Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.1528

v2.c31.1528

16. Mahānāga.—Nephew of Bhayasīva. During a time of famine he sold his upper garment and obtained food for a man learned in magic spells. The latter, in gratitude, took him to the Gokaṇṇasamudda, and there, having conjured up a Nāga, prophesied Mahānāga's future. Mahānāga entered Silākāla's service, and was sent by him to collect revenue in Rohaṇa. Later he was made Andhasenāpati, and he established himself master of Rohaṇa. He once attempted to fight against Dāṭhāpabhuti, but soon gave up the attempt. Taking advantage of the confusion in Kittisirimegha's dominions, Mahānāga advanced against him, killed him, and seized the throne. Among his benefactions was the grant of the village of Jambalambaya to Uttara-vihāra, Tintinika to Mahāvihāra, and Vasabha in Uddhagāma to Jetavana-vihāra, together with three hundred fields for the supply of rice-soup. He also gave Ciramātikavāra to Mahāvihāra and instituted a gift of rice-soup. He renovated the Mayūrapariveṇa and Anurārāma in the Mahādevarattakuruva-vihāra in Kāsikhaṇḍa. He reigned for only three years (556-9 A.C.), and was succeeded by his nephew, Aggabodhi I,¹ who built a vihāra in his memory and assigned it to an Elder versed in the Tipiṭaka.²