Then the Sihala and Kerala inhabitants that dwelt in the 44 interior, with the Velakk&,ra force, assembled themselves and took counsel together, saying, '"' We have heard a rumour that 45 the king Parakkama Bahu hath sent out a great number of strong men under officers with the intent to subdue the Rohana. Let us, therefore, seize this opportunity of taking the country." 46 And they all with one accord began a great war. Thereupon 47 the king Parakkama Bdhu, before whom all the kings of the earth bowed themselves down, sent thither many valiant officers 48 with an army of men and chariots and carriages, and slew such persons as should have been slain, and gave away many of their lands to assemblies of monks. And he also took possession of 49 many villages, and, having none occasion himself for fear, delivered that country also from the fear of its enemies. Thereafter Rakkha, the general, having humbly received the 50 command of the great king, bowed down before him, and made 51 obeisance unto him, and departed from the city of Pulatthi . And this mighty man of great renown proceeded to the place Barab- bala, and encamped there. And all the great hosts of Rohana , 52 206 THE mahAva^sa. with the inhabitants thereof, having heard a true account of the manner in which the general had come thither, were of one heart 53 a-Qd mind, saying, " While we live he shall not cross the boundary of our country and come hither." And when they had made this 54 resolve they waxed exceeding desperate and cared not for their lives, and marched to the place (Barabbala) eager to begin the war. 55 Then Eakkha, the general, fought a great battle with that 56 army and killed many men ; and he made his way through the trees that the enemy had cut down and had thrown across the 57 road, and came to a great place by name Kantakavana. And there he fought with the hosts of the enemy, who had fortified and occupied that place ; and he broke that stronghold and 58 entered it, and after that he had put an end to the lives of many thousands of strong men he departed thence and went to 59 the place Ambala, and fought a battle with the army that was 60 there and dispersed it, and made that stronghold and the whole field of battle to reek with the flesh and blood of the slai n. And departing from thence he destroyed a great stronghold, Savan by 61 name, and killed a great many of the soldiers. And in the front 62 thereof was the stronghold Diva-candanta-b&,tava, beyond which 63 the enemy had built seven strongholds that no man could reach, the one after the other, in a forest one or two leagues in extent ; and both the sides of the road that led thereto lay between great rocks, in the middle whereof they cut down great trees of divers kinds at certain intervals, and thereby made the road s so hard of approach that men could neither pass nor repass through it. 64 And they secured the strongholds with great gates) so strong 65 that even the most furious elephants could not shake them. 66 And each of the hosts of the enemy held a separate fortress , resolved firmly in no wise to let any man enter therein, but the mighty general carried on the war with them with great fury both by day and night for many months, and slaughtered many thousands of strong men and their officers, and himself encamped at that very place. 67 And when the brave and mighty king Parakkama, who then 71 dwelt in the city of Pulatthi, heard from the mouth of a messen- ger how that his chief captain had carried on the war, he sent unto Bhlitadhikari, who lived in the king's palace, and was skilled in the ways of warfare, and spake unto him, saying, " Verily in no wise beseemeth it us to carry on this war for so long a time on an equal footing with these fools, who are rebels withal. CHAPTEK LXXIV. 207 Break do^n, therefore, all the strongholds and the gates thereof in the manner that I have inetrncted yon, and after that you have destroyed all the hosts of the enemy make haste and send unto me a true account of your doings." And when he had given him these commands, and furnished him with many strong men, he sent him forth to the field of battle. Then Bhiitadhikdri departed from the noble city of Pulatthi 72 with a great host, and went and joined Rakkha the chief captain. And they disobeyed not the commands of the gracious king, 73 but procured them coats of mail of buffalo hides and clothed their men therewith. And then they commenced the great 74 war, and slew many hundreds of strong men, and after 75 that they had destroyed the seven strongholds that were hard by each other, they proceeded from thence to the village Kipsu- ka-vatthu. And there also, they carried on a very fierce and 76 terrible war ; and they set out from thence to Vatarakkhatthali, 77 and slaughtered the army of the enemy that had assembled there from all sides. And afterwards they fought a great battle at 78 D&thdvaddhana and another at the village Sahodara. And from thence Bakkha, the chief captain, sent on a part of his army to 79 subdue the enemy that remained at Lokagalla, after that he had kept many thousands of strong men with him. And when a 80 great host of the enemy came against him, saying, " Now on this occasion shall we seize the chief captain," he made a great slaughter of them, and put them to flight. But though the great host that consisted of the four divisions 81 of the army that had gone to Lokagalla bad succeeded in 82 bringing the enemy's hosts that were there to great straits, yet could they not completely cut off their great resources, and so they came back to the place which was held by the chief captain. Thereupon the two armies joined themselves together and advan- 83 ced to Majjhima-g&maka. And there also, nigh unto the village 84 Kantaka-dvdra-vdtaka, they fought a great battle with the 85 enemy's host, who had made a firm resolve with their chief captains and officers at Lokagalla, saying, " The venerable Tooth- relic and the sacred Bowl-relic shall we not allow them to seize. " And they slaughtered the host of the enemy, and proceeded to 86 Uddhana-dvara, and fought a great battle with the host of the enemy who held the strongholds that they had built there. And they brake down those strongholds and their gates, and 87 entered therein, and slew a great number of the enemy ; and after having put their army into order they encamped there. 208 THE mahAva^sa. 88 Thereupon the queen Sugala took the sacred Tooth-relic and the Bowl-relic and went to Druvela. 89 And in the meanwhile the commanders Kitti and Kitti-jivita- 90 potthaki, and other chief officers that the king Parakkama sent 91 with an army to subdue the hosts of the enemy at Dighavdpi, set their men and materiel in order, and proceeded by the way of Erahulu, and went up to the village Givulaba and fought a terrible battle with the hosts of the enemy that were encamped 92 at that place. And when they had broken down the stronghold there and slain a great numher of the enemy, they departed from 93 thence to Dddhagamaka. And there they built a stronghold and carried on a great war, and ceased not till they had put the hosts 94 of the enemy to flight. After that they waged a fearful war with 95 the enemy that was encamped at a place called Hihobu, where they had built a stronghold surrounded with a ditch and spread over with thorns, and had gathered together divers kinds of arms, 96 and made themselves ready for war. And they destroyed that stronghold utterly with the gates thereof, and entered it, and fought a battle there, pouring showers of arrows on the enemy, 97 so that there was none like unto it. And they departed from that place also, and came to the village Kirinda, where the enemy had huilta stronghold at three leagues' distance as hefore, and held 98 it in great force. And they routed the hosts of the enemy as they did hefore, and then returned to the place Dfghavdpi, and encamped there in great force. 99 And kingParakkama, the most prudent of men, sentmessengers 100 to the officers that were there, saying, " It has come to our knowledge that our enemies who have been defeated in the field of hattle have now taken to flight in great terror, carrying with them the sacred and precious Bowl and Tooth-relics, and are even 101 now about to cross over to the other side of the sea. If perad- yenture such a thing should happen, then would this island of 102 La^k^ be shorn of all its glory. For although this island of Sihala containeth gems of divers kinds and of great price, 'such as 103 precious stones and pearls and the like, yet the sacred relics of the Bowl and the Tooth of the lord of doctrine are alone the two 104 gems that cannot be compared. And all the endeavours that I 105 have continually made by the great treasures that I have spent in gathering together multitudes of strongmen with their armour and weapons, that so I may restore peace and security to this island of 106 Lapka, will then be of no avail. And though my head is adorned 107 with a crown of great price, sparkling with the rays of divers gems. CHAPTER tXXIV. 209 yet is it hallowed only by the union therewith of the holy touch of the sacred Tooth and Bowl-relics. Array, therefore, yourselves 108 under one chief with all your men and materiel, and swerve not one 109 jot or one tittle from my instructions, but go forth and conquer' the enemy, and send unto me straightway the glorious Tooth-relic and the sacred Bowl." And the commander Kitti, who tarried in 110 the district of Dlghavdpi, received the king's command with all HI humility, and assembled together his whole army and all his ofiScers, and went up with them to the place that was held by the chief captain (Rakkha). Thereupon the rebellious party* and a 112 great host composed of the inhabitants of the country, being 113 provided with many arms and weapons, put themselves under their oflScers and went forth boldly in battle array, with the look and gait of heroes, to the very village Uddhana-dv^ra, eager for battle. And they bethought themselves saying, "Of a certainty shall 114 we not allow even so much as a single foe to escape from the army of the enemy that has entered into the midst of our dominions. Strongholds shall we build in the way of the enemy, 115 and the road therein shall we make impassable for a space of two 1 16 or three leagues, and see to it that no manner of grain shall be taken from the neighbouring villages to the place where the enemy might take shelter : and when the whole army shall have 117 been brought thus to starvation, shall we fight a great battle in which the enemy's hosts shall not be able to withstand our storm of arrows j and thus shall we slaughter them." And, with 118 the intent to do this, they built great strongholds in the manner aforementioned, and sat them down thirsting for the battle. Then the commander Bhtitddhikdri and the chief captain 119 Bakkha and the commander Kitti — all of them valiant men in the field of battle, who were wont to defeat the enemy — set their great army in battle array, and, according as they had 120 been instructed, advanced all of them together ; and after that 121 they had fought terrible battles, in which they killed a great 122 many soldiers and put the remnant to flight, they proceeded from thence with their mighty host to the stronghold Maharf- vara, and destroyed it. And from thence they departed and came together at a place called Voyalaggamu, and there the 123 skilful commanders encamped, and destroyed, in the same manner 124 as before, the hosts of the enemy at Sumanagalla that were over against them at that place. Afterwards they destroyed the 125 " Vaggika. 91—87 2 B 210 THE MAHAVAi^ISA. 126 enemy's hosts at Badaguna, aud so also the whole army ia a great battle that they fought at a place called Ururela Mandala where they were encamped, and seized and took the glorious and holy Bowl and Tooth-relics, and remained there with the great army around them. 127 Now at that time a certain chief of the king Mdndbharana, a 128 perverse man, and the leader of a host of rebels, Siikarabh&tu- deva by name, whom the king Farakkama caused to be put in prison and bound with chains, brake his fetters and fled 129 and entered the Rohana. Thereupon the king sent unto the 130 commander Manjn and said unto him : " Si^karabhitu, the leader 131 of the rebels, hath escaped and hath fled to his own country; but it is meet that you should pursue after him before that he can establish himself in one place." So saying the king sent him forth. And he (Manju) departed from the city of Pulatthi and 132 came to a place called S&patgamu, and fought a great battle there with the hosts of the enemy, and, after that he had killed many strong men and built him a stronghold, remained there at the head of a great army. 133 Thereupon all the men of his tribe and many of the rebels 136 gained over all the inhabitants of the country, yea, even the young men, to their side. And they said unto themselves : " Even though we should lose our lives yet will we in nowise give up the two relics — the Tooth and the Bowl." And when they had resolved thus, they assembled themselves together at the village Bhattasiipa, full of evil thoughts, and with their hearts overcome 137 with pride. Then Bakkha, the general, and Kitti-adhik^ri and 138 Bh)!itadhikari, and others of the captains, fought a terrible battle with the hosts of the enemy; and by reason of their great experience in war they allowed not even so many as two men (of the enemy) to go together on the same road. And they seized and took the Tooth-relic and the Bowl-relic, and, regardful of the king's command, they held great feasts in honour thereof, and departed from thence, and feared not danger from atiy quarter. 139 But when they came to the place called Demataval, the whole 140 army of the enemy that was at Vdpi hasted thither from all sides, fully armed, and fought a battle so great and terrible that it made 141 the hair of the flesh to stand up. But the chief captain and 142 the other commanders allowed not the enemy space even for their feet (in that part of the battle-field that they held), by reason of the dead bodies of the enemy that they had slain in this fierce CHAPTER LXXIV, 211 battle and of the weapons that they (the enemies) had thrown down (as they fled). And they (the chief captain and his officers) 143 carried with them the two glorious and holy relics — the Tooth and the Bowl — and arrived at the village Sappandrukokila. Then was the chief captain Hakkha laid low by dysentery, 144 and he passed away according to his deeds ; for all living things indeed perish. Thereupon the two commanders Manju and Kitti 145 caused the funeral ceremonies to be performed over his dead body 146 with the honour that was due to his rank ; and though the king 147 himself was far off when the brave chief captain died, yet did these valiant commanders, by the exceeding great majesty of that self-same king of terrible might, assemble the army together quietly, and, giving no man cause for any fear or anxiety, hold 148 great feasts in honour of the relics ; and after that they had sent 149 tidings thereof to his gracious majesty the king, they tarried there for several days. Then did the lord of the land, Farakkama 150 B&hu, in the fulness of his gratitude and wisdom, when he heard 151 these tidings, send a royal command (that they might do honour 152 to the chief captain who was dead,) saying, " Wheresoever the dead body of that chief captain was burned, there let a great Alms-hall be built with four gates on the four sides thereof," and see that ye make sufficient provision for the giving of alms there to the poor who come thither from the four quarters of the earth." And the chief officers of the army were glad thereat, and carried 153 out the king's command according as he had instructed them, and remained at that very place because that they knew it was prudent to do so. Then the rebels thought to themselves that they had now yet 154 another opportunity to strive to gain the victory, because that the 155 chief captain was dead and Sdkarabhatu was now become their commander. And so they gathered themselves together in the district of Guttasdlaka. And when this came to the ears of the great army of the 156 king Farakkama, who with his officers was wont always to 157 defeat his enemies, it began to carry on the war with vigour on every side, and advanced towards the district of Guttas&laka. Thereupon the rebels abandoned that village through fear, and 158 fled into the district of Mahagdma. And when king Farakkama, 159 whose majesty no man could approach, heard thereof, he sent 160 messengers unto his officers, saying, " It pleaseth me in nowise that you should carry on the war from village to village, taking with you the Tooth and the Bowl-relics. Send, therefore, the 212 THE mahAva^sa. 161 two relics straightway to me." And wiien the chiefs of the army 162 heard this message, they desired greatly to send the sacred Tooth and Bowl-relics to the city of Pulatthi, and after they had 163 appointed a chieftain to protect them, they proceeded from the 164 village Hintdlava and fought a fearful battle, as before, with the hosts of the enemy at the village Khirag&ma, and put them to flight on all sides. Then they entered the village Khiragdma, 165 and there also they fought a fierce battle and slew many men. And from thence they advanced and fought great battles likewise at TanagalAka, Sukhagiri, Katad6ravd, Dambagallaka, and 166 Tandula-pattha. And after that they brought up the Tooth and 167 Bowl-relics with great pomp, and sent them untojManju] the 168 commander, who, after that he had slain many men at the village Sakhapatta and at Lokagalla and subdued all the inhabitants of Dhanumandala, had placed himself there. And he went forth 169 to meet the Tooth and Bowl-relics, and paid great'honour unto them by day and by night ; and when he "had given them in 170 charge of the chief Anjanakamma, he sent the two relics to the great king. And when he had departed thence and arrived at 171 the village Bokusdla, being himself wise in counsel, he took counsel together with all the oflScers (that were in command of divers forces), and said unto them, "These our enemies are 172 familiar with the country. And after that we have departed from a place, all they who have fled hither and thither come back and oppress the people that we had pacifled and brought under 173 subjection. Our lord also, the ruler of the land, who knoweth the ways of warfare, would care not, even so much as a blade of grass, for a territory that hath been subdued and brought under his dominion, if his commands concerning it were set at nought. 174 Thereforelet us do honour to thecommands of his gracious majesty, 175 and place, in each district that hath been subdued, a great host with captains over them, that so the enemy might not again enter 176 therein. Then shall we have destroyed the enemy by the root ; 177 and after that may we go up and bear the lotus-feet of our lord on the crown of our heads." And when the prudent chief captain had resolved thus, all the officers consented to his words, and 178 having set their mighty hosts in order of battle, they departed from thence and came to the village Vilivasara, of many roads . 179 And there they put an end to the lives of many of their enemies and proceeded from thence, and built a fortress at a place called 180 Balapdsana, and placed Kitti and La^k&pura there in command of 181 another great army composed of four divisions. And from thence CHAPTER LXXIV. 213 all the great chiefs and leaders, at the head of a great host, proceeded to the district of Dfghavfipi, as they had been instructed, that so they might subdue the raaay rebels who were there. Now, at that time, Parakkama Bdhu, the conqueror of kings, 182 dwelt in the beautiful city of Pulatthi, far from the strife of his 183 foes. A faithful and wise man, blessed with the dawn of fortune, and a leader of those that love music and poetry, 184 he passed his time in the enjoyment of quiet pleasures and amusements. And when he heard how the relics were brought 185 (nigh unto the chief city), his heart was filled with the utmost pleasure and joy, and he spake these and the like words, saying : " Oh I this is indeed a great boon to me I And now is my life worth living for, insomuch as I have received the great reward 186 of my labours, in that I have established the kingdom, and am now permitted to behold, and devote myself to the service of, these two relics of the King of Sages." Then having 187 washed and anointed himself, and put on his raiments, and adorned his person in a suitable manner, this highly favoured 188 king, surrounded by his princes and his ministers who were arrayed, and looking like the autumn moon encompassed with a multitude of stars, set forth to meet the relics, and proceeded to 1 89 a distance of about three leagues. And as soon as he came in 190 sight thereof, as he himself had received the honour of good 191 men, he gave honour to the relics, and presented unto them gifts 192 of jewels of great price, such as gems and pearls and the like, of all kinds, and offered unto them incense also of all kinds, and lamps and sweet-smelling flowers and many perfumes. And the noble king shed tears of joy without ceasing, and showed a devotion to them even as he would have showed to Buddha himself had he been alive. His whole body also glistened with 193 its hair standing on end, like unto buds of joy sprouting from his 194 delighted heart. Plunging his mind in a flood of joy, as if the nectar of the gods had rained upon his body, the wise and noble king bore the sacred Tooth-relic on his head, as did the 195 moon-crested god* the half-moon on his brow, and displayed the two relics unto all them that were with him. And being endued 196 with much knowledge of doctrine, this king of great wisdom proclaimed the majesty of the relics unto them, and caused them to present great offerings thereunto. And the chief of men, who 197 took great heed unto his conduct, caused the relics to be kept in 198 * §iva, as represented with a half -moon on his forehead. 214 THE mahAva^sa. the self-same place, and after that he had commanded that divers offerings should be made thereto, he returned with his ministers and followers, in the same joyful mood, to his own palace, like unto 199 Brahma as he returned to his mansion in the heavens. And, 200 then he adorned the beautiful house of the Tooth-relic, which stood in the middle of the city, like unto the hall Sudhamma, of fair proportions,* and caused the road for about a league's length from the king's gate to be made as beautifully smooth as the 201 palm of the hand. And as he yearned after the welfare of all 202 beings, he then caused arches to be erected and ornamented with paintings, to the great joy of all the people. And under them there was spread, far and wide, a series of canopies of many 203 colours, hung with garlands of divers colours. And all the pillars of the arches also he covered with cloth of divers colours. 204 And he caused the tops thereof to be adorned with rows of parasols and chowries, with clusters of divers flowers, and flags also of 205 many colours, and other things that were fit to be displayed at feasts. He also adorned both sides of the road with fruit-bearing 206 trees, as the king-cocoanut, plantain, areca, cocoanut, and such like ; and with water jars filled with bunches of beautiful flowers, 207 and with many kinds of banners and flags, and with lamps, 208 censers, and such like. Thus did the king, in that he understood what was the path and what was not the path (that led to happiness), make this path as beautiful as Sudassana, the street of the chief of the gods ; and, as he was skilful and able to please good men, he embellished also, at the' same time, the enclosure of the house of the Tooth -relic, and made it like unto 209 Alakk. After that, the protector of the land caused a gem of 210 exceeding great size and value to be hollowed out, and filled it 211 with powdered perfumes ; a^nd as he increased the happiness of the country, he placed the sacred Tooth-relic therein, and the 212 gem he placed in a casket made of gold. Moreover, he placed 213 the Bowl-relic on a throne covered with carpets of great price 214 on which were spread sweet-smelling flowers ; and the throne was erected in a pavilionof great splendour, fixed on four wheels, which shone like the beautiful rainbow. It sparkled also with the lustre of divers jewels, and was like unto the united rays of 215 the rising sun. And being able to take good care of what he 216 had gotten himself, he placed around the (movable) pavilion, for the protection thereof, the Lambakannast and others of noble * Sakra's Hall of justice. f A race of men of noble descent. CHAPTiSR LXXIT. 215 families, holding iti their hands parasols, chowries, swords, and snch like. And around the pavilion there were many hundreds of (movable) halls, of great cost, in the which were players with 217 their Vinds and flutes and tabours; and numbers of songstresses 2IS also, like unto the songstresses in heaven, preceded by dancing 219 women that were kept apart (in companies), made the feast merry with dancing and singing and music. And he caused the whole 220 city to be perfumed with divers flowers and incense, and with divers 221 kinds of perfumes also, and caused a multitude of people to rejoice. And by means of the light of thousands of lamps that were lighted all around, he made the four quarters and the intermediate quarters also as one great expanse of light. With rows of parasols and chowries and with rows also of flags of 222 many colours and banners of all kinds he covered up the whole face of the sky. By the trutnpeting of the elephants, the neighing of the horses, and the rumbling of the wheels of the 223 chariots, the tumult of the drUms, the deep sound of numerous festive chanks, the sound of the trumpets, the shouts of triumph 224 of the heralds, the uproar of acclaniations, the noise of applause, 225 and the din of shouting, — he made all the quarters of the earth to resound with the noise. And then the protector of the land, adorned with all the ornaments of royalty, mounted a noble 226 elephant of exceeding beauty, that was decked with coverings of gold, and, surrounded by his ministers in carriages of divers kinds, he set out from the beautiful city with great might and 227 majesty. And he went Up to the Tooth-relic and the sacred 228 Bowl-relic, and after that he had bowed unto them with clasped hands raised to his head, and reverently offered flowers and perfumes unto theiu with his own hands, he took the two relics and proceeded with them on the highway. Then there arose Untimely a dark cloud that overspread and 229 covered the face of the whole sky with a mass of darkness, 233 increased the sound of the drums two-fold by its deep thunder, and adorned the firmament with its rainbow of exceeding beauty, flashing its brilliant lightuings on every side, and calling the peacocks to their ceaseless dance round the ring, and^ with the dust raised by the dashing of the hoofs of the horses, screening the unbroken rays of the sun. And when all the ministers saw 234 this they thought every moment that it would rain a gteat rain 235 as a consequence of the great feast ; and their minds were sore troubled thereat, and they approached the great and wise king and inquired of him what they should do at this juncture. 216 THE mahAva^sa. 236 Thereupon the king, knowing well his own exceeding great 240 majesty and the inconceivable glory of the great Sage, spake unto them, saying, " Let not your minds be troubled. A great and wonderful feast like unto this, by which the minds of men and gods are taken captive, must of a surety take place, and I also have set forth, who am reckoned a man of great fame and glory and of great good fortune, whose supreme might no man can approach. What god, what Mdra, therefore, shall stand in the way and endanger this great festival that I have promoted? Take, therefore, the two relics with you, and go forth and feel not any anxiety whatever." And when he had spoken these words the wise king set out. 241 Then, beyond the place of the festival, the great rain-cloud 242 descended, causing a violent flood, and filled the highway on every side with its waters ; and lo 1 it came before the great procession and moved along before it, raining just so much only as was enough to settle the dust of the earth. And all the 243 people of the city who were assembled there, and the devout sons 246 of the Sage, many hundreds in number, when they saw the marvel, exclaimed, saying " Oh, how wondrous is this king, the subduer of his enemies ! His power is truly great. Verily, it is our good fortune that he hath made himself manifest in La^ki. Lo ! here is the power of merit ; here is wisdom ; here is faith in the Tathdgata ; here is fame ; here is glory ; here is majesty, exceeding great !" And when they had given vent to their feel- ings of astonishment in a torrent of words like these, they proclaimed his praise throughout every quarter of the land. 247 And the protector of the land caused a number of wonders to 249 be displayed one after another, which had not been seen or heard before, and held the feast in a manner suited to his high ofiSce ; and, as he was endued with wisdom and might, he bore the two relics into the sanctuary of the Tooth-relic ; and being a light himself to the whole world, he held a feast of lights for seven nights throughout the city of Pulatthi. 250 Thus did this king Parakkama Bdhu, before whom bowed all the kings of the earth, hold, in a worthy manner, a feast of the sacred relics, which was a source of delight and pride, astonishment and bewilderment, to the multitude of people who beheld it. Thus endeth the seventy-fourth chapter, entitled " A Descrip- * tion of the Festival of the Tooth-relic," in the Mahdva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXV. 217 CHAPTER LXXV. HEN all the officers and chiefi) with their great armies 1 proceeded to take the district of DIghavdpi. And they 2 fought a great battle at the place called Syavana-viyala, and utterly destroyed the fortress of twelve gates that was there. And after that, they waged a great war at the place Qoma- 3 yagdma, and at the stronghold called Ohaggdma, and at Bala- pdsana; and when they had routed the enemy's hosts they 4 encamped with their men and materiel at the stronghold of Bala- pds^na. Then the officers and the chiefs proceeded from thence, 5 and after they had fought a great battle at Mdldvatthukamandala, they fought other great and terrible battles in divers places 6 also, namely, at Yattagdmakapdsd.na, at the village Mulntta, the village Senagutta, the village B61agama, the village Vdnaragdma, 7 and the village Gullambatthi. Then they went to the village 8 Hintilagama and fought a great battle there, and killed many 9 of the enemy, whose hosts had occupied the country for about three leagues in circumference, after that they had built a strong- hold therein, which they fortified with many defences ; and they (the king's forces) encamped, themselves at that place and tarried there to the great dread of the enemy. Now at this time 10 all the rebels departed for Dlghavapika-mandala, saying, " We shall first bring the whole country over to our side and then seize it." But the officers, who were at Hintalavanagdma, received a n true account of their design, and sent thither many soldiers. And they all marched a space of about twenty leiigues in two 12 nights, and fought a great battle and destroyed great numbers of 13 the enemy, and terrified them so greatly that they had not the courage to renew the fight ; and after this the victorious soldiers 14 returned to the same place (Hintalavanagama). Then all the officers united themselves together, and fought a great battle with 15 the enemy who held Guttasala-mandala after having built a fortress at the place A'dipadaka-Punadga-khanda. They fought great battles -also at the villages Ooramba-g6,ma, MCildnag^ma, 16 and KuddAla-mandala ; and, proceeding from the place Hin- t&lagdma, they waged a fierce war at the villages KittirAja- 17 vd,luka, Uladd, V^lukasa, and Huyalagama, and made a great 18 slaughter of the enemy, and encamped there. 19 Thereupon the king sent Rakkha DamilWhikari and Rakkha 20 Kancuki-n&.yaka and commanded them that they should make 21 91—87 2 F 218 THE mahAva^sa. the city of MahS,a^gakula,* wherein the former kings had dwelt, the chief city of that country ; and they got ready a great army and departed, eager for the fight. 22 Then Rakkha Kaiicaki-ndtha sent on the Kesadhdtu, Derar^ja 23 of Pancayojana, with a great army, and destroyed many of the 24 enemy that were there. And he brought the enemy to great straits while he yet held m«,ny fortresses at Gimha-titthat with 25 the intent to make it a chief city. And after he had done this the valiant and skilful commander tarried a few days there, as he wished to give rest to his army that was weary of fighting. 26 Then the enemy, who even now was in great distress, assembled 27 together and pondered gravely in this wise, saying, " The glory of king Parakkama is like unto the fire at the destruction of the world, that cannot be surpassed, not even by the kings of the 28 whole of Jambudipa.t Even the king Gaja Bdhu and the king Mdnabharana, albeit that both of them were warlike and lion- 29 hearted kings, spent much treasure and made ready great armies and carried on the war in divers ways both by day and by night ; 30 yet, when they heard the sound of his (Parakkama's) victorious drums they gave way, even at a distance, like unto the glow- 31 worms before the rising of the sun. And because that they could not dwell even in their own country through fear, took they refuge in the King of Death, seeing no other way of escape. 32 Now have we none other refuge but in our fortresses ; and (happily) the country aboundeth throughout with mountains, 33 strongholds, and the like. Let us therefore defend our fortresses with numerous barriers, and make all the chief highways such 34 that none can pass through them, and let us cut numerous secret paths, that so when it shall come to pass that the country cannot be pierced through we may gather our forces together and wage war ." 35 Thereupon all the rebels placed themselves under one leader, and advanced to the month of the Gdlu river§ with the 36 intent to fight. But Kancuki-n4yaka, having heard thereof, proceeded thither himself, and fought a great battle and put them 37 to flight. And the army that was thus routed went up from every side and joined the enemy, who had gathered together at the 38 Mahdv41ukag4ma. But Rakkha Kahcuki-ndyaka gave rest to * See chap. LXI., v. 23. f Gintota, or Gindura. { The continent of India. § Galle river, Gig-ga^ga. CHAPTER LXXV. 219 his army, and advanced to fight against the enemy who withstood 39 him at that village; and he crushed them utterly, and made the field of battle like unto the Naga world that the Garulas destroyed.* And after that he had driven them away from that 40 place also, as a tiger driveth a herd of deer before him, the victorious general encamped there with his army. Afterwards Kaficuki-ndyaka, who was wise to discern between 41 what was of advantage and what was not, communed with himself while he yet tarried at Vdlukagama in this wise : "These our enemies, like unto flies that know not the power of 42 fire and are consumed therein, bring about their own destruction greatly. Now, therefore, if they should all, be destroyed the 43 land will become like unto a desert. They know not, also, how merciful is our king. Them, therefore, among the enemy that 44 will henceforth yield themselves unto us shall we assure of their lives and give unto them our protection." So he sent messengers 45 to some of the chief men of the country, saying, " Let them who are willing to save their lives come unto me." And the mer- 46 chants of Valukagama,t who were desirous to save their lives and their property, and many dwellers in the seaport, and other 47 inhabitants of the country who were terrified, when they heard this came in great numbers from all sides unto Rakkha Kancuki- n&yaka (seeking his protection). After that he sent forth his 48 strong men and fought many battles with the forces of the 49 enemy that were gathered together at many places, namely : 50 Devanagara,t Kammaragdma, § MahdpanAlagS.ma, Mdnaka- pitthi, the ford of the Nilavala(| river, and Kadalipattagdma ; and, being victorious everywhere, he showed favour unto those who came to him. But the rebels waxed strong, and resolved that they would not 51 allow the powerful army of their enemy to cross the river at the 52 place Mahakhetta. And they defied them and advanced boldly, and arrived at the banks of the river. But Kancuki-ndyaka heard 53 the tidings thereof, and sent his own army to go up and fight 54 against the rebels. And then the skilled warriors on both sides fought a fierce battle in the middle of the river, so that the 55 conflict of the two armies waxed as terrible as the conflict between " A race of monster birds said to be the natural enemies of the N&gas. t Veligama, between Galle and Matara. J Devinuvara, Dondra, the southernmost point of the Island. § Kamburugamuva, in Mdtara. II Nilvald-gagga, in the Matara district. 220 THE mahAvaijsa. 56 the gods and the D^navas* who came up from the sea. Thereupon the strong and valiant men who fought against the rehels 57 communed with themselves in this wise : " A drawn battle with these men would be equal to a defeat. And though even our lord 58 the king hear not of it, yet would it be a great disgrace unto us should it reach the ears of Kaiicuki-ndyaka. We will therefore cut these enemies into pieces,-like unto the tender plants among 59 the bamboos, and cast the bodies into the river so that they may become food for the fishes and turtle, whose hunger we shall thereby appease : otherwise, we ourselves shall become food for them." 60 And when they had resolved thus, they carried on the conflict with exceeding great fury, like unto the monkeys which had leaped 61 over the great sea in the war between R4ma and Ravana ; and they soon made the host of the enemy as one river of flesh and blood, and 62 proceeded from thence to take Digh^li, and, like unto the elephants which had entered a forest of bananas, these mighty men rooted up 63 a large and united force of the enemy, A nd being routed there also, they gathered themselves together at the place called Suvanna- 64 malaya, and began to make war again. Then Kaiicuki-nayaka sent thither many soldiers, who poured forth a shower of arrows on 65 them, and ceased not. And when they had learned from the spies of the paths that led through the forest, they entered by the 66 way that the spies had shown them, and slew many strong men who occupied the divers strongholds ; and thus they delivered the Suvannamalaya of its enemies. 67 After that Kaiicuki-nayaka departed for the M&.lavaratthali, and sent word unto his strong men, who were at Suvannamalaya, 68 saying, " I go straight from this very place to the village Mala- varatthali : do ye also proceed along the road leading thereto (so 69 that ye may meet me)." And when they had received the message they did so. And he took them, every one, with him and went up to Maldvaratthali. 70 And the Tamil commander, Rakkha by name, a skilful warrior, 71 reached Donivaggat at the head of a great army. And when the 72 rebels heard thereof they straightway sent a message to Rakkha La^kdpura, who dwelt in the city of Mahdndgakula, giving him a true account of their affairs, and asked him to come up to them 73 quickly. And they thought thus, saying, " The highway that " The Asuras, or Titans. •|- The large village of Denavaka in Sabaragamuva. CHAPTER LXXV. 221 leadeth from Donivagga to Navayojana* is very hard to pass 74 through. Therefore, shall we oppose theirentranceintothecountry by that way, and keep them shut up in their own strongholds." So the enemy waxed bold and began the war. And Eakkha, the 75 prudent Tamil commander, was desirous to begin the conflict and 76 to crush the rebels before they could begin the iight ; and he sent Loka the Kesadhdtu and isMtha the Safikhan&yaka,t with other 77 chief men, at the head of a great number. of soldiers. And they fought a great battle and gained a great victory. Thereupon the 78 enemies were utterly routed, and, being filled with great fear and confusion, they gathered themselves together at the place called Garulatthaka-lancha. And Eakkha, the Tamil commander, sent 79 the selfsame army to take that place also. And these mighty 80 men of valour went thither, cutting down all obstacles, and brake down the great strongholds with their numerous gates. And they entered the place w herein the enemy had taken refuge, and 81 took them captive whose lives should have been spared : many others also of the enemy they straightway put to death, and the 82 remnant they dispersed helplessly. And, after they had deli- vered that place also from the enemy, the men who had gone 83 (on this adventure) returned to him (Eakkha, the Tamil com- mander). And he bestowed favours on them according to their deserts. Then the wise Tamil commander, as a rain-cloud unto a forest 84 that the rftys of the summer sun had burnt, returned to Donivagga, 85 that so he might reconcile the enemies who were burnt to ashes by the consuming glory of the king, and thus save their lives. And over each country that was pacified he placed men who 86 deserved to be set (in authority and oflSce), and accepted the submission of such as were willing to submit, and purged that part of the country also of its enemies. And the enemy at Pugadandakavdta, who occupied a fortress 87 that they had built, waxed strong, and began to renew the war. Thereupon the Tamil commander sent thither many soldiers with 88 chiefs expert in war. And the mighty men of valour proceeded 89 thither, and, by the arrows that they rained upon them and the beating of their drums and the brandishing of their swords, they 90 seemed unto the enemy like an untimely rain-cloud followed with lightning. And they relieved their weariness after the battle by enjoying the taste of their own heroism, and honoured the goddess 91 * Navayodun, or Navadun koral^. f The chief of chank-blowers (?) 222 THB mahAva:^sa. 92 of valour by the beat of their victorious drums. Then tidings came to them that great numbers of the enemy had assembled together at a place called Tambag&ma, where they held a strong- hold that they had built. And the men of tried valour, being 93 desirous to display an act of singular great courage, went thither by night and entered the place with the beating of war drums, as 94 if defying the enemy to battle. And when the rebels heard 95 the noise of the drums they felt as if a thunderbolt had fallen on their heads, so that some fainted and fled, and some met with a speedy death. Then the powerful victors burnt the stronghold 96 and returned to Pugadand^vdta. And Rakkha, the Tamil com- 97 mander, brought his army together, and sent a four-fold force under a chief to subdue the enemies that were concealed in 98 divers places in their own country. And that army slew many rebels at the villages Bodhidv&ta, Hintdlavana, and Ataranda- 99 Mahdbodhikkhanda, and returned after it had fought battles in the night also. Then the Tamil commander, at the head 100 of a great force, went to the place Silkardli-Bheripdsdna, and, acting in no wise against the king's commands, restored many 101 persons to their homes as before, who, though they were not enemies, had, nevertheless, concealed themselves (through 102 fear). And after that he had appointed fit persons as chiefs 103 over the countries that were pacified, he departed at the head of his terrible army and arrived at the village Sima- talatthali. Then a great number of rebels, who lay hidden 104 in divers places, assembled together the inhabitants of the 105 country that were armed ; and, after that they had become 106 exceeding powerful, they chose Rakkha La^ikapura, who was at the head of many strong men, and appointed him to be the commander of their army, and brought him down with great pomp, filling the country round about with the sound of drums and trumpets, and came to the village Nadibhanda. And when 107 the wise Tamil commander heard of this thing, he drew out his 110 own soldiers, and spake these words unto them, saying, " Show now your fidelity to your master, and I shall be a witness to your courage in this place. Think not that this is a strange land and that the enemy is exceedingly bold, but trust to the glory of our master for succour ; and be ye assured that victory will follow you in the field of battle. Proceed ye therefore, and, first, take up a position to give battle." And when they heard these words their courage increased, and they proceeded boldly and 111 took up their place in the village Mahasenagdma to give battle OltAPTBR LXXV. 223 there.' Then the strongmen of both sides rushed into the midst of the field of battle. And the sparks that flew from their 112 weapons, as they beat against each other, made the whole sky seem aa if it were spangled with stars in the daytime. And 113 they poured arrows as thick as rain, so that they seemed to fill the whole face of heaven, and began to fight the great battle uttering shouts of defiance. Then the Tamil commander, who 114 was a man of great strength, cut off the head of Rakkha Lapkd- pura, and thus put an end to his valour. Thereupon the whole 115 rebel host became helpless, and was utterly defeated and thrown into confusion like a flood of water that had rushed forth through the bounds of the sea. And the field of battle was covered over 116 with ravens and vultures; and the Tamil commander, who had gained the victory and won great renown, held a great feast in 117 honour thereof, and entered the city of Mahdndgakula at the. head of his whole army. Then Rakkha Kaiicuki-ndyaka left MaMvaratthala* and went 118 in haste to the city of Mah&,nagakula and saw the Tamil com- 119 mander. And he, being a wise man and one who knew what it was to be in season and out of season, took counsel with him and spake to him in this wise, saying, " According to the commands 120 of our master we have taken the city of MahanAgakula, but there remain yet many enemies that have not been destroyed, and 121 who, with none to support them, have entered into the country 122 of Khandavagga.t But it is not my desire that the strong men, who have but now gained a victory, should proceed thither in haste. We must therefore trust to the king our master for mercy."t So they tarried there, and sent unto them who were ]23 not open enemies but who had hid themselves in divers places, and persuaded them to take up their abode, each in his own country. And the two commanders spent their time in this 124 manner at the city of Mahdnagakula. 1^5 But numbers of the enemy that had fled to Khandavagga turned to their side many chief men of factions, and assembled themselves together at the place Khandavagga, resolved to renew the war. Thereupon the Tamil commander thought to himself, 126 saying, "The time is now come to fight the enemy," and he departed from the city of Mah&ndgakula, and attacked the enemy 1 27 " M5r&kada, in Giruva pattn. f Kadawat k6rale, between Balaggoda and Haldummulla. j Literally " Our refuge is our master's feet." 224 THE mahIva^sa. fiercely at Bakagalla-Uddhavdpi, and put them all to flight, and returned in triumph. 128 Now, at that time, some of the enemy came up to the village Sapghabhedaka ; and Siikarabhatu Deva,* the general, brought 129 up his soldiers to Mahdgima with the intent to make war. Thereupon the Tamil commander also drew up his soldiers, and 130 first sent them forward to the village Sapgha-bheda ; and these ] 31 valiant men went to the seat of war, and consumed a great number of the enemy by the fire of the glory of their noble king. And after they had held great feasts there they returned to the 132 city of Mahdndgakula. Then the Tamil commander sent Deva- 133 La^k&pura, and many other warriors, to make war and seize the general (Sfikarabhdtu Deva). And they marched forth to the 1 34 field of battle, covering the whole sky with the arrows that they shot without ceasing. Then, with a great shout, these mighty 135 men rushed into the midst of the fight and killed the general and routed the enemy, and, afterwards, themselves returned to Mah&gima, and delighted the heart of the Tamil commander with the sound of their triumphant drums. 136 Then a certain elder brother of Rakkha Lai^ikapura 137 took upon himself the office of commander there, of his own accord, and gathered together numbers of the enemy who had 138 escaped and were not slain in battle, and came to the city of Mahdndgakula to fight for the sake of pluader. But the Tamil ' 139 commander sent soldiers thither, and they slew him there and dispersed many of the enemy. But the strong men of the enemy 140 that were defeated came to the place Kuravaka-galla ;t and Rakkha, the Tamil commander, came forth from the city of Mahaud^gakula and dispersed them, and returned afterwards to the city. 141 ThenLokagalla,whosesurname was Vikkama, and many others of the enemy, came forth from the city and gathered themselves together at Mahdgdma, with the intent to fight against Mana 142 Miila-potthaki. And Mula-potthaki, who was surnamed Mdna, with the help of his followers, soon gained the victory in that 143 war. Thereupon the Tamil commander took counsel with his 144 officers, and spake unto them, saying, "Oar enemies have we defeated in every battle, and when we see them flee before 145 us for fear on every side, we are wont to think that they have lost courage and will not renew the war. But their utter ' See chap. LXXIV., v. 127 et aeq. f Kerawaggala (?) OHAPTEE LXXV. 225 destractioa have we not yet seen. They leave the open country 146 (for a time) and hide themselves (in chosen places) here and there. Therefore let us allow them to return to the open country from their hiding places, and then shall we destroy them utterly." So this wise commander, whose fame was great, returned to Piga- 147 dftnd&vdta (whence he had set out). And the rebels knew ^ot his device, but came down from their divers strongholds into 148 the open country. And when the Tamil commander received a true report concerning this, he again set out from thence 149 (Pdgadandavdta) at the head of his valiant men, and made war with them, and slew the enemy at every place, yea, even great numbers of them that were in the village Bodhidvdta, and at the 150 place called Sfikardlibheripasdna, and in the stronghold Madhut- thali. And he went into the open country, and there also he 151 sent his host into divers parts thereof, and utterly destroyed 152 greatnumbersof the enemy. After this he received a message from the chiefs of Huyalagdma and went to Kumbugima. Thereupon the commander, Manju by name, who held the 153 stronghold Huyala, with the two commanders Kitti and Bhdta, 154 came to that very place (Kumbug4ma), surrounded by many chief men, with great rejoicing. Then the commander Manju sent 155 unto Rakkha, the Tamil commander, and spake these words unto 156 him : " Many of ogr enemies are they who have come from your country discontented, and are hidden in divers strongholds. We must make an end of them before they obtain a footing therein j 157 and then shall we proceed to overthrow the enemies that occupy ^^^ the strongholds of Attha-sahassaka,* and seize SugalS, the queen also. But if the enemies that possess the strongholds (of this district) should wax too numerous, and it be difficult for you to deal with them alone, then shall we send more soldiers (to help you)." And the Tamil commander approved his words, and 160 began forthwith to search the forests and the rivers of that part of the country with his army. And he came up quickly with the enemy as they made haste to reach M&Mvaratthali, that so they might reach their strongholds in the mountains. And when 161 they heard that he had set out to pursue them, they were sore afraid, and entered into the thick forest that covered the great 162 hills. And the Tamil commander encompassed the wood and the mountain, and fought terribly with them, and , utterly 163 * Atakalan k6ral($. Most likely the war was fomented by the rebels of that district. 91—87 2 6 226 THE MAHiVA:^8A. destroyed them. And he took the country of DvMasa-Bahassaka,* 164 and delivered it of the enemy, and made inquisition concerning 166 the behaviour of the enemies who were taken captive, and impaled many hundreds of them in the villages and towns. Afterwards, this commander, to whom great power was given, impaled many enemies round about the village of Mahdu&gakula also ; and 167 some he caused to be hanged and burnt to ashes. And he remained at the self-same village of Mah&ndgakula, and, at an 168 hour when the stars foretold prosperity, he caused proclamation to be made of the rule of the gracious king, by beat of drums, throughout the villages and towns of the district. And when he 169 had sent tidings of these things unto the king, and had received favours from him, this wise commander of great fame remained at the self-same village Dvddasa-sahassaka, making inquisition concerning the affairs thereof. 170 And in the meanwhile, the chief officers who remained at Kubbug^ma communed with themselves in this wise, saying, 171 " From the time that we departed to Kohana for this war, the 175 soldiers that we had sent to fight at divers places have strewed the ground with the bones of their enemies. It is not possible that they should resist these soldiers ; nay, not even all the strong men who inhabit India (could do so). Why should we, therefore continue any longer to carry on the war with enemies who hide themselves in divers places for fear ? It is Sugala the queen who is at the root of this rebellion, and sheltereth them in forests and strongholds in divers places. She it is, therefore, who should 1 76 be taken alive." And when the officers, men of stout hearts, 177 had resolved thus, they departed from Kubbug^ma to Harita- kivdta, and after that they had left good and fitting men of acknowledged valour in divers towns there, they went from thence, with their men clad in mail and armed with weapons, 178 to Kanhavata. And they came to the place Vanagdma ; and there they met the enemy with the queen (among them), and 179 fought a very fierce battle with them there. And the sound of their victorious drums seemed to rend the earth. And they 180 seized the queen and all her treasure, and set proper guards to watch, the treasure ; and on that day and that place brought they the game of war that they had begun so well to a prosperous 181 end. And they covered the land with the feet and the hands and * Giruv& pattn (?) Dv&daaa-sahassaka : lit. " The country of twelve thou- sand (villages.") Giruvi pattu is still called " Giruvi Dolosddha," or the Giruv& of twelve thousand villages. CHAPTER LXXV. 227 heada of the enemy, and took captive them only whose lives it seemed fit that they should spare, and utterly freed the Bohana country from the enemy. Then the three Fh&lak&laB, who (afterwards) met with their 182 death, took with them some soldiers who had found means 183 whereby to escape from the hands of their victorious enemy, and fled from them for sore fear, and also Tandigama and the two 184 Pabbatas, and La^k&pura, the two brethren known as the Eadakkiidas and (another) La^k^pura, and other chiefs, with 185 many soldiers ; and they assembled themselves together at the village Uddhana-dvdra, and were defeated there in a great battle, 186 and were forced to fly to Nigrodha-M&ragalla. Whereupon the great officers and chiefs pursued after the enemy, and cut oflf 187 the head of Phdlak&la and sent it to their chief officers. And they took La^kapura and the two Pabbatas alive ; and 188 thus did they bring the enemy altogether to their last extremity. Then did the commander Mafiju counsel them in this wise : 189 " From the time that we began to subdue Rohana have we, by the might of the king our master, dealt destruction to the enemy 190 in the field of battle only. But no punishment that could strike 191 the enemy with terror has yet been dealt out to them, that so the people may be convinced how full of evil is the crime of resisting the king. Everywhere, therefore, should they be punished to 192 the uttermost who deserve punishment, and favour be shown unto theni that deserve favour. Thus shall we mete reward and 193 punishment according to the wishes of our master." And every one received this wise counsel with reverence. Thereupon they commanded a great number of the enemy to 194 be brought before them, who deserved punishment; and after they 196 had caused numerous stakes to be planted in villages and towns, they caused many hundreds of them to be impaled ; and great numbers of the enemy they hanged, and some they burnt. In this manner did they thoroughly manifest (unto the people) the wonderful power of king Parakkama, — a power that it was hard to resist or difficult to overcome. Afterwards they bestowed favours on them that deserved to be 197 dealt with kindness, and, in due course, pacified the country like the clouds which, in the rainy seasod, cool a forest that was burned by fire. And when the king Parakkama heard these tidings he sent 198 a letter full of great joy, commanding them in this wise, saying. 228 THE mahAva^sa. 199 " Send hither first the oflScers who were taken alive, and Sugald 203 the queen ; and give the whole charge of the country to Bhdtddhi- kfi,ri after that ye have appointed proper chiefs over each district. And bring ye up also the army of four divisions that was sent from this city, with the great Order of Priests that dwell therein placed in the forefront thereof, and make haste hither ; and, on a day and hour that shall be reckoned lucky, let the officers, even all of them, appear before me." 204 Thereupon all the officers, disobeying naught of the king's commands as they were given to them, departed from Bohana, surrounded by the great army, and came to the city of Pulatthi. 