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Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera

Sri Lanka·Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya·Male

Most Ven. Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera was a prominent Buddhist figure in Sri Lanka, recognized as the founder of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya and the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena. He holds the distinction of being the first Maha Nayaka Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya, a significant role in the island's monastic traditions.

Key Facts

  • Founded the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya.
  • Founded the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena at Mūla Maha Viharaya, Payagala, Kalutara.
  • Served as the first Maha Nayaka Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya.
  • His legal name was Cornelis Madanayake.
  • Played a key role in the development of monastic education in Sri Lanka.
Full Name
Most Ven. Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera
Associated Locations
  • MūLa Maha Viharaya, Payagala, Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Vows Taken

Bhikkhu

Role Type
Notable Status
Birth Name
Cornelis Madanayake

About Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera

Most Ven. Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera

Most Ven. Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera was a significant figure in the history of Sri Lankan Buddhism, recognized as the founder of both the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya and the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena. His legal name was Cornelis Madanayake.

Founding of the Ramanna Nikaya

He established the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya, a prominent Buddhist monastic tradition in the island nation. Following its inception, Most Ven. Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera held the distinguished position of being its first Maha Nayaka Thera, the highest clerical authority within the order.

Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena

In addition to his leadership of the monastic order, he also founded the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena. This educational institution is situated at Mūla Maha Viharaya in Payagala, within the Kalutara district of Sri Lanka, serving as a center for Buddhist learning and practice.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera?

Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera was a significant Buddhist monk and the founder of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya. He also established the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena in Payagala, Kalutara.

What is the Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya?

The Sri Lanka Ramanna Nikaya is a Buddhist monastic order in Sri Lanka. Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera was its founder and its first Maha Nayaka Thera.

What role did Ambagahawatte Indrasabhawara Gnanasami Maha Thera play in monastic education?

He founded the Sri Dharmagupta Pirivena, which served as a center for Buddhist monastic education. This institution was located at Mūla Maha Viharaya in Payagala, Kalutara.