Funday Times - Mahawansaya

1. King Sena 1, spent his time in peace and happiness, along with his two brothers, Kashyapa and Udaya. But soon the unexpected happened. In
848 AD, a foreign power invaded the country. They were the Pandyas, from South India, under the leadership of King Sri Mara Sri Vallabha. King Sena, too, did not want to lie low. He organized a huge army and sent them to attack the enemy.

2. Unfortunately, at this time there was disunity among the ministers and that contributed to the weakening of the army too. The fight could not go on, as expected. The chiefs were divided. The Tamils who were scattered here and there, in the island, joined Sri Megha Sri Vallabha. This added to the strength of the enemy forces. They captured the Northern parts of the island and started plundering.

3. Before long, the enemy, infiltrated into the country. They set up camp in the village names Thalita. The Pandyan king was very popular among his soldiers. They respected him and were ready to do anything for him. When the king got on to the elephant to go to battle, the soldiers shouted saying, "We will win the battle, even at the risk of our lives." They won the battle alright.

4. The Sinhala army became helpless. They did not have a proper leader. As the enemy entered there was discussion among the leaders. The forces had to retreat. This enabled the Pandya king to come further into the country. These Tamil soldiers were not only plundering but they were setting fire to entire villages and killing even cattle. They came as far as Anuradhapura. As the Sinhala army was badly defeated, King Sena was utterly helpless.

5. The King thought of saving his life by fleeings. So he fled to Malaya Rata. In the meantime, the 'Yuvaraja,' Mahinda took an army and marched to fight the enemy. This army too couldn't fight for long. They fled and the 'Yuvaraja' was deserted. He knew, he would be caught by the enemy.

6. This brave prince thought for a while. He thought it better to commit suicide rather than be a victim in the hands of the enemy. While seated on his elephant, he cut of his head. The few faithful officers, who were around him too, followed him. They too committed suicide.

7. Kashyapa, the brother was sad to hear this news of the brother. He thought of killing at least a few of the enemy and committing suicide. By this time, the enemy was in the capital city. They had come as far as the Abhayagiri Vihara. Prince Kashyapa got on to a horse and all alone he went to the midst of the enemy, with his sword drawn. He was able to kill a number of the enemy soliders.

8. The enemy forces were simply shocked. They were scared of the bravery of this single individual. However clever they were, in fighting they couldn't harm the prince. The prince then thought, "Why should I die now? Let me go and collect an army and fight the enemy once more." While attacking the enemy, he rode his horse as fast as he could and moved away and away from the enemy