205 And they were followed by the inhabitants of the city, with 206 singing and music and clapping of hands and the waving of thousands of cloths on every side, and with shouts of triumph. 207 And when they came to the magnificent palace of the king they 208 saw there the gracious king of kings seated with great majesty on his throne of state, and cleansed their heads with the dust of his lotus-feet. 209 Thus did this chief of men, endued with a glory as fierce and terrible as the consuming fire of a burningforest, and conforming himself to the rules of polity and law, keen and clear in his judgment, and served by men of valour, free Rohana from the enemies that infested it like thorns. Thus endeth the seventy-fifth chapter, entitled " The Subjuga- tion of Bohana," in the Mahava^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXVI. j]OW in the eighth year of this gracious king's reign, while he was yet diligently employed by day and night in advancing the welfare of the religion and the kingdom with discretion and judgment, all the inhabitants of the Bohana joined themselves together and again rebelled against him ; the which peradventure they were constrained to by the force of a certain exceeding terrible crime that they had committed in a former birth, and were doomed thereby to utter destruction. 4 When the king Parakkama heard of these things he sent thither 5 again a great army with officers, and began the war without ceasing, as before, in all the villages and towns mentioned in the 6 foregoing (chapter). And he made the forces of the enemy like OHAFTBK LXXVI. 229 nnto fael consumed in the fire of his glory, and soon freed the whole country of Bohana from its enemies. Again, in the sixteenth year of this great king's reign certain 7 inhabitants of the country round about Mahdtittha, whose days 8 were soon to come to an end, rebelled and made war against him because that they counted it better (than submission). But, in 9 the abundance of his devices, he sent a four-fold army thither, and destroyed the rebels, till they were made as the dust of the earth. Now, because that the inhabitants of La^kd and Bdmaniia pro- 10 fessed the same true faith, there never was any difference between them. -The lords of the island of La^k^ and the rulers of the 11 country of Ed,manria were alike exceeding zealous followers of the Blessed One. Wherefore many kings of old who reigned 12 in the two countries had a great regard one to another, and lived as "true friends. They sent rich gifts to each other in great 13 number, and preserved their friendship for a long time without breach. And the king of B^manna, like the kings that went before 14 him, continued the ancient friendship with king Farakkama Bahu also. But at one time this foolish king hearkened to the 15 words of certain messengers who went from this country and uttered slanders in his ears ; and thereafter he ceased to furnish 16 the ambassadors of the king of Lapkd who were at his court with the expenses that were . given to them aforetime according to custom. And he also made a decree that the elephants that 17 many persons had sold in his kingdom for export should not any longer be sold. Moreover, with evil intent, the king also set 18 a high price on the beasts, commanding that the elephants which 19 were sold in former times for a hundred nikkhalas* of silver, or a thousand, should now be sold for two thousand or three thousand. And he likewise put an end to the ancient custom 20 of giving an elephant to every ship that bore presents to the king. Even when the messengers of the king of La^kd brought 21 him letters written on leaves of gold, he robbed them of all 22 their treasure, and imprisoned them in a fortress in the hill country, pretending that they were sent to Kamboja,t or saying something of that sort. And notwithstanding that he had heard 23 how the king of La^ikd had shown kindness to his ambassador 24 Tapassi, this unjust king deprived the messengers of the chief * Evidently a coin. I have not been able to ascertain its value. Cf. Niska. ■(• Cambodia. 230 THE mahAya^sa. of Laqk& of their wealth and their elephants and their ships 25 and all that pertained to them. And he caused their feet to he heaten with sticks, and employed them to draw water in prisons. 26 And on one occasion, when a certain chief of India, Kassapa by 27 name, sent presents unto him of great value with a letter written on a leaf of gold, he hindered the men who bare them from landing, and then caused the presents to be taken from them with the letter and sent into the city with great dishonour. 28 And after that he sent one day unto the Sinhalese ambassadors, 29 saying, " Henceforth shall ye not send ships from the Sinhalese 30 country into our country ; and if the chiefs of the Sinhalese do so, then should not any man blame us* if we put the messengers to death that come hither. Give us now, therefore, a writing, saying that ye have received intimation hereof; else ye shall 31 surely not be permitted to return to your homes." And when he had thus put them in fear and had made them a promise that he would allow them to return to their own country, he caused them to put it in writing, and took the paper from their 32 hands. And he commanded Vdgissara the scholar and Dham- makitti the panditf to be sent on the open sea in a ship that leaked (and was not sound). 33 On a certain other occasion also he took the presents and the merchandise from the messengers whom the lord bf Lapk^ had sent in charge thereof that they might buy elephants, paying, 34 " Fourteen elephants shall we give you or their value in money." 35 But he spake only a lie, and gave nothing unto them. After- wards again he violently seized a princess that the lord of Lapkd had sent to the country of Kamboja. 36 And when the king Parakkama Bdhu heard of the many wrongs that were oftentimes done unto him by the king of 37 Ramanna, he waxed exceeding wroth, and said : " What king is there in the whole of India that dare behave to my ambassadors 38 in this manner?" And he sent unto his ministers, saying, "It seemeth necessary that we should now compass the king Arimad- danat to take him captive or to kill him." 39 Thereupon a certain Tamil commander of high rank in the ** I propose the reading of Amhai} instead of Tumha^, as otherwise the passage would be meaningless. The construction of the whole passage is, however, obscure. f These are evidently the names of the ambassadors who were accredited to his coart. I The name of the king of Rdmaiina. CHAPTER LXXVt. 231 army, A'dioca by name, stood up with his hands raised to his forehead. And as he was desirous to go to war he spake these words 40 unto the king, saying: "0 king I let not the chief ministers of the kingdom be employed in this work. Let the command be given 41 unto me, and I shall in nowise transgress the bounds of the king's orders. And surely it is not a hard thing even for me 42 alone to carry out successfully the wishes of my lord the king, whose commands no man can set at naught." And when the king had hearkened unto him he was greatly 43 pleased, and set all the captains that were fit for the enterprise under him, and commanded him to depart quickly. Then the great king commanded that they should make ready 44 many hundred ships of divers kinds, and that there should be no delay. And all the country round about the coast seemed like 45 one great workshop busied with the constant building of ships. And the building of all those ships was finished in five months ; 46 and he gathered them together with all speed at the port Pallava- vapka. And then the king, in his great majesty, supplied them to 47 the full with all things that were necessary for the enterprise, 48 namely, rice and other provisions for the voyage, that would last for one year ; armour, weapons, and the. like ; hundreds and thousands of coats wrought of iron and skins of deer, to keep the sharp-pointed arrows from piercing them ; divers 49 kinds of medicines filled in the horns of bullocks as a balm to the burning wounds caused by poisoned arrows ; drugs of 50 divers kinds also to serve as antidotes if they should chance to drink of the poisoned waters of divers streams ; pincers of iron for drawing out the arrows with poisoned tips that, 51 by reason of their having entered deep into the flesh, could not be drawn out (by the hand) ; and likewise, physicians of 52 great skill, and nurses also. And the king, whom no one could 53 equal in ordering things aright, sent on board a mighty army numbering many thousands ; and sent out, in one day, all those 54 ships laden with good soldiers and much provision, so that the 55 fleet of ships that conveyed the great army seemed like an island moving in the midst of the sea. But because of the stormy weather certain of these ships were 56 wrecked, and certain others were driven on strange lands. And 57 many soldiers of great skill who had embarked in one of the ships landed at Kakadlpa,* and fought a battle there, and 58 * Crow isknd> 232 THE maeIva^sa. carried many of the inhabitants captive, and brought them away in safety, and took them before the king of Lapki. 59 But five of the ships, that carried a great host of strong men, 60 landed at the port Kusumi in the country of E^maniia. And these valiant soldiers were led by Kitti and Nagaragiri ; and, being provided with weapons and armour, they advanced from 61 the port where they landed and fought many fierce battles, and 62 slew many thousands ofthe forces of the Raman na country. Like furious elephants they destroyed a great number of cocoanut and other trees in the places round about them, and burned many villages with fire, and destroyed half of the kingdom. 63 And the ship which the Tamil general A'dicca commanded cast 64 anchor at the port Fapphdla in that country. And these men also, led by the Tamil commander, began straightway a fierce 65 and bloody war, and took many of the inhabitants captive, and 66 shook the kingdom of Ed.manna greatly. And after this the mighty and terrible Sinhalese entered the city, and spared not their weapons, and slew the king of Bdmanna who had dis- 67 regarded the laws of nations. And when they had subdued the inhabitants of E^manna and conquered the kingdom, these great 68 warriors rode on the noble white elephant and marched round the city without fear, and afterwards proclaimed by the beating of drums the supreme authority of the lord of La^ki (over that kingdom). 69 Then the people of Rdmaiina trembled with fear (for the safety of their country), and seeing none other means of escape (from their troubles), they assembled themselves and took 70 counsel together. And they sent messengers with letters to the '3 Order of Priests that dwelt in the island of La^kd, saying, " Take henceforth from us, as a yearly tribute, as many elephants as are necessary. We are deserving of compassion at your merciful and divine hands, who, by speaking words of counsel, can turn the king of La^kd from his purpose, that so he may not 74 thus cruelly lay waste our possessions." And the king's heart was made soft towards them by the words that the priests of the 75 three brotherhoods spake unto him ; and the people of Edmaniia sent yearly many elephants, and entered again into a covenant with the lord of La^kd, and made him a true friend. 76 And it came to pass that, at that time, Farakkama, the king of "^^ Pandu, who dwelt in the city of Madhurd, was besieged in his city by his warlike enemy, king Eulasekhara, who had encompassed the city with his army. And Parakkama, seeing that there was no CHAPTER LXXVI. 233 king ia the country of India able to help him in his distress, sent messengers to the lord of Lapkfi,, saying, " thou, who art worthy of looking to for succour I I am but a grasshopper in the flame of my enemy's glory ; let thy feet be a refuge unto me, like a fortress of adamant."* And when the Chief of La^iki had hearkened to the words of the messengers, he spake unto them saying, " If we render not 80 help to him who seeketh refuge from us in his adversity, how then can the name of Farakkama BAhuf be given unto us fitly ? He who hath chosen protection from us shall not be crushed by 81 any enemy. Behold the hare that has taken refuge in the moon ;t what beast of prey can crush her ? Lapkdpura Daridand,tha I § 82 go thou and destroy this Kulasekhara, and establish king Pandu in his kingdom, and return not till thou hast accomplished it." Thereupon that most valiant captain, La^kdpura by name, 83 who knew the art of war, and destroyed his enemy like as a flame of fire destroyeth the forests, assented to the king's 84 command and received it with great joy, as if it were a garland for his head. And many chieftains that were skilled in war accompanied him ; and he departed from the city with a great 85 host that none could withstand in battle, and came to Mahft- tittha. And in the meanwhile king Kulasekhara put the king of 86 Pandu to death with his wife and children, and took the city of Madhurd. And when the mighty king (Parakkama Bdhu) heard of these 87 things he sent a message saying, " Let the kingdom be seized and given to one of his ofi"spring." And when he (Laykdpura) was commanded a second time, he proceeded to the haven Talabbilla, || 88 which is on this side of the sea, and sent his great army on board there in many hundred ships, and then set out. And when they 89 had sailed one day and one night they saw the coast on the other side. And as the enemy stood there in readiness, he commanded 90 all his men to put on their armour on board their own ships ; " Vajirorpahjara, literally " a cage of diamond." f One meaning of which is " He whose arm defends others." j The dark figure visible in the full moon, supposed to resemble a hare. § Addressing the general by that name. Dai^danatha may mean a captain, or a commander, or a general. II Talawilla is also a reading. 91—87 2 H 234 THE mahAva^sa. 91 but as the ships stood ia deep water* he feared that they would wet their armour if they lauded in the self-same place. And he 92 put them in hundreds of hulks, and commanded the men to hold their shields of hide before them whenever the Tamils rained 93 their arrows on them from the beach. And in this manner he landed them at the haven called Talabbilla that was on the Pandian side of the country. And the mighty La^k^pura drove back the Tamils who were 94 left at that haven, and seized it and encamped there, and fough t four battles. And when the five chieftains, t namely, Vadavalat- 95 tirukkadi NddaiAr,? Kudaya-muttu Rd,yar, Villava Rdyar, 96 Ancukotta NM£lv£r, and Narasiha Deva, proceeded to give battle, 97 he fought with them, and slew many Tamils, and seized their horses, and discomfited all their great host. And then he took 98 R^missaram§ after he had fought five battles. Then he 99 encamped there and fought nine battles more. And in the tenth battle he fought with these six chieftains, namely, Sildmegha, Naratugga Brahmahfi R^yar, Ilapkiya Rd.yar, 100 Ancukotta Rayar, Paludjya Rdyar, Panasiya R&yar, and with 101 the five that are mentioned above, who came with a great army. And he prevailed against them, and slew many Tamils, and took 102 many horses. And from thence he proceeded to Kundukdla, midway between the two seas, and four leagues distant from Ramissaram. And the Tamils that were there fiew for fear and " The original has agddha, which means " very deep " (water.) This, I think, is a mistake ; for it is difficult to understand why the ships stopped, turned back, or struck aground (as the word nivattana may be rendered) in " very deep water," or why the idea of putting down the men there should have occurred at all. The sea near Paumben, where the landing appears to have taken place, was known to be very shallow even in ancient times. (See Caldwell's History of Tinnevelly, p. 22.) I believe, however, the meaning of the passage is, that the sea being ahallow the ships struck .aground, and through fear of wetting the soldiers' equipments if they waded from their vessels to the shore, and to avoid exposing them to the missiles of the enemy in doing so, the general devised the plan of sending the men ashore in boats, numbers of which were probably lashed together so as to admit of carrying great numbers of the men simultaneously. t S&mantas, or chiefs, of districts. j I believe NilufiUdr or Nd4dlvdr (from the Tamil Ndifu, a country, and, ^'toar, a ruler) and i?dj/ar, denote the office and rank, and are identical with the office of Zemindar of the present, and Polygar of former times. For an account of them see Caldwell's History of Tinnevelly, pp. 56-58. § " Ramesvaram, the name of the celebrated . temple on the eastern ex- tremity of the island (of Paumben). R&ma's I'svara, B&mas Lord, that is, Siva, recognised and worshipped by R&ma, according to the ^ivas as his lord." CaldweU'a History of Tinnevelly, p. 21. CHAPTER LXXVI. 235 entered into the forests ; and he seized some of them and 103 impaled them there. But the lord of Laigikd thought it fit 1^^* that these self-same Tamils should repair all the Cetiyas in Lapkd that they had aforetime destroyed-. And when he gave command to La^kdpura to that effect he sent some of them to Lagkd, and set them to work at the Ratanavdluka Cetiya. And the lord of La^kd caused that Thiipa which the Tamils had breached to be built up by them. And when the work was finished the king proceeded to 107 Annrddhapnra with his ministers and all his followers to hold the feast of the pinnacle (wherewith it was crowned). And he 108 caused the great body of the Order throughout the island of La^kd to be assembled there, and ministered unto them with the four things that were necessary for their support. And when 109 the fourteenth day of the moon was come, he caused drums to be beaten and proclamation to be made, saying, " Let the city be adorned, and let all the people go on the morrow to the 110 place of the Great Thupa with perfumes and flowers and such like offerings." In this manner did he cause everything to be done properly according to the custom. And then on the day of the full moon the king adorned himself with all the grace 111 of a god, with a diadem and a chain of gold and brace- lets and precious ornaments of such kind thickly set with divers gems. And many hundred women of the qileen's 112 chamber, whose forms, beautifully attired, were like those of goddesses for elegance, accompanied him, and many chieftains 113 also, of great fame, clothed with divers robes and jewels and glittering ornaments. And the earth sunk, as it were, with the 114 weight of this great multitude, and of the troops of horses and 115 elephants in their trappings of shining gold, and of the wor- shippers who honoured the Cetiya with offerings of lamps which they carried on their bodies.f And every quarter thereof was covered, as it were, with parasols and banners and chowries ; and the caverns seemed to burst asunder with the sounds of 116 divers instruments of music ; and the eyes of all the people * In the original the editors of the P&li text have made a mistake in numbering the verses of this group. I have, however, kept to those numbers to facilitate reference. + At great festivals devotees carry lighted lamps on their heads and in their hands, and sometimes lighted frames which cover the -whole of their bodies ; and with these they walk round the D&gobas to illuminate them. This is, I suppose, what is meant by Sabbanga-dipa-p&jd in the text. 236 THE mahAva^sa. were filled with tears of joy by reason of the exceeding great 117 beauty of the sight ; and the caskets and flags and vases and fans and pots and other utensils of gold sent forth rays which 118 made all the place to seem yellow. And then the king came forth from his royal palace at the hour when the shadows lengthened,* and stood on the terrace of the Cetiya with the 119 majesty of the king of the gods. Then many hundred priests went forth and compassed the Cetiya round like a wall of 120 coral. t And then the king placed the pinnacle of gold on the top of the Cetiya, as if he displayed to the world the glory of KeUsaJ with the sun standing on the height thereof, 121 And lo I there was no night in the city on that day. And wherefore came it ? By reason of the king's Feast of Lamps or because of the glittering pinnacle that was set on the top of the Thiipa ? 122 Thus did Parakkama Bdhu, the defender of the land, hold this great feast in honour of the Thiipa ; and then he returned to his own city of Pulatthi. 123 And the general (LagkApura) built a fortress at Kundukdla, which he called Parakkama Pura. And as he wished to make 124 it endure for a long time he built three walls of stone of great height round it, two thousand and four hundred cubits long, with 125 twelve gates, and a court with four rows of buildings, § and three trenches also, the waters of which flowed from the one into the 126 other, as if from sea to sea. And while he dwelt in that fortress he subdued the chieftains Kadakkiidiya Bdja, Colaga^ga, and 127 many others. But though the Sinhalese thus gained strength 128 daily, the king Kulasekhara remained not idle, but sent Sundara Pandu Edjd and Pandu Raj4 again with many powerful chiefs 129 that they may drive the Sinhalese away from thence. But La^kapura fought with them and discomfited them in three 130 battles, and took Carukkatta. And heproceeded from thence and 131 fought a great battle with those chieftains and a Tamil, A'lavau- dapperumdl by name, and got the victory, and took the villages Koluvdru and Maruthupa. " At eventide. ■f Pavdla-vediJcA. The word "vedikd" is used to mean a low wall or terrace intended for various sacred purposes. The allusion is to the dark- red robes of the priests. I The highest peak of the snow-clad Him&laya. The Thtipas being white and glistening edifices, the simile is obvious. § Military barracks ? OHAPTEE LXXVl. 237 And when the general had made the Maravdr soldiers * of the 132 country of Kapkundiya and of Koldra to submit themselves to him, he went against the country of Vlragapga with a great army, 133 and laid waste Kiinappunaliir and the rest of the towns and villages therein. And Mdlava R4yar, the chief of the country, and 134 many thousand Tamils also he subdued, and held that country. And after that he returned from that place to the city of 135 Parakkama t that he might satisfy his men with rice and their wages. And while he was yet on the way he fought a battle 1 36 with A'lavanda t who was encamped at the village Vadali, and slew him. And now, when the powerful king Kulasekhara, whose courage 137 was like to that of a lion, and who had a great army of tried soldiers, and was himself cunning in the art of war, saw that he could not prevail against La^ikapura even though he sent his best 138 officers against him with many men and much materiel, he resolved to go himself to the field of battle. And he took with him Mdlava Oakkavatti and Mdlava RAyar, 139 Parittikkudaya Rayar and Tondamd Rdyar, Tuvar^dhipa Vel&r 140 and Virapperiya Rayar, Senkundiya Rdyar and Nigaladha Ra,yar, Kurummalatta Rayar and Nakula Rdyar, Pu^kunda Nad^luvdr 141 and Karamba Rayar, and the Nddilvars, by name Kandiyiiru and Thalandfiru, Kdngaydr and Viraga^ga, Vemuva Rayar and 142 Alattiiru Nddalvfir, and the three Mannaya Rdyars, and 143 Kalavandiya Nddalvar and Keralaslha Muttara, — these and other chieftains did he take with him, and the others afore- 144 mentioned. And he also took the residue of the forces that were left in the country of king Parakkama Pandu ; and all the forces of the two 145 Kopgu countries that belonged to the two brethren of his mother, and all his forces also that were in the kingdom of Tirind,veli.§ ""The Maravfir or Vannian caste peculiar to Southern India As feudal chiefs, and at the same time heads of a numerous caste or class of the population, this caste constituted themselves, or were constituted by the peaceful cultivators, their protectors in times of bloodshed and rapine, when no central authority capable of keeping the peace existed." Caldwell's History of TinneveUy, p. 105. See also Bow's Manual of the Tanjore District, p. 192. f Parakkama Pura. j See verse 130. § TinneveUy, which " should be written Tiru-nel-veli ; and the meaning of this name is the ' sacred rice hedge,' from tiru (the TamUised form of the Sanskrit sri), sacred ; nel, paddy ; and veli, hedge." Caldwell's History of TinneveUy, p. 88. For the legendary derivation of the name read continu- ation of the same page. 238 THE mahAva^sa. 146 And these are the names of the chieftains that he took with him : Niccavinoda M^nava Rdyar, Patti BSyar, Ta^kutta Rdyar, 147 Tompiya Rayar, A'lav&ndap Perumdl, Cola Kon&ra, Ta^gap 148 Perumdl, Alakhiya Rdyar, Mfoabharana R^ji, Avandiya Rdyar, 149 Mundiya Rdyar, and Vittdra the Tamil. These chieftains took he with him ; and with a great army and chariots and horses he 150 came nigh unto Farakkama Para,* boasting to himself, saying, 151 " This time shall I offer my oblations to the god at Rdmissaram after that I have cut off the heads of the Sinhalese." And he 1 52 fortified the villages Erukotta and Idagalissara. And then he sent 153 agreat army by land, and many soldiers by sea in ships, to assault 154 the fortress of Farakkama Pura ; and when the (two) great armies came up from this side and from that and joined their forces to- gether to battle, it seemed as if two seas had overflowed their banks. Thereupon La^^kapura set his great army in array, and went 155 forth from the fortress and gave them battle. But the hosts of 156 the Tamils who were engaged in this fight were smitten so grievously with the sword and with arrows that their hearts failed them, and they turned back and went to their own camp. 157 And in this manner they fought fifty and three battles. And when king Kulasekhara saw that his army was discomfited in every battle he went forth from the camp and himself led it to 158 battle. Then La^kdpura caused all the gates of the fortress to 159 be opened, and led his army, like a great mountain before him, 160 in battle array. And he fought with the enemy and gained the victory, and slew many Tamils, and took their horses, and pursued after them unto Kurumbanda^kali, and began to make him 161 a stronghold there. Then Kulasekhara, who hitherto was a terror 162 to his enemies, gathered together his great host that was broken and discomfited in battle, and chosing himself the flower of his army,t whom he loved like his own life, went up himself and fought a battle. And their swords flashed like thousands of 163 fishes, and the horses were like waves in number, and the footmen as an expansion of water ; their parasols also were like seas of foam, and their arrows that flew about like streams, and the sound of their drums was like the roaring of the tempest ; 164 yea, with all this, the field of battle on that day was as terrible as the mighty ocean itself, if And as the battle waxed fiercer " The fortress built by La^kapura. ■j- Sdrabhutam, literally the pith or most precious portion, j The whole simile is very tersely expressed in the original by the use of compound words. CHAPTER LXXVI. 239 and fiercer, the Sinhalese, with their valour and might, satisfied the itching of their fingers for the fight. And they slew Villava 165 Rdyar and Cola Konara and the Yadhava R^yars and a .certain 166 exceeding powerful chieftain, and many hundred soldiers and officers of the king. The horse also, on which Kulasekhara rode, 167 they shot under him. Then Kulasekhara and his army turned their hacks and fled, as if to give the Sinhalese a better opportunity 168 to makie a slaughter of them with their swords. And as he fled 169 from the field of battle, he left his valour behind him, and also his throne and his canopy and his ornaments and divers other things. Then La^k^pura proceeded to the stronghold Brikkiviir, which Kulasekhara his enemy had held, and burnt it to the ground; 170 and built himself another fortress and tarried there awhile. And La^ikdvidu* (La^kdpura) proceeded from thence and entered 171 Vadali. And setting out from thence he surprised Deviya- 172 pattanam, and took it, and proceeded to Siriyavala. And at the stronghold Koluvukkotta, which Khudda-kagkunda RS,yar held 1'73 there with a great host, he fought a fierce battle and assaulted and took it. And many of king Kulasekhara's officers he put to 174 flight in that battle, and took the stronghold, and burnt twenty and 1 75 seven large villages to the ground. And this great and terrible general abode in Dantika, and fought with the chiefs who held Kota and Vukka, and also with them that held the village of the Brahmins. And these are their names : Pandiydnd&r the Tamil, 176 and Cola Kondra, and the chieftain Y&.fchava Rdyar, and Villdva Rd,yar and Kalinga Rd,yar and Sundara Pandu Rayar and Narasiha 177 Devar and Pandiya Rdyar. And he utterly destroyed their forces 178 and slew many Tamils and took many horses. And as he had men 179 and materiel in abundance he remained in Kundayan-neka, and 180 brought Kundayamuttu RAyar and Kandili Rayar and Ydthava Rdyar, the three Tamil chiefs, into subjection. And as he knew 181 how things stood he tarried there, and compelled Pandiya Rdyar, who held the stronghold Vikkama Oolapper, and the three chief- 182 tains Pandimanda Nfiddlvdr, Viramayga Rdyar, and Kapga Kon- 183 dappa R&yar, and all the inhabitants of KSimandakotta, to submit themselves to him. And after that the valiant general proceeded to Maruthukkotta, with the intent to carry on the great war. And there also he fought a great fight with Cola Konara and 184 * I see no reason why Lagk&pura's name is changed to Lagk&vidu in this place, as the metre does not require it. I am very much inclined to think it a clerical error for kdlavidu, an epithet meaning " he who knew his time," which would be very appropriate here. Of. fhanarviM, in verse 181. 240 THE mahAva^sa. 185 Tondriya and aaother chieftain, Suttaddh&ra by name, and with the Tamil Yiragangara,and likewise also with Kuttaddhara and 186 other chieftains. And in that war he slew Tondriya and took his horses, and slew many other Tamils also, and took the fortress 187 Kangakottana. And from thence he proceeded and remained at Paniva, and fought a great battle there with these chieftains, and these are their names : the two Alattiiru Ndd&,lv£rs, Pandriya 188 Edyar, Villava Rdyar, and Culla Kagkunda Kayar. And he 189 discomfited them and dispersed them and took Panivakkotta ; and returning from that place he went to Kaggakkotta and occupied 190 it as he had done before. And from thence he proceeded to Anivalakkotta and fought a great battle with these chieftains, and these are their names : Khandamalava E&yar, the two 191 Viragaggaras, and Cola Konara the Tamil. And he discomfited 1 92 them all, and slew many Tamils and took many horses, and took that fortress and Nettdr also.* And he remained there and 193 brought into subjection to him Kuttanda and Viragapga and Taggapperumdl and their servants, many hundreds in number. 194 Likewise also he brought Ila^kiya and Aiicukotta Bayar into subjection to him, and presented to them gifts— earrings and 195 other ornaments ; and conferred on Ilagikiya R&yar the renowned title of Kajavesibhujagga-Sildmegha, which he desired greatly. 196 And in the meanwhile it came to the ears of Lagkapura that 197 Vlra Pandu, the youngest son of king Parakkama Pandu, had by 198 some means escaped from the hands of the enemy when the king, his father, was discomfited and put to death with his wife and children, and that he, even then dwelt in the Malaya country,t 199 because he feared greatly to return to his own country. So he sent a messenger unto him, saying, " The king Kulasekhara and all his 200 officers have I defeated here in more than one battle, and have taken half of the kingdom, and am now come within two or three 201 leagues of the city of Madhuri. The king, my master, hoped to have been able to defend the king thy father ; but when the enemy 202 had put him to death, and tidings thereof name to the ears of our master, then commanded he unto us, saying, ' If peradventure he who had sought protection from me hath been murdered by the 203 king, his enemy, then slay ye him also, and bestow the kingdom of Parakkama Pandu on one of his offspring, if any of them be 204 yet alive'. Fear not, therefore, but hasten and come hither and rule over the kingdom which is the inheritance of thy father." t NeUore ? t The Hills. CHAPTER LXXVl. 24 1 And the prince duly hearkened to the message and delayed 205 not, and went up to him. Then La^kdpura sent a letter to La^kfi,, to the great king 206 thereof, telling him that the prince had arrived destitute. And 207 when the great king had heard thereof he sent unto him gifts : vessels of gold and silver meet to set food in for the king's table, and lamps of gold and silver in great number, and raiment of 208 great price such as kings wear, and earrings, and chains for the 209 neck, and bracelets set with jewels. These and other gifts did the king, in his great delight, send as tokens of his good-will and pleasure. And the prince accepted them all with much affection, 210 making obeisance to the side that looked towards the king. And then the powerful La5ikd,pura fought against Khanda- 21 1 deva M&lava Rdyar, who held Mundikk6,ra, and drove him from that place. And he remained there and forced the Tamils of 212 the two countries Kfla-maygala and Mela-ma^gala* to submit unto him. Afterwards Mdlava Rdyar's heart failed him for 213 fear, and he humbled himself and sought protection from him. 214 And the valiant man (La^kdpura) gave back Mundikkdra to him, and restored him to his place, and appointed him ruler of the two Ma^Lgala countries, and made him chief of Gokanna-nddu 215 in Mund&nnankoijda. Now Laykfipura, who at that time abode at Anivalakkotta, proceeded from thence and suddenly entered 216 Nettfir, and made war with the two Alattiiru Naddlvdrs and 217 Kdli^ga Rdyar and Kalikala Rdyar, the chieftains who dwelt at Mdnavlra Madhurd. And this powerful general fought a great 218 battle and slew many Tamils and Kalikala Rdyar among them, and brought that Madhurdf also under his authority, and after- 219 wards compelled many Tamils and Muvaraya Rdyar and Karum- 222 bulatta R^yar to submit themselves to him. And after that this powerful and terrible general, whom no man could subdue, proceeded to the fortress of Alattiiru NAddl and fought a, great battle with Kdli^ga RSyar and Culla Ka^kunda R^yar, and drove them from that place, and burnt down many great villages, and himself returned to Nettiir. Then there came from the south side of the country Culla 223 Kapkunda Rd,yar, the two Alattiiru N&ddlvfirs, Mannaya Rayar, Parittikkundiyar, Senkundi RAyar, and many other Tamils skilled 224 in the art of war ; and the chiefs K&lipga R&yar, Tennava^palla 225 Rdyar, and Alavandap Perumal, who were in great favour with 226 ° Upper and lower Ma ggalas. f MAnavi'ra Madhurd. 91—87 2 1 242 THE mahIva^sa. the king Kulasekhara. And these all were men difficult to be 227 overcome. And they made ready, each his own host, and assembled together at a place called Patapata with great con- fidence, resolved that they would prevail against the enemy this 228 time. And the skilful commander La^kdpura, being informed of what they intended to do, sent his chiefs thither with a great 229 host of men and materiel of war. And they went thither and compassed the whole fortress round about, and burnt down 230 twenty great villages that were nigh unto it. Then they sent messengers unto Lai^kapura and told him thereof, and inquired 231 whether they should assault the fortress or not. And when Lai^k^pura had heard the news he sent a great force again, and 232 gave them the command, saying " Assault the fortress." And when they received this command they began a fierce assault. 233 And the battle that took place between the two armies there was exceeding violent, even as the raging of the tempest at 234 the destruction of the world. And they slew thousands of Tamils, and Tennavappalla Rayar also, who had great favour 235 with the king. And A'lavandap Perum^l was wounded ; and when he fled before them they slew him, and seized the horse 236 on which he rode, and many other horses also. And the lion- hearted Sinhalese broke and dispersed the Tamil host, and made the face of the goddess of Valour, that was like a lotus, to smile 237 with joy. And when La^k^pnra had taken possession of Fdtapata, he commanded the army that was there to return to him. 238 Afterwards La^kdpura went up to Anivalakkikotta and brought MalavaCakkavattiand the Aiicukkottas under hisautho- 239 rity. And when he had taken Tondi and Pdsa in this manner, he proceeded to Kurunda^knndi, that he might clear the northern 240 country of the enemy. And then he persuaded Valutthi Bdyar to submit to him, and confirmed him in his office, and gave him 241 presents : bracelets of gold and such like ornaments. And from 242 thence he proceeded to Tirivekambama, and persuaded SiUmegha Bayar and Kanasi B&yar and Ancukotta Nad&lvar to submit themselves to him, and gave gifts and favours to all of them as 243 he had done before. Then he persuaded Pu^kotta N4ddlvar also to submit himself to him, and gave gifts and favours to him also, as he had done before. 244 Afterwards that man of great valour (La^kdpura), who was wont always to use great plainness of speech, sent a message to M&lava Oakkavatti, desiring him to submit himself to his au- 245 thority ; but he showed not himself, and departed to Semponm^ri ; CHAPTER LXXVI. 243 and Lapk&piira himself pursued after him to SemponmSri \rlth the intent to seize him. Now, it was said of Semponm&ri that it 246 was a fortress which the hosts of the Oholiaiis had failed aforetime to take, even though they had fought against it for two years. But the lion-hearted Siphalese assaulted this 247 fortress, even though it was so hard to have access to it, and 248 broke down two walls and four gates thereof, without even spending half a day at it. And then they entered the strong- hold one by one like unto so many elephants, and slew many 249 hundred Tamils, and thus took Semponmdri in a moment. Then the Kallar and the Maravar and the Golihald and the 250 Kuntard and the Vallakkuttdr and the U'cena hosts, and the 251 mighty army of the country of the Aiicukkottas, in number about 252 fifty or sixty thousand— a host of Tamils of exceeding great strength— compassed the stronghold that the Sinhalese held, and 253 straightway began to make ready for a fierce assault. Then Deva 254 La^kdpura and Sora Lagkdgiri, men whose courage could not be 255 subdued, opened the gates of the tower on the south side, and rushed forward with their hosts, and slew the Tamils by thousands; and these lion-hearted men destroyed the Tamil force that had 256 cotoe from that side with great fury, as though lions were rending in pieces a herd of elephants. And the commander, Gokanna, and 257 Loka, surnamed Kesadhdtu, went forth that moment from the south gate and slew a great number of the enemy on the field of 258 battle, and dispersed the residue that were not slain. And Kitti, 259 the powerful KesadhStu, and a certain fearful chief, Jagad Vijayia by name, rushed out from the north gate and slew a great number 260 of the mighty men among the Tamils, and speedily destroyed the Tamil forces on that side. Thus did the Sinhalese make a 261 speedy slaughter of the forces of the Tamils, and put them all to flight in one day, and enter again the famous stronghold of 262 Semponmdri in triumph after that they had taken many horses and distinguished themselves by many deeds of valour. And then he brought to subjection under him the hosts of the 263 Kuntavard and the Kallar, the hosts of Golihala and the Mara- vars, the Vallakkuttara hosts, them that followed U'cena, the two 264 hosts of Thalayliru N&dalvar and KaQgay&r, the inhabitants of Thalayiiru Nadu, the hosts of Kalahai Nddu, the inhabitants of 265 Thalayun N4du, and Kakan N&du,* — all these Tamil hosts, yea, 266 even all who dwelt on this side of the country from the village 267 * E&kann&^u, Coconada. 244 THE mahAvaijsa. ColMra unto the boundary of the Cola country did he bring into subjection under him. And La^k^pura bestowed on them gifts and favours as he had done before. 268 Then the Vessas* and Yavanasf brought presents unto him, which he received, and satisfied them also with many presents 269 and favours (from his hands). Afterwards he gave Semponm^ri to M^lava Cakkavatti, who had sought protection from him, and 270 confirmed him iu his own office. And he departed from thence and went again to Tiruvekambama, and from thence to Kurun- dafikundi. 271 Now, at that time Kalavdndi N^ddlvdr, who had become powerful, fought against Malava Eayar, and took Mundikkdra. 272 And when Mfi,lava Rd,yar saw none other help for him, he came unto La^k&pura and besought him, saying, " Be thou my 273 refuge." Then La^kdpura, who directed the affairs of the war, 274 sent unto the principal officers, the two Kesadhdtus, who were known to all men by the names Kitti and Loka, and to Qokanna the Dandanatha,^: and commanded them to seize upon Mundik- 275 kfira and restore it to Mdlava Edyar. And they went thither and fought a great battle with Ealavandi Ndddlvar, and drave 276 him from that place, and killed many Tanails ; and after that they had placed Malava Rdyar in his former office they returned and joined Lankdpura. 277 Moreover, another chief, Pugkonda Nddalvdr by name, went up to Siriyavala,§ and took it. And, tarrying there, he fought a 278 gVeat battle with Mdlava Cakkavatti and drove him to the village Jaya^ikottdna, and forthwith took possession of Sempon- 279 mdri. And when Lankdpura heard thereof, being a man of 280 courage and great resolution, he made haste and left the fort of Anivalakki, and went to Tirivekambam with the intent to take 281 back Semponmdri; but Punkonda Ndddlvdr having heard thereof, left Semponmdri in great fear, and went up to Sirivala. 282 And when the brave Lankdpura arrived at Semponmdri, Pun- 283 konda Ndddlvdr came thither to submit himself to him ; but he changed his mind afterwards and returned to Siriyavala and showed not himself. And La^k&pura pursued after him to that ° Vesaas, Vaisyas. The agricultural and mercantile caste. f Yavanas, the Moore or Arab descendants. \ A leader of a company or column of troops. I have sometimes rendered it by general or commander. From Dav4a, ' a column," and Ndtlia, ' a leader or chief.' § " Sherevail," a fortified village of the Marudas. See Caldwell's History of Tinnevelly, p. 214. CHAPTER LXXVI. 245 village, and compassed it, and began to assail it fiercely. Then 284 Pankonda Ndddlvdr sent messengers unto him, saying, " If now I shall find favour in thy sight, then will I submit myself unto 285 thee ; but if not, I am overwhelmed with fear, and dare not do so." And when Laigkdpura had heard the message he sent unto 286 him, saying, " Let him come hither without fear." And when 287 the message of Lagkdpura, who always spake the truth, came unto him, he laid aside his fear and went before him. And the 288 great warrior bestowed many gifts and favours on him, and sent unto Mdlava Oakkavatti and reconciled them to each other, and 289 then restored them, each to his former office, and himself went to Nettfir. And after these things he repaired and built two tanks that 290 were destroyed at Rajaslha-Mahdla and the famous village VWu- gdma, and likewise also two tanks at Siriyavala and Perum- 291 payala, and caused the land to be tilled. And in the meanwhile 292 king Kulasekhara gathered together the forces of Tirin4vela and those also of his mother's brethren which were at Ten-ko^gu and Vada-ko^gu. And as he was skilled in devising means whereby 293 he might prevail against his enemy — namely, reconciliation and 294 the like — he won over many Tamils who had already submitted themselves to Lankfipura, and having an abundance of materiel, he made ready for war. Then Lapkdpura, whose mind was ever watchful, when he heard of this deed, caused all the treacherous 295 Tamils to be utterly destroyed, in obedience to the commands of the king his master, that the wicked should not be spared. Now, 296 at this time, the great king sent Jagad Vijaya, whom no man in 297 all the land excelled in courage, with a great host of horsemen and footmen that he might support La^ikdpura. And this mighty warrior went over the great sea and arrived at Anivalakki. And 298 the famous La^kapura went out from Nettiir to Anivalakki to meet him, who had just then come thither ; and when he had 299 embraced him and spoken words of kindness and civility with him, the victorious general returned to Nett6r. And the fame of 300 his valour was spread abroad^ and he departed to the place Mudrannaddhana, and tarried there, as he was well acquainted with the place. And he fought a battle at a place called Mart- 301 gala, and routed the enemy, and killed many soldiers, and took 302 alive only such as should have been taken, and seized many horses that were left by the enemy on the field of battle. And 303 he departed from thence and went to Orjttiydru-Tondama, and fought a great battle with these chiefs, namely, Pu^konda 246 THE mahIva^sa. 304 Ndd^lvar, SiMmeghaia, and Ancukkotta Ndd&lv&r ; and by reason of his exceeding great and terrible skill he slew a great number 305 of Tamils. And from thence he went to Sirivala and burnt the 306 two-storied palace and fortress of Puijkonda N^dilv&r down to the ground, because he had not submitted to him, and departed from Tirikkdnapper. 307 And in the meanwhile Jagad Vijaya went up to Nettiir from 309 Anivalakki, and departing from thence he destroyed the fortress Madhuram-mdaavira, Patta-NalMr, and Sorandakkota, to which no man had access, and returned to Nettiir and tarried there, and caused Alattiiru NddSlvdr and CuUa Ka^kunda Rdya'r to submit 310 themselves to him. And at one time when this powerful com- mander was at Patta-Nalldr, he sent messengers to La:gk&pura, 311 saying, " It is needful for me that you should make haste and meet me at the river Siha, and you shall then of a certainty 312 know all that I have to tell you of." And when La^k&pura received the message he made haste and departed straightway 313 from NettAr with his great army. And the forces of the enemy 314 that were encamped at Tiruppalur armed themselves and went out with a great number of horsemen, and fought fiercely against the enemy in the midst of the way. But the brave men, whom 315 Deva-Lai^kdpura and the other warriors led into battle, speedily brake their ranks and scattered the great host, like as the rays of 316 the sun that dispel a thick darkness. Thus did Lapkdpura, the fury of whose might was like the fire at the destruction of the world, take Tirrupdli in a moment. And he abode in the self- same place. 317 And Jagad Vijaya, the commander, who was skilled in all the 318 devices of war, defeated the forces of the Tamils of Pannattak- kotta in battle, and took their strongholds and remained in the same place. 319 Then king Eulasekhara, who was an exceeding violent man, joined himself to Tuvarddhipa Velar, Tonda Mdnar, Vfrappe 320 Rayar, Nigaladha Eayar, Kalavdndi Ndddlvar, and Ea^gaya 321 Rdyar, and armed a great number, of his own fighting men, and 322 came to the city of Rdjin& fully prepared for war. And this mighty and terrible man commanded his great host to make war 323 with La^kdpura. And La^kdpura, who was skilful in command, 324 sent tidings of these things to Jagad Vijaya with a message, 325 saying) "Come up quickly from one side, with your army in battle array, to join me, so that we may fight against the king Kula- sekhara and put him to flight." And when he had sent this CHAPTER tXXVI. 247 message he put his mighty army ia battle array, and departed 326 from that place, and fought a great battle with the forces of the Tamils. And their forces were broken there, and they fled and straightway entered the city of RfejinS,,* and shut the gates 327 thereof both small and great, and the towers also, and closed themselves therein with their king. Then Gokanna Dandanayaka, Loka Kesadh&tn, and Deva 328 La^k&pura, the foremost among the valiant men who pursued after them, joined themselves together and forced the western gates, 329 and battered the walls and towers (on that side). And Deva 330 La^kdpnra and Gokanna Dandandyaka broke down the wall and the tower and entered in. Then Loka Kesadhatu, an exceeding 331 mighty chief, and haughty withal, thought within himself, saying, " By the way that others have opened shall I not enter." So he slew many men and cut down many horses, and brake 332 the southern gate and straightway entered the city. Then the 333 king Kulasekhara was overwhelmed with terror, insomuch that, leaving behind him even the clothes that he wore, he opened the 334 eastern gate and got out by the tower, and fled and escaped from the hands of the enemy by some good luck. Then did they slay many soldiers of the Tamils, and take 335 many horses and much treasure also. And they rejoiced greatly 336 at their victory, waving their garments on high and leaping for joy, and clapping their handd together and making themselves merry. And Laykdpura and Jagad Vijaya Nayaka also, with the rest 337 of their valiant men, came up to B&jind. Thus do the desires of those attain unto perfection, who have 338 gained merit (in former births) and are endued with great wisdom, who understand law and government and regard awful glory as a mine of wealth, and whose courage faileth them not, even as the moon increaseth day by day in the two bright weeks of the autumn. Thus endeth the seventy-sixth chapter, entitled " An Account of the Capture "of the City of R§jin&," in the Mahfiva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. " The P&li text has Rdjinda, which, I think, is a clerical error for Hdjind, Of. verse 321 and the concluding paragraph of this chapter. 248 THE MAHAVA^fSA. CHAPTER LXXVII. ND the king Kulasekhara fled from that place (R^jind) in fear, and took up his abode in the fastnesses of ToudamSna. And the hosts of Yiranukkar, Kakkola, and Madhurak- 3 kdra came toRSjina and told La^kdpura everything concerning the 4 kingKulasekhara, and invitedhimto goto Madhur&. And Lagkd- pura and Jagad Vijaya N^yaka went up to the city of Madhnrfi, in 5 great splendour, and gave the city in charge to Vira-Pandu, saying, " This is the house in which thou wert born, and this was the 6 habitation of thy father," and themselves remained there. And they sent unto these (chiefs and princes), namely, Sirivallabha 7 Raj&, N&r^yana, Parakkama Pandu, Vfrappe R&.yar, Mannaya RAyar, Se^kundi R£yar, another Virappe Rdyar, and Kerala- 8 slha Muttara, and gave ornaments to them and other gifts. To Colagapgara, who had submitted himself unto La^kapura, they 9 gave the country Parittikkundi, which he had possessed aforetime, 10 and restored him also to his ofSce. But Kalav^ndi N&dalvAr, who 11 had come to Madhur^ to submit himself, returned to his country and showed not himself, saying, " I fear to show myself (lest some evil befall me)." Therefore La^kdpura went against his 12 country to take it. And the great warrior, whom no man could resist, fought against him and put him to flight, and, as he had 13 great power and authority, he seized the country Alagvdnagiri. Then another Kalavdndi Nfidalvar, surnamed Suradeva, besought the general that he would protect him, and prayed that that coun- 14 try might be given unto him. And Lankdpura gave that country to him who had entreated it. And then the great general went 15 up to the country of Kurumba R&yar and brought him to submis- sion, and Kaijgayar also, and tarried in that district.* 16 And that he might bring Nigaladha Rd,yar also into submission, the valiant general departed from thence to the place called 17 Tiripputtiir. And Nigaladha Rfiyar gathered together his army and joined himself unto the Gholian chieftains Akala^ka Ndd&lvdr, 18 Eandambi Riyar, Malayagha Rdyar and Kincdratta Rdyar. 19 And he took their numerous hosts and a great number of their horses, and went up and began a war against them, which ® Niyama, The sense in which this word is used here is uncertain. I have rendered it " district." The Sinhalese translators use the same word (Niyama), as they generally do when words of obscure meaning occur. CHAPTER LXXVIl. 249 it was difficult to bring to an end. But at length he defeated the 20 hosts of the enemy and his allies and his footmen, and pursued 21 after them on the highway from Tiripputtdr until they came to Pon Amardvati, a space of three leagues, which was, as it were, one heap of flesh (by reason of the great slaughter of the enemy). And the hosts of the Si^-halese utterly routed that great 22 army and entered Pon Amardvati. And they burned down the three-storied palace that was built there ; and many other houses 23 and barns also that were fall of paddy* did they burn down. And this valiant commander, that he might calm the fear of the 24 inhabitants of the country, made a proclamation by beat of drums (assuring them that he would protect them). And so he brought the people under his authority and returned to Madhurfi. Now at this time the king (Parakkama Bdhu) sent forth com- 25 mandment — and his commandments were urgent — that they should make ready to bold the festival of the coronation of the prince Vira Pandu. And when Lagkdpura received the king's 26 urgent command he began forthwith to make ready for the cere- mony of coronation. And he appointed Mdlava Cakkavatti and 27 Malava Rdyar and Thalayfiru N&d&,lvdr, men of the Lambakanna race, to perform the dutiesof the office of Lambakanna.t And he, 28 whose authority no man dared to resist, caused proclamation to be made by beat of drums throughout the kingdom, and commanded 29 all the chieftains of the Pandu kingdom to gather themselves together, arrayed in all their robes and ornaments, and attended by all their followers. And he caused the prince to be anointed 30 duly in the temple which stood at the northern gate of the palace 31 of the former kings, and which aforetime had been honoured with the sound of the drums of victory. And the famous general then caused the prince to go round the city in state. In the meanwhile the king Kulasekkara, who had fled to the fast- 32 nesses in the mountains of Tondamdna, brought Tondamina over to his side. And, taking his (Tondamdna's) forces and his own hosts 33 with him, and one Anujivi Samiddha, a man of great and terrible might, he went forth from the fastnesses in the mountains and 34 attacked the stronghold Maggala, and fought a great battle there 35 with Mannaya Rdyar and Seijkundi Rayar, who had submitted 36 themselves to the Sinhalese, and took that fortress and so held it. * Rice in the husk. f Lamhakmt!.a-dhurav. This was probably some office connected with the ceremonial at the crowning of kings, and which the nobles of this race had to perform. 91—87 2 K 250 THE MAHiVA^SA. Then La^kfipura, when he had found out for certainty how 37 things stood, thought to himself, sayiog : " This king, our enemy, must I drive away from that place also, and not return thence until I have cleared of all its enemies that country of rocks and 38 mountain fastnesses." So saying, he departed from the city of Madhurd and went and fortified himself near Mano;alakotta. 39 And then he carried on a great war with the brethren of the wife of Tondamdna, who held the stronghold Vellinfiba with a great host, and with the Yellar Kallakka and Munayadha B&yar and 40 Ealinga R4yar. And the famous man seized that fortress and slew 41 many Tamils, and then took Sivaliputtfir/ and remained there. 42 Now at that time the king Kulasekhara, his rival, gathered 43 together the forces that were at Tirindveli, and sent messengers to his mother's brethren and obtained the forces also of Ten Ko^gu 44 and YadaKo^gu ; and as he had now a great army he commanded them all to remain at their posts at the fortress S&ntaneri. 45 Then La^kdpura and Jagad Vijaya N&yaka commenced forth- with to march on the way thither that they might take that 46 fortress. But the king Kulasekhara, who was skilful in devising devices, caused the bund of a great tank to be cut that so he 47 might stop the way of the enemy. And when the mighty Lanka- 48 pura heard thereof he bethought himself, saying, " The sight of an empty tank forebodes not good to one who is on his way to fight a great battle." And as there was a great host with him 49 he forthwith caused the breach to be built up, and then went up against that stronghold with great power and might, and 50 fought a great battle and took it. And he slew Ealakka the Velar and many other Tamils, and took many Tamils also and 51 horses captive. And straightway from thence he entered the two villages of Tondamaaa, called Sirimalakka and Kattala. 52 And Sirimalakka he burnt to the ground and left nothing but the name thereof, because he had heard that Parakkama Pandu 53 was slain there. t And departing from thence the famous general » Sirivilli-puttiir. Caldwell's History of Tinnevelly, pp. 61, 110, and 113. f The second part of verse 52 runs thus in the revised original : — Katvd Parakkama Pa^4a Rdjd etthdgato iti, which makes no sense either in itself or with the context. The literal rendering of it would be, " Having made king Parakkama Pandu had come here." The Sinhalese translators have not translated this passage in the body of the work, but have, in a corrigenda prefixed to it, given the literal translation with a remark that it looks like a superfluous passage in the place. The fact, I think, is that a slight clerical error has altered the sense of a most important passage. I have, therefore translated the passage, taking the true reading to be Sutvd ParakJeamo Patf^u CHAPTER LXXVII. 