Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c27.890

v2.c27.890

Meanwhile Kittisirimegha, after consultation with his ministers, sends a stronger force to try and overcome him, but the force is ambushed by the prince and completely routed after a night assault in Khīravāpi. Parakkama then goes to Rājarattha, where messengers with gifts from Gajabāhu meet him, the latter following to greet him in person and bring him to the capital. Parakkama lives at the court in Pulatthipura, but spends his time in spying out the country and intriguing with his host’s subjects. In order to lull the suspicions of Gajabāhu, he gives him his sister Bhaddavatī in marriage, keeping her dowry in his own hands. Later, feeling his position insecure, he returns to Dakkhiṇadesa, meeting on the way with all kinds of adventures which put his courage to the test. Kittisirimegha, delighted to hear of his return, sends messengers to Saraggāma to meet him. But Parakkama hesitates to enter the capital until persuaded by his mother to do so. Shortly after, Kittisirimegha dies and Parakkama succeeds to the throne. He consolidates his position by various captures, including that of Gajabāhu, which follows on the storming of Pulatthipura. But Mānābharaṇa comes to the rescue, defeats Parakkama’s army, and sets Gajabāhu free; but the latter, finding him unbearable, appeals to Parakkama for help. War ensues, and Gajabāhu, again at liberty, flees, while his officers fight with Parakkama. Ultimately he abdicates in favour of the latter, and dies at Gaṅgātaṭa. His ministers, however, send for Mānābharaṇa, while Parakkama hastens to Pulatthipura, where he is crowned. A campaign of varying fortunes ensues ending in the defeat of Māṇābharaṇa, who flees to his own country, where he dies. Parakkama is then crowned a second time. Parakkama is now sole monarch, but his rule is not universally acceptable. In the fourth year of his reign, Sugalā, mother of Māṇābharaṇa, raises the standard of revolt in Rohaṇa. The campaign against her is a protracted one and is conducted by the general Rakkha. In the early part of the campaign the Tooth and Bowl Relics are recovered and brought with great ceremony to Pulatthipura. The rebels are gradually cornered and defeated. Sugalā is captured, and the revolt collapses. Rohaṇa is quiet for a time, but rises again after some years.