Funday Times

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

King Sulu-Agbo
1. After the demise of Agbo 1, Agbo-Maha-Adipada became king as Sulu-Agbo. This king made his uncle's daughter, his chief-queen. Prince San`gha-Badra, a relation of her's, was appointed as the 'Asigorahaka' (chief of the weapons). The king built a temple named Veluvana and another temple at Dambulla.

2. 'Mapitiya' vihara was also constructed by him. During this time there was a war in Kalinga and lots of people died. Observing this destruction, the king of Kalinga, got disgusted, gave up all his regal comforts and came to Sri Lanka. He went and met Rev. Jothipala and sought ordination under him. This king attended on Rev. Jothipala, for a considerable period. It is said that Rev. Jothipala lived in the temple 'Mattaparuvata'.

3. A few days after the King of Kalinga was ordained, his wife and the chief minister too came to Sri Lanka. 'Mahavamsa' mentions that they too were ordained. But 'Rajavaliya' differs here. This King Kalinga fought with Prince Pulakesin in 609AD. When he lost in battle, it is said, that he was chased from Kalinga and that is how he came to Sri Lanka. The first king of the Chalukya dynasty in Kalinga was Pulakesin.

4. King Sulu-Agbo treated this priest king with great respect. He built an Arama
- centre - at Mantaparvata, for this priest to meditate. The queen of Sulu-Agbo, in the meantime was quite pleased with the Kalinga queen, who was leading the life of a nun. She visited her frequently and attended on her. She got a temple named 'Ratna', for this nun's use. The king also built a temple for the use of the Kalinga minister, who was now a priest.

5. Years passed by. The king who was a priest passed away. King Sulu-Agbo who was greatly grieved, wept bitterly. He was given a royal burial. Meditation centres were built in his name and lots of meritorious deeds were done to confer merit on him. Alms were given to the poor and the needy. The praises of the priest were sung.

6. Ven. Jothipala, once went to worship at the Thuparama temple. While he was worshipping, a section of the stupa broke and fell down. He felt very sad about this. He went to meet King Sulu-Agbo and told him about this. The king was taken to the Thuparama. When he saw the damage, he took action immediately. He placed the relic (the right collar bone of the Buddha) in the Brazen Palace, so that it would be safe.

7. When the repairs were complete, the relic was brought back. Arrangements were made to worship once more. On the day the Chetiya was opened, the ministers were also invited and a grand ceremony followed. Ven. Jothipala presided at this ceremony. The king and the subjects alike worshipped at the Chetiya. The queen donated the village named 'Labha', for the maintenance of this temple. The king also donated the village named 'Tattragama'.

8. This king built a temple, which he wanted to name by his name and his queen's name. So he joined both names and named the temple 'Dala-Agbo'. This temple was donated to the Abhayagiri Vihara. He gifted the village named 'Agatasal', to this temple. Mahapali Dining Hall was extended by this king. The queen continued to offer alms and attend on the nuns.

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