bawa May 28th, 2008
Choranaga: (63 BC – 51 BC)
After the death of Mahachuli, Choranaga became the King of the country.
Destruction of Buddhist Temples:
After becoming the ruler, Choranaga’s very first act was to destroy the eighteen Viharas that did not provide him refuge while in hiding.
(Author’s Note: Choranaga can be considered as the very first King to destroy Buddhist Viharas).
Baminitiya Saaya – (Baminitiya Famine)
According to Rajavaliya, major famine known as “Baminitiya saaya” occurred in the country. Many people died from it. Mahavamsa is silent on Baminitiya famine.
Story of Anula Devi (Queen Anula):
Choranaga’s first wife was Anula Devi. She poisoned Choranaga to death.
Continue Reading »
bawa May 28th, 2008
After defeating the rebellious commander, Vattagamini became the ruler of the country.
(Vatthagamini is one of the sons of King Saddhatissa. Hence Vattagamini is a nephew of King Dutugamunu. King Saddhatissa had four sons: Thulathana, Lajjitissa, Kalltanaga and Vattagamini. Interestingly all four ruled the country). Continue Reading »
bawa May 28th, 2008
King Dutugamunu had a son named Saliya Raja Kumara. He was an intelligent Prince and conducted many meritorious deeds. This young Prince, fell in love with a beautiful Chandala girl named Asokamala. Prince Saliya was told that he would not be able to become the King, if he continues his love affair with Asokamala. Prince Saliya’s love for Asokamala was greater than his desire for the kingdom. Against the wishes of the country, he married Asokamala without any regard to the throne. Continue Reading »
bawa May 28th, 2008
(Mahavamsa refers to Ruwan Vali Saaya as “Mahathupa” and that name would be used here in. Mahavamsa occasionally uses the word “Sonnamali” as well. Today “Sonnamali” has been converted to Ruwan Vali Saaya).
Construction of Mahathupa started on the full moon day of the month of Vesak. King Dutugamunu
had the workers dug a 7 cubit deep excavation. (Approximately 10.5 feet). He had soldiers brought in
round stones and had them crushed with hammers. Crushed stones were placed at the bottom of the
excavation and compacted using elephants. Continue Reading »
bawa May 28th, 2008
King Dutugamunu after securing the south started the campaign against King Elara. He built a large army and marched towards Anuradhapura. During his march he destroyed many outposts that belong to King Elara. King Elara’s men fled to Anuradhapura and sheltered inside Vijithanagara fortress located 25 mils from the capital, Anuradhapura.
King Dutugamunu setup his camp near Vijithanagara fortress. While preparing for the war, King sent Kandula the elephant to attack Nandimitra to test his strength. Nandimitra held the elephant from its tusks and seated the elephant on its rear end. The village where this happened was named Hasthipura. After this incident, kandula grabbed a big stone and hid it inside his mouth to attack Nandimitra whenever he gets a chance. Continue Reading »