251 went lip to the village Colakulantaka and tarried there some time. I And the king Kulasekhara went up himself to a place called 54 Pala^ikotta,* together with his two uncles and their armies and many horses. And chieftains also of Cola and their hosts took he with them, namely, Akala^ka Nddalvdr and Pallava Rdyar and 55 Malayappa Rdyar and Kandamba Myar and Kincdratta Rdyar, 56 who was a mighty andpowerful man ; and also Ealavdndi NMalvdr 57 with his force, and Pupkondi Ndddlvdr at the head of his host. And as he had by this means waxed very powerful, he resolved 58 that he would this time prevail against his enemies, and com- 59 manded his great army to remain at Pandu Nddukotta and U'riyeri. Then La^kApura and Jagad Vijaya Nayaka proceeded from 60 the village Colakulantaka to give them battle. And they 61 ordered the things in such a manner that the enemy's forces that had entered within the two great fortresses cared not to fight in the open field. And so they raised a strong fortification on the upper 62 side of the tank in the village U'riyeri, and remained in it at night. And the forces of the enemy that were in the two strongholds broke 63 forth and went up to the place where the king Kulasekhara was. Thereupon La^k&pura and Jagad Vijaya N4yaka, men who 64 were skilful to seize their opportunity, went up to Pala^kotta. And these heroes fought a terrible battle with the king their 65 • rival, and slew many strong men and took many horses, and 66 straightway drave king Kulasekhara and took Palaykotta. And from thence they went up to a certain (chief), Tuvarddhipa 67 Veldra by name, and took possession of the horses and elephants that he had delivered over to them of his own accord. But when 68 they heard that King Kulasekhara had gone up to Madhnrd, they resolved to expel him out of that place, and departed from thence, and went up to Adharatteri. And there they brought 69 Nigaladha Rdyar over to their side, and bestowed on him many Edjd ettha liato ili. The reason why Sirimalakka, out of the two villages of Tondam&ua that had been entered into, was particularly selected to be burnt down completely becomes now obvious, namely, because it was there that Farakkama Pandu (father of Vira Pandu), who had solicited the aid of Parakkama Bdhu, had been slain. Subsequent to writing the foregoing note I have found out that my conjecture and amended reading are correct. See variant at foot-note of the text in chap. LXXVL, verse 86, where the line occurs exactly as I have amended it here. It is evident that the line must have been displaced by some careless copyist, whose copy must have been followed by other transcribers. o Palamcottah, the modern name. 252 THE mahAva^sa. 70 gifts and favours. And as they yet went forth from that place the king Eulasekhara was filled with fear and entered the Cola country. 71 And after this La^kdpura commanded the officer Jagad Vijaya 72 Nayaka to remain at the place called Patta Nalliir, and he himself went at the head of his army to Tirukkanupper. 73 And King Kulasekhara ohtained favour in the sight of the Gholian king by reason of his entreaties and his cunning. And at the command of that king he took the army and the horse of Pallava Hayar, and these chiefs of the forces of the 74 Ucca^kuttha country ; namely, Inandapada and Tondam&na, 75 Bdja-Bdjakalappa and Fatt& R^yar, Eapga-kondakalappa Hdyar 76 and Nak&ra Mibilupddi Rdyar, Niccaviuoda Mdnava B&yar and the brave Narasiha Padma Rdyar, Sekira Padma R&yar and 77 R&jind Brahmahd Rij^, Mddhava R&yar and Nigaladha Rdyar, 78 Oola Kondra, Ghandab Brahma Maharlijd, and Oola Nirikka 79 Rayar. He also took Niyariya and Kappincimpekula, Madhava 80 Rayar and Kanduvetti, Eo^gama^gala I^&dalvdr and Akalapka 81 Nddalvdr, Kandamba Rayar, Kllamangala Nddalvdr, and Visdla Muttu Bdyar, and all their horses, and sent them to Tondi and Pdsa. 82 And when La^kdpura heard of these things he resolved 83 to destroy them so that their name only may be left. And so he commanded Jagad Yijaya Ndyaka to remain at Madhurd, and 84 himself departed from Tirikkanapper and came to the city of Kile !Nilaya, on the utmost border of Madhurd. And then the 85 hosts of the Cholians went against him in great force. But Lapkdpura defeated them and strewed the road to a space of about four leagues with the dead bodies of the slain. And he slew many soldiers, even those that cast themselves into the sea, 86 and made the water thereof red with the blood of the enemy. 87 And he took many horses and Tamils also, and carried Rdjinda Brahmabd Rdjd, Nandi Padmara, and Oola Kondra also, captive. 88 Moreover, the mighty general burnt Vada Manamekkudi and 89 Manamekkudi and Maiicakkudi also, even to the ground. And seven leagues distance also of the Co}a country did he burn down 90 with fire. And when he had thus rid himself of the Cholians he returned thence and entered the village Yelankudi that belonged 91 to Nigaladha Rdyar, and sent a message unto him that he should come thither. But he had already gone over to the king Kula- 92 sekhara. And when he had joined himself unto him, and his 93 forces unto those of Silameghara and Akala^ka Ndddlv&r and Kandamba Rdyar and Malayappa Bdyar and Yisdla Muttu Rdyar CHAPTER LXXVII. 253 and Kalavdndi Ndddlvdr and the forces of Tirindveli and 94 Pu^konda Nadalvar, he waxed very powerful, and went forth to Pon Amardvati to fight a great battle. But when the powerful La^kapura had heard of these things, he 95 made haste and departed from Yela^kudi that he might subdue the king, his adversary. And the mighty and terriblegeneral came 96 forth from five sides and fought a great battle with the hosts of the enemy, and defeated and scattered them in an instant. And he slew thousands of Tamils, and took many horses, and put 97 the king Kulasekhara to flight. Then Nigaladha R&yar feared greatly and sent unto him, 98 saying, " I pray thee take away all my treasures and my horses, 99 and forgive me this mine ofience." And when this message was brought to La^kdpura he returned answer, saying, " Of a surety lOO shouldst thou have obeyed my command. There is no need to me of thy treasures or of thy horses ; but fear not, and present 101 thyself before me." And when he heard this he presented him- self before La^ikdpura. And when La^ikdpura saw him, he gave 102 him gifts, and his country, and much treasure also wherewith to build his house that was burned down with fire. And the famous general departed from thence and returned 103 to his place, and delivered the whole of that country from the enemy. And he commanded that the Kahdpana coin, bear- 104 ing the superscription of King Parakkama,* should be used throughout the country, and gave over that kingdom to the 105 prince Yira Pandu. And the men and horses and elephants 106 that he had taken in great numbers from the countries of Cola and Pandu he sent straightway to Sihala. Then the King Parakkama Bdhu, the lion of kings, founded 107 the fruitful village Pandu Vijayaka, to be a witness of his conquest of the Pandu country ; and because that he was always 108 a lover of charity he gave it to the Brahmans (to be held by them) for ever. So triumphs Parakkama B&hu, the chief of the race of kings, 109 whose power and might are infinite. And so bears he rule alone over the earth that the ocean boundeth by the supreme power that he possesseth to discern right and wrong. Thus endeth the seventy-seventh chapter, entitled "The Conquest of the Pandu Country," in the Mah&vapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. " These coins are still found. 254 THE mahAvai^sa. CHAPTER LXXVIII. j|ND thus did Parakkama Bdhu, after that he had been anointed king, establish order throughout La^kd. And being skilled in policy, he was desirous to further the religion of the Master, which he loved greatly, and which was his 3 chief purpose in establishing the kingdom. In the villages that were given to the Order, purity of conduct among priests consisted only in that they supported their wives and their children. 4 Verily there was none other purity except this thing.* Neither was there any unity in the performance of the offices of the church ; and those priests that walked a blameless life cared not even to see each other. And when the king saw these things 5 he was minded first to reconcile the monks of the three Frater- nities to each other that he might thereby promote the welfare of 6 the religion of the Conqueror. And as the king Dhamm&soka appointed Moggaliputtatissa (to be the chief of the Council of Elders that was held in his reign), so also did this lord of the land appoint the elder Maha Kassapa (to be the chief of the 7 Council of Elders that he held). He was learned in the three Pitakas and knew the Yinaya wholly, and was like unto a solitary light in the succession of the elders, waiting long for 8 the unity of the church. And the elder Ninap&la, with his disciples who dwelt in Anurddhapura, did the king invite to the city of Pulatthi ; likewise also the priests who dwelt at Saphara,t g and the elder of Ndgindapalliya, together with the elder Mog- galMna and all the other priests who dwelt in the country of 10 the sub-king, and those of the three Fraternities who dwelt in the Eohana with the great elder Nanda of the Selantar^yatana 1 1 Yihara as their chief. After that the ruler of the land entreated the priests of the Mah& Yihara that they should be reconciled to 12 each other. But many priests consented not to be united, inas- much as the lewd brethren prevailed (in the church) and the 13 breach was from old time. And some departed to other countries, and others took off their robes, and many wished not even to 14 sit (with their brethren) in the hall of judgment. And then " A piece of scathing satire that is not met with elsewhere in the sober pages of the " Mah&vagsa." f Saparagamuva,? In the Sinhalese translation it is rendered " other countries." CHAPTER LXXVUI. 255 they began the great trial ; and very hard were the questions that had to be determined therein. Verily, it seemed as if the endeavour to accomplish this unity was like unto the endeavour to raise the Mount Meru. But the king was a just man 15 and partial to none, and resolute withal. And he encouraged the priests, and with much labour prevailed on them to consent. And when the questions arose for their judgment, 16 he caused the priests, over whom Mahd Kassapa was chief, to solve them. And that these judgments may be accepted (by 17 them whom they concerned), he joined unto himself the great doctors learned in the three Pitakas, and caused the priests, whose 18 causes could be remedied, to be restored, according to the provi- sions of the law, to their purity ; and thus did he bring to pass the unity of the priests of the Maha Vihdia Fraternity. And he 19 caused the robes to be taken off of those priests that were reputed evil, and gave them high oflSces, saying, " Let them not destroy religion for the sake of lucre." And in this manner did he effect 20 with great labour the purity of the Maha Vih&.ra. And the Abhayagiri brethren, who separated themselves from the time of the king (Vattagdmani) Abhaya, and the Jetavana 21 brethren that had parted (from the Maha Vihdra brethren*) from the days of the king Mahdsena, and taught the VetuUa 22 Pitaka and other writings as the words of Buddha, which indeed were not the words of Buddha, and set their faces against order and discipline, — these brethren did the king endeavour to re- 23 concile to the brethren at the Mahd Vihara Brotherhood, who abounded in all virtue, like unto the uniting of glass with precious stones. Butthe Jetavana brethren, because that they were devoid 24 of piety or other stable virtue, cared not, even then, to regard the commandments of Buddha, notwithstanding the majesty of the great priesthood and the king. Nevertheless the righteous king 25 caused inquisition to be made by them who had knowledge of the laws, and not even one priest was found who preserved the state in which he had been ordained. And many of these priests 26 did he cause to return to the life of novices, and from others of them that were reputed evil did he cause their robes to be taken off ; and to them he gave oflSces of much profit. Thus did the king, 27 * The TheriyA, or the Mah& Vih&ra Fraternity, was the oldest and most venerated body of priests in Ceylon, and was regarded as belonging to the line of apostolical succession from Mahinda, and its dootrines and precepts were considered orthodox. The Abhayagiri and Jetavana Fraternities were seceders. 256 THE mahAva^sa. after spending much time and labour, bring about the purity and unity of the church and restore the priesthood to the place that they held in the days of Buddha. 28 And every year did this noble-minded king conduct the priests to the brink of the river and cause them to stay in the park, and 29 minister unto them together with his officers. And he caused boats to be fastened securely in the middle of the river so that they moved not, and built thereon a beautiful hall of comely 30 proportion, in which he made the priests to perform the service of the ordination, after that he had presented them with robes and divers other things that were necessary for priests. 31 And as he was minded to build great viharas, wherein the priests that had increased by many hundreds in number might 32 dwell in comfort, he built the great Vihdra called Jetavana, as if 33 he displayed before men's eyes the magnificence of Jetavana.* And then he caused eight stately houses of three stories each to 34 be built for the elders, who observed the utmost discipline but dwelt in houses; and for the use of the elder S&ripntta, a priest steadfast in discipline, a mansion of great splendour containing 35 many halls and chambers ; about seventy image- houses of three stories, hard as the rock, to which nothing can be compared, and 36 adorned with images ; seventy-five rooms for dormitories and an 37 equal number of long halls ; one hundred and seventy and eight 38 lesser halls ; four and thirty gates ; two rooms for books ; buildings with pinnacles and caves ; many halls adorned with the images of 39 Gods and Brahmas, and flowers and plants painted thereon ; a Tiva^kaf house for the Tiva^ka image, wholly made of brick and 40 mortar, and pleasant to the eye ; a round temple of the Tooth-relic 41 built wholly of stone and adorned with beautiful pillars, staircases, walls, and such like, and ornamented with rows of figures of the lion, the kinnara | and the haij8a,§ and covered with many terraces, 42 and surrounded with divers kinds of latticework ; three preaching halls ; one cetiya ; eight covered walks of great length ; one refec- 43 tory hall of great length and breadth j eighty and five fire rooms for fire-places, II covered with tiles ; and one hundred and seventy and eight closets for water, — all these did he cause to be built. * The famous monastery in which Baddha generally resided, f I believe a three-sided house for a three-sided image is meant here, t A demi-god with the body of a man and the head of a horse. § The sacred swan. II Rooms in which fires are kept for the purpose of warming the body, boiling water, &c. OHAPTBB LXXVIII. 257 And when he purified the church, he cleansed the priests of 44 their defilements within ; and, that he might purify them from 45 their uncleanness without, he caused spaces* to be inclosed with 46 stones for bathing, that so they might bathe themselves freely in water during the time of great drought. (And these were their names), the Round bath, the Cave bath, the Lotus bath, the Pure bath, and others, adorned with pillars and staircases and places . for standing uponj and such like ; and the great king caused many 47 walls to be built round about them. Thus did the whole College 48 of Jetavana consist of five hundred and twenty houses.t And the king provided all things that were necessary for the main- tenance of the priests, and caused the Order to dwell therein. And the king of the royal race built there the A'Mhana Parivena, which was approved of all men, on a situation that fulfilled every 49 condition that was necessary for the life of a monk, namely, that it was not too far from dwellings (nor yet very near unto them), and such like. He caused a stately house of three stories to be built for the Elder there, with halls of exceeding great beauty and many rooms of great splendour, and adorned 50 with a roof of pinnacles. And he built there forty long halls and an equal number of closets for water, and eight lesser halls, 51 and six gates, and thirty-four rooms for fire-places, and two great 62 walls, and the Subhadda Cetiya and the Riipavatf Cetiya also. 53 He made also a beautiful image-house with five stories, that .54 contained the likenesses of gods and Brahmas and other beings, and workmanship of flowers and plants, and adorned with pinnacles and caves, and inner rooms, halls, and chambers, — an image-house, which bore worthily the name of La^kd-Tilaka, which signifieth the jewel of La^k^.J And he made there a 55 standing image of Buddha of the full size, which was delightsome 56 to behold, and called it Laykd-Tilaka. Likewise also he built an Uposatha house of twelve stories, Baddhaslma Pdsdda by name, that consisted of rooms like cages,§ with pointed roofs and many chambers and halls and great rooms also. " Nahdna-koftha. f The buildings enumerated here appear to be more than five hundred and twenty. It is probable that the total given excludes buildings other than houses. I Lit. 'theTilaka of LaQk&.' Tilaka in composition is generally used in the sense of pre-eminence. It is the mark made with coloured earth, &c., to denote a religious sect, or for the purpose of adornment. § Fafljarcgeha, lit. ' oage-rooms.' 91-87 • 2l 258 THE mahIva^sa. 57 And that he might cause the bounds (Simd)* of the Uposatha 58 house to he determined, the king arrayed himself in all his royal ornaments and approached the vihara, like the king of the gods, together with his ministers and the women of the king's house- hold, and with a great host of men and chariots. And being 59 exhorted thereto by the great Order, with MahS, Kdssapa for 60 their head, the lord of the land held the plough of gold that was 61 yoked to the state elephant, by the handle thereof, and walked along the bounds making furrows on the ground amidst the great feast, when joyful songs of praise and sounds of music and shouts of joy were heard so that the four quarters rang again. And many people followed him, carrying parasols and innumer- able flags and golden caskets and pots and other precious things. 62 And that all doubts might be removed concerning the former consecrated limits, the Order, who dwelt in divers places, first 63 erased those limits,! and, by the way that the king's plough had taken, they duly proclaimed the bounds in agreement with the words of the law, and with all the conditions that were needful to make their doings to be of force. 64 Thus he set three Khanda Sim&a and one Mahd Sim^ ; and the stones that marked the bounds thereof stood on the eight quar- 65 ters, beginning from the east, at these distances from the La^ka- 66 Tilaka (image) house ; namely, forty and four, forty and nine, . thirty and eight, thirty and six, thirty and five, fifty and seven, forty and five, and sixty and six yatthis, each in their order, 67 reckoning the yatthi at five cubits. The stone that marked the bounds on the south side was forty and eight yatthis from the 68 Gopala Fabbata. The stone that marked the bounds on the north 69 side was fifty yatthis from Vijjddhara Lena. And these stones 70 marked the bounds of the Maha Sima, And the Baddha Sfma 71 was inclosed within a space, the length whereof was fifteen yatthis 72 and the breadth thirteen from the Baddha Sim^ Pasada (Uposatha house). And within the Khanda Sim4 Malaka was inclosed yet another Slma, the length whereof was fifteen yatthis and the breadth six yatthis. Likewise also the Baddha &im& at the Elder's palace was eighteen cubits in length and twenty cubits in breadth. And the king gave this vihS,ra (Baddha Sf md Pasdda), with all the furniture thereof, to the priests. ° Simd is a duly consecrated boundary round a vihdra, or the area within it, where only an ecclesiastical act can be lawfully performed. f Lest this limit should encroach on any other duly consecrated limit already existing, which would make this one invalid. OHAPTBE LXXVIII. 259 In the same manner also did this chief of men build the 73 Pacchimdr&ma. And with about twenty-two Parivenas that 74 belonged thereto there were an equal number of two-storied 75 halls of great length, twenty rooms for fire-places, forty and one smaller houses with two stories, thirty and five closets for water, one hall for preaching, and ten gates. This vihd.ra also, with the furniture thereof, he gave to the priests. And this ruler of men built likewise the Uttard,rama, nigh unto 76 the Mah^-Thiipa, after that he had caused the rock that was there 77 to be hewn out. And when he had finished all the work he caused cunning workmen to make three caves in the rock, namely, the Vijjddhara Guha ('the cave of the spirits of knowledge'), the Nisinna-patimd-Lena (' the cave of the sitting image '), and 78 the Nipanna-patimd-Guha ('the cave of the sleeping image'). And by the greatness of his own royal might only, without 79 any help* from the gods or the sanctified spirits, the lord of the 80 land built the great Thiipa, one thousand three hundred cubits 81 round about. It was the greatest of all the Thdpas, like unto another KeMsa ; and it was called the Damila-Thiipa, because that the Damijas, who were brought hither from the Pandu country after it had been conquered, were also employed in the building thereof. He also built in the branch city of Rdjavesi Bhujayga the 82 Isipataha Vih^ra, which was the delight of the holy monks. And 83 it consisted of one Dhatugabbhaf and three image-houses of three stories each, with precious images adorned with beautiful work, and a two-storied stately house of fine workmanship, and 84 two long halls, and four gates, and eight small halls, d,nd a hall 85 for preaching, a covered path, and eight rooms for fire-places, and six closets for water, and a beautiful inclosed space for 86 bathing made all of stone, and one Sima wall, and a park for the use of the whole Order. Likewise also at the branch city of Sfhapura the lion-hearted 87 lord of the land built the Kusinarfi, Vih^ra. In it also there were 88 a Dhdtugabbha and three image-houses of three stories each, " Iddhi, generally ' power.' But as an indirect allusion is made here to the help that Dutugemunu (Dutthagamani) is said to have received from gods and arhats in the building of the Ruvanveli S^ya (Ratanav&luka Cetiya), I have rendered it by the word 'help.' And, indeed, that is really what the author means here. f Thiipa, Cetiya, or Dhdtugabbha are pagodas containing relics. The terms Cetiya and Thupa are, however, generally applied to DMtugabbhai (D&gobas) of extraordinary dimensions. 260 THE mahAva^sa. • six walls of great length, and a hall for preaching, a covered 89 path, sixteen lesser halls and three gates, eleven closets for water, and six rooms for fire-places. 90 King Parakkama Bahu built also the V61uvana Vihfi,ra at the 91 branch city of Vijita. In it there were three image-houses of three stories each, with beautiful images and paintings, a Thi!ipa 92 and a covered path, a two-storied house and four gates, four halls 93 of great length and eight lesser halls, one refectory, one hall for preaching, seven rooms for fire-places, and twelve closets for water. 94 And at the distance of one league from each other the ruler of 95 men built the Gavuta Viharas,* containing beautiful image- 96 houses, gates, walls, and halls for preaching. And for the convenience of all priests who loved a solitary life and practised the Dhutaggas t he built the vihdra called Kapila. In it also there were a mansion of great excellence with two stories, a covered path of great length, four halls, and four houses with two stories each. 97 And for Eapila, the ascetic, he built a dwelling shaped like an 98 eagle and adorned with divers works of art and ornamented with peaks and such like. There were besides four smaller stately houses and three closets for water ; and these vihdras also, with the furniture thereof, did he give unto the priests. 99 And he sent a minister to repair the vihdras of Anuradhapura 100 that the Tamils aforetime had destroyed, and which many kings before him had not assayed to restore because of the hardness of 101 the work, namely ; the Ratanavdluka Thiipa, one hundred and twenty cubits in height ; the Abhayagiri Thiipa, one hundred and 102 forty cubits ; the Jetavana Thdpa that reached one hundred and sixty cubits in height ; and the great Maricavatti Thiipa that 103 reached eighty cubits in height. These three Thdpas J that the Tamils had destroyed were covered with great trees in which 104 lurked tigers and bears. And because of the great heaps of bricks and clay and the thickets of the forest no man was able to have access thereto. And after that he had caused the forests to 105 be cut down and the Thiipas to be built up in good order and 106 plastered, he caused the yards of the Cetiyas to be cleansed. " Lit. ' the league vih&ras.' These trere built at one league's distance from each other between the three branch cities and the chief city. See chap. LXXni., V. 154. j- Certain rules of practice adhered to by austere monks. t Evidently a lapsus for four ; or, perhaps, the writer meant only the first j)hree. CHAPTER LXXIX. 261 And the Cholians had destroyed the Lohapdsada, a building one hundred cubits square and an equal nuniber of cubits in height.* But the king caused all the one thousand and six hundred pillars to be set up, and the building to be rebuilt with all the stories 107 thereof adorned with hundreds of rooms and pinnacles and rows 108 of windows with lattice. And a marvellous work it was. The sixty great palaces that were called Sepannipuppha and the ruined palace Mahinda-Sena, with numerous Sim& walls 109 and Pari venas also, did he rebuild. And he caused an alms-hall 110 also to be built, and made provision for the giving of alms. The Thiipdr&ma also and other old Pstrivenas he caused to be repaired. And he also caused repairs to be made in sixty and 111 four Thiipas at Cetiyagiri and its old places. ' 1 12 Seeing then that even those men that are the most enlightened 113 are moved by the one great desire for the performance of deeds of merit, notwithstanding that they stand secure in the height of their greatness, what wise man in this world will be negligent in good works that promote the happiness of all beings ? Thus endeth the seventy-eighth chapter, entitled " The Building of Vih^ras," in the Mahfivapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXIX. HE king being desirous that all needful things for the 1 comfort of the people of the city should be made easy for them, caused gardens to be planted in divers places. And he who was the delight of the people caused a garden 2 called Nandana (' Delight ') to be planted, and adorned it with many hundreds of fruit trees and flower trees. And being full 3 of zeal, the king planted cocoanut, mango, jak, areca, palm, and 4 such like trees, about one hundred thousand of each kind, and bestowed that great garden, to which he gave the name of Lakkhuyy&na, which signifieth the garden of " One hundred thousand," on the Order, to be by them enjoyed in common. And 5 in that same garden he made two pleasant ponds of stone with recesses, so that the priests might bathe themselves freely therein * Lit. " one hundred cubits on each side, one hundred cubits wide and an equal number in height." 262 THE mahAva^sa. 6 in the time of drought. And the lord of the. laud caused the Dipuyy&ua also to be planted, a garden shiniug with . great beauty, wherein he might rest in the daytime and commune with . 7 himself. . And he planted these gardens also ; namely, the Mahameghavan' Uyydna, the Cittalatavana, the Missaka Uyydna, 8 the Bdja Ndr^yana, the Lai^kd-Tilaka, the Tilokanandana, the 9 Ydnardkara, the Nayanussava, the Manohara, the Nimmitapura, 10 the Jadghdbhdra, the Punnavaddhana, the Sa^sdraphala, the 11 Phariisaka, the S&.lipota, the Somanatha, the Thdnako6kana, the 12 Uttarakuru, the Bharukaccha, the Pulacceri, the Kilakara, the Pandav&vana, the Ramissara, the Samisantos' Uyy6.na, the 1 3 Cintdman' Uyy&na, and the Pacur' Uyydna. 14 In many villages and towns in the king's country he built ninety and nine new Thi^pas. ■ And he caused the breaches in seventy and three Dhdtugabbhas to be repaired and plastered.: 15 Six thousand and one hundred old image-houses did he repair, 16 and rebuild three hundred old image-houses. He caused four hundred and seventy-six images of divers kinds to be made, and 17 planted ninety and one Bodhi trees. He made also two hundred 18 and thirty houses wherein the priests of the four quarters might rest in their journeys to and fro. He caused fifty and six halls 1 9 for preaching to be made, nine covered paths, one hundred and forty and four gates, one hundred and ninety-two covered altars for 20 offerings of flowers, sixty and seven walls, thirteen devalayas, twelve aramas for the use of priests that were strangers, and 21 two hundred and thirty halls for strangers. And the king caused to be repaired twenty and nine halls for preaching, thirty and one caves in the rock, and five vih&ras with their gardens, 22 and fifty and one halls for strangers, and seventy and nine decayed dev&layas. 23 And this most excellent of men caused many tanks and channels to be built in divers places, that so he might put an 24 end to the calamity of famine from among men. And the lord of the land built a stone wall and stopped the course of the 2h Kdraga^ga, and turned the wide fiow of the waters thereof by 26 means of the great channel A'kasagapgd,* and built that famous 27 king of tanks which was known (unto all men) as the Sea of Parakkama, and which was like unto a second sea, wherein was water perpetually, and an island shining with a royal palace 28 of great splendour. Likewise also he built the great tank ° ' The celestial river.' Chapter lxxix. 263 Farakkama Taldka,* in which was a stone conduit of one hundred cubits, hard of access to men ; and also the tanks Mahinda Taldka and Ekdha V&pi t and Farakkama Sdgara t and 29 Kotthakabaddhanijjhara and Khudda Vd,pi.§ In divers other places did the chief of men construct one 30 thousand four hundred and seventy and one lesser tanks ; and in 31 three hundred tanks did the lord of the land cause an equal number of stone conduits to be made. And many old and decayed tanks also did he cause to be repaired. The great tank Manihira, the tank Mahd,d^ragalla, the tanks 32 Suvanna Tissa, Ddratissa, Kdlavdpi, Brdhmanagdma, Nalikera- 33 mahathamba, and Eahera ; likewise also the tanks Giritaldka, 34 Kumbhila-sobbha, Kdnavdpi, Fadivdpi, the tank of Katig&ma, the tank Fattapasdna, the tank Mahanpa, the tanks Mahd,ndma- 35 matthaka and Yaddhana ; the tanks Mah£datta, Kdnagdma, 36 Vira, Vdlahassa, Suramana ; the tanks named Fdsdnagdma and 37 Kalavalli ; the tank Kdhalli ; and the tanks Afigagama, Hilla- 38 pattakkhanda, and Madagu ; — these decayed tanks did the king restore to their former state ; and also four hundred and sixty- 39 four smaller tanks that had gone to decay. 40 And in about one thousand three hundred ninety and five tanks did the king, who knew the condition thereof,. repair the breaches and make them exceedingly durable. And the king built the channel byname Gambhira that issued 41 from the floodgate Makara in the Sea of Farakkama ; likewise 42 also the great channel Hemavati that issued from the selfsame 43 floodgate towards Mahdmeghavana ; the famous channel known as Nilavdhinl that issued from the sluice Mdlatfpuppha of the same (Sea of Farakkama) ; also the channel Salalavati that 44 issued from the sluice Kilakaruyyana ; the great channel 45 Vettavati that proceeded from the famous sluice Vettavati 5 the channel Tungabhadda that proceeded from the sluice on the south side ; likewise also the channel Maggalagaggd from the 46 sluice Mapgala ; the channel Campd from the sluice at the gate Candi ; the Sarassati that issued from the tank Toya and poured 47 out the waters thereof into the tank Punnavaddhana, from the 48 .west side whereof proceeded the channel Venumati, and also the channel Yamund that proceeded towards the west, and Sarabhu that proceeded towards the north ; the channel Gandabh&ga 49 o ' Parakkama's lake.' J ' The little tank.' f ' The lake of one day.' § ' Pai'akkama's sea.* 264 'the mahIva^sA. which passed through the middle of Lakkhuyydna, and the chaonel 50 Nammadd which flowed by the corner of Jetavana Vihdra ; the channel Neranjar^ that proceeded from the same tank towards the north side ; the channel Bh&girathi that proceeded from the 51 tank called Anotatta ; the channel A'vattaga^g^ that proceeded therefrom towards the south side ; the channel Tambapanni that 62 proceeded towards the north from the tank Ambdla ; the channel Aciravati that proceeded towards the west side from Mahdv&luka- gapgd, and was designed to turn away the danger of famine for 53 a long time; the channel Oomati that proceeded thence towards the east side ; the Maldpaharani that proceeded towards the north 54 side ; the (lesser) channels Sataruddha, Nibbinda, Dhavala, and Sida which issued from (the great channel) Aciravati towards 55 the east side ; the channel Kalindi that proceeded towards the south side from the opening in the south of the great tank 56 Manihlra; likewise also the channel Kfcveri which supplied water for the lake Kaddiira Vaddham&na from the tank Girita- 57 Idka, and the channel Somavati that conducted the water from tlie lake Kaddfira Vaddhamdna to the village Arimadda Vijaya.* 58 The king also built the Godhavari channel that proceeded from the Kdra-gapga into the tank Parakkama Sdgara. 59 And this royal person restored the decayed channel Jayaga^ga that proceeded from Kalavdpi until it came to Anurddhapura. 60 He built five hundred and four and thirty smaller channels, and repaired and restored to their former state three thousand and three hundred that had been brought to ruin. 61 In many places also in the country of the sub-king did this skilful chief of men cause a variety of works to be wrought. 62 And in the place whereon stood the house in which he was born, even in the village Fu^khagama, he built the SAtighara 63 Cetiya, one hundred and twenty cubits in height. And in the same country he caused to be made twenty-two Dhdtugabbhas, thirty-seven Bodhi trees, one hundred image-houses, fifteen 64 caves in the rock, twenty- one lodging places to be used in com- mon by the priests who came from the four quarters, and eighty- 65 seven inns for strangers. He also built about twenty and nine covered altars for offerings of flowers ; seven halls for preaching, 66 and five walls, besides forty and three images that he made of divers kinds, and twenty and four image-houses that he repaired. o Most probably a village formed for the purpose of commemorating his victory over Arimaddana, the King of R&mafiSa. CHAPTER LXXIX. 265: And that the fields might yield increased harvests, the king 67 caused the tanks Mahdgallaka and TS,lagalla to be built, and 68 stopped up the courses of the streams Rdjini-nijjhara, Telapakka- nijjhara, Jajjara-nijjhara, and Vilattdkhanda, that issued from the mountains. And the king repaired three hundred and fifty and eight 69 breaches in tanks, and built the stone conduits of thirteen tanks, and great stone walls in one hundred and sixty smaller tanks, 70 and restored about thirty and seven tanks that had been brought into utter ruin (in that country). And as he was desirous of performing works of merit (in other 71 parts of his kingdom), he caused many works to be done in the towns and villages of the Eohana country also. And on the 72 place where his mother was cremated, even at KhfragAmsb, he built the Ratandvali Cetiya, one hundred and twenty cubits in breadth. This royal person formed (in Rohana) sixteen Dhdtu- 73 gabbhas, seven Bodhi trees, and an equal number of Bodhi houses and Bodhi groves ; about forty and three two-storied image- 74 houses, two halls for preaching, seventy and five images, seven and 75 thirty lodging places for priests who came from the four quarters, seven and forty walls, twenty gates, nine and fifty inns for 76 strangers, four A'ramas, three images of the Metteiya Bodhisatta, and five dancing halls. And when he had caused these things 77 to be made, the king made repairs and improvements in divers (other) places also; and these were their number : seven and thirty 78 Thiipas, two and twenty Bodhi groves, two hundred and four and seventy large image-houses, one relic-house, seven houses 79 with images sleeping, forty caves in rocks, four brick buildings, four long halls, six three-storied stately houses, nine and twenty 80 halls for preaching, three covered paths, one hundred and six 81 and twenty dwelling-houses, one hundred and eight and twenty libraries, four inns for travellers, four and twenty Devdlayas, 82 one hundred and three gates, and one hundred and six and twenty walls,— these works did the ruler repair. And the king built two hundred and sixteen tanks that 83 belonged to the Order, such as the great tank Uruvela, the tanks Pandu and Kolamba and others. He repaired sixteen tanks that 84 were breached, eighteen decayed supporting walls,* and two * A'tarai/a, an outer wall or barrier. I am doubtful as to what sort of work this word is applied here and in other similar places. It means probably abutments or supporting walls. 91—87 2 M 266 THE mahAva^sa. hundred and five small tanks that had been brought to ruin. 85 He built stone sluices in ten tanks, and opened four and forty channels in divers places. 86 In this manner did he make beautiful vibl.ras, gardens, ponds for bathing, and the like, and adorn the whole of La^ki with them. 87 Thus did this Lord of men, Parakkama BAhu, reign three and thirty years. He was endued with excellent wisdom and might ; his delight was always in the religion of the Master, and he enjoyed in an exceeding great degree the reward of the many and divers acts of merit that he had wrought. Thus endeth the seventy-ninth chapter, entitled " The Forma- tion of Parks and other Improvements," in the Mahdva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXX. HEN the great king Parakkama Bdhu's sister's son, a man of great learning and a poet withal of great renown, became the ruler of Lankd by the name of Vijaya Bdhu. 2 And this most merciful sovereign, on the day that he was anointed 3 king over the realm, wisely set at liberty such of the inhabitants of Lapkfi as his mother's brother, the great king Parakkama Bdhu, had cast into prison and had caused to suffer grievous 4 pains and penalties. To all of them, wheresoever they were, he restored also all their lands and possessions, and spread happiness 5 all over the realm. And as Alaka was the capital of Kuvera, and Amaravati was the capital of Sakka, so also was the city of 6 Pulatthi his capital. And he wrote with his own hand, in the T&li tongue, a letter of great merit, and sent it unto the king who 7 dwelt in the city of Arimaddana. And as his father's father, the king Vijaya Bdbu, had done before him, he made a great friend- 8 ship with that king. Thus did this great and renowned king shed glory over the religion of the supreme Buddha, and give delight thereby to the priests that dwelt in La^kd and in Ari- 9 maddana. Nor did the king transgress in the least any of the rules contained in the laws of Manu, but contented the people 10 greatly by following the four ways of conciliation. And he was endowed with great tenderness of heart and purity, which are the OHAFTBB LXXX. 267 chief of the virtues, and was full of faith in the three sacred gems, the chiefest thereof being Buddha. Moreover, he was always of 11 a gentle disposition and cheerful mind, and ministered unto the Order, supplying them with the four things that were needful unto the priesthood, of the best kind. This wise and prudent king 12 showed also great energy, and, like unto a Bodhi8atta,did all things that were beneficial to beings, by every means. He was also endued 1 3 with a noble mind, and in giving judgment yielded not to the four evil influences that pervert justice,* but encouraged the good and discouraged the wicked. Thus, having performed divers acts 14 of great merit, this king, whose fame as a ruler, both of the king- dom aud of the church, was great, reigned only one year. For a certain Mahinda of Kdlinga, a false friend, caused 15 his death by foul means with the help of an accomplice, a 16 cowherdess, Dipani by name. But this foolish man was able to 17 rule the kingdom with great trouble for five days only, because that he succeeded not in obtaining the consent and the support of the chiefs of the army, and the men of valour, and the inhabitants of the country, and the king's ministers, who were all greatly enraged with him for the deed that he had done. And Kitti Nissaijka, who was a descendant of the race of Kd- 18 ligga, and the sub-king of the king Vijaya Bdhu, put him to death and himself became king. And after he had been anointed 19 king in the noble city of Pulatthi, he built of stone the beautiful temple for the Tooth-relic, and caused the Ratandvali Oetiya to be 20 raised to an exceeding great height, and adorned that shrine of surpassing beauty with a pinnacle of gold. He built a vihS,ra 21 also, which he called after his own name, and adorned it with a hundred halls, and gave the keeping thereof to the priests, and himself ministered unto them. He built the Jambukola Vihfi,ra 22 also with polished walls and pillars dazzling with gold and silver, 23 the floor whereof was painted with vermillion and the roof covered with gilded tiles. And three and seventy gilded images of the Teacher did the wise king cause to be set up therein. And being moved thereto by faith, this ruler of the land went up 24 to Samantakdta with the four divisions of his army, and worshipped at the shrine there. And he formed gardens of flower trees and 25 fruit trees throughout the island of Tambapanni, and built many beautiful mansions as it became (a king). " Catasso Agati. — Four evil states of mind that tend to pervert justice, namely, love, hatred, fear, and ignorance, 268 THE mahAva^sa. 26 Thus did this king heap up merits of divers liinds day by day, and rule the kingdom wisely for nine years. 27 His son Vlra Bahu then became king. But he reigned one night only, and yielded to the power of death. 28 Thereupon Vikkama B^hn, the younger brother of the self-same king, Kitti Nissa^ka, held possession of the kingdom for three 29 months, when Oodagaijga, the king Nissayka's nephew, slew him, and reigned in his stead for nine months. 30 Then the great and powerful commander Kitti deposed the 31 king and plucked out his eyes, and ruled the kingdom in great security for three years with the help of Llldvati, the queen of the great king Parakkama Bdbu. 32 And after him, Sdhasamalla, the lion-hearted king, who was sprung from the Okk&,ka race, ruled the kingdom for two years. 33 And then A'yasmanta,* the chief of the army, a bold and reso- 34 lute man, and one whose might no man could withstand, ruled the country according to law and justice for six years with the help of Kalydnavati, the chief queen of Kitti Nissa^ka, And he promoted the cause of his favourite royal family (the line of Kdlipga). 35 Now this queen Kalydnavati was moved with a great zeal for the religion of the Teacher. She built a vihdra in the village of 36 Pannasdlaka after her own name, and in the endowing thereof gave unto it lands, slaves, the necessaries of a monastic 37 life, and gardens and such like. And with her consent, A'yas- 38 manta, the chief of the army, born of the Khandhdvfira family, who had the control of the affairs of the whole kingdom of La^ki, sent Devddhikdri to Yalliggama and caused him to build a vihdra there, of great beauty, which he dedicated to the noble 39 Order. He also caused the famous Farivena to be built there, which was called Sarajakula-vaddhana (' Promoter of the welfare 40 of his favourite royal race ') after his name ; and in a time of great dearth he gave for its support lands, in which were included 41 gardens and other necessaries of a monastic life, and slaves also. And as he desired to do good he separated the four castes which had hitherto been mingled together, and caused a treatise to be 42 composed called Dhammd,dhikarana (' Rules of Practice'). There- after, a prince named DhammAsoka reigned one year. He was 43 but three months old when he began to reign. But Anikagga, * The S&hasamalla inscription records a large grant of lands to thia chief, who is there called A'yushmat, the Sanskrit form of A'yasmanta, OHAPTEB LXXX. 269 the chief governor, came with a large army from the Cola 44 country and put to death the prince Dhamm&soka together with A'yasmanta, who held the city of Pulatthi ; and he reigned seventeen days. Then Camfinakka, even his own valiant general, 45 slew the king Anika^ga ; and the fool set up Llldvati, the chief 46 queen of the great king, who had reigned once before, and ruled the kingdom through her for one year. Then the king 47 Lokissara, who had been wounded by a lance on his side, came 48 up from the opposite coast with a great army of Tamils, and brought the whole land of La^k^ into subjection under him, and reigned nine months in the city of Pulatthi. Now at this time Parakkama of the Kdlan&gara race," the 49 chief of the army, and a man of great power and might, even the first among the men of valour, again anointed the queen LllAvati 50 who Was sprung from the race of the Sun and Moon, and in whose form was to be seen the majesty of kings. And when about 51 seven months of this queen's reign had passed, Parakkama, the 52 famous king of Pandu, landed from the Pandu country with a great army of Fandians, and deposed the queen and Parakkama, the chief of her army. And he delivered La^kd from the foes 53 that were like thorns in the kingdom, and reigned three years in the noble city of Pulatthi, and transgressed not the laws of Manu. And it came to pass that, because of some wicked and cruel 54 and grievous deeds that the inhabitants of La^ka had done, the 55 gods who had been placed in different parts thereof to watch over them and to protect them cared no longer for the country, and looked not any moi;e after their safety. Thereupon a certain 56 wicked prince of the Kdligga face, Mdgha by name, invaded the 57 country at the head of twenty thousand strong men from Edli^ga 58 and took possession of the island of La^kd. And he was a follower 59 of false faiths, and had a mind only to do mischief. Like unto a wild fire that consumeth the tender plants of the forests of charity, and like unto the sun when he closeth up the petals of the sacred lily of justice, and the moon when she obscureth the splendour of the lotus pond of patient endurancef — even so was * This is the minister who is mentioned in the D&th&vagsa as the restorer of Queen Lilivati to the throne of Lagki. That work passingly alludes to the state of disorder and anarchy that prevailed in the island at this period, and pays a high tribute of praise to the virtues that adorned this queen. t The water-lily opens at night and doses at dawn : the lotus opens at dawn and closes at night. 270 THE mahIya^sa. 60 his mind wholly enslaved by ignorance. And this Mfigha, who was like unto a fierce droaght, commanded his army of strong ' men to ransack the kingdom of La^ka, even as a wild fire doth a 61 forest. Thereupon these mighty men, wicked disturbers of the peace of mankind, stalked about the land hither and thither crying out boastfully, " Lo ! we are the giants of Kerala." 62 And they robbed the inhabitants of their garments and their jewels and everything that they had, and violated even the chastity of families that had long been preserved inviolate. 63 They cut off also the hands and feet of the people, and despoiled their dwellings. Their oxen and buffaloes also, and other beasts, 64 they bound up and carried them away forcibly. The rich men they tied up with cords and tortured, and took possession of all 65 their wealth, and brought them to poverty. They broke down the image-houses and destroyed many Oetiyas. They took up their dwellings in the viharas and beat the pious laymen therein. 66 They flogged children, and sorely distressed the five ranks of the religious orders.* They compelled the people to carry burdens 67 and made them labour heavily. Many books also of great excellence did they loose from the cords that bound them and 68 cast them away in divers places. Even the great and lofty 69 Cetiyas, such as the Batan&vali which stood like the embodiment of the glory of all the pious kings of old, they spared not, but utterly destroyed them, and caused a great many bodily relics to disappear thereby, which were unto them as their lives. Alas I Alas I 70 Even so did those Tamil giants, like the giants of Mdra, destroy the kingdom and the religion of the land. 71 And then they surrounded the city of Pulatthi on every side, 72 and took Parakkama Panda captive, and plucked out his eyes, and robbed all the treasures that were therein, with all the pearls and precious stones. 73 Thereafter M&ndbbarana and the chief of the strong men anointed Kkl\\}ga M&gha king over the glorious kingdom of 74 La^k^. And when he had thus brought the country into sub- 75 jection under him, he dwelt in the city of Pulatthi. This king caused the people to follow after false faiths, and contrived to mingle the four castes that had hitherto not mingled them- 76 selves. To the Eeralites he gave fields and pastures, houses and o Ordained priests and nuns, novitiates of both sexes, and candidates for priesthood. OHAtTfiR LXXit. 271 gardens, servants and oxen and buffaloes ; yea, everything that pertained to the Sinhalese. The vih&ras and Parivenas, and 77 many sacred places also, did he give as dwelling places to his strong men, and despoiled the possessions that had been dedi- 78 cated to Buddha and the Dhamma and Sa^gha, that so he might heap a multitude of sins to go down to hell. Even thus did 79 M&igha the king act like a tyrant, and reign twenty-one years over the kingdom of Laijkd. And so did one king after another, moved thereto by the lust of wealth and power, murder his predecessor, though by reason of this crime none enjoyed long life, or even the sovereignty of the kingdom after they had attained unto it. Let the prudent man, therefore, abstain from taking life and renounce the desire for wealth and power. Thus endeth the eightieth chapter, entitled " The Reigns of Sixteen Kings," in the Mahdvaysa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER. LXXXI. OW in the reign of that king (Mdgha) there dwelt, 1 scattered in the beautiful cities and hamlets that they 2 had built for themselves in the great strongholds and mountainous parts of the country, some great and good men who defended the people and the religion from the disturber. Subha Sendpati (a chief of the army) built a city like unto 3 A'lakamand4 on the top of Subha Pabbata, a mountain difficult 4 of access to the enemy, and dwelt there like unto Vessavana, keeping at a distance the Kerala demons, and defending that portion of the country and the religion thereof. Bhuvaneka B&hn, the ruler and governor of the land, whose 5 fame had spread abroad throughout the country, also built 6 himself a fortress on the top of Govindd, a rock which the enemy could not easily approach ; and he dwelt there, and defended the Rohana country and its religion and its priesthood. In like manner also, Sapkha, the chief of the army, built 7 himself a fortress of great beauty on the lofty mountain Ga^- 8 gadoni, which is in the Manimekhala country, and abode there. 9 And though the cruel hosts of the king M^gha were but a distance of two leagues from him, yet cared he not for them 272 THE mahAva^sa. even so • much as a blade of grass, but valiantly defended that country and the religion thereof. 10 Now at that time there lived a man of great might, the renowned king Vijaya Bdhu, a prince who was in truth of the 11 lineage of king Siri Saijghabodhi. And through fear of the 12 enemy he concealed himself for a great while, at times in a 13 forest and at other times in a fortress, until he had gained the sovereignty over all the Vanni country and brought the chief men among the Sinhalese into allegiance with him. Where- upon this mighty king went forth with a great Sinhalese army, and dispersed the four hosts of the enemy which had been ready to battle, like unto a great cloud of glory as it dispelleth the 14 darkness. And he drove all the mighty men among the Tamils from the hamlets and houses wherein they dwelt according as 15 it pleased them, and delivered that beautiful cpuntry of Mkjk from the foes who were like thorns unto it. And on the 16 highest top of the Jambudoni mountain he built a pleasant, city with walls and gates of great beauty"; and the wise and valiant lord of the land dwelt there in ease and comfort, and governed the kingdom. 17 Now in those troublous times yet another thing had come to 18 pass. For before (the invaders had entered the city and taken 19 it) Ydcissara and all the other great elders had departed from the city of Pulatthi, and, taking with them the Bowl-relic and Tooth-relic of the Teacher, had assembled themselves together in the Mdyd country, and, in a certain place on the Kotthumala* 20 mountain, buried the two relics there in a place of safety. And 21 of these priests, Y&cissara and certain other great elders crossed the sea, even though it was then boisterous, and went to the country of Pandu and the country of Cola and other countries also to seek for protection for Lagka, wherein depended the welfare of religion. 22 But king Vijaya Bahu, who was like unto a mine in mercy, sent hi^ ministers after them, and brought them back from 23 thence. And when they were come he saluted the great elders, and enquired of them where the two relics, the Tooth and the Bowl, 24 had been kept. And when they had replied unto him that they were in such a place, the king was filled with exceeding great joy,t " Kotmale. •\ Paflcavatftfdi/apitiyd. With the five degrees of joy. These are described as 1, slight joy ; 2, momentary joy ; 3, sudden joy ; 4, transporting joy ; 5, all-pervading joy. OHAPTBB LXXXI. 273 and causing the elders to go before him in a body, the lord of the land followed after them with his army to the Kotthumale mountains ; and having caused a great festival to be held round 26 the rock, he beheld with great delight the two relics of the Tooth and the Bowl. And the king's joy on tht^t day was exceeding 27 great, as if he had gotten himself the Cakka jewel,* or a great treasure, or as if he had entered into Nibbana. And he lifted 28 up the two relics in great pride of heart, as if he had obtained possession of the wealth of Mandhatu,t and carried them in great procession from hamlet to hamlet and from city to city. And the ruler of the land brought the selfsame relics to the 29 beautiful city of Jambudoni, where the good people had already begun to hold a joyful festival. Thereafter the wise king continued to make great offerings 30 daily according to a fixed course. And in this wise did this king think within himself: "A place of safety shall I build with 31 great care, strong and most difficult of access, that so, if in 32 time to come an interreign might occur no danger shall happen unto the two relics of the Sage from the foe and the stranger." And having thought thus within himself, he caused 33 the BillaselaJ rock to be encompassed and defended with ram- parts and gates, so that no enemy in the earth could enter therein, save the gods of the sky. And on the top of the rock he 34 built the temple of the Tooth-relic with great splendour, like 35 unto a heavenly mansion that had descended from the world of the gods. And he built around it dwelling-places for the Order, consisting of noble houses and halls, lakes and ponds, and 36 beauteously furnished retreats both for the day and the night. And amid great feasting the king placed in the relic-house the 37 two relics consisting of the Tooth and the Alms-bowl. And he 38 gave that house over to such of the elders as adhered most strongly to the laws of discipline ; to whom also he entrusted the keeping of the relics and provided means for their support. And he ordained a course of daily offerings and ceremonies to be 39 duly performed in honour of the relics. Thereafter the lord of the land began to render services unto 40 * The magic car of a Oakkavatti monaroh, which carries him from one contiBent to another. f A Cakravarti RajA of the first kalpa. He is said to have enjoyed the highest earthly happiness. X Beligala. 91—87 2 N 274 THE mahAvaijsa. the religion of the supreme Buddha with great devotion. And to them that might ask in what manner, it shall now be told. 41 The king being exceedingly grieved in mind that a great 42 number of the books of the holy law were destroyed by the 43 enemy throughout the island of Lapka, gathered together a number of pious men of great learning from among the people, and many scribes also, men who were not given up to sloth but were gifted with good manners and wrote skilfully and with 44 great speed. And the lord of the land set them to work 45 to transcribe the sacred book of the law, which consisted of eighty and four thousand divisions. And to them he paid in money as many gold kahdpanas as there were divisions in the book of the law. He held a festival also in honour of the scriptures, and so heaped for himself much merit. 46 And if there dwelt anywhere in the three Slhalas any who were elders, great officers of the church renowned for their zeal and devotion, any of the second degree also of priests that had been 47 ordained, and any novitiates, yea, all such as supported the religion of the Master did he bring together ; and them also that were at variance with each other did he reconcile. 48 Again he bethought himself, saying, " The ordination of priests is the chief means whereby to advance religion. Now, therefore, it would be well if it could be done in good order." 49 And having communed thus with himself, he gave unto the great priesthood, yea even unto all who dwelt together in unity, the eight requisites of the monastic life. And being greatly 50 delighted in mind therewith, he caused the ceremony of ordina- tion to be performed for seven days, beginning with great rejoicings and festivals held in honour thereof. 