Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c12.3053
Dictionary of Pāli Proper Names v1.c12.3053
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v1.c12.3053
Kesadhātu.—A very high rank bestowed by the Sinhalese kings. It appears to have corresponded to the modern Orders. It may have originated in the members of the Order being entrusted with the care of the Hair Relic (Kesadhātu), which was brought to Ceylon in the reign of Moggallāna I.¹ This duty afterwards evidently became a mere formality. The word Kesadhātu may be an abbreviation of the fuller Kesadhātunāyaka.