A History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, so far as it illustrates the Primitive Religion of the Brahmans c8.s3.65.4

c8.s3.65.4

“The ruler of the world, Buddha,” so says the Mahâvańsa, “having conferred blessings on the whole world, and attained the exalted, unchangeable Nirvâṇa, seated on the throne on which Nirvâṇa is achieved, in the midst of a great assembly of devatâs, the great divine sage addressed this celebrated injunction to Śakra, who stood near him: ‘One Vijaya, the son of Sinhabâhu, king of the land of Lâla, together with seven hundred officers of state, has landed on Laṅkâ. Lord of Devas! my religion will be established in Laṅkâ. On that account thoroughly protect, together with his retinue, him and Laṅkâ.’ The devoted King of Devas having heard these injunctions of the successor (of former Buddhas), assigned the protection of Laṅkâ to the Deva Utpalavarṇa (Vishṇu). He, in conformity to the command of Śakra, instantly repaired to Laṅkâ, and in the character of a parivrâjaka (devotee) took his station at the foot of a tree.