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

Mother meets son

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

1. The traveller was shivering in fear, at the words of the prince. He fell at the feet of the prince, worshipped him and begged pardon. The prince then, felt a great sympathy for this man. So he held him by his shoulders and made him stand up. The prince spoke thus, "Do not be frightened. I'll cause no harm to you. I'm indeed happy to meet you." Thus he was able to dispel the fear in the man.

2. Later, the prince advised him, in the following manner, "You should try to be a little more courteous and friendly towards others. Learn to live in such a way, that others will take a liking to you. Then you will be popular." The traveller took the prince's advice. For a long time, both of them were engaged in conversation. As the fatigue of the prince was gone by then, he started on his journey again.

3. Still it was the dead of night. But the moon was shining brightly. The footpath lay along the forest. The prince was travelling all alone. When he met wild animals on his way, he was able to escape. As the next day was dawning, Prince Parkramabahu reached a place called Demaliyagala. At a distance, he saw an armed gang. They did not see the prince. The prince spoke to them in his usual deep, resounding voice. They got frightened and dropped their weapons at once.

4. Some in their fright, fell into a pit that lay nearby. The prince jumped in and rescued them. The prince asked them not to be frightened and told them to pick their weapons up. They did so, worshipped the prince and went away. From there the prince went to Magalamuwa. That was a densely populated village and quite a prosperous one.

5. To safeguard this village, a contingent of soldiers, had been stationed. They recognized the prince, showed him due respect and welcomed him. The prince stayed there with them and spent his time quite happily. A few days passed in this manner. This village was in an area where King Kitsirimegha held sway. So the people in this village respected the prince. The prince showered kindness on them.

6. By this time, King Kitsirimegha had got to know that the prince had arrived. It was a great consolation for this Yuvaraja to know that the prince, after walking through enemy territory, had come unharmed. He sent his men to bring the prince to the palace. The prince sent the men back and did not go with them. The Yuvaraja was very angry at this.

7. The Yuvaraja then summoned Queen Ratnavalee, the mother of the prince and complained to her about how obstinate her son had been. He scolded the prince and vowed he would not see to his safety anymore. The queen was frightened that her son would be in danger. So she left the palace and went in search of the son. By then, Prince Parakramabahu was in Vilgama. The queen went there all alone.

8. Prince Parakramabahu was overjoyed to see his mother. The Queen Mother embraced her son. This brave warrior son behaved like an infant before his mother. He fell at her feet and worshipped her.