Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the ‘Mahavamsa’, the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history
King Detutis 11
1. King Kitsirimevan was a pious, kind-hearted king, who lived his subjects. He saw to the welfare of his people and they in return respected him. King Kitsirimevan build 18 dagobas. He built a number of tanks and helped to develop agriculture. A lot of tanks and canals were repaired by him. To pay for his father's sins, he did a lot of meritorious deeds.

2. He gave a prominent place to religion. Many were the occasions on which he had mass scale alms-givings. A great 'pooja' was held to the Sri Maha Bodhu. Quite a lot of devotees participated in these celebrations. On the road from Vavuniya to Horawpotana, about half a mile north of the 6th milepost, in the area known as Northern Thilakkumalaya, an inscription that refers to King Kitsirimevan has been discovered. It had been on a hill named Nagaragala or Thonigala.

3. It says thus. "By the order of King Kitsirimevan, Deva, who was the son of the Minister Siva of Kadubalagama, stored paddy and other grains in the trade centre of Kalahumaraka and the interest gained was offered as expenses for the food and drinks of the monks who came to the temple named 'Yahisapavasa', to perform the'Ariyavamsa' ceremony." This city Kalahumaraka is mentioned as a town, situated to the north of Anuradhapura.

4. 'Ariyawamsa' in this context means - that the Buddhist monks are contented with whatever robes, food and lodging that are offered to them. With that they have to be engaged in 'Bhavana' - training the mind. This proves that there was a system of Buddhist monks meeting occasionally and having discussions on the 'Dhamma'. Dr. Paranavithana's interpretation of 'Ariyawamsa' is different. According to him, it is a 'Vassana' ceremony.
5. Kitisirimevan was king for 27 years and died in 328 AD. He was succeeded by his youngest brother, Prince Detutis. He was well-versed in carving with elephant tusks. When he was crowned as King Detutis 11, one important thing he did was to develop the art of carving.

6. During his time, some important carvings had been done. A serene and wonderful statue of the Bodhisatva, a long arm-chair and an umbrella had been among them. This king did not rule for long. After a rule of 9 years, he died in 337AD. He was succeeded by Prince Buddhadasa. 'Mahavamsa' refers to him as an extremely kind king. He ruled the country according to the Ten Precepts (Dasa-raja Dharma) laid down in Buddhism.

7. About this king it is said that he looked after his subjects, as a father would look after his sons. He took steps to protect the wealth of the rich people, while giving generously to the poor. Good people were honoured by conferring an Honorary Degree. History makes mention of his cleverness as a physician. He has treated and cured even animals.

8. One day the king went to the Tisa Wewa, for a bath. He went on elephant back. On his way, somewhere close to the temple, he saw an ant-hill. There was a snake inside, groaning in pain because of a big boil it had on its belly. When the king saw this, he alighted from the elephant and went near the snake. He did a thorough examination, but was afraid to treat the snake as it would lose its temper very soon.

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