51 And the lord of the land built an A'rama, called after his own name and known through all the land as Vijayasundara A'rama, which he gave to the Order after that he had ordained that it 52 should belong to the priesthood in common. And he sent to the priests, saying, "If any pious priest or novitiate study the three Pitakas and give up his whole time in learning 53 them, let not such person be subject to the trouble of procuring 54 the wherewithal to live, but let him graciously come to my door 55 and receive thereat whatever thing he may stand in need of." And having reverently sent unto them in this manner, the lord of the land, who was a liberal giver, gave alms of great value unto a great number of monks who went up to the palace gate (for 56 relief). And for the cost of cooking the' food for the elders and CHAPTER LXXXI. 275 superior elders that held offices in the church, he made provision 57 also. In this manner indeed did the defender of the land encourage religion, and by this means did he, of a truth, honour the three sacred gems, the chiefest of which is Buddha. And for the priests he made a vihara, as it became them, at 58 Vattalagama, and called it Vijaya Bahu, after his own name. At the Kalyani Vihdra also the king renewed the great Oetiya 59 which the mighty men of the Tamils had destroyed, and set a 60 golden pinnacle on it, and built a gate also on the eastern side thereof. He also repaired the breaches in the image-house and 61 the rampart and all the other buildings that stood there. And 62 he sent forth a command that all the temples and image-houses 63 and vihdras and Parivenas and Oetiyas and their terraces and the ramparts and gates that were in the country of M&ji, should be thoroughly repaired and restored as they had been before. And after that the king again desired earnestly to make yet 64 more changes for the benefit of the church and the people. But he thought to himself in this wise : " The pleasures of the 65 kingly office have come to me in my old age when the days of my youth have passed, and verily I have enjoyed them. Now, 66 therefore, the time that remaineth unto me is short, wherein 67 I can defend the people by subduing all the cruel foes who have survived the conquerors and advance the welfare of the land by causing all the repairs to be finished in the viharas that have been pulled down and destroyed." Having thought thus within 68 himself, the wise king and those who were skilled in the inter- 69 preting of signs (whom he had called together unto him) examined the signs (on the bodies) of Parakkama Bdhu and Bhuvaneka Bahu, both of them his true-born sons. And when he was satisfied that there were signs on the body of Parakkama Bahu which showed that he would conquer his enemies by his 70 might and glory and bring the whole of La^ikd, to an extent that had never before been exceeded, under the dominion of one 71 canopy, and that he would also advance the prosperity of the exceedingly pure religion, of the Omniscient one, and would spread his fame abroad through all the corners of the earth, so 72 that he would receive gifts, from divers countries, of princesses for his inner palace, and flourish as the monarch of the whole 73 island, — then the king's eyes were filled with tears of joy thereat, and he seated him on his lap and poured kisses on the crown of 74 his head. And ofttimes also he looked tenderly towards the younger prince, his brother, who stood near unto him, and gave 75 276 THE mahAva:^sa. excellent counsel to them twain on divers matters. And he 76 commanded that they twain should be well instructed and made 77 skilful in all knowledge. And to the priests who had assembled themselves together for that purpose, with the great and renowned Sa^gha Bakkhita as their leader, he afterwards gave the elder of his two sons, Parakkama Bahu, that they should have the charge of him. Likewise also he gave unto them the two relics of the Tooth and the Alms-bowl that belonged unto 78 the Sage, and the care also of all the priesthood and people of La^ka, and himself ruled righteously over them. 79 Thus did this ruler of men sow the seeds of the kingly office in the great field of La^ka, and having reigoed over it for four years he departed to heaven. 80 And in like manner as this chief ruler of men, Vijaya Bahu, defended the whole land and the religion of the Conqueror, so may kings also who come after him defend them both, and give none occasion for fear. Thus endeth the eighty-first chapter, entitled " The Keign of one King," in the Mahavagsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXXII. |ND when his father was dead the prince Parakkama BShu joined together all the people of the three Slhalas into one body, and after that he had adorned the beauti- ful city, he, who was as it were equal unto the king of the gods, held the feast of his coronation before all things. And because he was a man of much learning he received the great name, Kalikdla S&hicca Sabbanfiu Pandita.* And he gave the office of sub-king to his younger brother Bhuvaneka Bdhu together with half of the kingdom. And saying to himself, " The damsel Lapkd shall I make mine, yea even wholly mine, and give her not to another," he cherished in his heart the noble desire of crushing out the enemy. And he said in his heart, " But before all things must I hold a feast in honour of the Tooth-relic of the Sage, and after that shall I go to war against the Tamils." And so he brought forth the Tooth-relic from the Billa mountainf with great pomp and " ' The all-knowing pandit of the Kaliyuga era of literature.' t Beligala. CHAPTER LXXXII. 277 ceremony unto the noble city of Jambudoni, And he caused a 8 Tooth-relic house of great beauty to be built nigh unto his palace, 9 at great cost, seeing that he had a great desire to worship the relic whenever he thought thereof, even during the three periods of the day. And he raised a costly altar in the midst thereof, and 9 covered it with a cloth of great value, and caused a receptacle 10 for the Tooth-relic to be cut out of a precious stone of great size ; 1 1 and to cover it he made a large casket of exceeding great beauty, 12 of precious gems of divers colours j and a second casket of great 13 brightness made he of five thousand nikkhas* of gold to cover this ; and a third of twenty-five thousand nikkhas of silver to 14 cover the last. And after he had caused the city to be decorated, 15 commencing from the Relic-house, he held the great feast of the Tooth-relic with great honours. And whenhehad taken theTooth- 16 relic into his own hands that were like unto a lotus, he made a solemn declarationf in the midst of the great priesthood in this wise: " Our blessed lord Buddha, the god of gods, the saint pos- 17 sessed of miraculous power, came three times to this island of Lagka. And because that he seated himself in divers spots on 18 those times, sixteen places has he made holy here as his Pdribhogika shrines. t Wherefore it is that La^kd remaineth 19 not under the rule of kings that are followers of false creeds, but prospereth only under such as are of the true faith. Aforetime 20 also, in this island, did Asela the son of Mutaslva, who was 21 skilled in all policy, reign over this land and defend the religion of the Conqueror after that he had vanquished Sena and Guttika, the sons of the horse-merchant. Abhaya the king also, known 22 to all men as Dutthagdmani, defended the religion and the country after that he had vanquished Eldra the Chollan. And 23 after him did Vattagdmani protect the religion and the country after that he had routed the five fierce Tamil tyrants in open " A weight equal to five suvarinas, according to the Abhidh&nappadipik&. It seems, however, to be applied to different quantities. ■f SaccaUriyd. Declaring a truth solemnly, and invoking the accomplish- ment of some benign object by virtue thereof. + Shrines containing relics which were articles worn or used by Buddha in his lifetime, in contradistinction to Sdririka or bodily relics ; — e. g., in the ease of Buddha, the Tooth-relic and the Collar-bone relic are Sdririka ; the Alms-bowl and the Bodhi-tree, &c., are P&rihhogiha. The sixteen holy places alluded to in the text are Mahiyaggana, Nigadipa, Kela^iya, Adam's Peak, Div%uh&, Dfghav&pi, Mutiyaggana, Tissa Mah& Vihira, Mah4 Bodhi, Miri- sav?tiya D&goba, Euvanveli Mah& 8?ya, Thdp&r&ma, Abhayagiri, Jetavana, Segiriya, and Kataragama. 278 THE mahIva^sa. 24 battle. Thereafter did that chief of men (Dhdtusena) protect the religion and the land after that he had prevailed over the six 25 Tamil kings with their mighty men. Likewise also the great Yijaya Bdhu protected the religion and the land after that he had 26 routed the Cholians in battle and put them to flight. And even 27 now, M^gha and Jaya Bahu, the haughty Tamil usurpers, dwell in the Patittha country,* and are destroying the religion of the Master and the vih^ras and dwelling places therein. Them, even them, do I hope to vanquish and to advance the religion 28 and the welfare of the land. This is indeed a true saying. •' But now shall I speak of another matter. The renowned and 29 prosperous kings of Kosala and others hearkened to the dis- courses of the Master while he yet lived, and beheld divers 30 miracles ; and their desires were thus fulfilled. And DhammS,- Boka, the mighty king, and others who arose after Buddha was 31 dead, beheld also the wondrously created form of the Supreme One, and they all, even each of them, made their lives worthy. 32 And when the chief of the world had finished his ministry as Buddha, and had laid him down on his bed of final emancipa- 33 tiont in the garden of the Mallas, many lesser resolves also did he doubtless make above the five great ones,J which were to come to pass in future times. Wherefore cometh it that even 34 unto this day all the relics that are of that lord's body, and 35 those that are connected with his memory, do manifest wonders in this world by the operation of his will. Wherefore also 36 it seemeth to me that the Blessed One, the Chief of sages, when he made each separate resolve, and beheld kings in the 37 remote future who were to stand as faithful and obedient followers of the religion which was to last for five thousand y ears, with the eye of wisdom beheld he me also among that number. Now, therefore, if it be so that I too have been seen by 38 the Sanctified One, and if I also have been included in the number of those faithful kings and mighty men who have gone before 39 me, and if it hath been ordained that I should crush the enemy in fierce battle and advance the welfare of the religion of the " Pihili-rafa. The northern country. Hitherto this division of the king- dom has been called Rdja-raftha or Raja-rafa. f Parmihh&na-manoasmiJ}. X They are, the three miracles in connection with the severance of the branch of the great Bo-tree ; the miracle at the Thdp&r&ma on depositing the Collar-bone relic ; and the miracle of the Buvanv^li Dfigoba on depositing a drma full of Buddha's relics. See Mahivagsa, chap. XYU. OHAPTBK LXXXII. ' 279 land and the kingdom, then indeed would it be well if this 40 Tooth-relic should now manifest to me a miracle whereby I may be assured." And when the king had thus made an end of speaking he stood in deep thought. And at the selfsame moment the Tooth-relic leaped from his 41 lotus hand into the sky, shaped like a crescent, creating a likeness 42 of the great Sage, of exceeding beauty, and lighting the whole city with the thick rays of six colours that sprang therefrom. And after that it had manifested this great miracle and delighted 43 the king it descended from the sky and lighted on his hand. Then the whole city was filled with confusion because of 44 the cheers and applause that rose from all sides from among 45 the great multitude of people and the great body of the priesthood, who rejoiced at the wonderful miracle that they had witnessed. And the great king, great in understanding and power, pro- 46 claimed himself boldly in the midst of the great assembly in this ^^ wise: " This day hath new life been given unto me ; this day hath my life been made noble ; and on this day hath my life become fruitful. Through the power of my merit have the people seen this day such a miracle, and have heaped for themselves a great store of merit. And now know I that I also have been numbered among the kings of former times who followed the religion of the Sage and who have been celebrated by their virtues." And after this the lord of the land offered unto the Tooth-relic 50 the sixty-four royal ornaments, including his crown and his bracelets and such like. And then he placed it with great care 51 in the receptacle that he had made of gems, which was kept in 52 the dazzling casket of gold, which latter he again put with much reverence in the beautiful casket of great value that was made of silver. Thus did the king enclose the Tooth -relic with all care and in due 53 order within the three caskets, and place it in the temple of the relics. And he held a great feast in honour thereof for seven days, during which time offerings were made to it of the seven kinds of jewels, and garlands and perfumes and eatables of divers kinds. Thus endeth the eighty-second chapter, entitled " The Ex- hibition of the Tooth-relic Miracle," in the MahAva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. 280 THE mahAva^sa. CHAPTER LXXXIII. 1 irwffgOW from that time forth all the people who dwelt in 2 I ^1 Laigkd saw the power of the king's merit that it was ' exceedingly great, and conducted themselves towardshim with respect and fear and with pleasure and affection. Nor could 3 they at any time make light of his commands. The rulers also of divers other countries, whose minds were drawn to him by the regard that they had for his dignity, sent every man presents unto him. 4 And those men who were worthy of being beheaded, this king suffered to escape only with chains and imprisonment, after that 5 he had sorely rebuked them. Them also who were worthy of being cast into prison, the king, in his mercy, rebuked, and 6 inflicted on them a suitable punishment. And those who were doomed to be banished, the lord of the land, like the great law- 7 giver Manu, fiued in a thousand pieces of money. On them that 8 deserved to be fined he frowned only, and brought them back to 9 the path of duty by rebuking them in divers ways. And by the power of his might and his great kindness he began to break the power of his enemies in LankS,, especially of those who had betaken themselves to the fastnesses in the mountaius and divers other strongholds, and were not conquered by the king, his father, who 10 had vanquished the terrible foe. And he gave himself no trouble, but, as he was seated on his throne, wholly brought into submission under him the princes of the Vanni* of Slhala, who were possessed of men and materiel in great abundance. 11 And this king of men caused all the brave and lion-hearted Sinhalese of the three Slhalas to assemble themselves together, 12 and pleased them greatly. And he strove to harass the chiefs among the strong men of the Tamils who had built themselves 14 fortresses and taken hold of divers parts of the country. With this end in view, he armed the Sinhalese and sent them on all 15 sides in search of battle, like lions among the furious elephants. And the strong and mighty men of the Sinhalese made frequent attacks on them, like unto Garnlas,t and harassed the strong men of the Tamils, that were like serpents. * VaHila-rdJahd. This is the first time this word occurs in this work, f A fabulous bird — the enemy and destroyer of serpents. See note on chap. L., V. 27. CHAPTER LXXXIII, 281 Now at this time a host of forty thousand strong men of 15 the Tamils and the Keralas, under the two Tamil kings Mdgha 21 and Jaya Bdhu, had dwelt for a long time in the land, com- mitting deeds of violence; and they held the fortresses that they had built at these and other places ; namely, the rich and famous city of Pulatthi, the village of Kotthas&raka, Gayg^i- tataka, the village Kik&la, the country of Padi, Eurundi, Mdndmatta, Mah^tittha, and also Mann&rapattana, the port of Pulacceri, Vfilikagdma, the great and rich country of Gona and of Gonusu, and the port of Madhupddapa and Sdkara also. Eut being sorely pressed by the mighty men of valour among the Sinhalese, they could not any longer abide in their places for fear, and so made haste and entered the city of Pulatthi, and took counsel there among themselves in this wise: "Verily, 22 Parakkama Bd.hu is a king of great might and renown. And is there any one on earth who can withstand his authority? Even 23 the princes of the Continent are now gone over to his side, and all the Sinhalese, of a certainty, have remained faithful to him only. Yea, even some of our own Tamils are among his 24 servants. What need is there then that we should speak of any others ? What therefore is now meet to be done ? The greatness 25 of our glory has even now faded like as the glory of the fireflies fadeth before the glory of the rising sun. It is impossible that 26 we could any longer dwell in the island of the Sihalas. Let us therefore return to the Continent." And when they had thus determined in the assembly, they took 27 to themselves elephants and horses, pearls and jewels of great 28 value, and royal crowns, and all the women of the king's house- 29 hold and their ornaments and chests of silk. And all such things of any value as they could lay their hands on they took with them, and hastened out of the city for fear. And by the power of the king's good fortune confusion fell upon them, and they were bewildered and knew not by what way they went. And indeed it so came to pass that they took the western gate 30 for the eastern gate, and, proceeding thereby, brought themselves 31 to KdlavApi, where the army of the Sinhalese lay encamped. 32 And alas I they sacrificed there not only the goods that they carried away with them, but every man his life also to the mighty men of the Sinhalese, and thereby fulfilled the end that the king had in view. Thus did the Sinhalese get back their riches in great heaps ; 33 and from that time forth they became as prosperous as before, 91—87 2 o 282 THE mahAva^sa. 34 just as the inhabitants of Mithil& (in the days of old) became the possessors of the riches that about a hundred kings had cast away in fear.* 35 And when the king had thus destroyed the strange enemy by the power of his might, he took heed to himself to secure the prosperity of the whole island of La^k^. 36 Eut when the king had reached the eleventh year of his reign, 37 a certain Malay prince, known to all men as Candabhanu, lauded with a fierce band of Malays, and deceived the people saying, 38 "Verily we also are Buddhists. " And these wicked men, who 39 landed in divers ports, shot poisoned arrows, like terrible snakes, on whomsoever they saw, and ceased not to harass them. And they ran hither and thither about the country in great fury, and 40 laid waste the whole of La^kd. And as the fury of a flood of water had laid waste the place that the fire and lightning had already destroyed, even so did the Malays harass La^kli that Mdgha and the others had already harassed, 41 Thereupon the king sent his nephew, the valiant prince Vfra Bahu, with an host of strong men against the Malays to do 42 battle with them. And the great and terrible Yii'd Bdhu, who was like unto Rkhu in appearance, utterly destroyed Gandabhdnu (' the moon-beam') in the field of battle (as Kahu destroyeth 43 the moon) in the sky. And he placed valiant men from among the Sinhalese in divers places, and began the fight with the strong 44 men of the Malays. And in the battle which ensued, the arrows, tipped with poison, that were shot quickly from engines by the 45 fighting men of the Malays, fell in plenty amongst them. But the mighty men of the Sinhalese, who were skilful marksmen, 46 brake them in pieces with their sharp broad arrows. And like as Edmd slew the Eakkhasas, even so did Vira Bahu slay in 47 battle the strong men of the Malays in great numbers. And in his great fury did Vlra Bd,hu again and again lay low the forces of the Malays, even as the tempest layeth low the forest. 48 And when he had thus fought against the Malays and driven 49 them from the country and delivered Layka from the enemy, even unto the length and breadth thereof, he went up to Devapurat and worshipped the lily-coloured godj there, and made divers offerings unto him. ** Referring to one of the incidents narrated in the story of the Ummagga Jdtaka. f Dondra Head :|: Yishnu, the remains of whose temple still exist. OHAPTEll LXXXIV. 283 And he himself caused a monastery to, be built there, which 50 was called Nandana ('The Delight ')j because that it gave delight unto the people. After that he returned to the city of 51 Jambuddoni and went up into the presence of Parakkama B^hu, who was filled with great joy at seeing him. And the king Parakkama B&hn, whose glory was spread 52 through the whole land, after that he had carried on many wars and destroyed all the terrible hosts of the enemy, enjoyed in peace the pleasure of victory. Thus endeth the eighty-third chapter, entitled " An Account of Victories over hostile Kings, " in the Mah&iva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. ^A^ CHAPTER LXXXIV. |ND after this the king, who was well versed in the laws of 1 Manu, separated and marked out, as they stood before, 2 the lands and houses and fields that belonged to private families by inheritance, from which the stranger, their enemy, had kept them out for a long time, and caused them to be restored to their rightful owners. Likewise also he ascertained and fixed 3 the lands and gardens and other substance that had been dedicated 4 to Buddha and the Dhamma, and the lands that were given for procuring what was needed for the support of the priesthood, and the lands that belonged to the chapters and priests separately, and the lands that belonged to the eight establishments and also to the Parivenas. And these he caused to be restored 5 accordingly. In like manner also he ascertained and established each in their place the five orders of menials and the ten orders of menials that belonged to the royal households. And the lord 6 of the land so ordained the affairs of the kingdom that all the inhabitants of LajgkA prospered and became exceeding rich, and the whole country abounded with food. And with great care he expelled from the priesthood all such 7 lewd monks as had led indiscreet lives from the time of the former 8 kings, seeking their living by unlawful means and conducting themselves according to their own pleasure. And thereby purged he the religion of the perfect and supreme Buddha. And the 9 king sent many presents to the great country of the Colas and 10 brought therefrom priests of great eminence, learned ia the three 284 THE mahAvai^sa. Pitakas, and endued with piety, and of great purity in their life ; and by this means he united the two sections of the church* in Tambapanni. 11 And it came to pass that of the many and pious priests who 12 dwelt always in the country of Tamba, there was a certain great elder known as Dhammakitti, who had become famous by his 13 great zeal and piety. And when the king heard that a lotus had 14 once sprung up in the path of this elder as he went on his way 15 begging, he was greatly astonished, and sent religious gifts and offerings of perfumes and sandal ointments and such substances that were touched against the Tooth-relic, and other royal gifts also to the Tamba country, and caused the great elder to be brought to the island of Laykd. And when the king saw him he was glad and rejoiced greatly as if he had seen an Arahd,t and 16 made great offerings unto him, and ministered carefully, with the four requirements of a monastic life, unto him who was a vessel worthy of offerings and honour. 17 And as the king was desirous of preserving the church which 18 he had nurtured and raised up, he built round about the city many monasteries for the whole Order in commonj that were fit places for the abode of the eight great elders of the eight establish- ments and for learned and thoughtful elders who dwelt in villages 19 and in the forests. And these were buildings of great breadth, and were adorned with many mansions composed of open halls in 20 great number, with ponds of divers kinds, and covered walks surrounded by gardens of fruits and flowers that served as retreats 21 both by day and night. And these monasteries he dedicated unto them, and caused a great feast to be held afterwards, at which offerings were made of all things that were needful unto the priesthood. 22 And after this the king gathered together the great body of 23 the priests who dwelt in the villages and forests, and chose from 24 among them such as strove diligently after purity of life, such also as practised the E>hutafigas, such also as were accustomed to the practice of austerities, such also as were endued with recti- tude and the like virtues, such also in whom were implanted the • Ubhaya-adsanani. " Both the churches." I believe the Mah& Vihara eatablishment and the establishments of Abhayagiri and Jetavana are meant See chap. LXXVIH., w. 20—23. t Arhat. J Sanghdrdma. A term generally applied to large religious establishments. OHAPTBE LXXXIV. 285 principles of a virtuous life, yea, all these did he choose ; and after that he had caused an abode in the forest to be built for them on the mountain Putabhatta* he gave it unto them and ministered unto them. And because of these hermits who 25 practised severe austerities he made it to appear as if there were Arhats in La^kd during his reign. Moreover, when he saw that the elders who were learned in the 26 scriptures were but thinly scattered in the island, he brought them hither from India, and the books also that were necessary for them. And he caused the priests of La:gk^ to be taught in 27 all the branches of religion and logic and grammar and all the other sciences, and made learned men of many priests. Thus 28 did this wise king spread abroad morality and religion among the priesthood, and by that act of faith and devotion did he show his great regard for the departed Buddha. And his younger brother, even the sub-king Bhuvaneka B&hu, 29 he caused to be taught the three Pitakas and made him skilful therein. And he caused him to expound the duties of elders,t 30 and bestowed the rank of elder, in the midst of the assembly 31 of the priesthood, on those priests who had hearkened to the address, and caiised offerings to be made to the elders of all such things as were needful for a monastic life. And as he sought to obtain the merit whereby he might cross 32 the great ocean of successive life through the eight noble paths, he held great feasts eight times ; namely, in the third, the sixth, 33 the eleventh, the twelfth, the seventeenth, the twenty-first, the 34 twenty-seventh, and the thirtieth year of his reign. (And these he held in this manner.) He caused a great building to be 35 raised on sixty pillars, and finished it with a great open hall of exceeding beauty that ran all around it. And after that he had 36 adorned it with beautiful cloths of divers colours he caused a great multitude of priests to take up their abode there in rows. And because of his great love for the priesthood he caused great 37 offerings and ministrations to be made unto them daily in his name, and bestowed the rite of ordination on many novices. And 38 after that he caused the ranks of elder, chief elder, incumbent of temple, and such like high offices, to be bestowed on priests. Then 39 he caused numerous articles that should be held in common by the 40 Order,and were of great value, and divers goodly things that were necessary for priests, to be gathered together in heaps of the size • Pal&batgala. f Thera Damniai}. 286 THE mahAtai^sa. of great elephants. And the lord of the land first gave royal gifts of the things that were necessary for priests to the chief 41 elders and incumbents of temples, and then he gave the eight things that were needful for the monastic life to all those elders and priests who had completed the term of dependence on a 42 spiritual teacher, in their due order. Thus did this king, the greatest of men, cause the great and noble feast (of ordi- nation), perfect in its eight requirements, to be held for seven 43 days at a time. After this also he caused the feast of ordination to be held many times, and made the religion of the Conqueror to prosper. 44 And, like as the moon produceth nectar and swelleth the ex- panse of water in the ocean, so did this king thoroughly extend the excellent religion of the Tath&gata, the supreme lord of the true doctrine, by rendering divers services thereunto. Thus endeth the eighty-fourth chapter, entitled "Services rendered to Religion," in the Mahl,va9sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXXV. |ND afterwards the king built the Mahd Vihdra in the noble city of Sirivaddhana wherein he was born — a city that could not be compared for its scenery — 2 and endowed it with great possessions. It consisted of stately houses and open halls, of high walls and gates, and was orna- 3 mented with Bodhis, Oetiyas, groves, and image-houses. The workmanship thereof was diverse and of exceeding beauty, and 4 it was adorned with great splendour. And in the vast space that 5 extended from the city of Jambuddoni to the city of Sirivad- dhanaj the length and breadth whereof was about eight yojanas* and one usabha, (the highway was) made even like the face of a drum, and was covered throughout with sand, exceeding fine 6 and soft. And the divers flags and banners which ornamented 7 the sides thereof were so great in number that they seemed to hide the rays of the sun ; and rows of plantain trees were placed alongthe length thereof, with divers vessels for water, of exceeding * According to Childers the yojana is about equal to twelve miles. But see Abhidhana P. v. 196. OHAPTEK LXXXV. 287 beautiful workmanship, filled with ornamental flowers. And 8 within this vast space the chief of men caused royal arches to 9 be raised, one at every space of five cubits, at every space of 10 ten cubits a cloth-arch, and at every space of hundred cubits a stately house of great size, consisting of three stories and lofty spires, and containing images of the supreme Buddha, — all finished with paintings of exceeding great beauty. Afterwards he ornamented the vihd,ra with many painted arches 1 1 roundthecircuitofthevihdrawal],of great size and beauty, — arches 12 that looked contemptuously on the beautiful bow of the chief of the gods ;* with white parasols that looked like the moon in her fullest splendour, and beautiful flags of five colours and divers shapes, 1 3 like beautiful dancers dancing in the firmament of heaven ; with 14 rows of splendid halls glittering with jewels, like beautiful rows of mansions that were come down from the world of gods ; with 15 numerous images of Brahmas dancing in rows with parasols in their hands, that were moved by instruments ; with moving 16 images of gods of divers forms that went to and fro with their joined hands raised in adoration; with moving figures of 17 horses prancing hither and thither with the beauty of waves, rising and falling one after the other in the great sea ; with 18 moving likenesses of great elephants, clothed in the trappings of elephants, making men doubt whether they were not rain- clouds that had descended to the earth ; — with these and divers 19 other shows of this kind which delight the world, and are used at feasts, did he make the vihdra exceeding attractive. Then again the king commanded all the priests and novitiates 20 and the lay devotees also, male and female, who were dwellers in 21 the island of Layk^, to wait for the procession in great crowds 22 without the vihara and around it, at the space of a league from each other, raising shouts of applause and uttering the praises of the supreme Buddha, and holding in their hands ofi'erings, fiowers, and such like things that were needful at feasts in honour of Buddha ; and (he likewise commanded) all others, men and 23 women who knew the value of the three sacred gems, to adorn themselves in their best apparel (and to tarry for the procession) with things that were fit for offerings. And the king also, 24 moved by great devotion, decked himself in all the royal orna- 25 ments and, in the midst of his four-fold army, placed the two relics of the Tooth and the Alms-bowl in a carriage of great "* Indra'a bow. 288 THE MAHAVA^SA. splendour, decorated with all the ornaments of an equipage. 26 Then he caused rows of men to carry before the procession these 27 articles and divers others that were used at feasts ; namely, 28 banners of gold and banners of silver, water-pots of gold and 29 water-pots of silver, chowries of gold and chowries of silver, caskets of gold and caskets of silver, beautiful fans of gold and fans of silver, pokkharanis* of gold and pokkharanis of silver, and flower vases made of gold and flower vases made of silver, 30 Then the king, followed with the sound of the five instruments of 31 music and forming a procession of great magnificence, carried 32 the relics by stages along the decorated highway into the city of Sirivaddhana, and placed them on the seat that was prepared for Buddha in the spacious ornamented hall that was built in the middle of the vih^ra, and caused offerings to be made thereunto by the divers people (who had assembled there). 33 And when the morning was come all the people arrayed them- 34 selves in their best garments, and, being exceeding desirous of gaining merit, went up with flowers of the jasmine and champao and ironwood, and other kinds of flowers of divers hues mixed with flowers of gold (leaf) and the like, and devoutly made their 35 offerings to the Tooth-relic and the Bowl-relic. And they made 36 offerings also of many heaps of sweet white rice that looked like heaps of glory that had long gathered around the great king, and of divers kinds of fruit, such as plantains, jak, mango, and the like fruits that were exceeding ripe, sweet, and luscious. Then 37 the king himself, in like manner, made offerings of divers kinds 38 to those two noble relics ; and then he who was taught in all good manners ministered unto the Order and carefully provided them with food and drink, — food hard and soft, and drink that could be sucked, and drink that could be swallowed. And the 39 lord of the land, who was exceeding delighted on that occasion, bestowed on several hundreds of priests the eight things that 40 were needful for monks. Afterwards, throughout the three watches of the night, he illuminated the vih^ra all round with lacs and crores of lighted lamps fed with perfumed oil, and with 41 garlands of divers lamps perfumed with camphor oil, so that the whole face of the land looked like the firmament that was studded with stars. And the lord of the land held a feast in honour of 42 Buddha, to which all men were drawn by the sweet songs of <» PokKharam is a lotus pond. These were probably miniature representa- tions of it. OHAPTEK LXXXV. 289 singers and the dances of many dancers as they danced in divers 51 characters on the excellent stages that were raised here and there, — a feast the tumult whereof was greatly increased by the sound of the five musical instruments which, like a blast proceeding from the sea of his merits, sufficed to drown the roar of the ocean and to put to shame the thunder of the clouds, — whereat also the voice of religion was heard from pulpits reverently set up by the faithful at divers places, whereon sat preachers of the sacred law, who, with beautiful fans in their hands, proclaimed the good law that convinced the hearts of the hearers thereof, — a feast which also was made pleasant by the shouts of the four classes of Buddha's disciples,* who went hither and thither viewing all things with admiration and congratulating each other as they praised the virtues of the three sacred gems, exclaiming, " Oh, the Buddha I Oh, the Dhamma I Oh, the Safigha ! " — whose praises also were sung in strains like those of the Nandisf by the masters of the ceremoniest as they stood in crowds on every side invoking the blessings of Buddha. And for seven days the lord of the land held this great feast 52 in honour of the three sacred objects (Buddha, the Law, and 55 the Church) in such a manner as if he were showing here (on earth) how even the chief of the gods held the feasts of Buddha in heaven, and as if he proclaimed how the kings of the olden time, the great rulers of the Sinhalese, held their feasts in honour of the Supreme Buddha, and as if he proclaimed to all men how the perfections of the Omniscient Buddha, like unto the wish-conferring tree of heaven, yield fruit in and out of every season. And afterwards when he (the king) had made the Mah£ 56 Vihd.ra the property in common of the brethren, he dedicated it to the great priesthood, and thus filled the measure of his merit and his fame. Thereafter the king built a parivena adorned with lofty 57 mansions, which was called Parakkama Bahu, after his name ; and when he had furnished that vihdra§ with furniture that was 58 ° Monks, nuns, lay disciples, and female devotees. f Speakers of prologues in a drama, or panegyrists. J Bali-hhqjdka-jeUha. This is an obscure word ; but I believe it is meant here for the chiefs of servers or managers in festivals, who were entitled to enjoy the surplus or remains of food offered during the ceremonies. §1 have inserted the original words to show that "parivena" and " vibdja " are often used indiscriminately to mean a monastery. 91—87 2 p 290 THE mahAva^sa. suited to it, and endowed it with maay fruitful lands, he held a great feast (at its dedication). 59 The king also caused the parivena, Bhuvaneka Bdhu, called 60 after his name, to be built at Billasela Vihdra by his sub-king, 61 which was adorned with mansions, halls, and the like buildings. In the same way as was before related (of the Mfiha Vihira) at the city of Sirivaddhana, he devoutly held a great feast in honour of three Sacred Objects for seven days, whereat he gave gifts of all things meet to be offered thereto. 62 And again the king caused a large vihdra to be built by, that same 63 sub-king in the noble city of Hatthigiri ;* and when he had also built a beautiful parivena (there) on his account, called Mah^ Ma- hinda Bahu, he held a great feast, and thus heaped up much merit. 64 And he made great repairs to the decayed temple of five 65 stories that was built aforetime by king Yatthdlatissa in the excellent city of Kalydni ; and he finished it with plaster 66 work and restored it to its former state. He also repaired in the selfsame city, the house wherein the sleeping image of the King of Sages lay, and also the image-house called the Tivanka. 67 There also the lord of the land levelled the square courtyard of 68 the great Cetiya and paved it in proper order with broad stones. Moreover he constructed in a proper manner a large open hall in 69 the front thereof. And after this the lord of the land with great 70 devotion, made offerings of flowers, lamps, and food at the feasts that were held by him in honour of the Bodhi, the Cetiya, and the supreme Buddha — offerings of no common order, many in number, and pleasing to the people — and obtained merit (thereby). 71 Furthermore, the king caused a beautiful grove of cocoanuts to 72 be planted in his name, nigh unto the vihdra, and dedicated it thereto, that so a feast of lamps might be held in the vihira daily. 73 Again, at the vihdra named Hatthavanagalla,t where the king Siri-Sadghabodhi gave his head away unto the beggar that came 74 to him, and whereon the king Gothdbhaya then built a circular 75 relic-house of two stories, yea, even that relic-house did this lord of the land turn into one of three stories adorned with a 76 lofty pinnacle of gold. And at that selfsame vihdra, on the place where the dead body of the king his father was laid (on 77 the funeral pile), he built a beautiful Cetiya, and afterwards built an image-house with eight sides in the same place, and fixed a stone statue of the supreme Buddha there. " Kurun^gala. f Attanagalla. CHAPTER LXXXV. 291 Now there lived one who had received from the blessed chief 78 of the world, the Supreme Buddha, in his lifetime, as an inheri- 82 tance, his great Pafisulkiila robe,* and on his death had reigned over the kingdom of righteousness. And when he had heard that there was but one relic of the tooth left of that son of Buddha, the Elder Maha Kassapa, and that, in times past, had reached Tambapanni in due course, and was yet preserved in Bhlma-titthaf Vih6,ra in the district of Punca-yojana, this great king conceived a strong love and regard uuto the elder who had the charge thereof, and proceeded to that great vihdra with his 83 four-fold army. And it rejoiced him to see the noble relic that 84 was there, insomuch that he reverently kept up a feast of relics for three days with sweet-smelling flowers of divers kinds in great plenty, and lamps, incense, and food in great abundance. And it came to the ears of the lord of the land that at the 85 noble city of Devanagara, which is like unto a mine of merit, there 86 lay decayed the temple of the lily -coloured god,t who is the king of gods. And indeed it was an ancient temple, in that it had been built many years ago. And, he went up to that beautiful city, and made the temple of the king of the gods that stood there to 87 look as new and bright as the palace of Sakra, and made it like unto a storehouse abounding with all wealth. And after that, 88 the chief of men made that city to abound with all prosperity, and to be as goodly as the city of the gods (Devanagara). And 89 he ordained that an A'sS,lhi festival § should be held every year in that city in honour of the god. ' Then the great king came to the noble city of Jambuddoni, 90 and, round about the vihdra, Siri-Vijayasundara, that the king 91 his father had built, he raised lofty walls and gates, and repaired and renewed the three -storied relic-house. There also he set the 92 Tooth-relic of the great Sage on a high and costly throne, and, 93 in the same manner as has been told above, he held for seven days a great feast in honour of the three Sacred Objects, a feast that ensures all prosperity. And he (the king) longed every day to behold a beautiful 94 picture of the Blessed One — a perfect likeness of the Master as * A robe made of cast-ofE cloth found on dunghills, the wayside, and such like places. ■(■ Bentota. j Vishnu. The epithet alludes to his colour which is that of the blue lily. § A festival held in the month A'adlha (June- July). 292 THE mahAva^sa. 95 he was in his lifetime. So the chief of men employed many 96 skilled painters to paint on a beautiful cloth a surpassing likeness of Buddha, as the Blessed One appeared on earth when he walked on the great bridge of gold and gems.* Thereafter 97 the king, being liberally minded, assembled the whole body of priests who were dwellers of La^ka, and the great body of his 98 people also, and, in the manner described above, caused a great feast of Buddha to be held in the city of Sirivaddhana for seven days. 99 And when the king had heard of the exceeding great merit that was derived from the bestowal of the Kathina robe,t he 100 was greatly pleased, and he thought to himself thus, saying, " An 101 excellent gift of eighty Kathina robes must I indeed give in 102 memory of the eighty glorious chief disciples of him who standeth like a solitary bridge whereby men could cross the boundless and awful ocean of transmigration, — the banner of the proud race of the S4kyas, whom all mankind do honour, — the lord of the earth, the kinsman of the earth, and the kinsman of the sun,t — aRishi, whose senses have been subdued, — a sage, yea, a prince of sages 103 and a teacher." And when he had meditated thus, the learned king gathered together the inhabitants of LagkS,— a great multi- 104 tude of men and women — and set them all to work to prepare the cotton and other things, and speedily finished the work of the 105 robes. And he caused the eighty Kathina robes to be given in the course of one single day, with all the goods and chattels that 106 were lawful for the priests to use. And he who was well skilled in the proper way of giving gifts, prepared all these things and gave them in charge of all the elders who dwelt at Tambapanni.§ 107 And in honour of the eighty great disciples he made eighty 108 great offerings separately on that same day. In this manner did he give to the great priesthood Kathina robes in great abundance on many occasions, and so heaped up great merit. 109 Likewise also the king, whose mind was moved by noble ambition, resolved many a time to dedicate to the supreme " MaM-ratnacanhama. The bridge of gold and gems said to have been created by Buddha at Kapilavastu, his birthplace, in order to display his supernatural power before his kinsfolk. See Buddhavagsa for details. f A robe made for a Buddhist priest in the course of a single day and night at the end of the Yas season, or Buddhist Lent. J The S&kya race being considered as a branch of the Solar Dynasty. § The Kathina robe must be presented or ofEered to the Saggha, on whom only devolves the duty of selecting one out of their number as the most fitting to become its recipient. CHAPTER LXXXVI. ^93 Buddha the kingdom of La^k^. And to this end he adorned the 110 royal palace like the palace of the chief of the gods, and decorated the city befittingly like unto the city of the gods. Then, within 111 the palace, he placed the Tooth-relic of the Great Sage on a costly throne, and when he had assembled the great priesthood of 112 La^kd he held a high feast with a display of divers chowries 113 and umbrellas, of divers jewelled crowns, of ornaments and 114 cloths, of heaps of divers gems, of elephants and horses, of hosts 1 15 and chariots, of the sound of divers drums and chanks, of flags and 116 banners, of rows of plantains, of basins of milk, of flower plants, 117 of sweet flowers, of divers gorgeous litters and the like, of divers kinds of excellent rice, of divers kinds of cakes, of lamps, incense and perfumes, — with these and the like things for public display, worthy of a king, did he reverently hold a great feast for seven days at a time. Afterwards this eminent king with his four-fold army pro- 118 ceeded to Samantakfita, the crest-jewel of mountains, and there 119 worshipped the footprint of him who is the god of gods, the king of righteousness, the teacher, — a footprint worthy of the honour of gods and other beings. And, being moved thereto 120 by faith, he gave unto that famous shrine a district that 121 extended about ten leagues around that noble hill, and contained many gems, and was full of people, both men and women. And afterwards he again offered thereunto jewels and ornaments. Thus did this wise king, who had faith in Buddha, raise heaps 122 upon heaps of merit, as if he raised a bridge to cross the ocean of transmigration or a ladder to ascend to the world of the gods. Thus endeth the eighty-fifth chapter, entitled " The Perfor- mance of divers Acts of Merit," in the Mahava^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. m CHAPTER LXXXVI, OREOVER the king thought within himself, saying: i " Indeed it seemeth right to me that I, who am the ruler 2 of the whole of La^k^, should journey throughout the land and worship the holy shrines therein with great devotion, that so I may perform works of merit and benefit the people ; (but inasmuch as^ I am not able to do so), who is there among 3 my ministers that hath the power and wisdom to heap up this wealth of merit for me and to benefit the people of the land 294 THE mahAvaijsa. 4 according to my desire ? This minister of mine, even Devap- patirfeja, hath, until now, always conducted himself with reverence and affection towards Buddha, the Law, and the Priesthood. 5 (Great, indeed, is his piety ;) for once he prayed that he might become a Buddha and planted a cocoanut, having earnestly prayed and resolved (that some sign should be shown him that his desire 6 would be fulfilled), and lo, there opened up three buds from the 7 three eyes thereof. And again, a second time did this minister pray, saying, ' May I become a Buddha !' after that he was so overcome with compassion for a beggar, and had offered him all his substance, yea, even his wife and children. This selfsame man, 8 therefore, is he who will understand and fulfil all my desire." And when he had communed with himself in this manner he 9 sent and spake unto him, saying, "The path that leadeth 10 to Mount Sumana* is exceeding difficult to pass through, because that it is stopped in divers places by marshes and water and rocks, as if the wicked Mdra, the tempter, had placed them 11 there. To the inhabitants of the eighteen countries, who go thither to worship the footprint of the Sage and to acquire merit thereby, the journey is great and toilsome. Do thou, therefore, restore that road and put it into good order. 1 2 "Again , at Hatthavanagalla Vihd,ra,t where in the day s of old a 13 certain great elder, possessed of miraculous power, attained Arhat- ship, and by the power of his own merit caused both the heaven and the earth to resound with thunder, even there did Upatissa, 14 the king, at that time build a temple of five stories and cover it 15 with tiles of gold. But it hath been told me that that temple hath even now been destroyed by the lapse of time, and that the pillars thereof only remain. Do thou, therefore, my good friend, restore that building also in my name. 16 " And at the Bhlmatittha Vihdra, where the king Nissayka 17 planted an orchard, do thou likewise, in my name, lay out a large garden full of cocoanut and other fruitful trees." And when he had thus spoken the king commanded him to devote himself with diligence to each special work. 18 And the minister replied saying, " Yea, be it so," and then 1 9 proceeded first to Qa^gasiripura. 1;. And there he caused a stately image to be made of the god Sumana, complete in all its parts, 20 which he adorned beautifully with ornaments of gold and jewels. " Adam's Peak. f Attanagalla Vih4ra. } Gampola. CHAPTER LXXXVI. 295 And then, as he was desirous of going from thence to Samanta- kdta, he proceeded and took with him the image of the god in 21 procession, and went to the village Bodhitala,* from which place he began the work of building bridges. And nigh unto the mouth of the Khajjota rivert he built a 22 bridge of about thirty-five cubits in length, and another of thirty cubits in length across the same river. Likewise also at UUa- 23 panag^maj he built one of thirty-six cubits in length, and at 24 Ambagama§ a great bridge of thirty-four cubits in length, very strong and beautiful, so that even elephants and horses, black cattle, buffaloes, and the like could pass over it safely. And on the causeways of these great bridges he caused to be built houses, 25 large and beautiful, and adorned with high pillars and such like. And he assembled a great number of priests together from divers 26 places and treated them bountifully and held a great feast. In divers other places also he built halls for resting and bridges, 27 and laid down steps of stone in divers ways. He caused the 28 great forest to be hewn down and a public path made ; and then he went up to Samantakiita and worshipped the footprint there, and set up the image of the god on the ground within th6 court- 29 yard of the shrine, and built an open hall over the sacred foot. He also caused a wall to be built around it ; and as he was a man 30 of great forethought, he fastened the open hall with great chains 31 to posts of iron, and so made it firm. Then again he honoured the sacred foot with a feast of lamps and the like, which continued for three days. And he bore a lamp of perfumed oil, even on his 32 own head, and, on behalf of his master, the great king, walked 33 round the sacred foot, bowing tkereunto frequently as he did so, and kept the lamp burning (so that it went not out) for the whole night. And all these things, in due order from the 34 beginning, did he cause to be inscribed on a stone pillar of great height which he set up there with joy, as if he were raising a 35 pillar of glory to Farakkama Bdhu, the great king of kings. And afterwards, when his purpose had been fulfilled, he informed 36 all these things to the king by the mouth of a messenger. And after that he went to Hatthavanagalla Vihdra, and, in the 37 manner that the king had commanded him, he spent much money and caused a temple to be built with three floors and a lofty 38 pinnacle, and gave it to the great lord Anomadassi, who was a ' man of great wisdom and understanding. Afterwards, at the 39 " Botala. t Kado-oya. $ Ulapana. § Ambagamuwa, 296 THE mahAva^sa. king's commaad, he made provision for its support and caused the same to be inscribed on a stone. 40 Thence this great mi oister proceeded to the port of Bhimatittha. And there he built a bridge, eighty-six cubits' span, at the mouth 41 of the Kalanadi* river ; one of about one hundred yatthis't span at the village Kadalisena ;t one of forty yatthis' span over the 42 Salaggdma river,§ and one of fifty cubits' span over the S^la- pMapa river.ll Thus did he build these and other bridges at 43 divers places where it was difficult to cross over ; and likewise also he made numerous gardens and halls for preaching and the like, and did even give away much alms and hold feasts (in con- nection therewith). 44 Afterwards this great minister of the king formed a large cocoa- 45 nut garden, full of fruit and fine shade, and gave it the famous name of Parakkama Bahu ; and it extended from the Bhima- tittha Yihdra unto the ford of the Kalanadi, a space of about 46 one yojana in width. And as he was an exceeding liberal man 47 he held a great feast and gave presents to the priesthood of twenty- six Kathina robes of exceeding great value, the which, even from the spinning and the weaving of the cotton and the like, he caused to be wrought in one day in the divers villages of the province. 48 And again, as he journeyed through the country, making gifts of robes in like manner, he bestowed on the priesthood six and twenty Kathina robes also. 49 And when he had caused the great forest Mahdlabujagacchalf 50 to be cut down altogether and rooted up, he made a fine village thereon and planted a large grove of jak trees near it. And there 51 he made an image-house of three stories, surrounded by a round wall enclosing a Bodhi, a Oetiya, and an A'r^ma, and made a great feast in connection therewith in the king's name. 52 Even thus did he (the minister) who bore the name of Edjaiiiia** perform great deeds of merit ; and he returned and informed the king of all that he had done. 53 Thereupon the king also conceived a great aifection for him, 54 and granted many villages which he had formed, such as ** The Black river, Kalu-gagga. f A. yatthi is equal to seven cubits of two spans to the cubit. J, Kehelsen, Kehel-Ien&va f § Salgamu-gaflga. II Sahruk. ^ M4delgasvanaya. ** A Ksatriya, or a prince of royal blood. C'HAPTEK LXXXVU. 297 Mahdiabujagaccha and others, to be held by him and his family. Afterwards the king proceeded to the temple of the relics, 55 taking the minister also with him ; and in the midst of the priesthood he made this proclamation, saying, " Lo I this is my noble minister whose heart delighteth always in the three Sacred Objects and in me. Therefore is this (minister), who hath devoted 56 himself to the interest of Buddha and the king, a dear and beloved 57 (servant of mine). And I also do, therefore, offer unto the sacred Tooth-relic that which is most dear unto me." So say- ing, he dedicated the noble minister with his wife and children to (the service of) the Tooth-relic of the Sage. Thus from that time forth this ruler of the land employed the 58 selfsame noble Devappatirfija in making offerings of divers costly things to the three Sacred Gems which are honoured by the world. Thus endeth the eighty-sixth chapter, entitled " The Causing the Performance of Divers Acts of Merit," in the Mahdva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXXVII. ND now at one time there came a great drought upon 1 La^kd, as if it were a curse ; which dried up every- thing. And when the harvests withered and famine 2 seemed certain, and the inhabitants of Lapka were everywhere oppressed with terror, lo I the king caused divers kinds of offerings 3 to be made to the three Sacred Objects, the Oetiyas, the Bodhis, and 4 also to Ndtha, Metteiya, and other mighty gods that were worthy of honour ; and he filled Lagkd, even every part thereof, with great rejoicing. And he assembled together the great priesthood, 5 and, with the ceremonies that were due, made them to chaunt the Paritta. And when he had duly borne the Tooth-relic in pro- 6 cession round about the city, he prayed and resolved in his mind, saying, " Let there be rain I " And lo I there arose great clouds on 7 every side : and they shone with lightnings; and great thunderings 8 followed, delighting the ears of the whole nation. And the 9 clouds began to pour down rain, and made an end of the great drought, and caused the people to rejoice, and despoiled the famine, and decked the regions around with beauty, and re- freshed the harvests of the land. 91—87 2 Q 298 THK mahAwa^sa. 10 And the dwellers of Lanka praised the virtues of the king and the virtues of the King of Sages, saying again and again, " By the power of Buddha alone do these clouds that gladden our hearts thus give showers of rain. Who, therefore, among the gods, Brahmas, or men, is able to know the greatness of Buddha's virtues ? And our king also, he is a man of great glory and great power. There hath been none like unto him, nor shall there be." 14 Andthe king, while he yet protected the religion and the State righteously, and made his own life truly profitable, and enjoyed 15 the pleasures of State for a long time, once sent unto his five 16 skilful sons ; namely, Yijaya B^hu, Bhuveneka B^hu, Tiloka- 17 malla, Parakkama Bahu, and Jaya Bdhu, and also unto Vira Bahu, the eon of his younger sister, — and began to give counsel 18 unto these six in this wise, saying : " Hearken to my words children ! There are in this world three kinds of sons, to wit, 19 the base-born, the well-born, and the high-born.