Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.2227

v1.c6.2227

Abhayavāpi.—A tank in Anurādhapura built by King Paṇḍukābhaya.¹ At its lower end was the settlement of the yakkha Cittarāja.² In the hot weather it ran dry, and on one occasion Devānampiyatissa used its mud for building a temporary structure in which to deposit the relics brought from Jambudīpa.³ The hall which Duṭṭhagāmaṇi built round the Maricavaṭṭi Vihāra extended into a part of the Abhaya tank.⁴ In the reign of Bhātikābhaya water was taken from the tank, by means of machines, up to the top of the Mahā Thūpa, for the sprinkling of the flowers offered there.⁵ The tank is generally identified with the modern Basavakkulam.⁶