Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.1316

v2.c31.1316

3. Mahātittha.—A landing-place on the west coast of Ceylon. The wives brought from Madhurā for Vijaya and his companions landed there, hence the name.¹ There landed also in later times Bhalluka, from South India,² the Damiḷas and others who invaded Ceylon.³ It was probably the chief port for vessels plying between South India and Ceylon.⁴ It was a convenient place for preparations to be made before advancing on the capital, or merely journeying thither.⁵ It was a place of strategic importance, and when Māgha and Jayabāhu invaded Ceylon, they set up fortifications there.⁶