* Of these, they who are not able by a virtuous life to enjoy the sub- stance of their parents that had continued in their family 20 for generations, but waste and ruin it like unto the monkeys who destroy a garland, and then wander about in poverty, — of such do the ancient sages say that they are base-born sons. 21 And they who have inherited such substance and enjoy it as their 22 parents did, and preserve the inheritance of the family, know ye 23 that such men are known as well-born (sons worthy of their fathers). And now shall I describe the other (kind). They who add'greatly to the substance that have come down to the family by inheritance and enjoy the same in happiness, — these wise men 24 are known as high-born. Now, what my father gave to me was 25 but the one country of Mdyd only. And after that I had taken the charge thereof I have conquered the two other countries, and included again all the three kingdoms under the dominion of one canopy. Moreover, I have subdued all the Tamils against whom 26 he could not prevail. Even all the Vannian princes who had betaken themselves to the fastnesses in the mountains and other strongholds, and lived (in freedom) in divers parts of the country, 27 have I brought around me. In strange lands also have I caused my fame to spread ; and thus have I governed the kingdom for a 28 long time with justice and equity. I obtained royal princesses * Avajdta, AnujAta, Atijdta. CHAfTEri LXXXVII. 299 with gifts from India, and so made even the princes of other lands your kinsmen. The valiant Pandian and Oholian kings, 29 of the lineage of the Sun and the Moon, have sent unto me gifts of crowns and royal ornaments. Of jewels have I gotten me 30 great heaps, even as Kuvera (the god of wealth) got himself the 31 nine treasures, to wit, the Saykha and the like ; and these heaps shall suflSce for all of you, not only for the present, but for the future also, that your children's children may enjoy them even unto the seventh generation. By me also have the wicked been 32 restrained and the good defended, and the (divers branches of the) religion of the supreme Buddha made to work in perfect harmony. Therefore have I proved myself a high-born son of the king my 33 father. Children, be ye also high-born sons like as we are I In days of old, the sixty-thousand sons of the king Sdgara, who 34 was of the lineage of Okkdka, formed as many cities, and divided 35 the whole land of Jambudfpa into sixty-thousand portions, and reigned in peace each one in his own kingdom j and again, in the 36 days that are now past did the ten princes divide Jambudfpa among themselves into ten parts, and reign peaceably and well. 37 In like manner do ye also, my children, divide this land of La^k£ among yourselves as it seemeth good to you, and reign well, advising and counselling one another ; but, my sons, let not the 38 stranger, your enemy, see that ye are in the least divided among yourselves." In this manner did he advise his own sons and his nephew. Afterwards the king gathered all the chief priests and the 39 people together, and asked them, saying, " Whom think ye 40 among these six princes, my sons and nephew, is worthy of the kingdom ? " And when the chief priests heard these words they made answer, saying: " great king ! these thy royal princes, 41 and this thy nephew also, are men of high spirits, valiant, and skilled in all knowledge. They all are experienced in war, and 42 have destroyed their enemies, and have protected the religion and the State, and are, indeed, worthy to govern the kingdom. Nevertheless, the prince Vijaya Bahu, thy eldest son, king I 43 hath, from his childhood, taken delight in the three Sacred Gems. His heart hath ever been inclined to minister unto the priests 44 in their sickness and infirmity ; he speaketh and maintaineth the truth, and is grateful and endued with faith, wisdom, and virtue ; he is a help to them that are helpless among the aged 45 and infirm, and full of compassion towards the afflicted. And when he took the government into his hands he released from 46 300 THE mahAwa^sa, 47 bondage many kinsmen of the priesthood, and many of the common people who had been sent into slavery,* and redeemed them by giving gold, jewels, and such precious things to their 48 masters. Even thieves who rob the king's house, after their 49 sentence hath been passed, are wont to come to him without fear or alarm, and escape in safety with their lives, suffering not so 50 much as the loss of a limb. And, king! whenever he saw in the villages men who had become defaulters by withholding the tribute that was due to the king and taking it for their own use, he was wont to give them his own money- (wherewith they 51 might pay the tribute). And as he knew the ways of govern- ment, he absolved all those who suffered privation from their dues, .')2 and thus gave protection to the people. Even some of the Sinhalese Vannian princes who should have been subdued by you are wont to show themselves first to him, and afterwards to appear 53 before you without fear. The high-born wives of your ministers 54 counsel their husbands in all love, saying, ' Do ye henceforth continually and steadfastly serve Vijaya Bahu, who will uphold 55 the dignity of our families in the time to come.' It is even said 56 that parents desirous of hearing the sweet lisping voices of their children of two or three years old, ask them, saying, ' Whom desire ye to serve ? ' and they answer, saying, ' Vijaya Bahu ; him 57 shall we serve.' It is said also that when children are beaten by 58 their parents in their anger, they go up and make their complaint to him, and that he sendeth unto the parents and adviseth them kindly that they should not any more punish their children of 59 tender years. And after that he had admonished them in this manner, he would give them money out of his own treasury where- 60 with to buy food for their children. Even like unto the man who hath eyes to see, and while he yet beholdeth the sky with its full 6 1 moon, still asketh, saying, ' Where is the full moon ? ' how cometh it, gracious king I that thou inquirest of the priesthood when thou thyself knowest well that thy son poasesseth the virtues 62 that are fit to adorn a kingdom. Nevertheless, good and great king I hear us. This prince possesseth indeed auspicious signs that fit him not only to govern the island of Laijka but even the whole land of India." 63 And when the king heard these and many other praises of his son from the mouth of the priests, his eyes were filled with " It appears to have been the custom for a debtor who could not satisfy his creditor to work under him as a slave. A custom akin to this is said to exist in Siam. CHAPTER LXXXVIII. 301 tears of joy, and he called afifectionately unto his son Vijaya 64 Bahu, and set him on a seat near him equal to his own. And 65 then the great king directed him regarding all the things that he had left undone in the church and in the kingdom, in this wise : " The Ratanfi,vali Cetiya hath the stranger, our enemy, 66 destroyed : do thou, therefore, build it up and adorn it with a pinnacle of gold. That city of Pulatthi, the former capital of 67 the kings of Lapka, the noblest gem on the brow of cities, do 68 thou restore to its former condition, with walls and towers, with well-built gates on its four sides, and with a deep moat sur- rounding it ; and there, in the former Relic-house which was like 69 unto a beautiful mansion in heaven, do thou place the two relics of the Tooth and the Alms-bowl ; and remember that I also am 70 desirous of holding the feast of my coronation in this city of former kings. Do thou also take the whole congregation of 71 priests who are in the three divisions of LapkS,, as also the great body of the people, to Sahassa-tittha,* and, with gifts and offerings, hold a feast of Ordination in the Mahdv&luka river ; and do thou 72 thus cause the religion of the Conqueror to prosper." And when he had spoken these and such like words, and had 73 told him all that was needful to be done for the advancement of the church and the kingdom, he placed the government in the hands of his son. And after that the king gave unto his charge the other five 74 princes, and the two relics of the Tooth and Alms-bowl of the great Sage, and the congregation of priests, and the whole body of ministers, and the land of La^ika. Thus endeth the eighty-seventh chapter, entitled " The Handing over of the Government of the Kingdom," in the Mahdvapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXXVIII. ND the princet "Vijaya Bahu, whose mind knew not any fear, consented to it, saying, " Be it so 1" and he took upon himself the weight of the government. And then he thought to himself, saying, "To the king, my father, even while he yet liveth, shall I show myself his high-born son." And so, " Dfistota. f He is called " king" in the text ; but as he was only vested with the administration of the government while his father held the actual sovereignty, I have rendered the word R&jd by ' prince,' in order to avoid confusion. 30'i THE MAHAWA^jTSA. among the seven things that were needful for the king's work of government* — to wit, the lord, the minister, thefriend and others — he began to search him out a man meet to be the J^ing's friend, 4 — one to be trusted, one wise in counsel and faithful in adversity, one that lied not but made himself pleasant. And he considered the matter ofttimes, saying, "Who indeed is there now that suiteth 5 me?" And he bethought him, saying : " Surely Vira Bdhu the Governor liveth, the son of my father's younger sister, a wise man endued with many virtues and skilful in all business. 6 From our childhood, when we played with each other in the sand, even until now, have I known him as one that trusteth in me 7 as (he hath Hkewise trusted) in all good men. (Our friendship, moreover, is so great that) he endureth not to abide anywhere without seeing me, nor can I endure to abide anywhere without 8 seeing him. And he is endued also with powers of mind and body exceedingly great, and striveth always, as I do, to further the wel- 9 fare of the cliurch and the kingdom. And therefore fulfilleth he all things that be needful in a friend." And so he sent unto him 10 and gave him the place of a faithful friend. Then he thought to himself, saying : "It is indeed meet that I should begin my work with a most noble act of merit, that will draw the minds of men thereto. The two relics of the Tooth and the Alms-bowl have 11 been committed to my care. It behoveth me, therefore, to build 12 a new temple for them; but inasmuch as the old house of the Tooth-relic that was built by the king my father hath fallen into 13 decay, that shall I restore and renew." So he brought together, from divers places, a great number of artificers skilled in all 14 kinds of craft, and many other workmen also, and thus caused 15 repairs and improvements to be made in them so that they looked two-fold more beautiful than the former works. And when he had made an end of all the work of the Tooth-relic house, which looked as beautiful as a mansion in heaven, he 16 placed therein the two relics of the Supreme Buddha, and ordained that honours and offerings should be paid thereto daily, greater than had been paid hitherto, and that his own watch should be duly set over them. 17 And from thenceforth the prince so behaved himself that the love that the king his father bore him increased continually and " Satta Rdjangdni. — The seven requisites of regal administration, viz., th e monarch, the friend or ally, treasure, territory, a fortress, an army. Som e- times two more are enumerated, viz., the citizens and the Purohita Brahman. CHAPTER LXXXVIIT. 303 was now two-fold and three- fold more (than it had been at any time before). And the priace caused his younger brothers, Parakkama Bdhu 18 and Jaya Bdhu, to tarry always with the king his father, that so he 19 might not have any cause for sorrow by reason of his separation from all his sons. Moreover, he sent for his younger brother Tilokamalla 20 and put him in command of the Si^halesehost that held the country 21 which extended from the city of Jambudoni unto the southern sea. And he made. him to dwell in the village Mahavatthala, 2'Z that so lie might protect the king his father on the south side. But as their enemies were wont always to land from the opposite 23 coast at the village Khuddavalika on the north side, the ruler 24 of the land thought that there was none better than his younger brother Bhuvaneka Bdhu to defend the country on that side, where fearful battles were always fought. And so he sent for 25 him and gave him the command of the great army that held the northern country, and commanded him to tarry at Sundara 26 Pabbata,* to defend the king his father from danger on that side. Then the prince prepared himself and journeyed throughout 27 the country with Vira BAhu, and put down all the evil-doers, and freed Lagkd from the enemies that were like unto thorns thereto. 28 After that, when he had obtained leave from his father, he set out, saying, " Now shall I repair and restore the city of Pulatthi." Then the great and tender-hearted king Parakkama Bdhu fol- 29 lowed his son, because of the love that he had for him, as though 30 he were borne onward by a flood, albeit that his son had wished him not to do so. Thereupon he bowed down before his father 31 and besought him again and again ; and after that he had turned him back by force (of much entreaty), he proceeded on his journey. Thereupon the king made a proclamation saying, "Let all 32 men who have any love for my son follow him." And the king's 33 word was no sooner proclaimed than all the royal ministers of 34 State, all the officers, all the mighty men of valour, all elephant- riders, all horsemen and charioteers, were filled with great joy, and prepared themselves, saying, "It is said that our Vijaya 35 Bdhu, the Bodhisatta,t goeth to the royal city of Pulatthi to 36 ' Yapauva. ■[ This seems to have been a name given him, on account of his many virtues, by the people, of whom he appears to have been a great favourite ; and, in history, he is distinguished from the other Farakkamas by this nohriquet. 304 THK mahAwansa. restore it. If iudeed he goeth, then shall we also straightway go 37 with him." And so when they had thus prepared themselves they departed (from their dwellings) to go with him. But when certain of the officers and soldiers, by reason of their idleness, 38 wished not to go, it is told that their wives spake thus unto them : 39 "Dear lords, whether ye accompany us or not, we have resolved to follow him who seeketh after the good of his country only ; and we shall dwell in the noble city that shall be built by him." So 40 saying, they departed before their husbands. It is also told that even the young children abandoned their fathers who wished 41 not to go, and followed him on that occasion. But when the 42 prince saw that a great multitude followed him, leaving their lands and houses and possessions, he was filled with compassion for them, and exhorted them with many words, and turned back from their journey all such as he thought necessary should be made to tarry behind. 43 And he took with him as much of the four-fold army as he desired to have, and went up to that high rocky stronghold 44 called V^tagiri.* And on the top of that mountain he built a 45 glorious palace, and surrounded it with a very high wall, and buried all the valuable treasure therein that the king his father 46 had given him, that so it might avail him in time of need. And 47 on that selfsame great rock he built a beautiful monastery, and when he had invited the great elder, the chief of the vihdra, Mahdnettappasada, he gave him the charge of that noble building, and held a great feast at the dedication thereof, and made provision for its support. 48 From that place the prince went to Sumanakuta, and after he had worshipped the foot-print of the Sage he came to Ga^gasiripura.f There he repaired the breaches in the ancient 49 vihara, Nigamaggdma Pdsdda ;t and after he had made 50 provision for the support of the priests who dwelt there, he 51 arrived at Sindiiravdna. And there the prince built the vihdra by nameVanaggdmaPasada ; and after that he built, in thename of 52 the king his father, the parivena Abhaya Rdja, to which he gave divers things that were needful to monks, as also lands and other things. 53 From thence the ruler of the land went to the noble city of 54 Hatthigiri.§ There, at the beautiful Mahd Vihdra that his Vagiri-gala. f Gampola. J Niyangampaya. § Kurun^gala. CHAPTER LXXXVIII. 305 father's royal brother* had built, was the place where his body was buried, — a place that was always to be had in reverence. And as he beheld it again and again together with the prince Vfra 55 Bdhu and (in the presence of) the army, he waxed sorrowful, and meditated thereat on the unabiding nature of all earthly things. Thenhecausedanexcellentimage-houseof three stories to be built 56 and a great image of Buddha to be made there. And then he 57 caused a beautiful likeness of his uncle to be made, and adorned it with every royal ornament, and set it up in the same place. 58 To the image-house, as also to the image of his uncle, he dedicated fruitful lands that were able to produce what was lawful for their support, and many servants and attendants ; and the prince called 59 it (the establishment) Bhuvaneka Bahu Parivena, after the name of his uncle. Then he turned it into a city filled with people, 60 both men and women, and surrounded it with a wall and a moat and such like works. After that the brave prince departed 61 therefrom and, taking with him the four-fold army, went up to the city of Subhagiri. Now at this time Oandabhdnu, the chieftain who had been 62 discomfited and put to flight in a great battle, collected a great 63 number of Tamil strong men from the Pandu and the Cola countries and strengthened himself mightily, and descended again upon Mahdtittha with his host of Malays. And from 64 thence, that prince, after he had subdued the inhabitants of the Padi, Kurundi, and other countries, proceeded to Subha Pabbata and encamped there. And he sent word (to VijayaBdhu) saying, 65 " I will surely take the three Slhalas,t and shall not leave them 66 unsubdued. Therefore, deliver up the kingdom to me, together with the Tooth-relic and the Bowl-relic ; otherwise make war." Thereupon Vijaya Bdhu sent unto prince Vira Bdhu, and after 67 they had taken counsel together they set their great army in battle array, and proceeded both of them together, saying, " Oh, 68 that we may this day behold the strength of each other's arms ! " And they surrounded the great army of Candabhd.nu and fought a 69 fierce battle, like unto the battle of Rama. And that day the 70 enemy's strong men were utterly defeated and put to confusion in the field of battle. And they threw down their arms, and bowed themselves down with fear, and spake flattering words. ° Bhuvaneka Bahu. See chap. LXXXI., w., 68 et seq. f Buhupu, Pihiti, and Mftyfi, , 91—87 2 K 306 THE mahAvaijsa. 71 And some moved not., but stood still like pillars and prayed for 72 help, and others trembled and wept sore. On that day also the enemy's soldiers fled with fear on every side, some towards the woods, others towards the sea, and others again towards the hills. 73 Thus did he (Vijaya Bahu) fight the battle and put Oandabhdnu to flight, weaponless, after that he had slain many of his soldiers. 74 And he took his chief women and all his horses and elephants ; his sword and other weapons, many in number ; his great 75 treasure ; his royal chank and the royal umbrella ; the royal drum, and the royal banners. All these, however, he sent unto his father. 76 In this manner did he fight this great battle and obtain the victory ; and after he had subdued the country he brought Layk& under the dominion of one canopy. 77 Afterwards he enclosed that city (Subha Pabbata) also with a 78 high wall and a moat, and built there and finished a palace of exceeding great beauty, and made provision for the support of 79 the great priesthood that dwelt in that city. And he encouraged his younger brother Bhuvaneka Bdhu, and caused him to stay at Subha Pabbata as before. 80 And after this the ruler of the land went to Anur^dhapura and 81 cleared the holy places, such as the Thiiparama and others, cutting down the huge forest that had grown around them like unto a fastness that M^ra had created, and built up the rampart 82 which was (unto him) like a bridge over the river of (his) desire. And the chief of the land repaired these holy places and made them to look bright, and held a great feast in honour thereof. 83 And being minded to finish the repairs of the Ratandvali 84 Cetiya, which the king his father had commenced but left unfinished, he made haste and gathered together from their divers dwelling-places all the inhabitants of the city who had 85 left it, and placed there a great body of skilful artificers. And 86 the prince made provision for the support of the priesthood, whose chief was the great elder of SenanS,tha Parivena, and established him there to have the oversight of the repairs. 87 Thereupon the Vannian princes of the Patitthd country brought many gifts and presented themselves before the prince. 88 And he also made presents unto them of litters,* and white umbrellas, chowries, and such like, as also the emblems of the 89 princes of the MahS, Vanni, so that they were all well pleased. * Andoli. I believe this is a name for a seat or oonveyanoe with a swinwing motion, from Andoldyati, to swing or oscillate. OHAPTEK LXXXVIU. 307 And then he commanded them to defend that city, and went up from thence to the city of Pulatthi. And there he sent for the prince Vlra Bdhu and took counsel 90 with him, saying, "Let us make this chief city a goodly one 91 and fill the four corners of the earth with the incense of our praise." And this ruler of men then sent a messenger unto his father, who was to speak in this wise : — " There are now in the city of Pulatthi, palaces, image-houses, 92 vihdras, parivenas, cetiyas, relic-houses, ramparts, towers, bird- 93 shaped houses,* mansions, open halls, preaching halls, temples of the gods, and such like buildings ; whereof some are yet standing, 94 although the trees of the forest have grown over and covered them. Others are fast falling, because that the pillars thereof are rotten and cannot support them. Others, alas I are bent down with the 95 weight of huge walls split from the top to the bottom, and are tumbling down, because that there is nothing to support 96 them. Sad, indeed, is it also to see others, unable to stand by reason of decay and weakness, bending down to their fall day by day, like unto old men. Some there are with broken 97 ridge-rafters and damaged beam-ends, and some with roofs fallen down and the tiles thereof broken. In some the tiles have 98 slipped through the breaches of the decayed roof, and in others only the walls and pillars remain. Some there are with fallen 99 doors, and door-posts that have been displaced, and others with loose staircases and ruined galleries. Of some buildings there 100 only remain the signs of their foundations, and in others even the sites cannot be distingushed. What need is there of further 101 description ? This city, which is now so ugly and displeasing to the eye, we purpose to make beautiful and pleasant. Let the king grant us leave thereto, and let the feast of coronation be 102 held in this great city afterwards ! " And the king also, when he heard these things, was much 103 pleased, because that he was himself minded to make it the chief royal city. And he called all his great ministers together, and 104 bade them command all the inhabitants of Lapkd, that they should each betake himself (to his trade or occupation). Then 106 he gathered together smelters, turners, basketmakers, black- smiths, potters, goldsmiths, painters, porters, labourers, slaves, 106 outcasts, skilful bricklayers, masons, carpenters, and divers kinds 107 " A(}4hayoga, Described as a house, the roof of which is shaped like a bird's wing. 308 THE mah4va?sa. of workers in stone. And again, he gathered together all sorts of blacksmiths' tools, such as bellows, sledges, pinchers, and anvils ; 108 and also numerous sharp saws, adzes, axes, wood-cleavers, gtone- 109 cutters' chisels, knives, hammers, spades, mats, baskets, and 110 snch like ; — all these tools and materials, and much treasure consisting of pearls, cat's-eyes, and other precious things, to- gether with a great host of people, did he send unto his royal son. 111 Then the prince Vijaya Bdhu was much pleased thereat. And in that country which had been lying desolate and in ruins for 112 a long time, he caused the tanks, ponds, dykes, pools, and such like stores of water that had their great embankments breached 113 and broken, to be built up as before, so that they were filled with water, and covered with divers kinds of lotuses, and full of all manner of fish. 114 And after that he restored many fertile fields which had afore- 115 time produced divers kinds of grain ; and he caused the crops everywhere to flourish, and the whole of that beautiful country to abound with plenty. 116 And the prince caused the noble city of Pulatthi to be restored to its former state, and surrounded it with a deep moat like unto the sea, and with a circular rampart like unto the Cakkavdla 1 1 7 rock ; and spread abroad over it divers gardens, divers ponds, 118 many vihdras and cetiyas, numerous bird-shaped buildings, many palaces and mansions of divers kinds of work, many open 119 halls, numerous temples of gods, divers kinds of towers, many li>0 rows of beautiful houses, numerous streets, well arranged gates on the four sides thereof, and beautiful squares and courtyards. 121 Thus did he make the city of Pulatthi like unto the city of Indra, so that (by the magnificence thereof) it surpassed Mithila, discomfited Kanci, laughed at Savatthi, vanquished Madhurd, despoiled Bdr^nasi, robbed even V6sali, and made the city of Campd to tremble. Thus endeth the eighty-eighth chapter, entitled " The Eestora- tion of the City of Pulatthi," in the Mahiva^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER LXXXIX. FTERWARDS the prince sent a messenger unto his father, saying, "This city of Pulatthi hath now been built as it was built aforetime, so that there may be in it all things OHAPTBB LXXXIX. 309 that are needful for a great city. It shineth also now with the 2 greatness of wealth and prosperity. It surpasseth Jetuttara* and coveteth Sdgala. And after it hath subdued Su9sumd,ragiri will 3 it deign to notice Sdketa ? And lo I it also longeth to take EAja- gaha captive. And having destroyed Safikassa, it despiseth 4 even Indapatta, and seeketh friendship only with Kapilavatthu. .5 As Sakka, the chief of the gods, is to the city of Sakka, even so is the king, the chief of kings, to this city. Now, therefore, let 6 it please the most mighty king to come hither and hold the feast of the coronation." And when the king heard these tidings from the mouth of the 7 messenger he was exceeding glad. And he surrounded himself with his army and proceeded in royal state and with great re- 8 joicing from the city of Jamhuddoni to the chief city. And the 9 prince Vijaya Bdhu also went forth a league's distance (from the city) to meet the great king, and accompanied him into the royal city. Then in that city he (the prince) caused the feast of the king's 1 coronation to be held in due order for seven days, and made an end thereof. And he gave Vira Bdhu the charge of that great 1 1 country, who, after he had been installed in that prosperous city, 12 went with the king his father to the city of Jamhuddoni that he might bring the relics of the Sage into the chief city. And then he gathered the great body of the inhabitants of 1 3 La^k^ together, and made smooth the highway from the city of 14 Jamhuddoni unto the noble city of Pulatthi, a distance of about five yojanas. And therein, at the distance of half a yojana from each other, he caused excellent resting places to be built, orna- 15 mented with gay flags, rows of plantain trees, arches and the like. And when he had placed the two relics of the great Sage, the Tooth 1 6 and the Alms-bowl, on a stately chariot, gorgeous and beautiful as a chariot of heaven, he issued forth from the great city of Jam- 17 buddoni with a great company of priests ministering around the 18 grand and auspicious chariot of the relics, like a host of Brahmas around the great chariot of Brahma. And the magnificence of 19 the procession was much increased by a great concourse that were 24 appointed to perform divers duties, and who went before and after it, shouting Sddhu continually, and bearing in order parasols of gold with pendants of pearls, golden chowries wrought with pearls, ' This and others that follow are the names of famous ancient cities in Hindustan, 310 THE mahAva^sa. p ots made of gold and silver, fans of gold and silver, vases of gold and silver, chanks wrought with gold and silver, caskets of gold and silver resting upon stands of gold and silver, basins of gold and silver, mirrors wrought with gold and silver, bracelets wrought and ornamented with gold and silver, horses of gold and silver, elephants of gold and silver, and lamps, candlesticks and 25 the like of gold and silver. And rows of noble elephants accom- panied it, covered with the trappings of elephants ; rows also of 26 excellent horses ornamented with all the trappings of horses ; and companies of mighty men of valour, arrayed in the ornaments of 27 strong men and armed with divers weapons ; and rows of princes and ministers adorned with divers ornaments and arrayed in 28 gay apparel. And those who desired to gain merit followed it shouting : " Oh, this is good I Oh, this is good I Oh, this is good I" 29 And many devoted men and women, who led a pure life, ranged 30 themselves around it, bearing offerings and flowers, and pressed on to the front without hindrance, vieing with each other, saying, 31 " I will be the foremost." And the shouts and cries of the lusty 32 guards of the palace, as they smote each other (in sport) like unto men engaged in fight with each other, filled the place with 33 a tumult. And the music of the players playing on the five kinds of instruments, the delightful sounds whereof spread 34 through all the quarters of the laud, added beauty thereto. Bards who sang songs of joy, and minstrels who praised the glories of 35 their king continually, were present thereat. And trained dancers of divers kinds attended it with great zeal, whose dancing and 36 singing it was a pleasure both to see and to hear. And he main- tained this great display without confusion, and brought up the 37 procession along the highway adorned for the purpose ; and as he came in due course to each resting place that was prepared beforehand, he placed the relics there and performed great 38 ceremonies ; and setting forth again in due order from one resting place to the other, he brought up the relics of the great Sage to the chief city of the king. 39 Then the prince made the whole city a scene of great feasting and rejoicing ; and at a lucky hour on a lucky day, when the stars 40 and the planets were favourable, he placed the two relics, with 41 great reverence, on the great throne adorned with divers gems, in the ancient temple of the relics — a temple which was the noblest of temples, and which was as goodly as the palace of the king of the 42 gods in the magnificence of its adorning. From that time forth the prince made thereto offerings, that increased daily, of the four OHAPTBB LXXXIX. 311 kinds of perfumes ; of excellent incense ; of divers kinds of flowers, 43 such as punndga, niga, pitga, and the like ; of lamps ■without number, that burned with precious camphor ; of rows of torches 44 wet with perfumed oil ; of dishes of fine rice boiled in sweet milk ; of boiled, sweet-smelling rice in a heap like the top of Mouat 45 Kelasa ; and of all kinds of food, hard and soft and such as could be sucked or drunk up. And the wise prince maintained this 46 great feast of the relics, to which the minds of all men were drawn, with the blowing of conch-trumpets, for three months, before he made an end thereof, And after this the prince determined with himself, saying 47 " The ceremony of Ordination will I cause to be performed at Sahassatittha without fault or blemish." And to that end he first 48 sent the prince Vfra Bahu thither, and caused him to build many 49 thousands of beautiful dwelling places for priests, and a large and lofty building also, supported on sixty pillars, shining with decorations of divers kinds and ornamented with arches made of coloured cloth. And when all the four monastic requirements 50 and divers other things needful for the feast of the Ordination were got ready ; when all the Vannian princes of divers countries in 51 Patitthfe, Rohana,and elsewhere had brought, with all respect, alms of provisions for the use of the great priesthood, such as many 52 kinds of fish, flesh, and the like, with various condiments and loads 53 of rice, and milk, curd, ghee, honey, treacle, sugar, candied sugar, and the like, — then did the prince Vijaya B&,hu proceed thither 54 and send an invitation by messengers to all parts, saying, " Lol we are about to hold a feast of Ordination. Now, therefore, 55 such monks as are well-disposed towards us —be they great elders, middle elders, or juniors — let them, even all of them, endeavour 56 to come to Sahassatittha." Hearing these tidings, all the 57 multitude of ascetics who dwelt at Tambapanni rejoiced and were exceeding glad ; and they all departed, each from his monastery, 58 leaving none behind them, not even a priest in charge of the stores . And the great monks came, all prepared, in due course, to 59 Sahassatittha, and assembled themselves together without delay. And the prince beheld Sahassatittha again and again, and lo I it 60 was filled with monks ; and his mind was thus set at ease. Then 61 did the lord of the land treat the great priesthood full well with dainty meat and drink of the best kind. And he held a great 62 feast at Sahassatittha, and made offerings daily. And he caused 63 the priests who were set to officiate to perform the rite of Ordination on those who sought it, and held the feast of the Ordination for a 31^ THE MAhIvAIJSA. 64 period of half a month. Afterwards he conferred dignities and 65 ofiSces, such as Mah&simi-pada,* Mdla-pada,t Mahdthera-pada,} PariTenathera-pada,§ and the like, on such monks who made 66 the religion to shine brightly, and were worthy of them. The prince then gave them goodly gifts, as befitted a king, of the eight monastic requisites, to the value of a thousand pieces of 67 money ; and to all the other monks also did he make gifts of monastic requisites of great value ; and many of the things that were left he sent to the priests of the Pandu and Cola countries. 68 And when he had fully accomplished the desire of his heart, he 69 sent a messenger to the king his father, saying, " Whatsoever merit hath been performed by me with a pure mind, hath been performed on behalf of the king my father," 70 And when he had thus caused the rite of Ordination to be performed on many priests within the consecrated limit, that was defined without any fault, even the Udakukkhepa Simd:,|| at the broad ford of Sahassa in the Mahdvalika river, he caused the religion of the Blessed Buddha that contained the nine kinds of scripturelf to flourish gloriously. 71 And king Parakkama B^hu also, the greatest of kings, after he had placed the burden of government on his own son, and by him had performed a great amount of merit during a long period, departed for heaven in the five and thirtieth year of his reign. Thus endeth the eighty-ninth chapter, entitled " An Account of the Coronation and other Feasts," in the Mah^va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XO. ND when this king was dead his son, the prince Vijaya Bahu, reigned over the whole kingdom of Lagkd. Now in the second year of his reign a certain man named Mitta, one of his generals, became a traitor. And as this wicked man lusted for the king's power he gained over a servant in the king's household, and by means of this servant whose heart he had deceived by bribes, he caused the king to be put to death The Great Lord, t The Chief. { The Great Elder. § The Warden. II A space in a sheet of water, duly defined, for purposes of Ordination and other ecclesiastical functions. 1[ Navangikay. Sdsanay. CHAPTER XC. 313 one night. And when the prince Bhuvaneka Bdhu, the king's 4 younger brother, heard these things he departed from the city of 6 Jambuddoni and entered into a litter which was covered, for fear, and forthwith began to journey to the fortress of Subhdcala. Thereupon the men whom Mitta, the wicked general, 6 had bribed from the beginning, namely, the nine wicked and cruel 7 brethren of the Munaslha family, straightway pursued after him and cruelly hurled their pointed weapons against the 8 carriage of the prince with so great fury that the bands and trappings of the litter were all cut away. Thereupon he leaped out 9 from the carriage to the ground and proceeded with great haste to the village Ka.lagalla without fear. There he took him an 10 excellent elephant out of the stall in which elephants are tied, and mounted him and continued his flight, and after that he had 1 1 crossed the great river Kolabhinna, which was then in flood, he escaped to the selfsame Subha-pabbata. Then Mitta, the general, entered the palace of the great king 12 at Jambuddoni ; and there, with wicked intent, he sat on the 13 beautiful throne and showed himself to all the people, arrayed in the king's robes and ornaments. After that all the ministers 14 who had espoused his cause gathered themselves together, and supported each other, saying, " The allegiance of the whole army^ 1 5 both of them that are born in the country and of the stranger, shall we secure altogether by a liberal payment of their wages." And when they had resolved thus, they began first to give wages 16 to the strong men of the A'ryan warriors, at whose head was Thakuraka. But they refused to accept thereof, saying, " We 17 have always been regarded worthy of trust ; and it is indeed 18 the soldiers of the Sinhalese whose allegiance should first be bought with their pay, and whom you should always satisfy by every means in your power." Thereupon the ministers answered 19 and said, " Be it so"; and when they had caused all the soldiers of the Sinhalese to be paid they asked them (the strange soldiers) to accept their wages also. But they all refused a second time, 20 saying, " Let our wages be given to us afterwards : we shall not take it now." Nevertheless the ministers continued to press 21 them hard in every way with reasons why they should accept their wages. Whereupon all the seven hundred A'ryan warriors 22 rose up in a body, saying, " We shall speak (all the words that we wish) in the presence of the king ; and so they went up to the 23 king's palace. But when they saw Mitta, the general, seated on the throne there, they stood before him and did reverence to him 91—87 2s 314 I'HE mahAva^sa. 24 for a moment. Tben fhakuraka, a brave warrior, gave a sign to 25 bis porarades, and straightway drew out his sharp eword, and cut off the h^ad of the general in an instant and cast it on the .ground. 26 Thereupon ther^ was a great uproar in the city ; and all the Sinhalese soldiers who were powerful gathered themselves to- 27 getber and asked the A'ryan warriors wherefore they had ^one 28 this unlawful thing. And they replied, saying, " We have done this in obedience to the command of Bhuvaueka Bdhu who is 29 (Uow at Subha-pabhata." Thereupon all the warriors, both A'ryans and Sinhalese, joined themselves together, saying, " Be 30 it so." Then they brought the chief prince, Bhuvaneka Bahu, from the city of Subhi&cala to the city of Jambuddoni, and anointed him king over the kingdom with great honour. 31 Thenceforth the king secured the allegiance of both the armies 32 by giving them their wages and other gifts. And he drove away ,al| his Tamil foes, as J^&linga Biyar, Godaganga, and ithe others 33 who had landed from the opposite coast, and also removed the Sijhalesp Vannian princes Kadalivdta, IVl&pana, Tipa, Himiyi- 34 naka, and others. And when he had delivered Lagk& from the enemies who were like thorns thereto, he dwelt in the city of 35 Japibttddppi for a few years, and went from thence to the city of Subhacala, and caused that royal city to be greatly extended and adorned so that it shpne with exceeding great beauty, and him- self dwelt there. 36 And the king gained the love of all his subjects by his just rule, and he became righteous and exceeding devoted to religion. 37 The ruler of men caused all the three Pitakas to be written by learned scribes of the scriptures, and rewarded them liberally, 38 and placed those books in the divers vihdras of La^kd,, and thus 39 spread the Fdli Scriptures throughout the land. Many a time also did the lord of the land cause the feast of th^ Ordination of priests, which is a blessing to the world, to be held with great 40 pomp and splendour ; and thus did he cause the religion of the Sage to extend and to flourish, — a religion which is most glorious, and which should be adored by all the inhabitants of the three 41 worlds. Hp made also great offerings daily to the Tooth-relic, and ministered to the priesthood with the four things that are 42 needful for monks. In this manner did he do good while be yet dwelt at Subhagiri ; and when he had governed the kingdom for .^leven years be also departed this life for heaven. 43 And there arose a famine in the land. Then the five brethren OHAPTEK XO. 315 who governed the Pandian kingdom sent to this island, at the head of an army, a great minister of much power who was a 44 chief among the Tamils, known as Ariya Cakkavatti, albeit he was not an Ariya.* And when he had landed and laid waste the 45 country on every side he entered the great and noble fortress, the city of Snbhagiri.t And he took the venerable Tooth-relic and all 46 the solid wealth that was there, and returned to the Pandian country. And there he gave the Tooth-relic unto the king 47 Eulasekhara, who was even like unto a sun expanding the lotus- like race of the great Pandian kings. Then the prince Parakkama Bahu, son of that Vijaya Bdhu 48 who was surnamed Bodhisatta, and grandson of that great and 49 powerful king Parakkama B^hu (the second), raised the canopy 50 of dominion — that delightful emblem of noble kings, by reason of its cooling shade. It was like unto a cloud that was intended to shelter the people of LagikS, from their scorching affliction, and like unto the orb of the moon on the day that she is full. And 51 now he began to consider within himself by what means he 52 would be able to get back the Tooth-relic of the great Sage, which all his ancestors before him had adored, from the Pandn country whither it had been taken. And when he saw that there was none other means save conciliation, the lord of the land proceeded with a certain number of crafty and strong men, and 53 went up to the Pandu country, and presented himself before the king of Pandu. And he pleased him exceedingly every day by 54 his pleasant conversation, so that he obtained the Tooth-relic from the king's hands. And he returned therewith to the island 55 of La^k^, and placed it in the old temple of the Tooth-relic at the noble city of Pulatthi. And the lord of the land took up his abode there, and began 56 to reign over the kingdom, and transgressed not the laws of Manu. And he made offerings every day to the Tooth-relic, and 57 was diligent in gaining much merit. He ministered to the 58 priesthood with robes and other requisites ; and when he had thus advanced the prosperity of the church and the kingdom he yielded to the power of death. * He being a Dravi^a or TamU, had no right to the name of Ariya or A'rya. f The names Subha-pabbata, Subh&cala and Subhagiri are all meant for the city of Y&pauwa— ;pa56ato, acala,[a,nA giri being synonyms for a mountaiti. Subha-pabbata would mean " the beautiful mountain," and so would the Sinhalese Yahapau, contracted to Y&pau. 316 THE mahAva:^8a. 59 Then the prince Bhuvaneka B^hn, son of Bhuvaneka Bdhu the lord of the city of Suhhdcala,* hecame king at Hatthisela- 60 pura.t And this chief of men who desired to gain merit and was devoted to works of charity and other good deeds, made provision for the supply of alms daily to one thousand priests. 61 The king celebrated the feast of his Coronation every year in a 62 manner worthy of the dignity of a king, and then held a festival of Ordination in the month of Jetthamiila (June-July) with great rejoicings, and thus shed light on the religion of the 63 Conqueror. And when he had performed these and many other meritorious works of a like kind in divers ways, he yielded himself to the law of mutability in the second year of his reign. J 64 Thereupon his highborn son, Parakkama Bahu, a wise and 65 mighty prince, was crowned king in that noble city. And as he had a great love for the three Sacred Objects, he assembled the priests together and caused the rite of Ordination to be performed many times. 66 Afterwards the king caused a three-storied temple of the Tooth- 67 relic, of great beauty, to be built within the courtyard of the * /. e., Bhuvaneka Bihu the First who was the son of Parakkama B6hu the Second and the brother of Bodhisatta Vijaya B&hu (IV.), whom he succeeded. It was he who enlarged and adorned the city of Subh&cala or Yapau. Hence the epithet. f Kuran^gala. 1^ The editors of the revised text note that some books contain a different reading of verses 57-63, and give the passage (which is unfortunately imperfect) in a foot-note. It runs thus : — " And it came to pass that the king (Parakkama Bdhu III.) began to imagine constantly that the prince Bhuvaneka Bdhu, son of Bhuvaneka B/ihu the lord of Subhdcala, would endeavour to take the kingdom. So, at one time, he commanded the king's barber to go with the king's servants and scoop out the eyes of that prince, albeit he was his own brother (cousin). Thereupon the barber went and on him." (Here follows a gap, and after that a portion of a word which reads hundard, followed by another gap.) " The king celebrated the feast of his Coronation in a manner worthy of the dignity of a king ; and after that he held a feast of Ordination in the month of Jetthamula (June-July) with great rejoicings, and shed light on the religion of the Conqueror. He gave the eight things that are needful to the monks, in great number, and Kathina robes also to many priests." (Then follows verse 63 and the rest.) The editors have adopted the reading embodied in the text as the genuine one ; and, indeed, they could not help doing so, as that narration is consecutive and unbroken. But there are, I think, strong grounds for suspicion that the broken narrative is the original, and that it has been tampered with gubsequently with the object of suppressing the revelation of some disgraceful incident in the life of Parakkama III., the son of the pious and humane "Bosat Vijaya Bahu," who was the idol of his people. It would, however, be necessary to examine the palm-leaf manuscripts before pronouncing a decided opinion. OHAPTBK XO. 317 king's palace, with beautiful walls and pillars and paiutiogs, surmounted with spires of gold and adorned with door panels also of gold. And he covered the ceiling thereof with cloths 68 of silk and the like, of divers colours, which was adorned 69 with benntifnl ohnins of gold and of silver and of pearls, hung on every side. And when he had fixed a beautiful curtain-wall of silk, he raised a splendid throne and overlaid it 70 with exquisite coverings. And this covering he adorned all 71 round with rows of vases of gold and silver, and rows of ornamented candlesticks of gold and silver. And then, with great 72 reverence, he placed thereon the casket of the Tooth-relic and the 73 casket of the Bowl- relic, and commenced to hold daily, in a worthy 74 manner, great rejoicings in connection with the relic feast of the 75 Teacher. It was a feast that delighted the world, — smelling with the perfumes of divers flowers and the incense of smoking censers ; served with all kinds of meat and drink ; pleasing the ear with the joyous music played on the five kinds of instruments, and made pleasant by the songs and the dances of divers players. And he made offerings to the Tooth-relic of houses and lands, of 76 men servants and maid servants, and of elephants, o^en, buffaloes, and the like. And he thought within himself, saying, "Hence- 77 forth let the same ceremonies be observed daily, in regard to the Tooth-relic, as were observed towards the Supreme Buddha while he yet lived "; and of his own free will he wrote a book in the 78 Si:9halese language, expounding the same, called " The Ceremo- 79 nial of the Tooth-relic" ;* and he caused the rites to be performed to the relic daily according to the tenor thereof. Moreover, the king appointed to the ofiSce of king's teacher a 80 certain great elder from the Cholian country, who was a self- 81 denying man, and conversant with many languages, and skilled in the science of reasoning and religion. And he read all the Jdtakas with him, and constantly heard them expounded, and learnt them all, keeping in mind their signification also. There- 82 after he translated in due order all those beautiful Jdtakas, five 83 hundred and fifty in number, from the Pali language into the Sinhalese tongue. And he caused them to be read in the midst 84 of an assembly of great elders who were conversant with the three Pitakas ; and when he had purged them of faults and caused them to be transcribed, he spread them abroad throughout the whole of Lapkd. * Ddtliddhdtu Caritta. 318 THE mahAva^sa. 85 And afterwards he invited a certain elder of great learning 86 named Medhadkara, and gave the charge to him of these J&takas, so that they might be preserved in the line of succession of his pupils. And he built a parivena also for him after his (the 87 king's) name, and caused the four villages Purinagama, Sanni- rasela, Labujamandaka, and Morava6ka to be given to him. 88 At Titthagdma Vihara,* where the great Vijaya Bahu built a 89 temple, five and forty cubits long, which had gone altogether to 90 decay, this king, Parakkama Bdhu, built a fine two-storied temple, thirty cubits long, with tall spires, and then gave that building, 91 as it shone with divers paintings, to the great and venerable 92 elder Kdyasatthi who dwelt in the parivena called Vijaya fidhu. He also gave, for the benefit of that parivena, a village named 93 Sdlaggdma, near the bank of the river Gimha ;t and in that delightful village of Titthag&ma he formed a grove with five thousand cocoanut trees. 94 Then at Devapura^ he caused a long two-storied image-house to be built with two exquisite doors, containing a sleeping image 95 (of Buddha), and caused the surrounding grove and the village Ganthim£na§ to be dedicated to Buddha. 96 At Valliggama Vihfira|l he caused a two-storied temple to be built, which was named Parakkama Bahu, after his own name ; 97 and the lord of the land made it the common property of the great priesthood, and dedicated thereto a large village called Sdligiri^ for its maintenance. 98 Nigh to the town of E&jaggdma,** in the fine village of Viddu- mag&ma, he built the excellent vihara, Sirighan&nanda, consisting 99 of a parivena, a Bodhi and an image-house, and gave it to his teacher, the great elder who came from the Cholian country. 100 Afterwards in that pleasant country called M&yMhanu,tt he 101 built a new city with fine walls and gates, and erected a beauti- ful devdlaya there. It had a tall spire and two stories, and 103 was surrounded by a wall with gates. Therein he placed an * Totagamuwa VihAra. t Gi^-ganga. J Dewundara or Dondra Head, § Getam&nna. II Veligama Vih&ra. i Blgiriya. *»<• Ratgama. j-'t' The country round about Sit&vaka. CHAPTER xc. 3l9 image of the lotus-coloured king of the gods,* and made great offerings thereto. And when he had thus done much good to 103 the kingdom and the church, and had performed many deeds of ; merit, he yielded himself up to the power of death. He who had the power of merit that was heaped up in former 104 births, devoted himself to that which tended to his own good and the good of other,?, and cast off the love of uncertain riches, and thus did all things that were meritorious. ye good men, who value faith, think of that which tends to your own welfare ; think of the mutability of all things, and lay up for yourselves treasures by doing good, the chief of which is charity and piety, t After his death there was a king named Vanni Bhuvaneka 105 Bahu, and after him Jaya Bdhu, a very powerful king. And after the death of these two kings there reigned a fourth 106 ruler of men bearing the name of Bhuvaneka Bahu, who was a 107 man of great wisdom and faith, and a mine of excellent virtues ; and he dwelt in the delightful city of Gafig£siripura,t near the Mah&vdluka river. He who attends to the order pf succession 108 should note that in the fourth year of this king's reign there ,109 passed one thousand eight hundred and ninety four years from the Nibbdna of the Sage. The kings of old who lived at a time when Buddha's religion HO flourished, which ip a tinie that is hard to be met with, were constantly diligent in the exercise of every virtue, such as charity and the like,. Eemembering this, do ye ^also ,perform meritorious deeds in a worthy manner. Thusendethithe ninetieth chapter, entitled "The Narrative, of Bight Kings commencing from Vijaya Bahu," in the Mahavapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. ' Vishju. ■(■ This seems to be the proper conclusion of the chapter, ending as it does, like all the preceding chapters, with a hortatory verse composed in a different metre to the Anushfup, the metre employed in the con^position of the narrative itself. The remaining five verses must have been added ,by some subsequent writer who, from lack of material or noteworthy in- cident, merely made a record of the names of the three kings who followed Parakkama BS,hu IV. The occurrence of three errors in the space of five verses strengthens our supposition that they were added at a later period, when literature was in a state of decay and literary composition became faulty and imperfect, as will be seen on reference to the remaining chapters of the Mah&vaflsa. See supra chap. XCIX., w. 77-82 and note thereon. J Gampola. 320 THE mahAva^sa. CHAPTER XCI. IjND after the death of (Bhuvaneka B^hu IV.) there reigned two kings in that selfsame city (Gaiigasiripura), namely, Parakkama Bahu (V.) and the wise Vikkama Bahu (III.). 2 Now, in the time of the king Vikkama B4hu there was a 3 mighty prince of great wisdom, Alagakkondra by name ; and he 4 dwelt in the beautiful and fanaous city of Peradoni,* which is on the banks of the river Mahoru-ga9g^.t And he was endued with majesty and faith and such like virtues, and desired greatly to promote the welfare of the church and the kingdom. 5 It was told by them of old time, saying, " There is a city, Ealyani by name, that shineth with its temples and Bodhis and excellent walks; its ramparts, walls, image-houses, and Cetiyas; its 6 fine market places ; and its superior gates and arches." And the great Sage, moreover, visited this city of Kalydni that was so greatly praised. On the southern side thereof, and nigh unto the village D&riirugama, which contained a large pond, and was a 7 goodly place, wherein dwelt men of great wisdom and virtue, he built the famous city of Jayavaddhana-kotta, and adorned it with rows of great ramparts and gates and towers. 8 And this great man dwelt in that city ; and being desirous of acquiring merit, he did much good, such as the advancement of religion and the like. 9 And this man became king in that city by the name of 10 Bhuvaneka Bdhu V. And as he was fall of faith, he made offerings always to Buddha and the other Sacred Objects with great devotion, and gave alms daily, and other gifts, in abundance to the priesthood. And that he might advance the welfare of the 1 1 church, he assembled the priests together, and after that he had made inquisition he caused the robes to be taken off from them that were wicked, and showed favour unto them that behaved themselves well, and gave them courage ; and thus did he make 12 the religion of the Conqueror to shine brightly. And he caused a casket to be made of seven thousand pieces of silver, and placed the Tooth-relic therein, and made offerings thereto with great 13 devotion. And when he had reigned twenty years his days were numbered, and his own mother's son, Vira B^hu by name, * P6r4deniya. f Mahav^li-ganga. CHAPTER XOT. 321 succeeded to the throne ; and he also, in like manner, did all that 14 tended to the welfare and prosperity of religion, and yielded himself up to the King of Death. Thereafter, in the one thousand nine hundred and fifty-third 15 year after the Parinibbdna of the blessed Buddha, the king 16 Parakkama Bdhu (VI.)