Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura
Devanampiya Tissa was a significant early king of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, whose reign (traditionally 307-267 BC, or 247-207 BC by modern scholars) is primarily known for the arrival of Buddhism on the island. His friendship with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka led to the mission of Ashoka's son, Mahinda, who converted the king and his court, marking a pivotal moment in Sri Lankan history.
Key Facts
- ›Ruled Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
- ›His reign is traditionally dated from 307 BC to 267 BC, with a scholarly revision to 247 BC to 207 BC.
- ›Known for his friendship with Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great.
- ›His conversion to Buddhism was facilitated by Mahinda Thera, Ashoka's son.
- ›Associated with the planting of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.
- ›Built the significant irrigation tank known as Tissa Wewa.
Important Relationships
- Ashoka the Great
- Mahinda Thera
- Sanghamitta
Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Tissa Wewa
Ashoka the Great, Mahinda Thera
About Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura
Devanampiya Tissa, originally named Tissa, was a significant early king of Sri Lanka who established his capital at Anuradhapura. His reign, traditionally placed between 307 BC and 267 BC (though modern scholarship suggests 247 BC to 207 BC), is a pivotal period in Sri Lankan history due to the introduction of Buddhism to the island.
Life and Historical Context
As the second son of Mutasiva of Anuradhapura, Tissa ascended to the throne. The chronicles describe him as virtuous and intelligent. His reign is intrinsically linked to the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great of India. The Mahavamsa details a long-standing friendship between the two monarchs, even before they met. Ashoka, after his conversion to Buddhism, sent emissaries, including his son Mahinda, to Sri Lanka, urging Tissa to adopt the faith.
Conversion to Buddhism and Royal Patronage
The traditional account of Devanampiya Tissa's conversion is a celebrated legend. While on a hunt near Mihintale, he encountered Thera Mahinda, who, after testing the king's intellect with a series of insightful questions, preached the Dharma. The king, recognizing the missionaries sent by his friend Ashoka, embraced Buddhism. This conversion marked the beginning of Buddhism's profound influence on Sri Lankan culture and society. Following Mahinda's request, Devanampiya Tissa also invited Ashoka's sister, Sanghamitta, who brought a branch of the sacred Bodhi tree from India. This tree was planted in Mahamegha park in Anuradhapura and is revered as one of the oldest living, human-planted trees in the world.
Notable Contributions and Legacy
Devanampiya Tissa was also a builder. He constructed the substantial Tissa Wewa, a large irrigation tank that remains an essential resource for agriculture in the Anuradhapura region. While specific temples attributed to him are difficult to locate definitively, the sites of his encounter with Mahinda at Mihintale and the planting of the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura are among Sri Lanka's most sacred and historically significant locations. His reign laid the foundation for Anuradhapura's development as a major center of Buddhist learning and practice.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Devanampiya Tissa reign?
According to traditional chronology, Devanampiya Tissa ruled from 307 BC to 267 BC. Modern scholars, however, suggest a reign from 247 BC to 207 BC.
What is Devanampiya Tissa known for?
Devanampiya Tissa is best known for his pivotal role in the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka during his reign. This event was largely facilitated by his friendship with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
How did Devanampiya Tissa convert to Buddhism?
The conversion occurred when Mahinda Thera, son of Emperor Ashoka, arrived in Sri Lanka and met King Devanampiya Tissa near Mihintale. After a series of intelligence tests, Mahinda Thera preached the Dharma, leading to the king's conversion.
What important Buddhist sites are associated with Devanampiya Tissa?
Key sites include Mihintale, where he met Mahinda Thera, and Anuradhapura, where he oversaw the planting of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. He also built the Tissa Wewa irrigation tank, which remains important today.
Who was Emperor Ashoka to Devanampiya Tissa?
Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire was a close friend of Devanampiya Tissa, even though they had never met in person. Ashoka played a crucial role in sending Buddhist missionaries, including his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, to Sri Lanka.
Related Buddhists
Ashoka
Ashoka the Great was a powerful Emperor of Magadha from the Mauryan dynasty who reigned in the 3rd century BCE. He is renowned for his pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia after a brutal war of conquest led him to embrace the principles of dhamma, or righteous conduct. His reign saw the establishment of numerous stupas, patronage of the Third Buddhist Council, and support for Buddhist missionaries, solidifying his legacy as a significant figure in Buddhist history and a symbol of modern India.
Dharmaraksita
Dharmaraksita, also known as Dhammarakkhita, was a prominent Greek Buddhist missionary sent by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to spread Buddhism. He is significant for his role in proselytizing in the northwestern Indian subcontinent and for his association with later Buddhist traditions, including training the monk Nagasena.
Dutugamunu
Dutugamunu, also known as Dutthagamani Abhaya, was a significant king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom in Sri Lanka who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC. He is celebrated for uniting the entire island by defeating the Tamil king Elara and is credited with expanding and beautifying Anuradhapura. His reign is marked by both historical accounts and legendary embellishments, making him a potent symbol of Sinhalese historical power.