King Mahadatika Mahanaga - House of Moriya i | Anuradhapura - (9 - 21) - Sri Lankan History - Kings - Governors - Prisidents

King Mahadatika Mahanaga

House of Moriya i | Anuradhapura - (9 - 21)

After King Bhātikābha, his younger brother, Prince Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga, ascended to the throne. It is possible that he was a younger sibling of King Bhātikābha. The strong brotherly relationship between the two is evident from many inscriptions established during their reigns. Before becoming king, Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga appears to have served as a regional ruler under King Bhātikābha in both the Rohana region and the southern territories. The Dipavaṃsa, which describes King Bhātikābha in twenty verses, dedicates only three verses to him. In contrast, the Mahāvaṃsa describes him in twenty-six verses. A notable feature is that these verses focus almost exclusively on the king’s meritorious deeds. Nonetheless, historians can analyze the conditions of the country during his reign based on these details. In the Dipavaṃsa, this king is referred to as Nāga, while the Mahāvaṃsa and the commentaries (Aṭṭhakathā) call him Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga. The prefix “Maha” appears twice. In Sinhala texts, his name appears as Mahadēliya, Mahadēliyā, or Mahadēliyāmanā. In inscriptions, he is mentioned as Nak Maharaja, Nakanakamaharaja, and Devanapiya Nak Maharaja, among others. However, no word corresponding to “Mahādāṭhika” appears in the inscriptions. The exact meaning of “Mahādāṭhika” is unclear. In some sources, the term “Udara-vula Vāchī Dāṭhika” appears, which could imply the meaning “Great Udara-vula.” Whether this refers to an actual physical feature, a title, or a characteristic applied to the king at the time remains uncertain. Some Sinhala kings appear to have used humorous or figurative titles, which could have alternative interpretations. In Prakrit Sinhala, the term “Dāṭhika” also appears in inscriptions of skilled artists, suggesting the king himself may have been a talented craftsman. During his reign, Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga carried out many devotions for the construction of a great stupa. The first ceremonial offering (pīnka) involved placing “Kinjilkapāṣāṇa” stones, as described in the Mahāvaṃsaṭīkā. The stupa’s steps were adorned with small stone blocks and lotus carvings, and the boundary of the stupa was properly constructed. Ambatala Mahasēya was built by this king. During construction, he faced significant challenges; part of the structure collapsed. However, through his dedication and perseverance, he ensured its completion. Renowned craftsmen worked with gold, silver, pearls, and gems to adorn the four sides of the stupa. These accounts reveal the high spiritual and artistic sophistication of the era, as well as the prosperity of the kingdom. There is no indication that these projects were used for political gain; the people participated voluntarily, showing their support for the king. Among Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga’s major activities was the Girihaṇḍa (mountain treasures) festival, mentioned in the Dipavaṃsa as Giri-bhaṇḍa-gahaṇa and in the Aṅguttara Nikāya commentaries as Giri-bhaṇḍa-vāhana. While the exact date is debated, it is generally associated with the Ambatala Mahasēya. The festival involved elaborate arrangements around the Ambatala hill, including streets, entrances, and decorative flags and lamps. Steps were built for pilgrims, and the entire country participated. The festival included music, dance, and public enlightenment. Gold coins were distributed in charity, reflecting the kingdom’s economic prosperity. The term “Giri” means mountain, “bhaṇḍa” means goods or objects, and “pujā” means offering. Hence, Giri-bhaṇḍa-pujā can be understood as offerings made on a mountain, possibly as a type of festival. Some scholars compare this to similar festivals in the Buddha’s time. Although religious in nature, the festival was also a social event that involved widespread participation, combining devotion with celebration. In addition to these religious activities, Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga commissioned and maintained temples outside the capital, including in the Rohana region, Kālāyaṇakaṇṇikā, Maniṇāga Pabbata, Chūlanāgapa Pabbata near Warthana Oya, and the Kumbukkan Nadi area. These locations have been identified, and inscriptions indicate that the king himself was responsible for their construction. The king performed extraordinary offerings during the Mahāsaṅghaya, including dedicating himself, his queen, his two sons, his royal entourage, and others. Many other offerings were made later to maintain these religious sites. He also granted protection to animals and punished criminals, ensuring law and order in the country. Approximately fifteen inscriptions from his reign have survived, scattered across the island. These primarily record devotional acts. One inscription mentions offerings at a temple at Sīpavata (Sīhaparvata) involving two streams, while another from Madakalapuwa mentions an irrigation project. The longest inscription is carved into a mountain in Mihintale, consisting of twelve lines, recording religious offerings as well as significant historical events. Statues of notable figures, including Iṭṭhiya, Uttiya, and Bhaddasāla, were commissioned and respected. The inscriptions, though partially damaged, indicate that Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga’s authority was recognized throughout the country. He also funded tanks and irrigation systems in temples, implying proper maintenance, construction, and administration of agricultural infrastructure. This facilitated economic growth and social stability, allowing the king to conduct large-scale religious activities. The Mahāvaṃsa mentions that he had two sons, Gamini Abhaya and Tissa Hatiya. Inscriptions indicate another son, Nakala Kumāra, responsible for the eastern region, who commissioned the Mani-Agiyachetiya (Somawathī Vihāra). This suggests that the king had other sons not recorded in the chronicles. Evidence also implies he had at least one daughter. Through his sons, he maintained good governance over the Rohana, southern, eastern, and northern regions. Mahādāṭhika-Mahānāga ruled the kingdom for twelve years.