Funday Times

Prince Gamini
1 Queen Viharamaha Devi spent her days, in comfort in the palace at Magama. The maids took care to look after her well, as she was in a delicate state of health. In due course, she gave birth to a noble son. Though there is no evidence as to the exact date of the birth of the prince, some are of the view, that it was around 250 BC. According to the Mahavamsa, seven ships filled with gems and jewels had reached the shores, on that very day. A fisherman named Kandula had met a baby elephant, who had lost its way on that very same day.

2 When the fisherman informed the king about this baby elephant, he gave a lot of wealth to him for bringing this news and sent the trainers, accompanied by the fisherman, to bring the elephant to the palace. As the king took a liking to the young elephant, he was reared in the palace. As it was found by a fisherman named Kandula, the elephant was named Kandula. Days passed by. Then came the auspicious day on which the prince was due to be named. There were grand festivities in the palace that day. It was a special day for everybody at Magama.

3 The festivities ended with an alms-giving, and for this about twelve thousand Buddhist priests were invited. The Thupavamsa records that this meal comprised milk rice. At the end of the festivities, the prince was named Gamini-Abhaya. The queen bore a second son and he was named Tissa. The king was deeply concerned about the security and comfort of his two sons. They grew up in the lap of luxury. (Gamini is more often referred to as Gemunu).

4 Both boys grew up to be good princes. When they were about 10 – 15 years of age, there was an alms-giving arranged in the palace, when the king intended to put his sons to the test. About 500 Bikkhus were invited for this alms-giving. The king got the rice that was left by the monks, at the end of the meal and placed in a separate dish. (It is believed that the best of dishes were prepared on this day). The rice the king collected was divided into three portions.

5 The king called his two sons and told them, “Never, dear ones, should you turn away from the Bikkhus, who are the guardian spirits of our home. Promise me that you will always respect them and eat this first portion”. The princes agreed and they shared the first portion of rice, thereby making the promise. The king was pleased to see his sons obeying him.

6 The king then0 said, “For no reason, whatsoever, will both of you ever show enmity towards one another. With such thoughts eat the second portion of rice”. The princes looked at each other, smiled, and then shared that portion too. Now one more portion was left. The king said, “Now do make a promise to me, that you will never fight the ‘Damilas’ (Tamils), who are ruling that part of the country, beyond the river and share this last portion of rice”.

7 Tissa dashed the food away with his hand. Gamini flung away the morsel of rice, went to his bed and drawing in his hands and feet, he lay upon his bed. The king was shocked at their reaction and the king’s men were speechless. The queen went to Gamini’s bedside, caressing him, she asked thus. “My son, this is such a big and comfortable bed, where you can stretch yourself. Why not lie easily, with limbs stretched out?”

8 “Mother, why don’t you realize what’s happening? Beyond the river are the wicked Tamils. On this side is the ‘Gotha Ocean’. How can I lie with outstretched limbs?”, replied Gamini. The queen understood her son and kept quiet. She got up, went away and kept the king informed of her son’s words. The king remained silent.

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