Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero
Sri Lanka·Amarapura Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya·Male·20th century
Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero was a prominent Sinhalese Buddhist monk, recognized by the honorific "Loku Hamuduruwo." He served as the Chief incumbent at the Maharagama Sri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya and was a senior advisor to the Supreme Council of the Amarapura Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya until his passing in 2020 at the age of 106.
Key Facts
- ›Born Dharmadasa in Ampitiya, Kandy, on December 24, 1913 or 1914.
- ›Ordained as a monk at age 22 on May 4, 1936.
- ›Held the position of Chief incumbent at Maharagama Sri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya.
- ›Served as a senior advisor to the Supreme Council of the Amarapura Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya.
- ›Co-founded the Maharagama Bhikku Training Centre in 1958.
- ›Died on February 17, 2020, at the age of 106.
Important Relationships
- Madihe Pannaseeha Thera
Ampitiya, Kandy, Maharagama Sri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya, Udakukkhepa Seema Malakaya, Kelaniya, University of Peradeniya
Madihe Pannaseeha Thera, Palane Vajiragnana Thera, Ahangama Sri Pragnaloka Maha Thera
Sinhala, Tamil
Bhikkhu
About Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero
Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thera
Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thera, also known by the honorific title "Loku Hamuduruwo," was a distinguished Sinhalese Buddhist monk who played a significant role in Sri Lankan Buddhist life. He held the esteemed position of Chief incumbent at the Maharagama Sri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya and served as a senior advisor to the Supreme Council of the Amarapura Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya until his passing.
Life and Contributions
Born Dharmadasa on December 24, 1913 or 1914, in Ampitiya, Kandy, his early education took place at St. Mary's College, Kandy. Deeply influenced by his devout Buddhist upbringing, he pursued further studies at a Dhamma school. At the age of 22, on May 4, 1936, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk, with his higher ordination taking place in Kelaniya on July 30, 1936. His academic and spiritual development continued under the guidance of prominent monks such as Madihe Pannaseeha Thera, Palane Vajiragnana Thera, and Ahangama Sri Pragnaloka Maha Thera. He furthered his studies at the hermitage affiliated with the University of Peradeniya.
Venerable Rahula Maha Thera was also an educator. He assumed the role of Principal at Vajirarama Dhamma School in 1948 and extended his teachings to undergraduates in Sinhala and Tamil at the University of Peradeniya. He was instrumental in establishing a Buddhist temple on the university campus. Among his notable students were monks such as Maharagama Dhammasiri Thera, Gangodawila Soma Thera, and Thirikunamale Ananda Thera. In 1958, he co-founded the Maharagama Bhikku Training Centre alongside his mentor, Madihe Pannaseeha Thera.
Death
Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thera passed away on the morning of February 17, 2020, at the age of 106. His funeral was attended by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on February 20, 2020.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero's birth name and date?
He was born Dharmadasa on December 24, 1913 or 1914. His birth place was Ampitiya, Kandy.
When did Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero become a monk?
He was ordained as a Buddhist monk at the age of 22 on May 4, 1936. His higher ordination took place on July 30, 1936.
What significant roles did Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero hold?
He was the Chief incumbent at the Maharagama Sri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya and a senior advisor to the Supreme Council of the Amarapura Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya. He was also known by the honorific "Loku Hamuduruwo."
What educational institutions was Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero associated with?
He received his early education at St. Mary's College, Kandy, and furthered his Buddhist studies at a hermitage affiliated with the University of Peradeniya. He also served as Principal at Vajirarama Dhamma School and taught undergraduates at the University of Peradeniya.
Did Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero have any notable students?
Yes, monks such as Maharagama Dhammasiri Thera, Gangodawila Soma Thera, and Thirikunamale Ananda Thera were among his students.
When and at what age did Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero pass away?
Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero died on the morning of February 17, 2020, at the age of 106.
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