> who was indeed a temple of wisdom and courage, and born of the Race of the Sun, came to govern the great and glorious kingdom in the lovely city of Jayavaddhana, and began devoutly to make offerings to the Three Gems, This 17 lord of the land built for the Tooth-relic of the great Sage a beautiful three-storied temple, delightful to behold. And he made IS a casket of gold, inlaid with the nine precious gems,* and covered it with another casket of gold inlaid with precious stones shining with divers rays ; and this also he enclosed in another golden casket that he had made. Moreover, he made a great and 19 excellent casket gilt with gold of the first and most beautiful kind ; and as the king was desirous of being happy as long as life lasted, and even after it had oeased,t he deposited the tooth within the four caskets. And when he remembered all the great 20 feasts celebrated in Laijk& by the kings who were devoted in truth to the noble religion of the Supreme Buddha, he bethought him, saying, " I also shall not be slow to make offerings, but will do so, in like manner, from the profits of this kingdom." And when he had reflected in this wise, he made offerings to the 21 relics, in the fullness of faith, by every means in his power. And he caused alms to be given daily unto the priesthood together with the eight things necessary for monks, and celebrated a feast every month. To the priests of the three countriesj he caused the gift 22 to be given of the Kathina robe yearly, and a great almsgiving 23 and robes to be given every year. Thus did this king of great renown and virtue heap up merit. And at the village Fappatakanana§ the wise king built, for the 24 benefit of his mother, the SunettS, Parivena|| and called it after her name ; and he also made an A'r&ma for the priesthood, and 25 dedicated much land thereto. And he caused a store of provisions 26 to be laid there, so that alms might be given sumptuously for ** /. «., pearl, ruby, topaz, diamond, emerald, lapis-lazuli, coral, sapphire and ,' gomeda, which last is supposed to be a variety of agate. ■(■ /. e., during the course of transmigration and in Kirv&na. j Euhuiniu, Pihiti, and Ml,yd. § PfpiliySna. II Better known by the name of SunetrMevi Parivena. 91—87 2 T 322 THE mahAvaijsa. three days to the priesthood who had come from the three countries to celebrate the dedication, and heaped up merit in great abundance. 27 And he caused a copy of the excellent three Pitakas to be made together with their Atthakatha and Tika, and encouraged 28 the religion of Buddha. He also granted lands and possessions to the scribes, so that they might devote their time daily to the 29 writing of sacred books only. He caused repairs also to be made at Mahiyafigana and other shrines in divers places, and plastered 30 them. Likewise also at the GadaMdoni A'rama, La^kMilaka, and other places, he caused plastering and all other needful 31 work to be done. And on many occasions did he cause the rite of ordination to be performed with great feasts and great rejoicings. 32 And this chief of men, after that he had taken upon him- self the burden of government, performed many acts of merit 33 throughout a period of fifty and two years, during which he gave away twenty-six thousand one hundred and forty suits of robes 34 and other things necessary for monks. And this wise king, being full of faith, bestowed two and thirty Kathina robes on the priest- 35 hood. And as he rejoiced in the three Sacred Objects and made the religion of the Conqueror as though it were altogether his own, he spent money beyond measure and performed various acts of merit. 36 And as he was endued with faith, wisdom, and loving-kindness, and was a jewel of virtue, he knew the vanity of riches that are gotten, and therefore occupied himself diligently in good works. Knowing this, do ye, who desire your own good and rightly understand and seek after happiness as long as life lasteth and when it ceaseth, acquire to yourselves an abundance of the merit that conferreth blessings in divers ways. Thus endeth the ninety-first chapter, entitled " A Description of Four Kings commencing from Parakkama Bfthu," in the Mab^vansa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. 1 CHAPTER XOII. ND when he was dead his grandson, Jaya Bdhu,* became king; but Bhuvaneka Bahu^VI.)-]- slew him and ascended 2 ■■■ the throne. And he reigned seven years after he was 3 anointed king. After the death of that king, Parakkama B&hu, " Vira Parikrama Bihu according to the B&jivali. t Sapumalkumilrayfi, son of Parakrama B&hu VI., according to the S&jdTali, OHAfTEn XOII. 323 who was known as the Paudit* because of his great learning, became king in that beautiful city. And after him there reigned a king by name Vira Parakkama Bdhu,t and after him the 4 prince Vijaya B&,hu, who was adorned with many virtues, became king ; and on his death there reigned a king named Bhuvaneka B&hu (VII.)-, And these kings advanced the prosperity of the 5 church and the kingdom, according to their faith and ability, and went the way of their deeds. And when two thousand and eighty-five years were passed 6 after the Parinibb&na of the Supreme Buddha, a certain Vlra 7 Vikkama, born of the race of Sirisafighabodhi, an exceeding 8 mighty man, became king in the city of Se6khandasela Siri- vaddhana,t a city that was surrounded by the river Mahdvaluka as if by a trench. And this king took up his abode there, and gained the heart of his people by the practice of the four kingly 9 virtues, § and began to perform meritorious acts with devotion. 10 He removed the (Bowl) relic of the great Sage to a spot of ground not far from his palace, of great beauty, and built a Cetiya there ; and also an enclosure nigh unto it, with a two- 1 1 storied house, for holding the Uposatha service. And around 12 the city he built eighty and six houses with tiled roofs for the priesthood, and caused the priests to dwell therein. And he ministered to them and hearkened to the preaching of the sacred doctrines of the Conqueror. He celebrated a great feast 13 and hearkened devoutly to about fifty and five discourses that were read throughout the whole night. He caused (sacred) 14 books to be written on thirty thousand (palm) leaves, and made offerings to the three Pitakas of about sixty thousand (pieces of money). And he caused a hundred and eighty images to be 15 made of the Supreme Buddha, and a hundred and forty caskets also to hold his relics ; and thus did he lay up a heap of merit. And he proceeded from his own city on foot, and journeyed about 16 seven leagues in the course of one day ; and after that he had 1 " celebrated a great feast with divers perfumes and flowers, lamps, incense, and the like, he worshipped the shrine at Mahiyafigana. " Pandita Par&krama B5hu, adopted son of Bhuvaneka B4hu, according to the Eftj&vali. t Brother of Bhuvaneka B&hu VI. — R4jfi,vali. j Kandy. § Catu-sangaha-mtthu. Ohilders renders this phrase by "elements of popularity," and correctly defines it as " largesse or liberality, affability, bene- ficent rule, and impartiality." See his Dictionary a.v. Sa^gaho, 3S4 THE MahAvai^sa. 18 And the ruler of men went to Sumanaki'ita in one day, and 19 worshipped the sacred shrine there after that he had poured one hundred pots of oil into the lamp, the circumference whereof was fifteen cubits and the height five cubits. And as he had set his heart on the noble road (that leadeth to 20 deliverance) he repaired the difficult highway (to the Peak) ; and for the comfort of the pilgrims that passed and repassed it he caused steps to be built therein of seven hundred and eighty 21 stones. And when he had thus performed numerous acts of merit in divers ways, the lord of the land determined to hold a 22 feast of Ordination. And he caused many houses to be erected on the banks of the river, and brought thither priests who dwelt 23 in the three countries. And when the wise king had made great 24 offerings to them, he invited five and thirty of their number, the chief of whom was the great elder Dhammakitti (to form them- 25 selves into a body for performing the office). And after that he had chosen three hundred and fifty and five good men of good families, he caused them to be ordained amidst great rejoicings. Now (in the days that were past), a certain king of Pdtaliputta, 26 Mahdsena by name, was not satisfied with feeding one thousand a? priests daily, but was moved by a nobler desire, and determined upon giving alms with the substance that he gained honestly.* So he gave up the splendours of the kingly office and proceeded 28 (in disguise) to the city of Northern Madhurfi ; and after that he had worked there for wages, and gotten himself substance, he gave alms therewith faithfully. And when this wise king, who delighted in clean gifts,t had 29 heard (this story) he formed a rice-field with the labour of his own body, and gave alms in a suitable manner with the rice that was obtained therefrom. 30 And as he took pleasure in the three Sacred Objects he made offerings of robes, two thousand and one hundred and eighty and 31 two in number, and expended on account of meritorious works five hundred and eighty and seven thousand pieces of money. 32 This ruler of men caused to be given away as gifts sixty and two elephants and horses, and four hundred and fifty head of oxen ' Vatthvrsuddhitji Icaritvdna, " having made the substance pure." The most meritorious of alms consists in the giving of that which lias been honestly got, or obtained with the sweat of one's brow. ■j- Meaning, a gift of a thing honestly gotten. OflAPTBK XOIlt. 325 and buffaloes. Thus did this king, who was a seeker after merit, 33 perform good deeds in divers ways and purify the road to heaven. And as he was faithful and exceeding wise and devoted always 34 to the welfare of others, he knew the vanity of life and the things of this life, and, therefore, performed in a suitable manner many meritorious works that bring blessings in divers ways. And ye who have a wholesome dread of the terrible sujfferings of renewed existence, know this, and ponder on that which abideth and that which abideth not, and renounce the lust of the body and all the pleasures thereof, and be diligent in the performance of good deeds. Thus endeth the ninety-second chapter, entitled " An Account of Seven Kings beginning with that of Jaya Bdhu, " in the Maha- va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. ♦ CHAPTER XOIII. OW while this famous king (Vfra Vikkama) reigned in 1 this manner, a number of (lesser) kings, born of the 2 Race of the Sun, lived in divers places at Jayavaddhana and the like countries near the sea-coast ; and among them there was a certain king, Mdyddhanu by name, who was a mighty chief of men. Now he had a son named Rdjaslha, who was an 3 exceeding cruel man. And he was wont to accompany his father in his wars in divers places ; and being puffed up with victory, 4 this great fool, in the wickedness of his heart, slew his father with his own hand and took possession of the kingdom. And he 5 was known as Rajasiha of Sitdvaka. And for some time he took a delight in religion and performed meritorious acts. But one 6 day, the king, after that he had given alms to the priesthood, was seized with fear, and inquired of the great elders, saying, " How can I absolve myself from the sin of killing a father ? " Thereupon the learned elders expounded the doctrine to him ; but 7 they could not satisfy the perverse mind of the wicked man. And when he ' heard these words, saying, "The consequence of 8 a sin that hath been committed cannot be destroyed," he was provoked to anger, like unto a serpent full of poison when it is beaten with a stick. And he turned to the followers of Siva, and 9 inquired of them ; and when he heard them say the words, " It is possible," he drank them in as if they were nectar ; and then he smeared his body over with ashes and became a 10 worshipper of Siva. And after that he began to destroy the 326 THE mahAva^sa. religion of the Ooaqueror by slaying its priests and burning its 11 sacred books and breaking down its temples; and thus did he bar the way that leadeth to heaven. He embraced heresy, and 12 became like unto a thorn in the path of continued existence.* And he placed the ascetics of sin and heresy at Sumanakdta, thatso they 13 might take all the profits arising therefrom. Thus did this foolish and unrighteous man suffer much misery, because he knew not the path that he should have followed, but took the path that he should not. 14 Thereupon many priests stripped themselves of their robes through fear of the king. But those of them who feared the evils of renewed existence left their dwellings and went in divers ways. 15 And when the king had destroyed the religion of Buddha, which is the most spotless (in the whole world), and which alone tendeth to the happiness of all men, he reigned in this country 16 by the power of his former merits. And, verily, this sinner did rule with a strong arm after that he had brought the whole island of La^ka to subjection under him. 17 And this ruler of the land, although by his royal authority he had displayed the might of his power in the multitude of sins that he had committed, yet fell at the last into the hand of death. Hereby may wise men know the mischief that is wrought by those who are moved by the ignorance of sin and disbelief, and with fear avoid all temptation and do much good. Thus endeth the ninety-third chapter, entitled " An Account of Two Kings commencing from Miyadhanu," in the Mahavapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. 2 CHAPTER XCIV. OW in that king's (R^jasinha's) reign a certain prince of Gapgasiripura, born of the race of the Sun, went down to the city of Kolambajf but as it was not permitted 3 him to remain there, he went to the city of Gova| and abode there for a long time. And there he killed (in a fight) a powerful and famous chief named Gaja Bdhu, and was rewarded with many * Meaning that he made existence more painful by depriving it of the Bources from wliich hope could be derived. f Colombo. % Goa. CHAPTEK XCIV. 327 favours ("for that valiant act).* And this wise prince knew his 4 time and returned to the island of Lagkd, and received the support of the inhabitants of Pancuddha-rattha,t and became very powerful. And after the death of him who had killed his 5 father, (Rdjasipha), in the two thousand one hundred and thirty- fifth year after the Nibb&na of the Sage, this faithful, virtuous 6 and powerful king ascended the throne in the city of Sirivaddhana with the name of Vlmala Dhamma Suriya. And this famous 7 king built eighteen towers in divers places around the great city, 8 and united them with a high and thick rampart, and set guards in them to defend the city from the enemy. And he freed the 9 whole kingdom of Layk& from danger, and took for his chief queen a virgin of the like rank with himself. And after that he 10 was anointed king over the kingdom, this famous ruler, being desirous of merit, set himself earnestly to advance the prosperity of the church and the kingdom. And when the ruler of men made inquiry and learned that j 1 the tooth of the Supreme Buddha was preserved in the vihdra 12 at Labujagdma,t in the district of Sapharagdma, he was exceeding glad, and caused it to be brought to his beautiful city. And in 1 3 order that he might worship it daily and perform the ceremonial thereto, the wise king caused a beautiful two-storied Relic-house 14 to be built on a beautiful piece of ground near the palace. And he placed the tooth there and worshipped it always with great devotion. * The incident is narrated in the R6j4vali as follows : — " While he remained here Conappoo Bandara " (afterwards Vimala Dharma Siirya), " who had fled to Colombo, committed a crime, for which he was tried before Sallappoo Dharma Pawla Rajah and Captain Mohroe, and sent to G-oa. When Conappoo had been in Goa about three years, it came to pass that he expressed a desire of getting an opportunity of fencing with a captain called Gajab&hu, which captain was so expert at fencing, that no person, not even the viceroy, durst approach his door without first laying aside his sword, for who dared even to approach the quarters of the said captain with a sword could not escape without fighting and getting killed. This desire of Conapoo Bandara having come to the ears of the viceroy, he sent for Conappoo and asked if he could fence well ; he answered, that he could fence ; and accordingly he girded on his sword, and went to the door of the great captain, and was immediately addressed by him with, " Cingala, thou must not depart without fighting ; " and, immediately, they both began to engage, but Conappoo cut the said Captain Gajabihu in two pieces, on account of which valiant action several captains, and also the viceroy of Goa, conferred presents upon Conappoo." — Upham's RAjivali, page 310. f Lit. " the five upper countries." i Delgamuwa. 328 THE mahAva]jsa. 15 And as there were no ordained priests throughout the whole island of Lank& he sent ministers to the country of Bakkhapga, 16 and invited and brought over to this island Nandicakka and 17 other priests. And he made them take up their abode in the beautiful city of Sirivaddhana, where he ministered to them with kindness. Then he built a beautiful house in the Udakukhepa 18 Slm&atthe ford Ganthamba* in the Mahavdluka river; and, 19 in the two thousand one hundred and fortieth year after the 20 Nibbdna of the Sage, he conveyed the priests thither, and caused a great number of men of good families to be ordained in the midst of that great priesthood, and preserved the religion of the Supreme Buddha. He also caused many persons from good 21 families to take the order of novitiates in the church, and minis- 22 tered to them bountifully with the four things that were necessary for monks. And as he sought after merit he did much good in these and many other ways, and purged the road to heaven. Afterwards the wise king caused his younger brother, who had 23 put on the robes and entered the church, to disrobe himself, and after that he had placed him in charge of the kingdom he passed away according to his deeds. 24 Thus did this defender of the land, who was endued with the power of wisdom, perform many meritorious deeds, and display the might of his power by causing the religion of the Conqueror to flourish. Even such an one, albeit that he was learned and rich in faith, submitted to death. Knowing this, therefore, let men lay to heart the uncertainty of this life and its evils, and be diligent in good works. Thus endetb the ninety-fourth chapter, entitled " An Account of King Yimala Dhamma," in the Mah&va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XOV. j|ND this king, Sendratna by name, who was anointed king over the land, was zealous in giving alms and doing other works of merit. He practised the four virtues of kings and gained the love of his subjects. And then he held a feast in honour of the Tooth- relic with great almsgiving. 3 He raised his elder brother's own queen to the dignity of chief queen and took up his abode in the city. * Getambe. CHAPTER XOV. 329 And it came to pass that in those days certain merchants 4 traded in the port of Kolamba, and continued so for a long time till, in process of time, they waxed very strong. These men 5 were called Parapgis,* and were all of them wicked unbelievers, cruel,and hard of heart. And they entered into fruitful provinces and laid waste fields and gardens, and burned houses and villages, 6 and ravished women of rank, and sorely troubled the Sinhalese in this manner. They broke into towns and temples and image- 7 houses, and destroyed Bodhi trees and images of Buddha, and such like sacred things. And they destroyed the country and 8 the religion thereof, and built forts in divers places, and maintained continual warfare. Thereupon the king, Sendratana, took the Tooth-relic to the 9 country of Pancasata and other places that abounded with fastnesses in forests, mountains, and rivers, and kept it in a place of safety, and caused the guardians of the relic also to abide in 10 the same place. And when he had also made preparation for 11 the performance of the ceremonial unto it, and secured the safety 12 of the Tooth-relic, he left the city, taking with him his treasures that were of great value, and the sods of his royal elder brother, and his excellent queen, — a well-favoured and virtuous woman, who was then big with child — whom he conveyed carefully in a carriage,! and himself went to Mahiyapgana. And while he 13 yet dwelt in that city she bare him a glorious son, endued with marks of greatness, under a good and fortunate star. And on 14 that day, at night, the leader of the enemy's army dreamed 15 a terrible dream (and the dream was this). From the 16 western side of that city there issued a spark which was at the first of the size only of a firefly ; but it increased by degrees in size as it went on its course, till, when it reached the middle of the port at Kolamba, it waxed exceeding great and set everything on fire in a moment. And on that selfsame day (on which the prince was born) the enemy's hosts that had approached 17 Sirivaddhana fled in great terror before his glory. And in process of time the child grew up like unto a second moon ; and the king took great care of his son, and of everything else 18 that belonged to him. And when he knew that the time was 19 ' Portuguese. f The Sighalese translators have rendered yoggena by " in a befitting manner ''; but I think yoggw}, a carriage, is what is meant here. The queen being enceinte she had to be taken carefully in a carriage or conveyance. 91—87 2 u 330 THE mahAva^sa. 20 come he took all his posaessions and returned to the city of 21 Sirivaddhana. And wheq the sops of his elder brother ^nd the son that was born to him had come to years of understanding, the ruler of men, whose heart melted with compassion towards them, divided his kingdom which was girded about with mountains and other fastnesses, and caused the division to be written down carefully on three (palm) leaves, and placed 22 those three leaves near the relic of the tooth. And he took the princes thither, and caused them to take up each a leaf according to his choice. Then the country of U'va fell to the lot 23 of Kumdraslha, the eldest prince ; and the country pf Mdtall to Vijaya Pdla, in like manner ; and the five upper countries to 24 B&jasiha, the youngest. And when the king beheld the leaves 25 that had been thus drawn, and saw the leaf fpr the five upper countries which had fallen to the lot of his own son, he was delighted, and predicted that he would be a great man. And the rqler of men then gave each of the pripces the country that fell 26 to his lot. And he reigned seven years, performing works of merit such as almsgiving and the like, and advanced the welfare of the church and kingdom according to his ability. 27 And when the lord of the land had thus divided the country and bestowed it with much affection on his own son and the others, that so they might take good care of Lapk& and its religion, he yielded himself to death, which none can resist. Thus endeth the ninety-fifth chapter, entitled " An Account pf King Senfiratna," in the Mabdvapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. i CHAPTER XCVI. OW after that, as the time passed, these three rulers of men lived peaceably, eacli in his division, enjoying the pleasures of the kingdom and making war against the Parafigis ; in the which they were victorious in divers places. But afterward the three royal brethren fell out, and were at variance with each other. And pf these three, the famous Rajasll^a de- throned his elder brethren and added their dominions to his own. Now when the eldest prince (Eumdrasi^ha) was put to death by poison, the prince (Vijaya P&la), who was then at Mdtald, entered into acarriage and left the country ; and, after that he had crossed the boundary he went to a foreign land, together with a certain man OHAPTBR XOVI. 33 1 whom he had taken (to do him service). Thus the remaining prince Rdjasiha, an imperious man, whom none could approach 6 bi' conquer, and brave as a lion, took possessioil of the whole country, even as his fathet- had possessed it in the beginning. And he was courageous and brave in battle, and endued with 7 great strength of body, as if the gods of the true faith had created him for the intent that he might advance the welfare of the land and the religion thereof. Once, while he spotted with young men, he tode a horse and 8 went out with one who rode another. And as soob as the sign was given his horse ran along the course and sank in a 9 miry place that was therein. Thereupon the brav^e and courageous prince leaped up from his horse to the back of the one that was 10 coming behind him, and pushed down the rider thereof atid rode away upon the hack of his steed. Again, at the dangerous ferry 11 called Suvannatthambha,* the mighty prince made a leap from the rock on this side the river, and safely reached the rock that was on the other side. And when he had thus displayed divers 12 feats of strength, the celebrated king was desirous to advance the welfare of the church and the kingdom, and prepared mate- l3 rials of war and the like things in divers ways, and gathered together the Sinhalese who were ready for war. Then the 14 gracious king, at a fortunate moment, set out from the city of Sirivaddhatia, with elephants and horses and royal attendants ; with mighty men of valour and great officers of State and others j 15 with companies of fighting men armed with bows, swords, spears, and other weapons, and surrounded with drums and other instru- 16 ments of music. And taking with him the sons of Buddha for the purpose of giving alms, and performing such like meritorious acts, the fearless king proceeded from place to place, sounding 17 the drum of war as terrible as the sound of thunder. At the very 18 beginning he fought a great battle with the enemy that had ebtered the country of PancUddha-rattha, and slaughtered a great number of the wicked. Andtherulerof men drove the vile and cruel enemy 19 from their several positions, and broke up their camps, and gained the victory over them. And the enemy looked on this side and 20 on that, how they might escape, and fled in great terror, and fell 21 over great rocks, and leaped across the streams in the mountains. Like unto elephants when a lion getteth into their mid st, or as a * Sinhalese : Ranten-tofa. 332 THE mahAva^jsa. tuft of cotton that is blown away by a gust of wind, even so did the enemy, stricken with fear, flee before the fearless king when 22 he rushed into the field of battle. And when he had fought with the enemy in divers places and in manifold ways, he slew a great 23 many of his foes and drove them before him. And he displayed his might by freeing each country from oppression as he took it, and caused even the enemy's forts to be destroyed. 24 But many of the enemy escaped, who were sorely oppressed 25 with fear. And these wicked unbelievers lived quietly for a short time in their divers forts on the sea-coast, but soon began again 26 to plunder the districts in their neighbourhood. And when Hdjasiha, who was an imperious ruler, heard thereof he 27 went again to Dighav^pi in the eastern part of the country. And 28 while he was there he heard of the Olandas ; * and he thought well of it, and, being skilful in the laws of Manu, he sent two ministers to their beautiful country, and persuaded that people to 29 come hither in many ships. And when they had come to the sea-coast nigh unto Dighavdpi, which was a rich, prosperous and 30 populous district, he showed them much favour. And with the 31 intent to display the strength of his Sinhalese army, he ordered them quietly to watch while he fought with the enemy in the neighbourhood. And the ruler of men defeated and utterly 32 destroyed the enemy and took their fortress, and gave it to the Olanda people, to whom he showed much favour, and pleased them exceedingly. 33 And from that time forth the chief of La^ka, at the head of both armies,! began to carry on a war all around, by land and 34 sea. He destroyed at divers places the forts that were protected by thick walls of stone, slaying the enemies that defended them ; 35 and he utterly destroyed the enemy throughout the whole of 36 Lagk&, and freed it from the oppression of those who had long established themselves therein, by building forts and fortifying them strongly. And he established the people of Olanda in places bordering the sea, that they might guard La^kd. and 37 hinder the enemy. And when he had commanded that they should 38 come to him every year with presents, the ruler of men brought 39 away his forces, and entered his own city like the victorious Indra after the war with the Asuras. Thenceforth this chief of 40 men, Bdjasiha, dwelt securely. And he made careful inquiry ' Hollanders. f Sighalese and Dutch forces. CHAPTER XCVII. 333 into the merits of those who were worthy of advancement, and bestowed offices, such as general and the like (on such as deserved them). And the wise king confirmed all the grants of 41 lands that had been dedicated to the service of Buddha and the gods, so that they might be held in like manner as before. And 42 after that he had brought royal maidens from the city of Madhurd. (and made them his consorts) this mighty king governed the kingdom for fifty and two years. In this manner did this excellent ruler of the land, B&jasiha, 43 who had great power, protect the religion of the royal Sage who was born of the Solar Race, and his kingdom also, even as he defended his own eye or his life ; and at last yielded himself to the king of death. Thus this king, the lord of the land, who was mighty and skilful 44 in destroying the power of his enemies, nevertheless, prevailed not, even with all his strength, over death. Let the wise there- fore take knowledge hereof, and, before death overtaketh them, be constant and diligent in doing good, such as giving alms and the like. Thus endeth the ninety-sixth chapter, entitled " An Account of King R^jasiha," in thie Mah^va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER XCVII. ^D after that bis son Vimala Dhamma Suriya became 1 king. He was adorned with faith and the like virtues, and regarded the three Sacred Gems as his own. And 2 he took to wife the daughter of the queen who was brought from 3 Madhurd, and made her his chief queen. And this virtuous chief of men gained the love of his people by practising the four duties of kings, and governed the kingdom of La^kd with justice and equity. And he took a delight in the religion of the Conqueror ; and 4 as soon as he was anointed king he began to make manifold preparations for keeping a feast in honour of the Tooth-relic. 5 He built a beautiful temple of three stories, that shone with exquisite workmanship of divers kinds, for the Tooth-relic of the great Sage, and caused a beautiful casket to be made of twenty- 6 five thousand pieces of silver, which he gilt and set with the nine 7 334 THE mahAva^sa. kinds of gems ; and ia that large casket, which looked like a Cetiya of gems, he placed the tooth of the Ooaqueror. 8 And the lord of the land, being minded to celebrate a feast of 9 Ordination also, caused five hundred robes and other things 10 necessary for monks to be prepared and arranged separately (in lots) ; the which, with other presents and a royal letter, he sent by his able ministers to the country of Rakkhadga, and invited the 11 elder Sant&na to come hither with a body of priests. And he brought hither thirty and three priests (from that country) and caused them to take up their abode in the beautiful city of Siri- vaddhana, and ministered to them in a suitable manner with the 12 four necessaries of a monk's life. And when he had built a suitable house in the Udakukkhepa Simd at the ford of the river, 13 as it had been done before, he conducted the body of priests thither, and caused thirty and three persons of good families to 14 be ordained, and thus shed light on the religion of the Conqueror. He also caused one hundred and twenty persons to be invested with 15 the robe of the novitiate, and zealously ministered unto them with the four necessaries of a monk's life, and caused them to be instruc- ted in the sacred doctrines : and thus did he gain much merit also. 16 And as he believed that a pilgrimage on foot was an act of 17 great merit, he walked to the shrine at Sumanakiita, and remained there for seven days, holding a great feast of offerings of jewels, pearls, and the like precious things, and also of articles of gold and silver, and of divers cloths, and the like th ings. And 18 he made an end of this great feast by covering with a large silver umbrella the footprint which the great Sage had left on the top 19 of the mountain Sumanakdta. He also hearkened to the preaching of the doctrine every day, and kept holy every Sabbath, 20 and thus gained much merit. In many such ways did this seeker of merit, truly diligent by day and night, perform divers 21 good deeds. And when the king had, in this manner, en- couraged religion and conferred favours on the people, he lived for twenty and two years and submitted unto death. 22 Thus did this good and wise man, who had a love for good works, such as almsgiving and the like, give light to the reli- gion of the great and noble Sage, who is the only lord of the world. Do ye also, therefore, constantly and diligently cause that noble religion to shine forth.* * This verse is superfluous. Many such occur in the course of these faulty chapters. OHAFTBK XOTII. 335 Then his son Siri Vira-Parakkama Narinda-Slha* became 23 king. He was a temple of wisdom and valonr and virtue. And 24 to the intent that he might make the crown of La^kd certain, the king procured royal maidens from Madhurd and made them his chief queens, He performed works of merit, such as almsgiving 25 and the like, and made offerings daily to the Tooth-relic, and thus acquired much merit. He continued to minister to the 26 priests who were ordained in the time of the king his father, and 27 caused many persons of good families to enter the priesthood as novitiates, and favoured the cause of religion in sincerity. And that he might worship the Mahiya^gana Cetiya which 28 was built while Buddha yet lived, this powerful king went thither, and after that he had made an offering to the Cetiya of divers kinds of coloured cloths, he kept a great feast of offerings of 29 flowers made of silver and gold, and of flowers of plants that 30 grow on water and on dry land, of divers sweet-smelling flowers, and of food, hard and soft, and such like things ; and thus also gained he much merit. And he proceeded to that selfsame Mahiyapgana on two occasions, taking a great host with him, and kept great feasts. 31 The chief of men, moved thereto by faith, went also on two 32 occasions to Sumanak6ta, and, after that he had made offerings there, acquired much merit. And he took a great number of followers with him and set out from the great city t and went to 33 the venerable city of Anurddhapura, and kept a great feast there. And he caused a robe to be made, about the size of Buddha's robe, and made an offering thereof to the Tooth-relic, with 34 divers (other) gifts suitable for offerings. 35 And this chief of men formed a suburb named Kundasdla, nigh unto the chief city, in the large coooanut grove hard by the beautiful bank of the river ; and while he yet dwelt there he caused houses to be decently built in the same place, and 36 novitiates of the Order to take up their abode therein ; and he performed daily meritorious works, such as almsgiving and the 37 like, and caused books to be written also. And as he saw that 38 the temple of the Tooth-relic that the king his father had built at the great city was decaying, his heart moved within him, and he caused a fine two-storied building to be erected ; the doors 39 * §rJ Vira Par&krt^ma Narendra Sigha. j- MaMpura. Kandy, 336 THE mahAyai^sa. whereof were ornamented with exquisite workmanship of divers kinds, and the plaster work shone with exceeding brightness like 40 a silver hill. And the roof thereof was ornamented. And on the walls of the two enclosures thereof he caused to be painted with exquisite art (the deeds of) these thirty-two Jdtakas namely, the Vidura Jdtaka ; the Guttila and Ummagga Jdtakas 41 the Dadhiv&hana, Mahakanha, Sutanu, and Chaddanta J&takas the Dhammaddhaja, Dhammapdla, and Mah&janaka J&takas 42 the Padamdnava, Dhammasonda, and Mahd ^drada Eassapa Jdtakas ; the Mahdpaduma, Telapatta, and Cullapaduma Jdtakas ; 43 the Sattubhatta, Andhabhi^ta, Campeyya, and Sasa Jdtakas ; the Visayha, Kusa, Sutasoma, Sivi, and Temiya Jdtakas ; the 44 Culla-Dbanuddhara and the Saccaijkira Jdtakas ; the Dhum- 45 medha Jataka ; the Kdlingabodhi Jdtaka ; the Silava Jdtaka; as 46 also the Mandabba Jataka; and the Yessantara Jdtaka. And thus did the chief of men acquire a heap of merit beyond measure. 47 And he raised for himself a monument of glory by building a 48 wall enclosing the great Bodhi, the Oetiya and the Ndtha 49 Devdlaya that stood in the middle of the city, — a wall of stone, thick, high and shining with plaster work, like unto a beautiful string of pearls adorning the neck of the city that was like unto a fair woman. ^ow among the novitiate priests who lived at his time, there 50 was a certain one distinguished by piety and good manners ; constant in diligence, and conversant with the words of the 51 Supreme Buddha and the divers interpretations thereof. He was, moreover, a poet, a preacher, and a controversialist ; a teacher of great renown, and one who devoted his life to secure 52 bis own welfare and that of others ; yea, he was one who showed 53 himself in the religion of La^kd like the moon in the sky. To this zealous novitiate, Saranagkara by name, who was a receptacle of faith and wisdom, the lord of the land did often make gifts, 54 religious as well as temporal. He caused a casket to be made, one and a half cubits in height, to hold the relics of the great Sage — the Supreme Buddha, who is the only lord of the world ; 55 and he caused it to be gilt and set with seven hundred gems. 56 And this dazzling casket, with the relics therein, and many 57 sacred books also of the Law, did he present unto him (Sara- na^kara), and show him much favour. Moreover, the ruler of men presented unto him temporal gifts, such as robes and other things necessary for a monk, and numerous servitors. CHAPTER xovm. 337 And so that the doctrine may remain for a long time, the ruler of men desired that learned novitiate, who longed after purity 58 and the attainment of perfect knowledge, duly to compose the religious book named " Sdrattha Sa^gaha," that consisted of eleven thousand ganthas;* and a translation also into the Sinhalese language of the History of the great B6dhi,t and a 69 translation (into Sinhalese) of the Bhesajja Manjiisft, a book 60 that had been composed (in Pfili), in the time of Parakkama 61 B&.hu who reigned in the city of Jambuddoni, by the learned and 62 benevolent elder, the chief of the monks of the Panca Pari vena, to the intent that all who strive to fulfil their religious duties might thereby become free from disease. And this wise king, having thus done many meritorious things 63 and reigned thirty and three years, submitted to death. And this king having enjoyed much glory in the beauti- 64 ful island of Laykd, left all that (glory) behind, as he did his body and his kinsmen and friends, and went (the way of all flesh). Take due knowledge of this, therefore, ye worthy people : remember the exhortations contained in the words of the great Sage, and perform such good deeds as will bring happiness in heaven, and secure the supreme blessing of deliverance. Thus endeth the ninety-seventh chapter, entitled "An Account of Two Kings commencing from Vimala Dhamma," in the Mahd- vapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. ♦ CHAPTER xovm. FTER that the younger brother of the queen of that same 1 king became king. He was adorned with virtue, and 2 was celebrated as Siri Vijaya R&jasfha. And after that he was anointed king he took a delight in the Three Gems, 3 and was constant in hearing the sacred doctrines. He was dili- gent and wise, and loved always to associate with good and 4 virtuous men. And that he might maintain the purity of his family he brought hither royal maidens from the city of 5 Madhurd and made them his queens. And he lived in that " Gantha generally means a book or composition ; but here it is meant for a certain quantity of syllables — thirty-two. — See Wilson's Sanskrit Dictionary s. v. Grantha. Also, an Anus^up verse. See Sabdastoma s. v. ■f Mahd Bodhivagsa. 91—87 2 X 338 THE mahAvaijba. beautiful city, and gained the hearts of all the people of Lagka 6 by practising the four duties of kings. And the queens also of this king renounced the false religion which they had long believed, and followed, as it became them, the true religion which 7 gives everlasting happiness. And when they had hearkened to 8 the noble doctrines of Buddha, the only Lord of the world, they made oflFerings to Buddha and the other Sacred Objects with con- tinual devotion, in the following manner : — They made offerings daily, with becoming devotion, unto the Tooth-relic, of divers 9 flowers of jasmine and the like ; of sweet betel leaves scented with camphor and other perfumes ; of lamps fed with perfumed oil ; of sweet-smelling sandal and other fragrant substances ; 10 of divers kinds of sweet incense; of honey and other medicines ; 11 of garments, jewels and the like, of silver and golden bowls filled with savoury food, hard and soft, and that which can be 12 licked up or drunk ; of curtains and covers, and of costly robes and divers other things that are necessary for monks. Of these and the like things did they make offerings, and gather to themselves a heap of merit. 13 And as they were constant in hearing the sacred doctrines, they vowed to observe the five vows daily, and the eight vows on every 14 seventh day of the moon, and took heed of them as the Camari* (doth its tail). They also meditated much on Buddha and the 15 like thoughts, and caused religious books to be written. And as they desired greatly to acquire the merit of almsgiving, and having understood the nature of the alms that are given daily, and also of others, such as alms to priests who journey or are 16 sick, they gave alms daily, and that also with a willing heart. They also caused young persons to be robed as novitiates, and 17 rendered them much help, and caused them to be properly in- structed in the doctrines of religion, and gave them every needful thing that they desired, and thereby became unto them like the wish-conferring tree of heaven. 18 And they were like mines of virtue ; and showed much kind- ness and compassion towards the inhabitants of Lanka, bestowing upon them as much affection as a mother doth to her children. 19 And they caused images and caskets to be made, and lived in 20 fear of sin and in the love of everything that was good. Thus *• Wilson says that the Camari " is a kind of deer, or rather the Bos Orun- niens, erroneously classed by the Hindu writers amongst the deer." The hairs of its tail are used for the purpose of making chowries. OHAPtER XCVIII. 339 did they, in many ways, adorn themselves with the ornaments of virtue, and become celebrated throughout the whole of La^kd. And the faithful king caused dwellings for priests to be built 21 in divers places, and caused novitiates to take up their abode therein. And he esteemed them highly and showed them much 22 favour, and presented unto them gifts of robes and the like things that were needful to monks, and hearkened to the preaching of the holy Law. But, above all them, he chiefly honoured and 23 made offerings to the novitiate, 8arana6kara by name, who dwelt in the Uposathardma, and who was a man of faith and a mine of virtue. And he invited this selfsame Sdmanera, and caused 24 him to compose a commentary on four Bhdnavdras* (pi the Tripitaka) in the language of La^kd, and thus preserved the knowledge of the Scriptures also. And because that he hearkened 25 to the sayings of certain foolish men of other religions, who said 26 that great evils would befall them who place relics in new Relic- houses (and live near them), he caused another city to be built, and went out from this city and abode there. And it came to 27 pass that while the ruler of men yet dwelt there, the ministers assembled together, and, with the help of the servitors and other men of great authority, endeavoured to open the casket wherein 28 was the Tooth-relic ; but they could not, albeit that they tried to do so in divers ways all the night. And so the ministers went and told the great king of this thing. And when the king heard it 29 he hastened to the chief city ; and after that he had, with great 30 reverence, made offerings thereto of divers sweet-smelling flowers and lamps and incense and other things, the lord of the land bowed himself down before the Tooth-relic, and, taking the key of the casket, opened it instantly with ease. And he opened the caskets 31 that were inside, the one after the other, and beholding the tooth of. the Supreme Buddha, he exclaimed with great joy, saying, " The life that I have lived hftth indeed borne fruit 1" And then he 32 caused the people of the city to assemble together, and held a great feast with much rejoicing. And the lord of the land, 33 having seen this marvel, was filled with joy and delight, and after that he had dedicated elephants and horses and jewels and pearls and the like precious things to the sacred tooth of the great 34 Sage, he took it into his lotus-hands, and showed it to all the people, and filled them with great gladness. ° A Bhdnavdra is equal to 250 verses of 32 syllables each, 340 THE mahAva^sa, 35 And he caused the temple of the relic, which waa built in the time of former kings, to be adorned with divers cloths spangled 36 with gold, and fed the lamps thereof with perfumed oil, and 37 placed flower-pots therein. In that beautiful temple, which was like unto a heavenly mansion, he placed the relic of the great Sage upon a silver altar, and celebrated a great feast in honour 38 thereof. And he caused the whole city to be thoroughly purged, 39 and the streets thereof properly spread with sand. And at that 40 festival of the Tooth-relic he caused arches to be built of high and straight pillars around the temple and the inner enclosures thereof, and on the outer terrace, and in the great court of 41 the king, and on both sides of all the streets, with no spaces between them. And they bound plantain trees to them, and adorned them beautifully with the flowers of the areka, the 42 cocoanut, and the like. And by reason of the bright pieces of 43 cloth of divers colours that were bound to the ends of long poles, 44 the sky of the city looked pleasant, as though it were filled with flocks of cranes. And he caused jars, filled to the brim with water, to be decently placed in divers parts of the city, and canopies, shining with divers works in silver and gold, to be spread out in the open halls that were in front of the terrace 45 around the temple. And they enclosed the halls with shining curtains, and covered the floor decently with carpets shining with varied workmanship, and strewed the ground around with 47 flowers mixed with roasted grain.* And when he had thus 48 adorned the whole city, as though he were showing how the chief of the gods celebrated his feasts in the heavenly habitations, and how the kings of old, who were rulers of La^kS,, had held their feasts, the lord of the land adorned himself with the royal 49 ornaments, and assembled together, in the city, the novitiates of 50 Lapkfi, and the devout men and women, and all the dwellers in the city, and the inh£(,bitants of the country. And the lord of the land, whose heart was full of kindness and mercy, fell on his face before the relic of the great Sage and did obeisance thereto. 51 Then the king placed the relic on his lotus-hands and came forth 54 from the Relic-house with a heart full of joy, and caused it to be o' Ldja-pancamaka. Lit. "that which has roasted paddy as the fifth (flower)." Paddy when roasted bursts, and the grain inside the husk expands in the shape of a beautiful white flower. These are used on public occasions and festivals, as a mark of respect, for strewing the ground whereon a slirine is taken, or on which a high personage walks over. CHAPTBE xoviir. 341 carried with great rejoicing (before a host of people), endless as the sea, with the golden casket and silver umbrellas displayed in great number ; with beautiful rows of chowries ; with strewing of divers flowers of silver, gold, and the like; with divers jewels and pearls, apparel and ornaments ; with divers things meet for offerings, and with the music of the five kinds of instruments. And then the king went up and stood on the outer ball, which 55 was beautifully ornamented in divers ways, and displayed the 56 sacred tooth to the great multitude around him : and having thus pleased them exceedingly, he kept the Tooth-relic in its place. 57 Thus did he give much pleasure to the people on that occasion ; yea, as much as they would have enjoyed if they had seen Buddha alive ; and thereby gained he much merit for himself. And the 58 chief of men made offerings of divers things fit to be offered thereunto : gold, jewels, and pearls ; elephants, horses j men servants, maid servants, and the like. He also made offerings of 59 jasmine, champac, and the like flowers, and of sweet-smelling sandal and the like perfumes. And when he had thought to 60 himself that there was great merit in a feast of lamps, the 61 noble-minded king commanded that a feast of lamps should be held in one night at the divers shrines throughout the country, and also in his city. And he gathered the people together, even 62 in one night, and held a feast, where seven hundred and ninety thousand and six hundred lamps were lighted. Thus did this 63 king, the ruler of Laijkd, make the face of the island of La^ikA to look bright with shining lights, like the sky that is spangled with 64 stars. He also gathered much merit by offerings of flowers, ten million thirty and three thousand and eight hundred in number. This king, who was endued with great virtue, took delight 65 also in causing images of Buddha to be made. In the A'loka Lena* and other rock-caves in the country of M&tal6, and in divers 66 rock-caves in other parts of the country, he caused to be made 67 new images of Buddha, of his stature, both sleeping and standing and sitting, and also Cetiyas that give pleasure to men. He also 68 caused many repairs to be made in decayed image-houses, and added greatly to his merits by making provision for their support. In the city of Sirivaddhana he removed the king's house and 69 many other buildings that had been built aforetime, but were oldj 70 and built beautiful houses of stone. And the ruler of men caused ?! ° Mn Vihftra. 342 THE mahAva^sa. to be built the beautiful Tower-gate* of two floors, wherein there were divers figures of plants and animals, and an iron gate with 72 excellent doors. And while he yet dwelt in the city, the king, who loved to hear the preaching of the Law, caused halls to be 73 erected in the middle of the court-yard of the palace, and orna- mented them throughout with beautiful arches and the like, and 74 spread out canopies, and prepared pulpits therein. With much trouble also he procured many preachers of the Law, and caused them to sit down and preach, with beautiful fans in their hands. 75 And after the king had hearkened to the discourses of Buddha, clearly expounded by them in a manner that stirred his heart, he 76 was greatly delighted, and made divers offerings of things meet to be offered, such as censers of gold and silver and divers kinds of 77 beautiful cloths. And the lord of the land made such offerings many times, together with his ministers and his followers, and gained much merit thereby. 78 And when he had learnt form the sacred Law that to impart 79 religious knowledge was an act of great merit, he caused preaching halls and lodging places for priests to be built in divers places suited for the assembling of people, because that he desired the welfare of the inhabitants of the divers districts in the king's coun- 80 try. And the ruler of men sent forth many preachers of the Law and others, and commanded the people to assemble at divers places, and caused the sacred Law to be expounded to them, and thus imparted religious knowledge also. 81 And the wicked and unrighteous unbelievers, the Para^gis, 82 who had escaped destruction in the time of king Bajasiha, and 83 who then dwelt in divers parts of the country, endeavouring to turn others to their faith by gifts of money and the like, now lived in open contempt of the religion of Buddha, with full of 84 devices. And when the king heard of their doings he was very wroth, and straightway commanded his ministers to destroy their houses and books, and to cause such as would not renounce their faith to be driven out of the country. 85 The lord of the land caused all kinds of feasts, such as the feast of lamps and the like, to be held at the noble foot-print of 86 the Supreme Buddha on Snmanakiita ; and celebrated great feasts at Anurfidhapura, and also at Mahiyaygana and other 87 places. He also built stone bridges, for the convenience of ° Dvara-kotthalca-geha. Lit. " gate-tower-house.'' CHAPTER XOVIIl. 343 travellers in the eastern and western districts, on roads that were difficult of access by reason of water. And when it was made known unto the king that the religion 88 of the Conqueror decreased in Laijka because that the Order of 89 priests was extinct, it grieved the lord of the land and aston- ished him greatly ; and he resolved to bring in the Order, and caused many inquiries to be made concerning the religion of the Sage, where it was most prosperous. And when he had heard 90 from the Olandas the glad news that it flourished in divers parts 91 of the kingdom of Pegu, Kakkhafiga, and Sdma,* the king sent 92 ministers thither, separately, and others with letters, which he caused to be duly written in the first language,t that so he might find out how the religion of the Sage prospered in each country. And when he heard that the religion in the country 93 of AyojjhaJ prospered well, and that it was exceeding pure and undefiled, the ruler of men was minded to procure from that 94 very country the sons of the Conqaeror§ to the land of Lapkd, and sent back his ministers thither, with a letter and presents 95 and divers things meet for offerings. And the lord of the land also caused a fine casket of pure 96 gold to be made, one and a half cubit high, with the intent that he might place the Tooth-relic therein. And he caused it to be set with gems of great value, and pearls, and the like precious things ; but while the work remained yet unfinished his merit came to an end ; and, in the eighth year of his reign, this chief of men, who was adorned with the ornaments of faith and many 97 other virtues, and was desirous to secure the purity of the noble religion of Buddha, departed, at last, to the region of death, after that he had performed many great and good deeds that tended to the happiness of mankind. Thus this lord of Lapkd, this chief of men who was an excellent 98 king, devoted to the welfare of others, and desirous of acquiring merit, governed the kingdom, doing good to himself and to others. Ye, therefore, who desire happiness in this world and unbounded happiness beyond this world, take heed and avoid slothfulness, and lay up for yourselves a store of merit which bringeth much happiness. Thus endeth the ninety-eighth chapter, entitled " An Accou nt of Siri Vijaya RAjasiha," in the MahAvapsa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. » Siam. t P41i. J Ayodhya. § Priests of Buddha. 344 THE mahAva:^sa. CHAPTER XOIX. ND when this great and virtuous king was dead, his wife's brother, a prince of great beauty and youth, became the supreme king. And he shed light on the beautiful island of La^kd, and found favour in the eyes of the 2 people by the exceeding beauty of his person. And this chief of men ascended the throne in the two thousand two hundred and ninetieth year after the ParinibbSna of the Supreipe 3 Buddha, and gave himself up to advance the welfare of the island of Lagkd, and thereby comforted the people who were mourning for the loss of the great king (his predecessor). 4 And as the sun, after that he hath given light to all the 5 quarters of the earth, goeth down the western mountain and 6 leaveth darkness behind him, and, rising again behind the eastern mountain, dispelleth the darkness and lighteth up all the quarters of the earth, so did this illustrious king ascend the throne of La^ka and disperse the darkness of sorrow which had been cast over the whole nation, and fill the hearts of the people with great gladness. And as soon as this chief of 7 men was anointed king, because that he was a lover of virtue and delighted in the three Sacred Gems of wh ich Buddha is the chief, he caused the whole city to be cleaned forthwith, and 8 ornamented it with cloths, arches, and the like ; and when great numbers of the inhabitants of La^kd had assembled themselves 9 together, the great and illustrious king, the child of good fortune, 10 marched in procession around the city with all the magnificence of a king, and made them feel that the kingless kingdom of La^ka had once more a king. And the chief of men, who was endued with great virtue, took up his abode in the city of Sirivaddhana. 1 1 This eminent and meritorious king, Kittissiri Edjasiha, by the strength of his resolutions (in former births) to maintain and defend the religion of the Sage, now appeared in La^kd, and enjoyed the splendour of Lagkd's kingdom. He excelled in wisdom and in faith, and called to mind the things that are real and the things that are unreal, and began to make offerings unto the three Sacred Gems of which Buddha is the chief. 