Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.1771

v2.c31.1771

1. Mahāpāli.—A refectory built by Devānampiyatissa at Anurādhapura, for the use of the monks.¹ Various kings provided special food to be distributed there—e.g., Upatissa II., who sent food prepared for him in the palace,² and himself ate of the food left over after the distribution.³ Mahānāma enlarged the building,⁴ as did Silāmeghavana⁵ and Udaya II.⁶ Dhātusena instituted distribution of rice,⁷ while Aggabodhi II. added to the hall and set up a stone-canoe (bhattanāvam) for the distribution of rice.⁸ After his victory, Kassapa II., by way of celebration, held a special almsgiving at the Mahāpāli.⁹ Dāthopatissa II. distributed there clothing, rice, sour milk, milk and milk-rice on uposatha days.¹⁰ Mahinda I. gave ten cartloads of food,¹¹ and Aggabodhi IX. distributed daily an amount of rice equal in weight to his own body.¹² The Coḷiyans burnt down the building, and the last we hear of it is its restoration by Mahinda IV.¹³