Funday Times

This article is part of a continuing series on the 'Mahavamsa', the recorded chronicle of Sri Lankan history
King Dathapabhuta
1. When we refer to the 'Dhamma', as a relic you may take it to be something associated with the Lord Buddha. But here, it is not so. "Nikaya Sangrahaya' refers to this, as a book containing 'Vaithulya' Doctrine. Having faith in this book too, King Silakala ruled the country - with Anuradhapura as the capital, for a period of 13 years. As he was a clever commander, there were no enemy attacks during this period.

2. In 531 A.D., King Silakala passed away. He was a king who has done a lot for religion. He developed the country too. He tried to be a righteous ruler. After his demise, there arose, trouble in the country. His second son was aspiring to be king. This prince Dhathapabhuta, who was ruling the southern part of the country, marched to Anurahapura, with his army and captured the palace.

3. His youngest brother who lived in the palace, enjoying the love of his father, was killed. This prince was so innocent and kind-hearted, that he was loved by the subjects. When such a good prince was killed for no reason, the people got disgusted. According to heredity, kingship should go to the ruler of the Eastern Province, Prince Mugalan.

4. Prince Mugalan, who got to know all that was happening in Anuradhapura, was utterly shaken. He was simply shocked about the death of his youngest brother. He was angry with Dathapabhuta for not respecting the life of his own brother. He thought of teaching Dathapabhuta a good lesson for harbouring a greed for power. He collected an army and marched towards Anuradhapura. He set up camp in 'Rehera Kanda'. King Dathapabhuta, too came to fight the brother.

5 He too marched with his army and set camp, close to Rehera-Kanda in the village of Kirindagala. Prince Mugalan began to contemplate. "The subjects of this country, have not done any wrong to me or to my younger brother. They are all innocent people. But if we wage war, they are the people who would suffer. As a result of this battle, a lot of people will die. Women who lose their husbands will start weeping. They may have to undergo life-long suffering".

6. "The children who lose their fathers and who have to suffer for life, are sure to curse us. This is a grave sin. I cannot let this happen". So he summoned a messenger and sent a letter to his brother, Dathapabhuta stating, "No one should fight for our sake. Let only both of us fight. I'll ride on my elephant. You too, do the same. The one who wins in the battle, can claim the throne".

7. King Dhatapabhuta, who read the letter, agreed to his brother's request and sent the message back. It was conveyed to Prince Mugalan. Both brothers promised to start the battle, the very next day. Large crowds gathered to witness this. At the appointed time, King Dathapabhuta came on elephant back, well armed. Prince Mugalan too went forward in the same manner. The two elephants got close to each other and began to attack.

8. It is said that the sound that came when their heads hit each other was like the sound of thunder. As the elephants fought, their tusks gave out fire. After a while, the bodies of the elephants were smeared with blood. Prince Mugalan's elephant, used its tusks and gave a severe blow to the elephant of King Dathapabhuta. He got so frightened that he retreated.

Back to Mirror Magazine