12 And he joined not himself to evil companions, but associated 13 himself with the wise, and gave honour to the virtuous, and hearkened to the noble Law, and himself increased in faith and CHAPTER XOIX. 345 wisdom. And the king, knowing what things ought to be done and what things ought not to be done, avoided that which was not to be done and clave to that which ought to be done. And he 14 pleased all his people by practising the four duties of kings, and became worthy of the praise of wise men. And when he had 15 learned from the sacred Law the reward that was due to them 16 that impart religious knowledge, and the benefit of hearing the sacred Law, and the merit of copying the books of the Law, and even of making offerings thereto, he thought that these were things that were meet to be done. So he caused preaching halls to be built in divers places, and set up canopies of cloths of 17 beautiful colours therein, and ornamented them with divers arches. And when he had caused those halls to be lighted and 18 pnlpits to be prepared in them, he caused preachers of the sacred Law to be brought thither with great pomp and honour, and respectfully invited them to take their seats on the pulpits and 19 to expound many discourses of Buddha, such as the Dhamnia- 20 cakka and the like, and gave ear to them all night with great reverence. And by thus hearing the sacred Law he was enabled 21 to see in its true light the vanity of life and of the body and the pleasures thereof, and the nature of that which is real and durable; And the faithful king was much pleased, and continued 22 to celebrate the great feast with his ministers and his followers by offering up divers things that were meet to be offered. And 23 in this manner did he ofttimes cause religious knowledge to be 24 imparted for the welfare and happiness of the inhabitants both within and without the city, even all his people ; and thus did the ruler of men perform that meritorious act which consisted in the communication of religious knowledge; And the king, with much lovingkihdness, bestowed favours 25 on the priests who had come from Rakka6ga and the priests of La^ka and many novitiates also 'who had entered the church, by 26 giving them all the things that were necessary for monks, such as robes and the like ; and he caused them to recite the Paritta, and the Ma%ala, and other discourses. Many a time also did he 27 thus keep up the preaching of the sacred Law, and increase his store of merit by making gifts of the things that were necessary for monks. And in the fulness of his faith he spent nine thousand and six 28 hundred pieces of money and caused an excellent golden book to be made, on the golden leaves whereof he caused many discourses 29 of Buddha to be engraved, such as the Dhamma-cakka and others. 91—87 2 Y 346 THE mahAvaj^sa. 30 And he caused the preachers of the sacred Law to read it for one whole night, and offered many things thereunto, and ofttimes 31 heard the exposition of the sacred Law therefrom. And the ruler of men gathered many scribes together, and caused the Digha Nik&ya to be copied in one siagle day, and paid the writers 32 thereof liberally. And then he held a great feast and caused th6 doctrines that were contained therein to be duly expounded throughout the night, hearkening to it himself, and causing others 33 also to hearken to it. In the fulness of his faith he also caused copies of many other books to be made, such as the Sa^yutta Nikdyaand the like, and paid the writers thereof in money. And 34 when others, whether priests or householders, made copies of books decentlyand brought them before him, he was well pleased 35 therewith, and showed them much favour by giving them gifts of money and the like. Thus, being always kind and liberal, he shared in the merits of others also among the inhabitants of 36 And this chief of men who was desirous of merit went up to the noble city of Anurddhapura with all his followers, and made 37 offerings to the great Bodhi and the great Getiyas of elephants and horses and gold and silver and the like ; and in this wise also 38 did the king acquire merit. And the illustrious chief of men went in royal state to the Mahiyangana Cetiya and the excellent Nakha Oetiya, and heaped merit by worshipping at those shrines 39 and holding great feasts. And that he might worship and make 40 offerings at the beautiful Oetiyas and viharas that the king 41 Parakkama B^hu had built in the noble city of Pulatthi, this faithful and renowned king went thither with a great number of followers and made offerings thereat beiittingly. And the king, who was endued with faith and other virtues, worshipped at the Kajata Yihara* also, and acquired much merit. 42 And like the former kings of Laigkd, he desired to show to the 43 divers classes of his subjects the rejoicings that were held in honour of N&tha, Vishnu, and other gods, which were regarded by 44 all the people as conducive to prosperity. And to that end he caused preparations to be made throughout the whole city, so that it looked like the pity of the gods. And he assembled 45 together all the inhabitants of La^ka in that city, dividing the people according to their districts and offices, and placing them in divers parts of the city, — the people of each district having a " Ridi Vih&ra. OHAPTKR XOIX. 347 flag to distioguish them, raised (in their several encampmentB). And he caused the emblems of the gods, that were in the temples, 46 to be (taken out and) placed on the back of elephants, and com'^ ^* manded that they should be taken in procession, accompanied before and behind by elephants and drums and a host of dancers ; by numbers of divers elephants and horses ; by men in the dress of Brahmas, arrayed gorgeously in divers garments ; by persons holding divers kinds of umbrellas and chowries ; by numbers of divers classes of women and officers of State ; by numerous sword- bearers and shield-bearers and spearmen and men armed with divers kinds of weapons ; by persons carrying divers cloths and flags ; by people of strange countries, and men skilled in divers languages ; by numerous artificers and handicraftmen, and by many such people. And then the king followed in royal state, 53 like the king of the gods, and after that he had gone round the whole city with the procession, returned (with it), and entered the palace at the conclusion thereof. And while our great king thus celebrated the A's&lhi* rejoicings 54 yearly he thought it proper, as his faith and wisdom increased, that 55 they should be preceded by a procession in honour of Buddha. So he caused a golden howdah of exquisite workmanship to be fixed on the back of the State elephant, and adorned this white 56 elephantt with ornaments. And this one was surrounded by 57 elephants ridden by men who carried silver umbrellas and chowries and flowers, and canopies with flowers hanging from them, and manifold other things that were meet for offerings ; by divers flags and banners ; by men who disguised themselves 58 in manifold dress ; by royal ministers ; and by divers strangers. And when everything was thus made ready, the ruler of men 59 reverently placed the splendid golden casket containing the relics 60 of the body of Buddha on the howdah, and caused the flower- strewers to strew flowers thereon, thick as rain. Then there was 61 great rejoicing, with cries of " Sddhu," and with the sound of conchs and cymbals and the noise of divers drums. And the good 62 people, who were struck with wonder and amazement, unceasingly * July — August. ■j- The expression Suhhorcandiradar/.-gajw}. is evidently a blunder. The writer probably had a hazy idea of the Sanskrit words Subhra-candira, which may be used for a white elephant, and in attempting to render them into Pili made an incomprehensible mess of the compound. The Sinhalese version malces it, " the elephant with beautiful spots and two tusks," for which I do not find any warrant. 348 THE MAHlVAljSA. worshipped the relics with their hands raised to their foreheads. 63 And the ruler of men arranged that the procession should be preceded by men carrying torches and by men wearing festive 64 garments and by a variety of festive shows. And he commanded 65 that the relic of the Oonqueror, which had obtained the first place among the things that were to be adored by gods and demigods and men, should be carried foremost ; and the rest, such as the emblems of gods, and men and others, should follow behind it. 66 And he himself, surrounded with all the magnificence of royalty, amidst shouts of victory and applause, with the majesty of a king, and with great rejoicings, went forth, as if displaying before men the manner in which the chief of the gods celebrated the great feast of the relic in heaven. 67 And as he was endued with faith and many other virtues he gave 68 his services to the cause of Buddha, the Law, and the Order. And remembering with pleasure what was real and what was unreal, he did always deeds of charity and the like good works. And as he abounded in faith, wisdom, and mercy, and other excellent virtues, he was like unto a lamp that shed light throughout the island. And he rejoiced exceedingly in the Supreme Buddha, and walked circumspectly according to the Law of the Sage with the ten powers. And he was always diligent and zealous, and looked at the real and the unreal ; and, being mindful of the welfare of all his people, he performed many acts of merit, such as almsgiving and the like, and continued so (even to the end).* 69 And because of the respect that he had unto the three Sacred Qems, he continued daily to make great offerings to the Tooth-relic 70 with great rejoicing. And being always mindful of the priests who were brought into the church in his reign, he ministered unto them, out of his own income, with the four things that were 71 necessary for monks. And as he delighted in the sacred Law he ofttimes heard it expounded with great attention, and acquired 72 much merit. And thus he caused the religion of the Conqueror to flourish, even as it did when Buddha yet, lived, and did much 73 good to the inhabitants of La^kd. And when he heard of the works that had been done by Parakkama B&hu and former * These two verses are composed in different metres — viz., the Dp^idra- vajjr& and SragdJiara, respectively, and contain needless repetitions — a lament- able fault throughout these chapters. The two verses, besides, are uncon- nected with the narrative, and have evidently been added or interpolated for effect, CHAjPTER XCIX. 349 kings he was struck with their excellence, being indeed himself a follower in their footsteps. And as he had learnt the duties of 74 kings he had a great regard thereto, and lived in fear of the 75 four states of mind that lead to the perversion of justice,* and applied himself with great heed to the practice of the four kingly virtues. He showed favour unto his own brother and others in a manner that was most fitted to please them, and gained their affections by inquiring constantly after their health and welfare. Thus did this chief of men, the supreme lord of 76 Lapkd, give himself up to the welfare of others, and was always diligent in defending the cause of religion and of his people. And when he heard of the many former kings who had been the defenders of La^kS, and remembered their noble deeds, he resolved, saying, " I also will walk in the excellent path of the duties of kings.'.' And when he had thus resolved the ruler of 77 men pondered it in his heart. Now the history of the kings of the Great Dynasty and of the kings of the Lesser Dynasty, from Maha Sammata unto those 78 of the city of Hatthisela, was formerly comprised in verse, and preservedby them of old under the title of "the Mahdva^isa." And 79 this ruler of La^kd caused an examination to be made, separately 80 and in due order, of the two books, namely, that which was extant in the island of La^kd and the same book of the history of the kings of La^ika that was brought hither from Siam ; and 81 when it was told him that they were wanting, he caused the 82 portion also of the history of the latter kings, from Farakkama 83 B^huf and others to the present time, to be written up, and caused the genealogy also of the kings to be preserved, f Thus did this ruler of men administer the affairs of the king- dom justly and righteously, and committed not any breach of the precepts of kings or of the precepts of religion, but con- formed himself to the laws that govern the conduct of kings, and daily performed divers acts of merits, such as giving alms 84 and the like. And this liberal king meditated on the noble Law, and steadily practised the four kingly virtues (that conciliate 85 " The Agatis, viz., love, hatred, fear, and ignorance. ■)• Par&kr6ma Bahu IV. who reigned at Knrun^gala. See Chap. XC, v. 64. ^ Being an important passage, relating to the composition of the last portion of the Mahdvapsa, I have rendered the original very closely. The portion thus written up to this date evidently commenced from the 105th verse of the XCth chapter, which records the reign of Parakkama B&hu IV . See note in loc. 350 THE MAHiVA]JSA. people); namely, giving of gifts, speaking kind words, seeking the good of others, andregarding their fellow-creatures as they do them- 86 selves. And so that the world might see that he had the same regard for his two younger hrethren, the sub-kings, as he had for himself, the king bestowed liberally on them equipages and all 87 other things that were necessary for kings ; and thus he pleased 88 them much, and practised to their utmost extent the four-fold kingly virtues. And these two sub-kings who had received such favours from the king, were wont to celebrate feasts in honour of the Tooth-relic, each on his own account, and to cause books to be written for payment. They were wont also to invite priests and 89 give them alms daily ; and by hearkening to the preaching of the holy Law they knew what should be done and what should 90 not be done ; and thereby they eschewed evil deeds and loved good works greatly. They sought also for S^maneras who were 91 good men, able and skilful, and provided them with the eight 92 things that were necessary for monks, as befitted princes, and caused them to be ordained and well instructed in the Laws of discipline and the discourses of Buddha. They built monasteries 93 also, which are works of great merit, and caused priests to dwell in them, unto whom, also, they were wont to minister duly, with great regard. And they also made inquiry, in divers ways, concerning the things that were needful to be done for the 94 religion and the kingdom. And by encouraging good men and discouraging the wicked, they acted according to the king's 95 wishes, as it was their duty to do. In this manner they sought to do good in divers ways, and conducted themselves according to the king's wishes, and made themselves one with the religion 96 and the people. And because that some former kings, with the intent to obtain the kingdom, cared not for their brethren and 97 kinsfolk, but persecuted one another, the people, in like manner, by reason of their dissensions, became of the same character. But these three brethren, having obtained and divided among 98 themselves a kingdom that was not to be despised, contended not with each other for greatness, nor laid bare the faults of one another before the world. And they dwelt together in one city, 99 and clave to each other like their own shadows. And thus, with- out (envying one another, or) being provoked to anger on account of the kingdom, they displayed the virtues of the Bodhisatta as 100 they are written in the Silava Jdtaka. The Licchavi princes of YiaklS. (in the days of old) ruled their kingdom in peace and 101 harmony, and thereby obtained they the victory over their enemies. CHAPTER XCIX. 351 Even as kings gifted with little wisdom, maddened by the beauty of Lapka, did that which was evil, and came to great trouble ; so 102 they who were endued with wisdom and favoured by La;;ka, did that which was right, and acquired great fame. Even so these 103 three rulers of men who became the (joint) lords of a La^ka, beautiful as she hath ever been, preserved peace and harmony among themselves. That, I say, is a marvellous thing. And 104 this great king, of great virtue, who had given his brother the 10.5 parasol and other emblems of royalty, beheld him once going about with a royal retinue (as splendid as his own), and was pleased (thereat), and looked on him again and again, and only turned his mind to contemplate the virtue of benevolence to all men. And these three persona, endued with many virtues, who stood 106 high in the Race of Kings, and were the prop and support of religion, walked in the ways of good men. And as they avoided those things which lead to the perversion of justice, and associa- ted with good companions, their only aim was to prepare their way to heaven. Thus these virtuous kings, rich in faith, devoutly made offerings 107 to the Tooth-relic of the glorious Buddha, and his excellent Law and Order. And they acquired much merit which bringeth every blessing, and defended the spotless religion of the Sage with great care, as also this island of La^k^. May all men, therefore, always serve the virtuous ruler of 108 La^kd who laid to his heart the weight of solid virtue that belongeth to the Sage, the sole lord of the world, and constantly keepeth it in remembrance without forgetting his Law and his priesthood. Thus the great king, who is the chief of kings, endued with 109 kingly authority, duly defended the spotless religion of the Sage and this island of La^kd. And he pleased the people of many countries by giving them great possessions. He caused gods and men to rejoice ; and he was endued with excellent wisdom, and was possessed of the power of authority as well as the power of merit.* ° Verses 106 to 109 are only laudatory, and have no connection with each other. They are composed in the Mdlini, Sdi-dula-Vikrl4ita, and Vasanta-tilaka metres, and have evidently been intended as a conclusion to the religious life of the three royal brothers. The verses contain much tautology and are otherwise faulty. 352 THE mahJLva^sa. 110 Now while this great king of great fame and great authority 1 1 1 dwelt in the great city, defending the church and the kingdom, the Hollanders, who were powerful merchants, and had been appointed in the time of king B&jasiha to defend the (sea-coast of the) island, continued to perform the duties of messengers to 112 the kings of La^ki. It was their custom to bring presents of great value (to the king) of divers cloths and other goods 1 13 wrought in divers countries, and many costly things also that were fit for the enjoyment of kings^ every year, with great 114 honour and in great procession. Now at that time, by reason, 115 perhaps, of some sin committed by the people of Lai^ki, or of the neglect of the gods that were appointed to defend the religion and the land, they ( the Hollanders) became exceedingly wroth 116 and cruel, and began to vex the inhabitants of La^kain manifold ways. And when the illustrious king heard tidings thereof, he 117 thought it an unjust thing, and sent officers against them. And those officers went with the men of La^k^, as they had been 1 18 commanded, and carried on a fierce war with the Hollanders. And they destroyed the enemy, and burned their houses and forts, 119 and, by manifold devices, struck terror into their hearts. And when the enemy was thus oppressed with fear, a certain stubborn, 120 cruel, and vile man — a sinner whose days were numbered — assumed the leadership, and took with him a great number of followers consisting of many Malays and others, and, in manifold 121 ways, began to lay waste divers parts of the country, and destroyed villages, vih^ras, dev&las, bridges, resting houses, and the like. 122 And although the officers who had been ordered by the lord of La^ka opposed him in divers places with men of valour skilled 1 23 in war, and fought against him in divers ways and slew (many of) the enemy in every battle, yet were they not able to prevail against him, so that he began to march against the city. 124 Thereupon the great military officers opposed the enemy in front, stopping the way in divers ways, that they might hinder him in 125 his rapid progress. And in the meanwhile, the great king, the 126 lord of La^k^, who was endued with great knowledge, knowing that the time (was unfavourable), and seeing that it was not possible to hinder the progress of the enemy who came on like a wild-fire, placed the venerable Tooth-relic, and his queen also, and 127 younger sister, and all his best treasure, in the charge of the two sub-kings, and sent them on for safety into the heart of the country, which the enemy could not reach by reason of the fastnesses of the mountains and the forest. CHAPTER XOIX. 353 Thereupon all the forces of the enemy, like a fierce multitude 128 of devils, entered the city and destroyed all religious books and other sacred things. And the great king put himself at the 129 head of the army, and, — surrounded by valiant generals skilful 130 in war, and great ministers who knew how to take advantage of 131 opportunities, — took up his position at divers places near the suburbs not far from the chief city, and besieged it on every side. And the inhabitants of Latjk^, being attached to the religion of Buddha, acted according to the king's commands, and slew 132 all those who went over to the enemy, wheresoever they found 133 them, while the king's messengers and other officers defended the priesthood. And those brave men, valiant and strong, who were faithful to 1 34 their king, fought with the enemy in their desire to defend the religion of the Conqueror. And they surrounded themselves 135 with strong men, and fought in divers ways with those who held the highway at divers points,* and drove them away. 136 And they began to fight with the enemy that was inside the 1 37 city, and many times slew them. It is not a marvel to us that men carried out the wishes of the king with such zeal, for even the gods did likewise. And, indeed, there soon fell upon that 1 38 most foolish leader of the enemy's hosts a fearful and terrible 139 madness that was brought about by the power of the gods and by the power also of the king's merit, so that he abandoned that fine city, and left it ingloriously, and was consumed by the fire of Death. And all the enemy's hosts who had come under the leadership 140 of that foolish man became powerless and helpless, and were overtaken by calamities. Some fell victims to disease ; others 141 suffered great distress from hiinger and sickness ; some were slain in battle, and others betook themselves to mountain fastnesses. Thus were these enemies, the vilest of men, destroyed and put 142 to flight, and thus was this ruler of the land protected by gods and men I And the people said, " Of a surety our king is a man 143 of great power : he is a man of great good fortune I" And, 144 indeed, who, in this world, is able to override the authority of a king so great in power, so great in good fortune ? And when the illustrious king, whose enemies had been driven away, saw that the forces of the enemy had disappeared, he caused 145 ** With those who guarded the enemy's line of communication, evidently. 91—87 2 Z 354 THE mahAva^sa. the city to be cleaned as before, and the temple of the Tooth-relic 146 and other sacred buildings to be especially decorated. And the ruler of men, who had a pure love for the noble religion of the Supreme Buddha, never forgot it. He remembered the virtues of the sons of the Supreme Buddha,* and always held his 147 Tooth-relic in great honour.f The ruler of men, who thus 148 conducted himself aright in respect of the three Sacred Objects, could not bear the sorrow caused by his separation from the Tooth-relic; and he, therefore, went with his followers into the heart of the country, which was exceeding difiScult of access. And 149 when the great king, full of great faith, beheld the Relic-casket, he was struck with wonder and amazement ; and he reverently bowed unto it and worshipped it humbly, touching his head on 150 the ground. And when he had also saluted the priesthood and 151 put an end to his grief, he bore on his head the casket containing 152 the Tooth-relic, and, with much rejoicing and acclamation and the music of the five instruments, carried it in great procession into his own city. Then, when the people of La^k^ beheld the 153 lord of the land with the Tooth-relic (on his head) they were 154 greatly delighted, and shouted for joy. And the king carried the Tooth-relic to the former temple of the tooth, and caused all the ceremonies to be performed thereto as before. 155 Now (during the siege) the Sa^gha-RdjdJ and many other sons 156 of Buddha who lived in the monasteries of the city, seeing that there was more to be feared from the renewal of existence than from the enemy, abandoned not their life as monks, but left the city with their books and relics and the things that were neces- sary for monks, and went and dwelt in the country outside, 157 preserving the religion of Buddha. The great king, however, caused them all to be brought back into the city, and speedily caused the monasteries of the city to be cleaned, and persuaded 158 the priests to take up their abode therein. And he sought after skilful expounders of the Law among them who had been commanded to learn the doctrine and precepts of religion, and 159 invited them, and frequently heard the preaching of the sacred Law, such as admonitions to kings and the like. * Meaning, his disciples. ■f The verse is composed, in the Va^anta-tilakfi metre. The writer, in attempting to introduce the word Sambvddha (Supreme Buddha) at the beginning of each line, has sacrificed sense to sound. \ The supreme head of the Buddhist church. This is the first time that this title is mentioned in the Mahiva^sa. CHAPTER XOIX. 355 Now, after this, certain Dutchmen dwelling in the country, who lived at enmity with the king, but who had a regard for the 160 customs of countries, assembled and took counsel together, saying, "It is not possible for us to take the whole of La^ka." And after that they had known it for a certainty, they took counsel 161 again, saying, " The people in this country who have rebelled 162 against the supreme king of Laijkd have met with destruction, and so will it happen to us also. Therefore it is meet that we should make a great show of loyalty and respefet towards the chief of Laykd, and live here in peace as before." So they took 1 63 with them the empty casket of the Tooth-relic, which shone like a 164 beautiful Oetiya, and which had been carried ftway by that foolish 165 man,* and the golden howdah, and the royal presents also, saying, " We shall obtain pardon for the offence committed by our countrymen, and henceforth live in peace." And they 166 approached the king with great respect, and bowed down beforfe him ; and after they had presented divers gifts, they exchanged many kind words with one another. And the royal chief of Lapki 167 pardoned their great offence, and even treated them with much respect ; and thus did our king re-establish friendship with 168 them. And the Hollanders also were well pleased with the king 169 of Lagkd; and (thenceforward) it was their custom to bring 170 unto Mm every year a royal letter with costly presents of things that were produced in divers countries. And the ruler of men caused the great casket that had fallen into the hands of the heathen to be gilt with refined gold and set 171 with precious stones, and made it to shine as the sun ; and he placed the Tooth-relic therein, and made offerings thereunto like the chief of the gods. Thus did this king enjoy the great pleasure of having destroyed 173 a multitude of the wicked, heathen enemies. Oh, how great was the good fortune of the Sinhalese ruler, a believer of the true faith I Let people thinkupon this marvellous and wonderful event, and practise with devotion the virtues which that religion teacheth — a religion, truly noble, incomparable, and praised by good men. And this king having assumed the reigns of government at a 174 time when there was not even one priest in this beautiful island 175 of Lapkd, dwelt at Sirivaddhana, and persuaded many persons of good families to enter the priesthood and novitiates to receive ordination. Among them there were some who became expoun- 175 * Alluding to the commander of the Dutch forces who took Kandy. 356 XHE mahAva^jsa. ders of the Law j others who became learned in the Vinaya, and 177 others again who became hermits of the forest. And when he 178 had filled the whole of this Lapk^, which was without priests, with many hundreds of priests endued with excellent qualities, the king performed acts of merit every day, inviting priests and giving them daily food, and food also for the sick. 179 And he looked after the (bodily) welfare of the priesthood. For in this world there are two kinds of diseases to which novitiates and priests are liable, namely, those of the body and 180 those of the mind. Of these, for the cure of the diseases of the mind, Buddha, the greatest of men, has provided the Yinaya rules 181 and the Suttanta discourses. But the priests, after that they 182 are instructed in the Yinaya and Suttanta — remedies that are effectual in destroying lust and diseases of the mind — are liable to be afflicted with bodily diseases, by reason of which it is hard for them to practice the doctrines and precepts of religion. 183 Therefore the lord of the land took permission from the priest- hood to make provision for the treatment of their bodily diseases, 184 such as fever and the like, and appointed two physicians, well instructed in the knowledge of healing diseases, together with attendants, and rewarded them with gifts of lands, clothes, orna- 185 ments, and the like substance; and he, moreover, spent out of the royal treasury, a hundred pieces of money yearly for the purchase 186 of medicines. And the king was wont to inquire after the health and welfare of the novitiates and priests in the divers viharas, 187 and minister unto them with things needful. Thus did this king 188 of kings confer many blessings on the priesthood. Now Buddha hath declared that of all (temporal) blessings, the blessing of health is the best and highest ; and this blessing also did the king confer on them. (In short,) he maintained the religion of the Supreme Buddha in perfect splendour. 189 Great kings of old, who ruled over Laykd, were supporters of its religion. And they put down heresy and drove away many enemies, and bore the burden of government well. This king- also, having heard an account of those kings, became a steadfast supporter of religion ; and, seeing that he had felt within himself (the holy influence of) the sacred doctrines which confer unbounded glory, was constant and diligent in good works. Thus endeth the ninety-ninth chapter, entitled " A Description of the Festival of Coronation and other Things," in the Mahd- va^sa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. CHAPTER C. Z51 CHAPTER 0. ND he honoured the Tooth-relic with constant devotion, 1 regarding it as a Cakka.* With divers kinds of flowers, such as jasmine, champac, the punndffa, t the kanikdra, % the ketaki, § the lotus and the blue lily, — with numerous perfumes, 2 such as sandal, agallochum, and the like, — with divers kinds of 3 incense, — with sugar, honey, and the like things, — with fine areka, camphor, betel, and medicines, — with divers kinds of food, such 4 as savoury rice, gruel, and other meats, — with divers kinds of fruits, such as ripe plantain, jambu, jak, mango, phdrusa, || timba- 6 rusaka,li orange, yellow and green cocoanuts, rich and excellent of their kind, well-ripened pomegranates, wild dates and grapes, 6 and with divers kinds of yams and tender sprouts of trees : — with these and such offerings, and with the music of the five 7 kinds of instruments, together with new offerings added to the 8 many that former kings were wont to make, did he honour the Tooth-relic daily. And this king of great fame, who loved good deeds and was anxious to increase his store of merit, presented unto the Tooth-relic many gifts : gold and silver, gems and 9 pearls, beautiful curtains and ceilings made of cloths of divers colours, robes and things necessary for monks, divers kinds of 10 ornaments, numerous horses and elephants and black cattle and 1 1 buffaloes, men servants and maid servants, and many fields and gardens. And when he had made these gifts, the ruler of men 12 howed unto it with great reverence. And after that he had seen * Cakkam is a wheel ; but here it is used to denote the Cahkorratana of a tmiversal monarch, Cakkavatti. Ohilders, quoting Hardy, describes it as " The magic wheel of a Cakkavatti monarch, which rolls before him when he makes his royal progress from one continent to another." Subhdti, in his Abhidha- nappadipikd, calls it " The movable palace of a Oakkravarti Raja, made of precious stones'"; and Clough, "The carriage of Oakkravarti R&j6." There is a long description of the Cakkavatti-ratanas in the commentary on the Mah4 Sudassana Siitra of the Digha Nik&ya. They are seven in number : namely, the Cakka, the Hatthi, the Assa, the Mani, the Itthi, the Gahapati, and the Parindyaka. Of these ratanas, or precious things, the Cakka is described as a miraculous car that carries the Cakkavatti R&j4 and his retinue across seas and continents round the world, f Rottleria Tinctoria. { Pterospermum AcerifoUum. § Pandanua Odoratissimus. II The Sinhalese version gives Boralu-damunu, which Clough doubtfully Rays, is " a sort of Calyptranthes." ^ Diospyros emhryoptiris. 358 THE mahIva^sa. the relic of the Supreme Buddha he was exceeding glad, and 13 determined to complete the golden casket, the work whereof was commenced in the days of former kings, but was left unfinished. 14 And he caused a large and excellent diamond of great value to 15 be set on the top of that beautiful gem-coloured casket made out of two thousand suvannas with seven nikkhas* added thereto. 16 And the ruler of men, with the intent to gain merit, caused the casket to be set with one hundred and sixty and eight brilliant 1 7 diamonds of great value, one hundred and seventy and one beauti- 18 ful topazes, five hundred and eighty and five blue sapphires, four thousand eight hundred and eighty rubies, and seven hundred 19 and seventy and eight pearls. And, so that he might enclose this 20 costly casket therein, he caused two other caskets to be made, and 21 splendid precious stones to be set thereon. And the king also 22 caused the large casket to be gilded that the famous king Yimala Dhamma Suriya had made. And the lord of the land then held a great feast, and placed the Tooth-relic of the Sage in the selfsame caskets. 23 And the king, who was greatly pleased with the Tooth-relic of the great Sage, dedicated unto it a great village called Aka- 24 rabhandu.f And at that feast of the relic the lord of the land graciously determined to display the Tooth-relic to the people of 25 La^ka. And to this end, he caused the whole city of Sirivad- dhana to be thoroughly cleansed, and decorated it continuously 26 with numerous works of art, with arches of cloth, with rows of arches made of plantain trees, with bunches of yellow cocoan uts 27 and the like fruits, and with divers flags and banners. And the ruler of men then assembled all the people of Laijk4 together, and arrayed himself like the king of the gods, in royal apparel, 28 and went to the house of the Tooth-relic, and offered thereto in divers ways many great offerings that were borne before him. 29 And the lord of the land, who had a great reverence for the Tooth- 30 relic of the great Sage, fell on his face and worshipped it. And then he took the golden lotus whereon the Tooth-relic rested 31 into his lotus-like hands, and went forth from the house sur- 32 rounded with the noise of chanks and cymbals and the other 33 instruments of music of five kinds ; with numerous lamps and incense, and divers kinds of sweet flowers j with a display of * A nikkha is a weight of five suvannaa, aaoh of which is about the weight of five copper cents. j" Akarahaduwa. CHAPTER C. 359 cloths of divers colours and ornaments of divers kinds ; with silver and gold and gems and pearls ; ^vith silver umbrellas and chowries, and with flowers of silver and gold and roasted grain. And amid the joyful shouts of many thousands of people, which 34 was like unto the roar of the sea, the great king marched in 35 procession, as though he were the Cakkavatti king with the Cakka 36 gem, and stood in the magnificent hall decorated with divers ornaments of great beauty, like unto the celestial hall. And the 37 royal chief of men stood there like the king of the gods with 38 his heavenly hosts, and displayed to the multitude the excellent 39 Tooth- relic of the noble Buddha, the which it was hard to find even in a space of one hundred thousand kalpas. And after he had gratified them all he replaced it in the caskets. Thus did he gather to himself a store of merit, and make all the people rejoice even as if they had seen Buddha alive. JEven so did the 40 king, with the intent to gain merit, display the Tooth-relic on many occasions, and heap up much merit. And he allowed not the 4 1 lands that were granted by the former kings of Laigkd for the benefit of the Tooth-relic to be at all lost, but (contrariwise) made great offerings unto it day by day, taking much delight 42 therein. And he gained true and enduring merit by dedicating 43 thereunto elephants and horses and cattle, and the flourishing and populous village called Bajakatthala,* and another great village called Muttapabbata.t And because that the king desired the prosperity of religion 44 it grieved him much to see that though, among the priests and 45 novitiates who had aforetime been received into the church when 46 the priesthood yet continued in the island of Lapkfi,, there were some who feared evil and respected the good Law and lived a life of purity and discipline, there were yet others who made light of sin and led sinful and wicked lives, maintaining families and 47 devoting themselves to worldly business. And these men busied themselves with the practice of astrology and medicine and other callings that were not proper for priests. And when the king 48 had heard of the doings of these shameless monks and had learned the truth thereof duly, he chose from among the priests that behaved themselves well the famous novitiate Sarana6kara, 49 who was a priest of great piety^ who endeavoured always to 50 advance the welfare of the religion of the Conqueror, and was Rad&tala. t Mutugaja. 360 THE mahAva^sa. moral and virtuous and ivise, and skilled in grammar and in the 51 words of the Supreme Buddha. And as the king thought well of him he sought his assistance, and made inquiry into their 52 conduct according to the Law, and repressed them. And he caused them to he duly warned that they should thenceforth abandon all practices that became not the priesthood, even those 53 of astrology and medicine, and that they should take heed to study 54 the words of the Supreme Buddha and to observe his precepts. Thus did the king, who was desirous of the prosperity of the religion, which had languished grievously, encourage them that were well behaved, and, by manifold devices, favour the cause of religion. 55 And because that the lord of the land feared greatly for the 56 decay of the exceeding pure religion of the great Sage, by reason 57 that the ordained priests throughout La^kd were extinct, he 58 thought to himself, saying : " While kings like unto myself govern Lagka it beseemeth not that the religion of the Conqueror should be utterly lost. In the times of former kings did they send ministers to divers countries that priests might be brought hither ; but they failed, and so the religion was not purified. Now, that which they have failed to do will 1 verily perform." 59 And this most virtuous lord and ruler of the land having 60 resolved thus, and with the desire only to perpetuate the religion of 61 the great Sage, sent ministers with divers presents and oiferings and an excellent letter to the noble city of Ayojjha for the pur- pose of bringing priests therefrom, in the two thousand two hundred and ninety and third year of the Farinibbdna of Buddha. 62 Thus did the lord of Laigka commence the work of purifying the religion of the Supreme Buddha, with the intent to advance 63 its prosperity. And those ministers took charge of the king's letter and other presents with great ceremony and respect, and 64 departed hence in a ship with the Dutch people who were charged 65 with the protection of (the sea coast of) Lapkd. And when they 66 reached the city of Ayojjha in the kingdom of Siam the king of that country received the king's letter and the presents, according to the custom, and entertained the ministers hospitably. And 67 when he had read the king's letter, the wise king Dhammika, 68 who had devoted his life to the support of the religion and the practice of the ten Fdramis,* in the hope that he might thereby "* The ten perfections or virtues, the performance of which is a necessary condition for the attainment of Buddhahood, CHAPTER 0. 361 attain to the Buddhahood, was astoniBhed to hear of the decay of the Baddhist religion in Lagkd and all the other matters connected therewith. And when he had determined to promote the religion 69 there and advance its prosperity, the king called together the Safigha Rfija* and many other great elders of the kingdom of 70 Siam who were skilled and learned in the Doctrine and the Law, 71 and were, moreover, of long standing in the church and had the management of the affairs thereof, and inquired of them diligently concerning this matter. And he chose a chapter consisting of 72 more than ten priests, at the head of whom was Updli, an elder distinguished for moderation and contentment, and endued with gentl6 manners, and of an upright behaviour. Them did the 73 king send to La^kd, to the noble Relic-temple of Buddha that 74 was there ; and, with a liberality like unto that of Vessantara,t 75 the king sent (in charge of them) books of the Dhamma and the "Vinaya, such as were not to be found in the island of Lapkd, and also an excellent royal letter, with divers presents, by the hand of the royal ministers of Ayojjha. And the stately ship 76 that was thus sent thither with the image of gold and the other 77 presents made the voyage across the deep sea, that abounded in terrors and perils, and arrived in perfect safety at the port of Tikonamalal in the beautiful island of La^kd. And when the 78 great king, the ruler of Lagka, had heard the tidings that it had 79 arrived, he caused all the inhabitants of the city of Sirivaddhana 80 to assemble together, and held great rejoicings. And the chief of men, who was greatly pleased, caused the road from the beautiful city of Sirivaddhana unto the great sea, to be cleared and put in order, and dwellings for monks to be built in divers places (along the way that they were to come). And he sent thither 81 his great ministers and other oflScers, and caused the priests and the images and religious books and all other things to be brought up in due coursei And they journeyed the long distance, receiv- 82 ing much honour, and with great rejoicings, and came nigh 83 unto the Mahdvfi,luka river which riseth from Sumanakiita. Then the royal lord of Sirivaddhana,. who was a lover of merit, being 84 desirous of obtaining the reward that foUoweth from the act of going forward to welcome the three Sacred Objects, proceeded to meet them at the head of the army, with horses and elephants 85 " The highest dignitary of the Buddhist church, f The last incarnation Buddha as a Bodhisatta. J Trincomalee. 91—87 3 A 362 THE mahAvai^jsa. 86 and other equipages. : And ^hen he had met them he howed with great revereuce unto the excellent great elder and the others, and greeted them graciously. And after he had duly spoken words 87 of kindness and civility to them he caused the three Sacred 88 Objects to go before him, and himself followed them into the city. And he caused the noble priests to take up their abode in the beautiful monastery that was adorned with a tiled roof, built in a 89 beautiful place at Pupphardma;* and there he supplied them duly with all things that were necessary for monks, and also 90 appointed officers to inquire daily after their welfare. And the 91 king caused the royal messengers, who had been sent by the king of Siam from the city of Ayojjha with the royal letters and presents, to take up their abode in suitable places, and commanded ^hat due hospitality should be shown to them. 92 Thereafter, on the two thousand two hundred ninety and ninth year after the Parinibbdna of the Supreme Buddha, in the 93 month of A'sdlhi,t when the moon attained her fulness, the great 94 and powerful king entered the A'rdma in royal state, and having caused seats to be duly prepared in the Uposatha hall that was 95 in the middle thereof, he invited the great Upd,li, — an elder endued with piety and uprightness, and who was learned and skilful in 96 devices, and loved the welfare of all beings, — and the second great elder also, Ariya Muni, together with the priesthood, and caused them to be seated in the hall. And then the king, the lord of 97 Lapk^, caused the rite of ordination to be conferred, amid great rejoicing, on the principal Sdmaneras of Laykd (that presented themselves). gg And from that time forth the king was wont to send for such of the novitiates and others who were skilled in the science of language and the knowledge of the Law, and caused ordination gg to be c(mferred on them. In the same manner he made regular 100 inquiries concerning persons that were fit for the robes and for 101 ordination in the noble religion of the Supreme Buddha, and caused the rites of robing and ordination to be duly conferred on them. And when the number of priests had increased in La^kd he made inquiry, and chose from among them such priests as were diligent in observing the doctrines and precepts of religion and who deserved to fill the office of teachers, and ordained that they should receive instruction from the priests who had come hither from Ayojjha. • Malwatta. f July-August, OHAPTBH 0. 363 Now, among th6 priests that behaved themselves well and 102 strove to maintain the religion of the Conqueror, there wasond ^^^ who had endeavoured long to restore to its former splendour the religion of the Sage which had for a long time been often brought nigh unto the gate of destruction, — one who was ' diligent by day and night, and, according to the measure of his wisdom and ability, threw light on the doctrines and precepts of the religion of the Sage — one who shed light on religion by duly instructing many of his own pupils, and those of others alsoj in the doctrines and precfepts of religion — one Who was engaged in doing good to himself and others, and who earnestly wished to ' i maintain the religion of Buddha for a long time— one who was constant in devotion to a life of purity —one who, in virtue and piety and austerity, was like unto a mirror to all the sons of Buddha in La^kd who sought to improve themselves, and who) during his novitate, was known as Sarana6kara. Him who waS 108 now ordained, a pious and well behaved son of Buddha, the king 109 appointed to the oflSce of Saggha Kdja. And of the number of 110" priests who were his followers, the king made inquiry for such persons, in both the establishments,* as were able and fit to discharge the duties of religion, and gave offices to them. And he commanded them saying, "Ye whose duty it is to spread the 111 religion of the Conqueror, be all of one accord; be diligent by 112 day and night, and act according to the Yinaya and according to the Dhamma." And when he had commanded them, even in this manner, the lord of the land showed them much favour ; and thus did he add lustre to the religion, that so it might continue long in La^kd.. Moreover the royal ministers and others who had come from 113 Siam 6,ppeared before the king and presented the royal letter and presents. The great king and ruler of La^k^ received them, and 114 when he had read over the excellent letter of that king, he was 115 much pleased therewith, and showed favour to them also. And the lord of the land, who had done merit in former births 116 to the end that he might advance his own welfare and the 117 welfare of others also, and the cause of religion, and who, moreover, was a lover of the Dhamma, and shed lustre on religion, being endued with understanding, was wont to visit the A'rfima, and, in the midst of the priesthood, diligently to inquire after ** Malwatta and Aagiriya. 364 THE MAHiVAiySA. those thiugs that tended to advance religion, with the intent that be might spread the knowledge thereof. 118 And he requested of the great elder Updli that he might expound to him from the Digha Nikdya and the Sayyutta 119 Nikaya* and from divers other treatises also of the sacred doctrines, the ten- fold virtues of kings,t the four chief duties of kings, and such other subjects, and hearkened to them with 120 attention. And the noble-minded king, who was inspired with faith, clearly understood what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what was good and what was evil, what was 121 innocent and what was hurtful ; and he avoided deeds that were improper, sinful, and hurtful, and conformed himself carefully to a sinless and innocent life. 122 And as the king yet continued in his course of almsgiving and 123 other meritorious deeds, he (at one time) caused the whole city 124 to be decorated as before, and assembled together the ministers 125 who had come from Ayojjha, and the great elder (Up^li) and other priests who had accompanied him, with the newly ordained priests of La^kd and the novices and others of the priesthood, and all the people of La^k^. And when they had assembled themselves together he displayed the Tooth-relic unto them, that so he might advance their welfare and happiness, and held a feast even as he had done before, with a display of royal apparel and divers other things that were used for celebrating feasts. 126 And the royal messengers (of Siam) and other officers, being 127 desirous of worshipping the shrine at Mahiyangana and others at divers places, he sent them with the ministers of La^ka to worship at those places ; and after he had done, in a fit and proper manner, what was necessary to be done for them, he sent them back (to their country). 128 Likewise also he gave things meet for offerings, and appointed ministers to accompany the excellent elder, Upili, and the 129 priests (who came from Siam) to the sixteen holy shrinest in ' Two sections of the Sdtra Pi^aka. f They consist of charity, moral conduct, liberality, freedom from anger, freedom from cruelty, patience, rectitude, meekness, self-restraint, and freedom from revenge. :j: They are Mahiyaggana, N&gadipa, Ealy&ni or Eelani, Adam's Peak, Div^guhi, Dighav&pi, Mutiyangana, Tissa Maha Yih&ra, the B6-tree, Mirisa- Tf^iy^i Buvanyeli, Thup&rama, Abhayagiri, Jetavana, Sela Chetiya, and Kataragama. OHAPTBft 0. 365 Lapk^, such as Mahiya6gaaa and the rest, to worship thereat, and also at the shrines in the city of Sirivaddhana and other places. And as he was desirous of the welfare of the priesthood 130 he caused Baddha Sim4s* to be enclosed and dwellings to he built for them in divers places. And in the course of three years 131 the king who delighted in the priesthood caused temples to be built and priests to reside therein. And he provided them with 132 things that were needful during the Retreat,t and heard the sacred Law expounded, and kept holy the sacred days. And he 133 distributed among the priests that were invited (for the Retreat) divers things that were necessary for monks, and Kathina robes, with (ordinary) robes added thereto. And within these three 1 34 years he who cared for the welfare of the people caused about seven hundred persons to be ordained among the excellent priesthood, and about three thousand persons of good families to 136 be admitted to the Order as novitiates. Thus did this royal ruler 136 of men advance the prosperity of religion. Therefore may all delighted Brahmas, Devas, and Asuras grant him prosperity and long life I And the wise king of Siam, Dhammika by name, who had 137 been of great service in the furtherance of the religion in La^ka 140 because that he longed for the attainment of Buddhahood, sent again, in the year called Sdkara, from the city of Ayojjha to La^ka, so that they may still further spread the religion therein, a chapter of priests exceeding ten in number, at the head of whom were the two elders, Mah6, Visuddh&cariya — the great elder who was like unto a habitation of piety and morality and an ornament of faith and other virtues-^and the assistant elder Yarati&namuni, who was a man of deep wisdom and skill. And when these priests came hither, the noble king of Lagkd, 141 received them into the city with great honour as at first, and caused them to take up their abode in the Pupph&r&ma, and 142 provided them, with much care and respect, with meals daily and all other things needful, in the same manner as he had done at the first. And the great elder Updli, who had laboured by day and I43 night and wearied not during three years to advance the religion of his Master, when he had finished his work and filled up the 144 * Grounds consecrated and enclosed for the purpose of performing ecclesiastical functions. f Antovasiai}. — The three or the four months during the rainy season. 366 i'HE mahIvai^sa. measure of hia merit, was affected with a disease of the nose, 145 from which he verily endured much suffering. And the Sinhalese king caused the great and nohle elder who was afflicted with the 1 46 disease to be carefully ministered unto by physicians ; and the great king himself went often to the A'rdma to see the great 147 elder. And when he was informed that the disease was incurable his heart was moved with grief; and the king made offerings to Buddha of divers things that were meet to be offered, and made 148 over the merit thereof to him, And when the elder was dead, the king caused his dead body to be carried in great procession 149 in a splendid bier, ornamented with cloth, and with many honours caused the rite of cremation to be performed, and acquired merit. 150 And because that he felt thankful to the king Dhammika, the 151 lord of Siam, for the help that he had given him in the work of 152 advancing the religion of the royal Sage in La^ka, in that he had sent priests twice to ordain many hundreds of priests when there was not even one priest (ordained) throughout the whole island of La^kd, and books of divers kinds that were not to be 153 found in La^ika, — bethought to himself saying, " I also will duly 154 perform that which I owe to him who hath been of such great 155 help to me." And he appointed certain ministers, and gave 156 charge to them of a likeness of the Tooth-relic, an image of the Conqueror made out of a very precious stone,* a conch-shell with the whorls thereof to the right,t and numerous other gifts, to- gether with an excellent letter to the king, and sent them with the priests (of Siam) who were desirous to return to their 157 country. And the ministers took charge of all these things with great reverence, and proceeded on their voyage, and reached 158 the country of Siam. And when the king Dhammika saw them 159 he was exceeding glad ; and when he beheld the likeness of the Tooth-relic of the Conqueror he was greatly delighted, as if he had obtained the Tooth-relic itself, and paid great honour thereunto. 160 And when he had heard and understood the many kind sayings contained in the king's letter, whereby he gave to him the merit of having spread the religion (in La^k^) and such kind * It is said that this image is still to be seen in one of the temples of Siam. f This is considered a rare and valuable article, and the possessor of it is said to be always in luck. tJHAPTEE 0. 367 Words, he was pleased with the king of La^kd. And he gave 161 nnmeroTts books that were not to be found in Lank&, and a 162 beautiful likeness of the print of Buddha's foot (Siripdda), and a golden pavilion (of small size), and umbrellas as offerings to the Tooth-relic, and presents of divers beautiful and lovely things meet to be used by kings, and also an excellent royal letter 163 setting forth the reasons for the continuance of the friendship 164 between the two kings, and giving (to the king of La^kfi) the merit of all the good works that were done by himself, such as ordination and the like ; — all these he gave unto the ministers and sent them back to the noble and beautiful island of Lai^kd. And the great and famous king of La^kd received all these 165 presents ; and when he had seen the sacred books and the like- 166 ness of the foot-print of the Sage,* he was glad and paid great honour unto them. And he held a great feast in honour thereof, and displayed them to all the people. Moreover, when 167 he read the king's letter and understood the many friendly 168 sayings contained therein, to wit, the making over of the merit and the like ; the Sinhalese ruler was filled with abundant joy. And the king thought to himself, saying, "Even in this life 169 have I seen the reward that cometh of such good works as the purification of religion and the like! What need is there then 170 that aught should be said of that which will be truly enjoyed in the life to come." Thus did the lord of the land take a true delight in the three Sacred Objects. And when he had visited 171 the temple and heard the holy Law expounded by the great elders who had come the second time, the ruler of La^kd 172 ordained that the priests who had received ordination from the chapter of (Siamese) priests who had come the first time, should receive instruction from Yisuddh&cariya and from the other priests (his fellow workers); and he also caused many other 173 persons of good families to be duly ordained by those priests. Now among the priests of La^k^ (who were placed under the 174 instruction of the Siamese priests) some who were endued with virtue took lessons from the elder Mahd Yisnddh&cariya in (the method of) meditation, which is the road to Nibbdna. Some 175 learned under his fellow worker, Varandnamuni, the interpretation 176 of the Dhamma and the Vinaya, and also the science of words. In this manner did the king, the lord of h&^&, enjoin on the 177 * There is one in Sinm too. 368 THE MAHAYA^SA. 178 priests of La^k^ that so tbey might grow in the knowledge of 179 the doctrines and precepts of religion, and thereby maintained he the relis;ion of the Supreme Buddha. And the priests of La^kd also themselves became diligent and skilful, and were included in the noble family of contented recluses distinguished by observance of the precepts, right conduct, and austere lives. They performed the duties of religion without weariness or sloth ; and, being always diligent by day and night, they held high offices in the Church as men of learning and spiritual gifts : and the king showed them favour by giving them dwellings and 180 other things necessary for monks. And with the help of the Dutch people he sent back the priests who had come the second time (from Siam), who were desirous of returning to their own country. 