Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c23.1070

v1.c23.1070

Devānampiyatissa.—King of Ceylon (247-207 B.C.). He was the second son of Muṭasīva. It is said that on the day of his coronation many wonderful treasures miraculously appeared, some of which he resolved to send as tokens of esteem to his contemporary Dhammāsoka of India, with whom he had long been on terms of friendship. An embassy, led by his nephew Mahārittha, was despatched to Pāṭaliputta, and the emperor showed the ambassadors every mark of honour. He sent back with them all the requisites for a coronation, with instructions to celebrate the inauguration of the Sinhalese king, whom he invited to embrace Buddhism. On the return of the embassy, the king was solemnly crowned a second time.¹