Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c21.264

v1.c21.264

Tambapaṇṇi.—The name given to that district in Ceylon where Vijaya landed after leaving Suppāraka.¹ It is said to have been so called because when Vijaya’s followers, having disembarked from the ship, sat down there, wearied, resting their hands on the ground, they found them coloured by the red dust that lay there. Later on Vijaya founded his capital in Tambapaṇṇi, and following that the whole island came to bear the same name.² Tambapaṇṇi was originally inhabited by Yakkhas, having their capital at Sirisavatthu (q.v.). The Valāhassa Jātaka³ speaks of a Tambapaṇṇisara. According to the Saṃyutta Commentary,⁴ the Tambapaṇṇidīpa was one hundred leagues in extent.