181 Now on the eastern side of the city of Sirivaddhana, and not very far from it, there stood a rock, firmly founded, in a beautiful 182 plot of ground. And (the king) caused a fine statue of the Con- queror, nine cubits high, to be hewn out therein by cunning workmen, skilled in the art of cutting stones and the like. 183 And he covered that beautiful and graceful statue with leaf of gold, 184 so that it looked like the living Buddha, and enclosed the image 185 with a high and thick stone wall. He also caused beautiful stone pillars to be fixed, and built an excellent two-storied temple, 1 86 delightful to behold, with an ample court and walls, open halls, and other buildings. And he fixed curtain-walls and ceilings of 187 diversified cloth, and built around them continuous arches, which 188 were decorated with many ornaments, and with flags and banners hanging in every place. And on the day on which he celebrated the ceremony of painting the eyes (of the image) he caused rows 189 of lamps to be lit, and vessels full of water and flowers to be placed, and made divers preparations according to the custom on feast days, attending (himself) in a fitting manner to all that was 190 necessary to be done in respect thereof. And to the workmen who executed the beautiful paintings he gave, presents of cloth and jewels and other things, as they liked best, and pleased them in 191 divers ways. And on a good day and on a lucky hour that was 192 deemed favourable (for celebrating feasts), he set the eyes of the image amidst great rejoicing and the sound of musical instruments, such as conch shells, cymbals, and the like, which he caused to be maintained with great magnificence, like unto the roar of the 193 great ocean. And the ruler of men called to mind the merit of 194 offerings made to Buddha, and, being desirous of obtaining that CHAPTER 0. 369 merit, he offered with a willing heart, as if in the presence of the 195 living Buddha himself, all excellent things that were meet to be 196 offered : — many silver bowls, many vessels of gold, things necessary for monks that were of great value, costly suits of robes, flags, and white umbrellas, shields and chowries. Also savoury rice, gruel, cakes, and divers other kinds of food ; sugar, 197 honey, betel, fine camphor, and the like ; medicine, sandal, and the like perfumes of divers kinds, and jasmine, champac, and the like 198 fine sweet-smelling flowers. All these and other things that were meet to be offered did he offer. And the carvers of the statue of Buddha and other workmen 199 did he satisfy by presenting them with gifts of elephants, cattle, 200 and divers things that had life and that had not life. And when 201 he had made an account of the sum that was spent on this work, it was found that a sum of sixteen thousand one hundred and fifty (pieces of money) had been spent on the feast of the dedication of that temple. And the vihara was large and beautiful and 202 pleasant to behold, and because that it stood on a delightful 203 place near the Mahdvdluka river (gaggd), it was known by the name of Gapgdrdma ('the river-side monastery ') ; and as it had been built by the king it was known also as the E&ja M&hk Vih&ra (' the king's great temple'). Even this vihara, that was 204 so well built with a union of grace and beauty, did the enemy despoil who had come into the city. And the king effected the 205 necessary repairs thereof and restored it to its former state. And he caused the feast of setting the eyes of the image to be celebrated in the same manner as had been done before, and gave 206 many gifts of cloth, jewels, and other things to the painters and other workmen. And the ruler of men offered thereunto things 207 that were meet to be offered, and after that he had built near it a beautiful monastery for the priesthood in common, he 208 caused priests who were fervently devoted to the doctrines and precepts of religion to dwell therein, and gave every help to them by providing divers things that were necessary for monks. And 209 because of his reverence for the Three Gems he made offerings to 210 Buddha in the manner mentioned above, and also did, at the same time, honour to the Doctrine and the Priesthood, and increased the world's store of merit and his own also. And in order that this beautiful vihdra, so delightful to behold, 211 that was built in this manner, as also the numerous offerings 212 and ceremonies performed therein, and the many acts of merit, 91—87 3 R 370 THE mahIva^sa. such aa alms to the priesthood and the like, might be long 213 maintained in a fitting manner, the lord of the land granted to it a 214 village called Aruppala, nigh unto the vihdra, with many other lands and planted gardens, as well as the great and populous 215 village Udakag&ma* in the country of Mdy&dhanu. And the king confirmed these grants by causing them to be inscribed on the beautiful rock itself. 216 Thus did this great and virtuous king of kings, by reason of his knowledge of the vanity of riches, faithfully cause offerings to be made to Buddha and to the Priesthood that was composed of his excellent sons, and gather always to himself an abundance of merit. Therefore do ye also, even all of you, be always diligent in performing meritorious works. 217 And the ruler of men who was desirous of merit built a vihdra, 218 beautiful to behold, with walls and open halls, in the lovely garden, in the goodly suburbs of Kundasdla, and placed therein 219 images of the Sage and his relics. And he dedicated thereunto new gardens planted with jak, mango, cocoanut, and the like 220 fruit-trees, and much land and servants for the temple. And he caused rice-offerings and all other ceremonies to be performed therein daily. 221 Now that wicked king who had become famous as Bdjasfha of 222 the city of Sitdvaka, and who had committed the crime of killing 223 his father, and who had destroyed the religion of the Conqueror by reason of his ignorance of what was right, appointed heretics whose false teaching he had embraced, to take the revenues of the shrine of the sacred footprint of Buddha at Sumanakfita. And from that time forth did those heretics destroy everything 224 that was there. And when the great king who reverenced the 225 Supreme Buddha had heard thereof he felt the injustice that 226 was done, and commanded the heretics, saying, " Henceforth ye shall not do so "; and after that he had appointed the sons of Buddha to maintain in a proper manner the many ceremonies 227 that were needful to be performed there, he dedicated to the shrine of the sacred footprint the large and flourishing and 228 populous village called Knttfi,pitiya. And so that he might defend it from rain and sun, he built over it an open hall with a ceiling surmounted by an umbrella, and fixed it to the ground 229 with iron chains. And he ordained a course of religious offerings • Diyagama, eaAM'Bit 0. 371 to be made thereto, and heaped up much merit, and employed the fereflHS therefrom in the emse ofreUgion. Thus did our great and noble chief of Sihala regard the evil 230 wrought by a misguided king who knew not the virtues of the excellent Sage as unjust beyond measure, and redress the wrong, and appoint blameless priests who were worthy sons of Buddha (to be the guardians of the shrine), and present in honour of Buddha such offerings as tended to confer immortality. Again, heeflfected proper repairs in the Majjhavela Vihdra* and 231 its Cetiya that (in ancient times) the king Vattagdmini had built, who then ruled over the land, and which had almost fallen into ruin ; and he gave thereunto the village Si^gatthala, of the 232 which it had long been deprived. And he caused religious 233 services to be duly performed therein every day, and thus cleared the way to heaven through which he had to pass in the time to come. And when this great and famous king who loved merit had 234 known, by means of a stone inscription, that the village Batana- 235 donit had belonged aforetime to the Dutiyasela Vihdra^f although it was afterwards separated therefrom, he restored it to that vih&ra and maintained its religious services. And that he might build the Majjhapalli Vihfira,§ he extended 236 favour and rendered help in a fit manner to the priest Safigha Bakkhita. And when the large sleeping image (of Buddha) and 237 other works had been finished, he held a great feast in honour thereof, and a feast of the ceremony of setting the eyes of the image. And in order that the religious services might be con- 238 tinned therein, he dedicated unto it the village called Mald- gama,|| and thus maintained the ceremonies thereof daily in a becoming manner. And the lord of the land gave unto the novice Siddhattha 239 the large vihd.ra called Bajatal that the king Dutthag&mani 240 had built, who had verily come (into this world) with the desire to become the chief disciple of Metteiyya Buddha. And the 241 ruler of Lapkd caused that priest to be ordained, and bestowed 242 offices on him and on all the priests who dwelt in the Uposathd- rd,ma, and also showed them favour in many ways. And that they might restore that vihdra which had been long in a state of decay, the king of Laijkd provided them with divers artificers 243 * M?davela Vih&ra. { Devanagala Vih&ra. || Malgamuwa. fRandeniya. § Meddepola Vihira. ^RidiViMra. 372 THE mahAva^sa. 244 and many painters, and much refined gold for gilding the statue of Buddha, and all the labour and instruments that were necessary. And when the eminent monk Biddhattha had received all these 245 things he removed everything that was old and -decayed (in the vihara), and made the thick and high wall thereof, of solid stone, 246 to shine, and the floor and the outer wall also. And he caused a picture of the Supreme Buddha, as he was engaged in the 247 battle with Mara, to be painted on the roof of the rock, and 248 divers flowers and creepers also. He caused also the great sleeping image to be made with fine brick and mortar and clay, and many other images of Buddha also, sitting and upright. 249 And on the inner wall he caused about a thousand beautiful pictures of the Supreme Buddha to be painted with exquisite art. 250 At the foot of the great sleeping image he caused to be made, in due order, beautiful images of A'nanda, the constant attendant 251 of Buddha and the preserver of the Law, and of Metteiya Bodhi- satta, of the excellent Ndtha Deva and of the king Dutthagd- 252 mani. And he gilded with gold the five large images of Buddha, 253 and completed the other works that had to be done inside. On the outside wall also, he caused to be painted a beautiful row of figures of Devas and Brahmas carrying flowers in their hands, 254 as if they had come to worship. He caused also to be made a large arch, beautiful and pleasant to the sight, and two figures of lions on the two sides of the door, and figures of demons on 255 the spaces between them, in the walls. He also had pictures made of the sixteen principal shrines consisting of Mahiyadgana 256 and the rest, and a likeness of the excellent footprint (of Buddha) 257 on the Sacca-baddha Pabbata,* and many scenes also, painted with exquisite art from many Jatakas, showing the ten-fold P&rami, the three-fold OariyS,, the five great self-denying sacri- 258 fices, and other virtues (of the Bodhisatta). And in the ball he caused many pictures to be painted : lions, elephants, and swans, in rows ; likewise flowers and creepers also. 259 Then in the beautiful cave that is on the top of that selfsame 260 rock he made a fine large and excellent image-house pleasant to 261 the sight, and many works in stone that were wrought to perfection. In it he made a large, beautiful, and life-like sitting image of Buddha, pleasant to behold, and on both sides thereof two fine upright statues. He also caused to be made there the 262 images of Metteiya Bodhisatta and of Uppalavanna, and many * A mountain in Siam. OHAPTBR 0. 373 imageEl of Buddha, and hundreds also of Arhats. Likewise also 263 there were figures of the twenty-four Buddhas (before Gautama) and RH many Bodlii fcroos, tlio (events of the) twenty and four 264 predictions, pictures of the sixteen principal shrines, of demons 265 and other evil spirits, of the five different venerable convocations, and divers other paintings of exquisite beauty. In that very place he placed relics of Buddha, and built thereon a Cetiya, and 266 adorned it with a pinnacle of gold. And on the top of the image- house in that excellent rock basin, he caused a delightful picture 267 to be made of the Sage, seated amidst his five hundred disciples, with Siriputta at their head. And even in the different courts 268 (of the vihfcra) he built walls and open halls, and divers gates also, and rows of steps and other excellent works. He repaired 269 many old works, and also built many new ones ; and completed all in a beautiful manner. And when the time for holding the feast of the setting of the 270 eyes of the images had come, and the king had sent his ministers 271 with apparel and other ornaments (to conduct it), they adorned 272 the place with many continuous rows of arches; and when they had 273 made an end of putting on all the ornaments that were necessary, and had arranged the order of the high ceremonial, they celebrated the great feast, and, under a lucky star and at a favourable hour, performed the ceremony of setting the eyes of the images. From that time forth many inhabitants of the country came together from different parts, in great number, like unto a sea that 274 overflowed the land ; and when they had seen the works of gold 275 and divers other things that had been wrought there, they were exceedingly delighted, as if they had seen the Supreme Buddha performing the double miracle.* And with their hearts full of joy 276 they made great offerings, accompanied with shouts, and paved their way to heaven. And in the festival which was held at that vihd,ra they invited 277 the priesthood, and prepared seats for them in the upper hall of the vihdra, and caused the priests who were preachers of the Law 278 to sit thereon and recite the Mahd-madgala-sutta and other discourses which were pleasant to be listened to ; and then they 279 made due offerings in honour of the Law. And all the people 280 * Yamaka Pdtiheram. This was a miracle performed by Buddha for the purpose of confounding the heretics and proving that he possessed the faculty of supernatural power. It consisted in causing the appearance of two uminous streams as of fire and of water to proceed from his person. 3'74 tHB MahIva^sA. klSl who heard and saw these things enjoyed the pleasure of seeing (the image of) the Sapreme Buddha at the same time that they listened to his holy doctrine ; and they rejoiced exceedingly as if they heard the doctrine preached by the living Buddha him- self. Thus, day after day, did they show to the people both the beauty of his (Buddha's) form and the dignity of his discourses. 282 And, on the courtyard without, an open hall was built on stone 283 pillars with seats prepared (for priests). And the great body of the people assembled themselves together there, and were instructed in the rules of moral conduct, such as the five precepts 284 and others ; and they had every one the opportunity daily of 285 hearing much of the Law expounded to them. Moreover, he (the priest Siddhattha) in his great loving-kindness, did often invite preachers of religion, and make them to discourse to the people all through the three watches of the night. 286 And he (the priest or king) caused that vihdra named Bajata to be completed, and that great feast to be held in the two thousand three hundred and first year of the Parinibbana of the Supreme Buddha. 287 And on the south side of this vihdra there was a beautiful 288 Cetiya that was built (in former times) on a beautiful, broad, and flat rock ; but it had gone wholly to ruin, leaving only a mound of earth. And for the purpose of restoring it he collected lime and bricks and stones and other materials from divers places. 289 And he built a beautiful square foundation, wherein he placed 290 a relic of the glorious Sage. And, while the Cetiya was yet building, he invited priests, and caused a consecrated boundary to be set up on a beautiful plot of land in the neighbourhood 291 thereof, and built thereon an Up6satha house and an A'rdma for 292 priests, with tiled roofs and the like. And he made the grounds 293 around it into a large park containing many ponds, and adorned them with divers trees and creeping trees that bare flowers, and 294 trees that bare fruit and the like. And in this monastery he caused the sons of Buddha to take up their abode, and earnestly exhorted them to conform their behaviour to the doctrines and precepts of religion. And this place, which was restored by the 295 authority of the king, was the resort of great saints, and was had 296 in great honour by the ancient rulers of Laijkd. And when the 297 great king had heard thereof, he ordained that the boundary of the vih&ra should be the same as had already been defined (by the priest): and he offered the land thereto, and increased all SUPPLEMENT. 375 the ceremonial offeringB and alms to the priesthood in this vihdra, and thus gained a store of merit. Now a certain minister, who had ohtained leave from the king 298 thereto, built an image-house in the beautiful A'r&.ma named 299 Sfikaravdta,* nigh unto the Dohala-pabbataf mountain which 300 was covered with great trees in abundance, such as the puga, punnaga, ndga, and the like, and resounded with the sweet melodies of swarms of falcons ; it was covered also with slabs of rock, cool, smooth, and white, and abounded in flocks of divers kinds of deer. And here the minister Suvannagdma set up 301 stone pillars, and built an Up<5satha hall and dedicated it to the 302 priests. He collected also a great quantity of pillars and such things, and built many houses there also. And the king made 303 many offerings thereto of lands and other substance for the perpetual maintenance of the priests who dwelt there. And 304 when the king had done all these things he was much pleased therewith, and dedicated it (the Stikar&vdta Vihara) to the 305 venerable priest Dhamma Bakkhita. And the ruler of men having thus gathered merit in many ways, departed hence, according to his deeds, in the thirty-fifth year of his reign. Wise men ponder over the vanity of life and its possessions, 306 and put far away from them the love thereof. Do ye also, there- fore, likewise minister unto the three Sacred Objects, and practise virtue, which bringeth happiness in this world and in the world to come. Thus endeth the one hundredth chapter, entitled " An Account of Kittissiri Rajasiha," in the Mahdvaysa, composed equally for the delight and amazement of good men. SUPPLEMENT. And after his (Kirtisri's) death Siri ESjMhi E&jasiha, his 1 younger brother, was anointed king over La^kd. He was 2 skilful and diligent, and took a delight in the Three Gems, and was constant in hearing the sacred Law. And at the very 3 beginning of his reign he bethought him of maintaining what his brother had done for the advancement of the country and the religion thereof. And the illustrious king maintained as before, 4 without restraint, the offerings of food, drink, and the like, that were wont to be made to the Tooth-relic ; and commanded that 5 * Varftvala, f Dolugal-pauwa. 376 THE mahAva^sa. the provisions made for the course of alms to the sons of Buddha should he kept up as before, even in the same manner as the deceased king had done. 6 Now, during the reign of his royal brother the priests who had come from Siam, headed by the elder Updli, arrived at the city 7 of Sirivaddhana ; and afterwards those priests, who had come 8 with Up&li as their chief, set up a consecrated boundary (' Sfmd') according to (the manner of proceeding known as) the Ndtti- dutiya-kamma,* in the Kusum^rama,t which is to the south side of the city ; and within this consecrated boundary the king 9 Kittissiri had built an Uposatha hall. And when the king saw that this hall was in a state of decay, because that he loved merit he raised the site from the border of the limit and all 10 around it, and by putting more stones therein built the walls of 11 the inner limit. And then he fixed stone pillars therein, and dedicated the Uposatha hall to the priests from the four 12 quarters. He was skilled also in many languages, such as Pdli, Sanskrit, and the like, and given to charity, and was in form like 13 unto the God of Love. And as he was skilled in the science of words, he composed the Asadisa Jdtaka in Sinhalese poetry, and 14 published it. And by reason of his faith the pure-minded king caused one hundred thousand lamps to be lighted in one night, and caused the Tooth-relic to be carried in procession. And 15 when he had learnt that the gift of the Kathina was the most meritorious of all gifts, he bestowed Kathina robes on the priest- 16 hood every year. And as he desired greatly to attain Buddha- hood, he caused a statue of Buddha, of the king's size, to be cast 17 in bronze, and built a beautiful Oetiya, pleasant to the eye, at the famous Gang&rAma Vihdra. 18 And the king, having acquired these and other merits, departed hence according to his deeds in the eighteenth year of his reign. 19 Thereupon Siri Yikkama R&jasiha, a firm man, and Rd,jddhi 20 B&jasiha's sister's son, became the ruler of the land. And when he had hearkened to the Law proclaimed by the Conqueror, the 2 1 king was pleased therewith, and offered to the sacred Tooth-relic 22 jewellery, such as pearls, gems, and the like, and many lands also ; and many times also he gave excellent food to the priests who " A certain mode of making and carrying a resolution in a chapter of priests, t The Malvatta Vih4ra, SUPPLEMENT. 377 were followers of Buddha. Thus did this lord of the land gain these and other merits. But afterwards he joined himself to evil companions and 23 changed his ways. And he caused great ministers and many other officers to be seized and put to death ; and, like unto 24 Death himself, he showed no mercy, and caused many hundreds 25 of people to be seized and brought from divers places and impaled. 26 And, like a robber who plundereth the country around him, he seized their vast possessions which they had inherited from generation to generation. And while this ruler of men was committing such manifold deeds of wickedness, the Sinhalese' that were incensed against 27 him, and the inhabitaats of Colombo, came hither ; and they all 28 joined themselves together and took the wicked and unjust king captive in the eighteenth year of his reign, and banished him to the opposite coast. And after that they had banished the king, 29 who was a scourge to the country, the English took possession of the whole kingdom. The End of the MahAvaijsa. May there be Prosperity I yi— 87 3 c 378 THK MAHAVA^SA, APPENDIX. I. — ^TranBlation of Chapter XXXIX. by ProfeBSor Rhys Davids published in the Royal Asiatic Society's Journal, 1872. (Referred to in page 9.)* I Then that wicked king called KSsyapa, having sent a horaekeeper and a cook to kill his brother, and being unable to do so, became afraid and went to the Lion Bock (Sigiri) ; and haying thoroughly cleared the place difficult for men to climb, and Surrounded it by a rampart, built there a climbing gallery ornamented with lions, whence it acquired its name. 4 Having collected his wealth, he buried it there carefully, and put guard over the treasures he himself had buried in different places, and built a palace there, beautiful to look at and pleasant to the mind, like a second A'lakamand&, where he lived like Kuvera. 6 The general called Migara built there a monastery of the same name, and a coronation hall, where he asked that the coronation should take place with more splendour than the Sildsambuddha ; but being refused, kept quiet, thinking, " I shall know about it when the rightful heir comes to the kingdom." 8 Having repented (the king) did no little charity, thinking, " How shall I get free from the deeds I have done ? " He spent much wealth on the gates of the city, and made a mango garden every eight miles throughout the land ; and having built the Issara-samana monastery as a place sacred to Buddha, lie bought still more fruitful land and gave to it. II He had two daughters, "The Wise One " and " The Lotus-coloured," and he gave their names and his own to this vih&ra. When he gave it the faithful priests would not have it, fearing the blame of the world that it was the work of a parricide. But he still intending to give it them, bestowed it on the image of Buddha ; then the priests received it, saying, " It (has 14 become) the property of our Master." In the same manner, in a garden near the rock, he made a monastery, and it was caUed by their name. He gave that vih&ra, abounding with the four necessary gifts, and a garden in the Northern Province, to the Dhammarucis. 16 He having tasted a dish given to him, and prepared by a woman with king- cocoanut milk and ghee, and seasoned with excellent curry, thought : " This would be good for priests, I will give them some," and gave (accordingly) a meal like that and a suit of robes to all the priests. Ig He observed the eight rules, and meditated much and vowed vows, and had books written, and made many images, and dining balls for priests, and such like things. Yet he lived on in fear of the other world and of MoggaU^na. 20 Then, in the eighteenth year, Moggallana, that great warrior, by the advice of the naked mendicants, came here from Jambudvipa with twelve chiefs as friends, and collected his army at Kuthari Yihgxa ('the axe temple'), in the district Ambat^hakolaka. The king hearing this, saying, " I will catch and eat him,'" started forth with a large army, although the fortune-tellers said, " You cannot do it." 23 And MoggalUna, too, marched out with his armed force and hero friends, like the god Sakra going to the battle field of the Titans. The two armies * The italics are mine, to indicate where material differences occur between hi« and my tiauslation. APPENDIX. 379 met one the other, like oceans when their waves are broken, and began the mighty battle. KSsyapa, then, seeing right in front a marshy hole, turned aside his elephant to go another way. Seeing him, his array gave way, saying, " Our master is flying." But the soldiers of Moggallana cried out, saying, " We see his back " ; and that king cutting off (K&syapa's) head with, hit sword, threw it into the air, and put back his sword into its sheath. Then, performing the funeral rites, and confirming the acts of the late king, 28 and taking all the baggage, he entered the wonderful city. The priests hear- ing this news, well clothed and well robed, swept the vihfira, and stood in order. He entered the Mah&meghavana, like the king of the gods entering 30 his garden Nandana, and stopping his mighty army outside the elephant wall, and approaching and saluting them, he was well pleased with the priesthood there, and offered his kingdom to the priests, and the priests gave it back to him. They began to call that place " The gift of the Kingdom," and the vihftra which had been made there acquired the same name. He went to the citadel, and having entered both the vihiras and bowed 33 low to the priesthood, he took to himself the supreme sovereignty, in righteousness protecting the people. Being angry with the priests, saying, " They assisted at the death of my father, these bald heads 1 " he took away the Tooth, and thence acquired the name of " Devil." He slew more than one thousand ministers, cut ofE the noses and ears of 35 others, and many he banished from the land. After that he listened to the Law, became quiet and of a good heart, and gave great treasure, as a rain-cloud to the broad earth. He gave gifts every year on the full-moon-day of January ; and the custom continues in the Island up to this day. Then the charioteer (see M&havapsa, page 260) who had given the juicy fried 38 rice to his father, brought his father's letter and gave it to MoggaMna. Having seen this, he wept, remembering his father's love to himself, and gave the man the dignity of chief gate-keeper. The Governor Migfiro, having told him (all) as it had happened (before), performed the Coronation (anointing) even as he had wished. The king built on Sigiri rock the vihdras called Dalha and DdthdkondaRha, 41 and gave them to the Dharamarnci and Sagali Orders ; and having made a rock vihdra, he gave it to the thera, to Mahanima of the Dighasanda Yih&ra. (See footnote, page 196.) Also he, the large-hearted, made a residence called Bdjini, for nuns, and gave it to the priestesses of the Sigali Order. But a certain man named Dath4ppabhuti of the family of the " Hanging- 44 ear'd ones," who had been dissatisfied in the service of Kasyapa,a»d was afraid of him, had gone with his relation Moggallana to Jambvdvipa, and going to Mereliyavagga had settled there. He had a son named Sil&k&la, who took the robes in the Bodhima^da Vihara, and there lived a priest's life, loved of all and virtuous. He gave a mango to the priesthood, and they, well pleased therewith, cried 48 out, " A mango-pupU." So he was called by that name in future. He having acquired the Hair-relic in the manner related in the book, " The History of the Hair-relics," brought it hither in the reign of this king. (The king) entertained him hospitably, and received the Hair-relics and 50 placed them in a crystal shrine of great price, and carried them in procession to the noble image-house of Dipa^karai}agara, and gave a great donation ; making golden images of his wife and father-in-law, he placed them there, and a beautiful statue of himself. And he made a casket for the Hair-relic, 63 and a canopy, and a jewelled shrine, and (figures of) the two chief apostles and of the sacred fan : and he gave it a greater retinue than that of the king himself, and made Silikala the sword-bearer, and placed him in charge (over it) : so he was called the Sword-bearer Sil&kala, and the king gave him his sister (to wife) and much wealth. This is said very shortly, but the whole 380 THE mahIva^sa. is well described in the History of the Hair-relic, which the wise should read. 67 He saved the island from the fear (of inundation and encroachment by build- ing a dyke against the sea). In righteoitsness he purified the doctrine and ethics of Buddhism ; and having built towards the north a palace for his chiefs, called Sendpatighara, and done (other) good deeds, he came to his end in his eighteenth year. 59 Thus that powerful one, K&syapa, when his merits failed, was not able to resist the approach of death, but became its slave. Therefore the wise will be happy only when they have overcome the power of death ; and he who has attained to knowledge of himself will reach Nirw&na, the excellent, eternal, place of bliss. So is finished the thirty-ninth chapter, called the History of Two Kings, of the M&havagsa, which is made for the delight and agitation of righteous men. II. — Translation of Chapter XLVI. of the Mahavassa, by Professor Rhys Davids, published in the Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1871-72.* After the death of Hatthadatha Agra Bodhi, the eldest son of the Icing, also called Sri Saiigha Bodhi, became king. 2. He was a righteous king, full of insight, and did innumerable acts of merit. 3. He superintended the maintenance of the priests of the three sects, preserved the canon of scripture, and forbade slaughter. 4. He gave offices impartially, according to merit, and favoured those who by birth or learning were worthy of favour. 5. Wherever he saw priests, he, the high-minded, did them honour, and asked them to say the liturgy (jairit) or talk of religion. 6. He studied under the wise, virtuous, and learned priest Dathisiva of Nagasala monastery. 7. And there having thoroughly heard the teaching of the aUwise one, ' being perfected in religion, he became a doer of all gentle deeds. 8. Having heard a discussion between priestesses, who (previous to their putting on the robes) were related to him, he quite turned away his favour from those who were wicked heretics. 9. He restored broken monasteries and parivenas to their former state. 10. He restored alms fallen into abeyance, and gave slaves to the priest- hood according to the necessities of each (sacred) place. 11. He made a splendid house for that priest called after his name ; which, having received, he, the high-minded one, gave to the priesthood. 12. And the king gave to him villages for his maintenance, Bharattala and Kihimbila and Kataka and Tulfidh&ra. 13. And Andhak&ra and Atturoli, and Balava and Dvfiran&yaka, and Maha Nikatthika and Pelahfila also. 14. These villages and others he, the lord of men, gave for maintenance ; and he gave servants also of those related to himself. 15. Then, either seeing or hearing that monasteries of both sects were poorly provided for, he gave many villages for their maintenance. 16. But what is the use of much speaking ? To the three sects he gave a thousand villages, fruitful ones, and undisputed. * For differences compare this with the same chapter in my translation. APPENDIX. 381 17. And following the Three Gems in the highest virtue, he took a necklace and turned it into a rosary. 18. So in every way he followed after religion ; and all men, taking him for their example, became doers of virtue. 19. A Tamil called Potthakuntha, who was his constant servant, made a splendid and wonderful house called Matambiya. 20. And the king gave him Ambav^pi in Bukakalla, and the cloth weavers' village Catika, and the village Nitthilavet(i with the slaves (living therein). 21. And he buUt as residences the monasteries at Kappora and the places at KurundapiUaka. 22. In other places, too, the wealthy one divided villages among the monasteries ; and the wise general named Potthas&ta added to Jeta Vih&ra 23. A parivena called after the king's name ; and Mahakanda, the Tamil, a parivena of the same name. 24. And the under-king Sanghatissa made a small house called Sehala- upa-r4jaka for the king. 25. And in other places many people both built monasteries (of which these are only a few), and were f uD of goodness, following the example of the king. 26. For when the chief does evil or good the world does just the same : let him who is wise note this. 27. This king had a most virtuous queen called Je^th4^ who built the Jetthd monastery as a home for priestesses. 28. And gave to it two villages in very stony land called Tumbuddha and Helag&ma. together with a hundred slaves. 29. And the king added a splendid relic-house to the dagoba in Man^ala- giri monastery. 30. And he roofed in the inner chamber in the Brazen Palace (at Anuradhapura). The celebrated Bodhi Tisaa built Bodhi Tissa monastery. 31. And all the provincial Grovernors throughout the island built monas- teries and parivenas not a few, according to their ability. 32. In the time of this chief of men everywhere in the island virtue alone was practised. 33. It seems bad to me (thought the king), according to the most im- portant sign of goodness, to have passed so much time here. 34. So after a time he went to Pulastipura and there lived acquiring merit. 35. Then when he was afflicted with a severe illness, seeing that the time of his death was come, he addressed the people. 36. And exhorted them to virtue ; and ao died. But the people were overcome by sorrow at his death. 37. And when his obsequies were performed, nothing being left out, they took of the dust of his funeral pile and used it as medicine. 38. So in the sixteenth year this king went to heaven, and Potthakuntha the Tamil carried on the government. III.— Translation of Chapter LXVIII. and part of LXXIX., by L. De Zoysa, Mudaliyar, published in the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society's Journal, 1856-58, Vol. III., Part I., No. 9. This sovereign of lofty aspirations, who was well acquainted with foreign countries, thus thought (within himself) : — " In what well-governed kingdom is the administration of affairs conducted without obtaining a knowledge of its means ? 382 THE MAHAVA^SA. " The object of my sovereignty is the advancement of the prosperity of Religion and the State, having vanquished all enemies. This kingdom, although very small, being filled with great prosperity, I shall, by the superi- ority of my wisdom, soon bring into such a state as that it will surpass the greatness of other kingdoms. " Conferring appointments on my officers, whose advancement is identical with my own, according to their respective merits, rewarding them with honours and wealth, causing my own people to settle in various parts within my dominions from the mountain Samanta-kdta (Adam's Peak) as far as the sea coast, the cultivation of grain should be carried on in as many ways as possible." Having thus reflected, the king thus addressed his officers : — " In my kingdom are many paddy fields cultivated by means of rain water, but few indeed are those which are cultivated by means of perennial streams and great tanks. " By rocks, and by many thick forests, by great marshes, is the land covered. " In such a country, let not even a small quantity of water obtained by rain go to the sea without benefiting man. " Paddy fields should be formed in every place, excluding those only that produce gems, gold, and other precious things. " It does not become persons in our situation to live enjoying our own ease, and unmindful of the interests of the people And ye all, be ye not discouraged when a necessary but a difficult work is on hand. Regard it not indeed as a work of difficulty, but, following my advice, accomplish it without opposing my instructions." The highly renowned monarch then ordered the construction of the great embankment celebrated under the name of Ko(tha-baddha, which had long been swept away by the action of the river, leaving behind nothing but the name, and which indeed had baffled the attempts of former kings (to keep ' in repair). , Whereupon the ministers, one and all, represented, in various ways, the extreme difficulty of the work, and the instability of it, even if it could be accomplished. The king, rejecting their counsels, remarked : "What is there that cannot be done in this world by men of perseverance ? Is not the tradition still current that R&ma built a bridge over the great ocean itself by means of monkeys ?" " If I am destined, by fortune, to reduce this island under one regal canopy, and to promote the welfare of the State and Religion, then indeed will the commencement of the work see the accomplishment of it also." Thus did he of great courage inspire his ministers with courage. Before the construction of the embankment, however, the profoundly wise ruler of the land made, from the mouth of the embankment as far as the country of Ratthakara, a great canal of great breadth and strength and of many pdriaasf in depth. The protector of the land, having assembled a great many stone-cutters, workers in metal, ironsmiths, and goldsmiths in the country, and having * In reference to the fable in the R&m&yana, that R&ma, the oonquerur of Riwana, in crossing over from India to Oeylon, caused a bridge to be built over the sea by his army of w&naras or monkeys. The reef of sunken rocks, which extends across the tiulf of Mannar from Rimisseram on the ?oast of Ooromandel to Talaimann&r on the coast of Ceylon, is supposed to be the remains of this bridge . f "The measure of a man's reach liqual to the height, to which he reaches, when elevating both arms with fingers extended." (See Colebrook's Amarakosha, page 160.) APPENDIX. 383 employed them in the work of cutting stones, got made by them an embank- ment of great stability and solidity, haying the interstices of the stones invisible, like one continued sheet of rock, and having the work of plastering complete. On the summit of the great embankment, the pious H&jk placed a bd-tree, an image-house, and likewise a d&gaba. The king, by means of this canal, so directed the course of the stream as to make it discharge itself into the sea. Having cleared the great jungle on both sides of the canal, he formed paddy fields of many thousands of w&has" of extent, and converted the place in truth into a Kottha-baddhaf (' perpetual granaries,' from the two Pfili words Jcoftha, 'granary,' and abaddha, 'perpetual'). Thereafter the king having dammed up the mouths of the rivers Sankhaiva4- 4hamdnd, Kumbhilawdna, as far as the Sukara Nijjhara,% (literally, 'hog cascade' or ' stream'), and there, too, having made a canal, and conducting the water into the tank of Mahdddragalla, thoroughly repairing, at the same time, the breaches thereof, including the clearing of the water-courses, (thus) brought into it a larger body of water than it had before, and, having formed paddy fields from this place as far as the SAlcara Nijjhara, collected paddy. The king, moreover, having made a collection of water in the middle of the riveir Jajjara (Deduru-oya ?), and haying formed paddy fields, collected vast quantities of grain. Moreover, having made Par/dor-wdpi, which was formerly very small indeed, (into one) containing a body of water, great and exceedingly lofty, having outlets for the water and an embankment of greatly increased height, length, breadth, and strength, he gave it the name of the " Sea of Parakrama." In an island situated in the middle of it, on the summit of a rock,§ the king built a Dh&tu-gabbho (d%aba) resembling the peak of Mount Kaildsa- In the middle also of the tank he buUt a royal palace, three stories high, and of superlative beauty : a palace indeed for the collected joys of the world. * According to the P4Ii Nighanda of Moggfi.llana : — 4 nelis make 1 lahasa or (kuxapi) 1 lahas „ 1 drooa 4 drooas „ 1 marika 4 marikas „ 1 khari (or amuQam) 20 kh4ris „ 1 waha t This is no doubt the KoUa-v6Ua of Brook. The Sinhalese word ®8(^(3 vella and the F£li word S)S) baddha, both mean an embankment. " From Kotfa-v^lla to Dastota, a distance of nine miles, the country is one of the most delightful I ever recollect seeing on this island : nearly the whole distance a carriage might drive. There are strong marks of many of the plains and parts of the open country having been cultivated ; it abounds in tanks and ravines to facilitate irrigation, all of which are neglected and broken. The reason the inhabitants assign for this is, want of people and money to keep them in order." (Route from Mfetal^ to Trinoomalee, by way of the Ambaggapga, by R. Brook, Esq.) I Instead of coaSgrad «6dS)<5o, 'as far as the Stikara Nijjhara,' some manuscripts read i5j«3»a«s>d «9dSldo— ' the place Siikara Nijjhara,' If this be the correct reading, the whole passage might be thus translated : " Thereafter the king having dammed up, at the junctions of the Sankhawa^dhamSna and Kumbhilawdna, the place (called) Siikara Nijjhara," &o. § I am informed by Mr. Braybrooke, who has visited Paiaml-huliim, that there is a rock in the embankment, called by the natives en^ScoafeiOtraa^ Deviyanni-handa, ' God's hill,' or ' King's hill,' which they believe is haunted by the spirit of King Mahaeen, to whom tradition ascribes the construction of the tank. 384 THE MAHiVAiySA. The following, and many other ruined tanks and mountain streams, did this benevolent monarch repair in various parts of his dominions, viz. : the tank of MaMgalla," the tank of SeUhi, likewise that of Chhattunnata, the tank of Tamha, and the tank of Amhawala, the tank of Giribd, the tank of Pafala, the tank of Maxi4iko„ the tank of Mdrawdpi, and the tanks of Sadiyaggama and Tilagulla, also the tank of Malawalli, the tank of Kdlikittakav^aka, the tank of Kanikaragalla, and the mountain stream Buddhagama, the tank of Sukaragama ('the village of hogs'), the tank of Maha-hirala, the tank of Giri, and those of Rakhhamana, Ambdla, and Ka(unnaru, the tanks of Jallibdwa and Uttardla, and that of Tinti^igama (' the tamarind village '), the tanks of Dhawalawitthi, Kira-w&pi, and Nalannaru, the tank of Karam(tha- wilatta, likewise that of Dumbaragama. The tanks of Mimaru and Salakas, and also the tanks of Mulawdri, Girisigama, Polonnarutala, and Wisiratthala. Draining up great marshes in the country of Panchaydjana {Pasyodun, or Pasdun k6rald), he formed paddy fields and collected paddy. Allotting lands (for paddy cultivation) in the jungles there, and in many other places, calling together the village chiefs, he caused the inhabitants to engage themselves in the cultivation of paddy. In this manner, having augmented nine-fold the revenues of the State from what they were, the wise king caused the country to be so prosperous as never to know the calamities of famine. He who was skilled in the maxims of government, wishing that there should not be even a small spot of land within his dominions inhabited by men, which should be left unbenefited, formed many pleasant and delightful gardens and groves, full of fruit-bearing and flower-bearing trees and creepers, of every variety, fit for the use of man. Thus did this sagacious ruler of the land cause his small kingdom, which had attained prosperity by the superiority of his wisdom, to surpass other great kingdoms in afSuence. The sixth-eighth chapter of the Mah&vagsa, entitled " The Advancement of the Prosperity of the Kingdom," composed both to comfort and to afflict righteous men. Extract from Chapter LXXIX. This supreme of men, for the purpose of averting the calamities of famine, constructed many tanks and canals in various parts (of the island). Having turned the course of the river E&ra-gaggaf by means of a great stone embankment, and having, by means of a great canal called A'kdsa-ganga (' celestial river') conducted its broad stream to the Royal Palace which was a noble one resplendent like the 8un,| he constructed the " King of Tanks " (Wdpi-rdja), celebrated under the name of " The Sea of Parfikrama,'' which was like unto a second ocean, and which contained a perpetual supply of water. * I have no means of ascertaining the Sinhalese names of these tanks. If we had a list of them in Siphaleae, we might probably identify most of them. f Major Forbes states that the river Ambap-gafiga is joined " by a considerable stream" called Kalu-ga^ga. Might not this be the E&ragapga alluded to here ? The Pdli form of Kalugapga would be Kdla-gapga, the only difference between it and Kara-gapga being the substitution of the letter I for r, J Instead of Sddojgd^otao, 'which was a noble one resplendent like the sun,' some manuscripts have li^i a village. 0. 46, v. 20. Tapovana, a grove or wood where hermits dwelt. C. 53, v. 14. Tatav&pi, a fortress. C. 70, v. 72. Tathdgata. C. 73, w. 74-81 ; c. 74, V. 245 ; 0. 84, v. 44. Tattagdma. 0. 42, v. 63. Telag&ma, a village. 0. 49, v. 90. Telapakka Nijjhara. S. Telpisi-dola. 0. 79, w. 67, 68. Telapatta J6teka. C. 97, vv. 40-46. Temiya JAtaka. C . 97, vv. 40-46. Tenkoigu, in India. 0. 76, vv. 291, 292 ; c. 77, w. 42, 43. TennavaflpallaRdyar. C.76,w.225- 227. Thakuraka, a Gondal chief. C. 90, ■ V. 16. Thalanddru. 0. 76, vv. 139-143. Thalayiiru NAdilvar. C. 77, w. 26- 28. Thtoakoiikana Uyyana. 0. 79, v. 10. Thera Dhamma, p. 285, n. Theriyft. C. 41, v. 31 ; o. 42, v. 17 ; c. 50, V. 68. Thiipa. C. 42, v. 32 ; c. 49, v. 81 : c. 73, V. 147. Thiiparama, C. 42, v. 16 ; c. 45, v., 28 ; o. 47, v. 2 ; c. 48, v. 66 ; c. 49, V. 81; c. 51, V. 128; c. 53, v. 11 ; o. 54, vv. 42, 50 ; o, 60, v. 56 ; o, 88, V. 79. Thiip&r&ma Cetiya. 0. 42, v. 51 ; o. 50, V. 35. Thusavfipi, S. Tusdveva, a tank. C. 50, V. 73. Tiki. C. 91, V. 27. Tikonamala. . 0. 100, w. 76, 77. Tilagulla, S. Tilagula, a place. C. 58, V. 43. Tilaka. 0. 73, v. 98. Tilagullaka, S. Tilagulveva, a tank. 0. 68, V. 44. Tilokamalla, a prince. C. 87, w. 14- 17 ; o. 88, w. 20-23. Tilokanandana Uyy&na. C. 79, v. 8. TUokasundari, a princess of Kaliiiga. 0. 59, V. 30. Tintinigamaka, S. Siyambalagam- veva, a tank. C. 68, v. 47, Tintinika, a viUage. 0. 41, v. 97. Tipa, a Vanni prince. C. 90, vv. 22, 33. Tipitaka. C. 98, v. 26. Tipucullasa, a village. C. 45, v. 71. Tiputhulla, 8. Tiputul Vehera, a vihira. C. 45, v. 29 Tirikkdnupper, in India. 77, v. 71. Tirimalakka, in India. 0. 77, v. 5. Tirinaveli, Tinevelly, in India. 0. 77, w. 42, 43. TiripputtiSr, in India. 0. 77, v. 16. Tirivekambama, in India. 0. 76, w 241 242. Tissd.' 0. 50, w. 59, 60 ; c. 52, v. 2. Tiss&r&ma, a nunnery. C. 52, v. 24. Tissavdpi, S. Tis&veva. C, 70, v. 150. INDEX OF NAMES. 409 Tissa Vih&ra, S. Tis Vehera. C. 45, V. 58. Titthag&ma, S. Totagamuwa, a village. C. 72, w. 74, 75. TitthagAma Vihara, S. Totagamu Vihdra. 0. 90, w. 88-91. Titthiya, the Tirthakas. C. 61, v. 60. Tiva6ka, an image-house. C. 78, v. 39 ; c. 85, v. 66. Tompiya R&yar. 0. 76, vv. 146-149. To^damdna. 0. 77, vv. 1, 32, 51, 73-78. Toi|idam& RAyar. C.'76, w. 139-143. Tondi, in India. C. 76, v. 239 ; c. 77, vv. 79-81. Tondriya. C. 76, vv. 184-186. Tooth-relic. C. 42, v. 33; o. 44, v. 45 ; 0. 48, v. 124 ; c. 49, v. 44 ; c. 73, w. 128-135 ; c. 74, w. 38, 85, 100, 159-161 ; c. 81, v. 23 ; c. 84, w. 13, 14; c. 85, v. 34; o. 87, v. 70; c. 88, w. 10, 11 ; c. 89, w. 16-18 ; c. 98, w. 8, 38, 39, 40, 57 ; o. 99, V. 107 ; c. 100, vv. 7, 8. Toya. C. 79,v. 47. Tripifaka. 0. 81, n. 6. Tulidhira, a village. 0. 46, w. 12, 13. Tungabhadda. C. 79, v. 45. Tuttha, a general. C. 51, v. 88. Uccafikuttha. C. 77, vv. 73-78. U'cena, in India, C. 76, w. 250-253. Udagama, S. Udagama. C. 44, v. 101. Udakagfima. C. 100, vv. 213, 214. Udakukkhepa Simfi. C. 89, v. 70 ; c. 94, w. 15, 16 ; c. 97, w. 12, 13. Udaya, a prince. C. 50, vv. 6, 56 ; c. 51, V. 53 ; c. 53, w. 5, 13, 28, 39. Udaya, a king. C. 54, v. 48. Udayaggabodhi, 8. Ud4-agbo, a monastery. C. 49, v. 45. TJddhagima, S. Udugama, a village. C 41, V. 97. Uddhagfrmaka, S. Udugama, a place. C. 74, V. 93. Uddhakura, S. Udukuruwi, a village. C; 70, V. 171. Uddhana-dvdra, S. Udundora, a village. C. 61, w. 16, 25; c. 74, V. 86 ; c. 75, w. 182-186. UddhavSpi, S. Urfavfva, a place. C- 72. V. 197. Ulad&gama, a village. C. 75, w. 14^19. UUagdma, 8. Ulapana. 0. 86, w. 23, 24. Ummagga Jfitaka. C. 97, w. 40-46. Unhanagara, 8. Hunannaruwa, a village. C. 46, v. 45. Unpaloma, Unulom-geya, a monas- tic house built at N&gadipa. C, 43, V. 62. UpnavaUi Vih&ra, 8. Unuv?l Vehera. 0. 42, V. 18. UpMi. 0. 100, V. 72. 91—87 Upatissa, S. Upatis, C. 41, w. 8, 33. Uposatha. C. 44, v. 80; c. 49, v. 48. Uposatha, Halls, 8. Poho-ge or Poya-ge, houses for holding the meetings of monks to repeat the Pr^timoksha, &c. C, 52, v. 27 ; c. 51, V. 70 ; c. 78, vv. 55, 56. 57, 58 ; c. 100, w. 7-8. Upoaath6r4ma C. 98, vv. 20-23 ; c. 100, vv. 241, 242. Uppalavanpa. O. 39, v. 11 ; c. 100, w. 262,263. U'riyeri. C. 77, vv. 54-59. Uruvela, 8. Univel, a vihfoa. C. 60, V. 58. Uruvela-mandala, 8. Uruvelmadulla, a place. 0. 74, w. 125, 126. Uss&na-vitthi, a temple village. C. 49 V. 29i Utta'ra. 0. 39, v. 58. Uttarakuru UyyAna. C. 79, v. 11. Uttar^Ia, 8. Uttur&la-v?va, a tank, C. 68, V. 47. Uttaralha, a monastery. C. 50, v. 77; 0.51, V. 75. UttarSr&ma. C, 78, v. 77. Uttara-sena, a vihara. C. 50, v. 83 Uttarola, a monastery. C. 57, v. 20. U'va. C. 95, V. 22. Vaoav&taka, 8. Yadavala, a village. C. 70, V. 282. VAciasara, great elder. C. 81, w. 17- 81. Vada Kodgu, in India. 0. 76, w. 291, 292 ; c. 77, w. 42, 43. Vadali, in India. C. 76, w. 136, 171, 172. VadaManamekkudi. C. 77, w. 88, 89. Vadavalat tirukk&di, N&dalv&r. C. 76, vv, 94-98. VaddhamAnaka, 8. Vadaman, a Bodhi tree. 0. 48, v. 6. Vaddhana, 8. Vadunnft. C. 79, vv. 32-38. Y&gissara, ambassador to Bamafifia. C. 76, V. 32. Vahadipa, 8, Vahaduva, an islet. C, 49, vv. 33, 75, 76. V&hadi'paka, 8. VahakottI, a village, and vihara. C. 48, v. 66. Vajira, a minister of State. C. 49, V. 81. Yajiragga, a minister of Mahinda. 0. 51, vv. 105, 126. Vajirasena, a viMra. C. 50, y. 84. VajiravApi. C. 70, v. 72. Yakula, C. 73, v. 98. Yal&ha, 8. Yalasv^va. 0. 79, w. 32-38. YaMhassa, S! Yalasv?va, a tank. C. 42, V. 67 ; c. 60, v. 49. Yfilika, 8, Mahav^igagga, a river. 0. 89, V. 70. Y&likag&ma, 8. V^ligama. 0. 83, vv. 15-20., 3g 410 THE MAHAvA^SA. Y&likakhetta, S. Veliket, a fortress 0. 70, V. 62. Vilivdsara, a vUlage. C. 74, v. 178. Yallabha, a king of India. C. 47, w. 15, 19, 24 ; c. 54, v. 12. Vallakkutt&r. 0. 76, w. 250-253. Valligg&ma. C. 80, v. 37. Yalligg&ma, a vih&ra, S. Veligama Vehera. C. 90, v. 96-97. Vallitittha, a ford. 0. 72, v. 114. Y&lukag&ma, S. Yeligama, a sea-port. C. 75, V. 41. Yfilukapatta, S. Yelipata, a village. C. 70, V. 318. YMukasa, S. Yalikas&, a village. C. 75, w. 14-19. Yalutthi Eiyar. C. 76, v. 240. Yanag&ma, S. Yalgama, a village. C. 75, V. 178. Y&narag&ma, S. YaJldur&gama, vil- lage. C. 75, vv. 5-7. Y&nar^kara Uyyina. C. 79, v. 8. Yanni. 0. 81, v. 11. Yannian. C. 87, v. 26. Yanni Bhuvaneka B&hu. C. 90, v. 105. Yanijjagdma, a village. C. 48, v. 24. Y&pSranimaka. C. 48, v. 64. Y^pi, a place. C. 74, vv. 139-142. Y&pi-nagara, S. Y^naru, a place. C. 58, V. 43. Y4pi-v4taka, a place. 0. 70, v. 21. Yaranftnamuni. 0. 100, w. 137-140. Yasabha, S. Yehepgama, a village. C. 41, v. 97. ■ Yasanta. C. 73, vv. 109-112. Yasittha, Rishi. C. 42, v. 4. Yatag&ma, a village. C. 44, v. 51. Yitagiri, S. Ytgiri, a mountain or rook. C. 58, v. 31 ; c. 60, v. 40 ; c. 88, V. 43. Yatarakkhatthali, S. Yatarakgoda, a village. C. 75, vv. 5-7. YattagAmani. 0. 82, v. 23: o. 100, w. 231, 232. Yattagftmani Abhaya. 0. 73, w. 18- 22 ; c. 78, w. 20-23. Yattakfikdra-pitthi, S. Vatukara-piti- ya, a district or village. 0. 42, v. 26. YattalagAma. C. 81, v. 58. Yejayanta, S. Yijayot; Sk. Yaijayan- te, Sakra's palace. 0. 48, v. 136 ; c. 52, V. 35. Yelagftma, S. Yelgam Yehera, a vibfira. C. 60, v. 61. Yelakkdra, a mercenary army. 0. 60, v. 36; c. 63, w. 24, 25; c. 74, v. 44. Velukudi, in India. C. 77, w. 90, 91. Yelliniba, in India. 0. 77, v. 39. Yeluppa Damila. C. 44, v. 111. Yeluvana Yih&ra, a vih&ra made by Aggabodhi for the Jetavana estab- lishment. C. 42, V. 43 ; c. 44, v. 99 ; 0. 73, w. 151-155 ; o. 44, v. 99. Yemuva Kiyar. C. 76, vv. 139-143. Yenumati. 0. 79, v. 48. Yerappe R&yar. C. 77, vv. 6-8. YesUi. C. 88, v. 121. Yessantara. 0. 42, v. 5 ; c. 100, vv. 73-75. Yessantara Jitaka. C. 97, vv. 40-46. Yessavana. C. 81, w. 3, 4. Yettav&sa Yih&ra, Sk. Yetravisa Yihfira. C. 42, v. 48. Yettavati. 0. 79, v. 45. YetuUa, Sk. Yaitulya, a schism in the Buddhist church. 0. 42, v. 35. YetuUa Pitaka. C. 78, vv. 20-23. Yiddhumag&ma, S. Yidumgama. C. 90, V. 98, 99. Yiduri, a lady of Udaya the Third's household. 0. 53, v. 50. Yiduragga, a commander of King Udaya's army. C. 53, v. 46. Yiddra J&taka. C. 97, w. 40-46. Yih&ra Yej jas^la, S. Yehera Yedahal, a ford. C. 71, v. 58. Yijaya, the king. C. 62, v. 56 ; c. 63, V. 12. Yijaya B&hu I., a king. 0. 58, v. 1 ; c. 61, V. 51 ; c. 80, w. 1, 7 ; o. 81, V. 10 ; c. 82, V. 25. Yijaya Bihu, a prince. 0. 87, vv. 14- 17 ; c. 88, V. 1 ; 0. 89, v. 9 ; c. 90, w. 48-50, 92 ; c. 92, v. 4. Yijaya PMa. 0, 95, v. 23 ; c. 96, v. 4. Yijaya Sundara A'r&ma. C. 81, V. 51. Yijita, a city. C. 78, v. 91. Yijj&dhara Guh&. C. 78, v. 78. Yijjidhara Lena. C. 78, v. 68. Yijjamandapa. 0. 73, v. 115. Yikkama.' C. 72, v. 180. Yikkama B&hu, S. Yikum-b&, a king. 0. 56, V. 1. Yikkama B&hu, son of Yijaya B&hu the Great by Tiloka Sundari, his second queen. C. 59, v. 49 ; c. 60, V. 88 ; 0. 61, vv. 8, 32, 38, 45, 54 ; c. 62, w. 7, 64, 55, 64 ; c. 63, v. 18. Yikkama B^hu, a son of Gaja B&hu. 0. 70, V. 237 ; c. 80. v. 28. Yikkama B&hu IH. 0. 91, v. 1 ; c. 92, vv. 6-8. Yikkama Golapper. C. 76, v. 181. YiUatta-khanda. C. 79, vv. 67-68. Villava E&yar. C. 76, vv. 166, 177 187, 188. YiUik&bina, a district. 0. 58, v. 30. Yimala Dhamma Suriya. C. 94, w. 5, 6 ; c. 97, v. 1. Yinaya. C. 45, v. 31 ; c. 73, w. 18-22 ; c. 100, vv. 73-75. Yira. 0. 79, vv. 32-38. Yira B&hu, S. Yira-Bd, a younger brother of Yijaya B&hu the Great. C. 59, V. 11 ; c. 61, v. 26. Yira B&hu alias M&n&bharana, a king. 0. 62, vv. 4, 62 ; c. 63, v. 1. INDEX OF NAMES. 411 Vira Bihu, a prince. C. 87, w. 14-17; c. 88, V. 5; o. 89, t. 10; c. 91, V. 14. Viradeva, an Indian adventurer. C. 61, vv. 36, 40, 44, 46. ViragaiSga. 0. 76, vv. 133, 139-143. Viramaiiga R4yar. 0. 76, v. 181. Viraiikur4r4nia, a vihira. C. 50, v.68. Viranukltara. C. 77, v. 2. Yira Pandu, a prince. C. 76, v. 196-198 ; c. 77, vv. 5, 25, 105. Vira Parakkama B&hu. C. 92, vv. 2,3. Virapperaya Riyar. C. 76, w. 189- 143. Viravamma, son - in - law of Vijaya B6hu, married to his daughter Yasodharft. C. 59, v. 27. Visdl&. C. 99, V. 100. TisMamuttu R&yar. C. 77, w. 79-89. Visayha JAtaka. C. 79, vv. 40-46. Visirfithala, S. Visiratalfi-v^va, a tank. C. 68, V. 50. Vishnu. C. 50, v. 27, n. ; c. 73, v. 71 ; c. 79, vv. 42-44. Vissakamma. C. 73, w. 61-70. Vitt^ra. C 76, w. 146-149. Voyalaggamu, S. Voyalagamu, a vil- lage. O. 74, w. 123, 124. VulAa, in India. C. 76, v. 175. YibMa, a village dedicated to a temple. C. 49, V. 89. Yadhava R&yar. 0. 76, v. 166. YagMla, a place. C. 70, v. 106. Yakkhasdkara, S.Yakuri-tota, a ford. C. 71, V. 54. YamunS,. C. 79, v. 48. Yipauwa, p. 315, re. ; p. 303, n. YaBodhar&, a daughter of Vijaya BShu the Great. C. 59, v. 26 ; o. 60, V. 83. YAthava R4yar. C. 76, v. 177. Yatthi. C. 78, vv. 64-66. Yajthikandaka, S. Yatikada-Yatinu- wara ? a district. C. 70, w. 3-6, 9,12. Yuddhannava, Sk. Yuddhirnava, a work on military tactics. C. 70, vv. 56, 57. Zemindar, p. 234, n. Yajjettha vijjati mamam mati-vibbhamena Vajjam pi kiiici matima karu D&dareBa Vajjetu taDi ; parimalap hi kuhip jagatya Ya^ kevalam bhavati sabba-sukh&vahap \&? L. 0. W. This preservation photocopy was made and hand bound at Bool