Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c22.161

c22.161

We have seen already how lavish were the king’s gifts to vihāras and pansalas on the occasions of temple restoration or foundation; but gifts were also made to temples on special occasions. Thus it is related that when Rāja Simha (II.) was once on his way to Balana to give battle to the Portuguese, the pole of his palanquin snapped, and he had to alight at Doḍanvela. “He enquired what the place was, and they told him, ‘It was the Nahamige Kōvila.’ Then the king made a vow that if he succeeded in the expedition he would present his crown and jewels to the kovila on his return. The king was victorious, and the promise was kept. Thus the crown came to the possession of the kovila, which was afterwards called Doḍanvela Dēvāle. The crown is now in the possession of Girāgama Diva Nilame. It is of thin plain gold. In the dēvāle are pieces of silk, part of the king’s dress. In the inner room of the dēvāle there is a large collection of curious old swords, *Metal work* Rāja Simha’s and others, and Portuguese, &c., and two pictures of kings” (Lawrie’s Gazetteer, p. 175.