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This
article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa’,
the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history.
Jayasena fights Gothaimbara
At the end of the ceremonies at the palace, everyone dispersed
happily. They were only feeling sad about Theraputtabhaya’s
renunciation of worldly life again. They however, consoled themselves
thinking that he was greater than any one of them. The ceremonies
were not confined to the capital city. In distant villages too,
people were celebrating. The commanders and warriors had celebrations
in their own homes. The entire city of Anuradhapura took a festive
atmosphere that day.-
Except for Theraputtabhaya, all others participated in the celebrations.
They ate, drank and made merry. Some enjoyed dancing. Out of all
the scenes of festivity, the one at Gothabhaya’s residence
was very grand. Gothabhaya’s best friend Jayasena was instrumental
in making it a great success.
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Jayasena, was strong and well-versed in the art of fighting. He
was a good wrestler too. Being a clever hunter, he preferred hunting
the bear. He never killed a bear by shooting an arrow or striking
him with a weapon. Instead he followed a method of irritating
the bear and when the animal was angry he jumps on him and starts
wrestling. Jayasena then succeeds in making the animal almost
lifeless. Then he kills it.
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On certain days, Jaysena skins the animal from head to foot, covers
himself with the skin and dances a real ‘Bear Dance’.
Many witnessed this dance. It’s here, that Gothaimbara met
Jayasena and made a friendship with him. They got so close, that
Jayasena played a major role at Gothaimbara’s celebrations.
All who met at Gothaimbara’s house were well treated by
his wife.
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The chief invitee at the function was the warrior Nandimitra.
All who were gathered there, respected him. At this party, Jayasena
consumed a lot of liquor. When he was drinking beyond the limit,
his friends advised him to stop, but he didn’t. He could
not control himself.
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Drunk though he was, he was still enjoying. When Gothaimbara’s
wife, who was very pretty, went past him, Jayasena held her by
her hand. In anger, she pulled her hand and went away. Jayasena
followed her and held her by the hand once more. His friend who
tried to discipline him, failed. He followed the lady and a big
commotion was created.
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Gothaimbara noticed all this. He tolerated for a while. When Jayasena
was going far beyond the limit, Gothaimbara lost his patience
and jumped upon Jayasena to attack him.
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Jayasena too tried to fight back. The friends then jumped in between
the two and with great effort stopped the fight. As a result of
this fight, a lot of good food and drink arranged for the party
was strewn all over. The place was in a real mess.
By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translated by Kamala Silva
Illustrated by
Saman Kalubowila
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