Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa’, the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history.

Death of King Dutugemunu
Though Prince Tissa accepted kingship, he did not have a coronation ceremony. Instead he busied himself trying to fulfill the last request of his brother. It wasn’t an easy task and Tissa realized that it would involve a lot of time. His fear was that the brother may not live that long. His condition was worsening by the day. King Dutugemunu had become thin and weak. Tissa thought of a fine plan.

Prince Tissa summoned a number of tailors to the palace and instructed them to sew a complete covering in white to enclose the body of the stupa. They did as they were instructed. Then he got craftsmen to weave in reed, a cover for the top part of the dagaba. They were so clever as to do it in such a way, that no one could think that it was not the real structure. When all this was done, it looked as if, the work on the stupa was complete. Prince Tissa went and met his brother and informed him that the work was complete.

The king who was now confined to bed was overjoyed and said that he wanted to see the stupa and pay homage. But the king was so sick, that he could not even get up to walk. Tissa got a palanquin made and brought the king to the site of the stupa. By then, huge crowds were gathered around the stupa, to witness this event. With difficulty, the king came out of the palanquin and the king’s men stood in attendance. The king paid homage to the stupa.

Although the king wished to worship longer, he did not have the strength to do so. He was weak and lifeless. The king’s men had already prepared a special place for the king to lie down at the Northern gate. The king rested there. He turned to his right and worshipped the great stupa. He rested for a while and turned to his left. The king was thrilled when he saw the Lohapasada – then.

The king was then reminded of Arhant Theraputtabhaya. He recalled, “what an extraordinary warrior he was when he was a layman. Being a great person, he was never concerned about his personal glory. Though all tried to stop him from entering the order, he became a monk. He had a clear vision. How devoted was he, to me? When he entered the order of monks, we became a little distant. I do not know why he has forgotten me now”.

It was a wonder of wonders. At that very moment, Arhant Theraputtabhaya came to see the king. King Dutugemunu could not believe his eyes. He spoke with difficulty and asked, “Venerable sir, where were you all this time?” The Thera replied that he was residing on a mountain close to Kirindi Oya. Then the king said, “The ten great warriors including you, helped me to defeat the twenty great Tamil warriors. Though we were victorious all the way, then, today I lie here helpless. I’m fighting a single-handed battle with Mara (death). I cannot conquer death”.

The Arhant sat in silence, gazing at the king. The king spoke again with difficulty. “O’ Great Thera, please help me to defeat Mara”. The Arhant knew that the final hour was drawing nigh. He spoke to the king and said, “O’ Great King, do not be sad. This enemy – Death – cannot be conquered. He is so powerful, that all beings, who live on this earth, succumb to death. Do not think, that this is something special to you. Console yourself. Make up your mind. The next birth will be better. All that has come into existence must necessarily perish.

The Thera continued. “O’ King, please try to call to mind the innumerable meritorious deeds that you have done. You have built 99 temples. Spent large amounts of money over these religious buildings. Countless are the almsgivings you have had for the Arhants as well as for the poor. You have been extremely generous”. The Arhant went on reminding the king of all the good deeds he had done in this life. He preached the doctrine to the king so that the king would have peace of mind.

By Halaliye Karunathilake
Edited and translatedby
Kamala Silva
Illustrated by
Saman Kalubowila

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