Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c34.126

v2.c34.126

Lambakaṇṇā.—A gotta, mentioned in the Chronicles as being among the inhabitants of Ceylon. The Lambakaṇṇas had, probably, certain duties to perform in connection with the consecration of a king,¹ for we find that Iḷanāga, when he went to take his ceremonial bath in Tissavāpi, was enraged on finding that the Lambakaṇṇā were not there. As a punishment, he ordered them to work at the remaking of a road along the bank of the tank, leading to the Mahā Thūpa, and set caṇḍalas to supervise them. Full of anger, the Lambakaṇṇas rose in revolt and seized the throne. Three years later the king returned from exile, and, having defeated the Lambakaṇṇas, made them drag his chariot in triumphal procession. When he proposed to behead them his mother intervened, and he contented himself with having their noses and toes cut off.²