Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.1015

v2.c35.1015

3. Vijayabāhu.—King of Ceylon (Vijayabāhu III., 1232-36 A.C.). He claimed descent from King Sirisaṅghabodhi I. and was lord of the Vanni. He found the government of Ceylon in the hands of the Damiḷas, and, after defeating them, he established the seat of government in Jambuddoṇi. He sent for the monks, who, with Vācissara at their head, had left Ceylon during the preceding disturbed period and had deposited the Buddha’s Alms-bowl and Tooth Relic in the rock fortress at Billasela. The king did much for the reform of the priesthood and built various monasteries, chief of which was the Vijayasundarārāma and the Vijayabāhu-vihāra. He had two sons, Parakkamabāhu and Bhuvanekabāhu. He appointed the Elder Saṅgharakkhita as head of the Order in Ceylon.¹