Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2114

v2.c31.2114

The Mahāvihāra contained thirty-two Mālakas³ and had numerous buildings attached to it, apart from sacred shrines, such as the Mahābodhi-tree, Thūpārāma, Mahā Thūpa, etc. In its early period, the precincts of the Mahāvihāra contained other buildings besides those dedicated to the service of Buddhism—e.g., the hermitages of the Nigaṇṭhas and the Paribbājakas (as mentioned above) and the shrine of the guardian deity of Anurādhapura.⁴