Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c35.2131

v2.c35.2131

Vessagiri.—A monastery in Ceylon, near Anurādhapura. It was built by Devānampiyatissa for the five hundred *vessas* (merchants) who were ordained by Mahinda.¹ Near the monastery was a forest, where Vaṭṭagāmaṇi, in his flight, hid the almsbowl of the Buddha. There he also met the Elder Kupikkala-Mahātissa.² The almsbowl was discovered and taken by a Damiḷa to India, but was later recovered.³ To the south of Vessagiri was the Pabbata-vihāra, and, near it, the village of Silāsobbhakaṇḍaka.⁴