Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.2252

v2.c36.2252

Sāmindavisaya.—The Pāli name for Siam. There was very close relationship between Ceylon and Siam from the middle ages.¹ When Buddhism fell on evil days in Ceylon, the kings of that Island turned to Siam for help in the restoration of the Faith. Kittisirirājasīha obtained copies of the Mahāvaṃsa from Siam and completed the chronicle down to his day.² With the help of the Olandā (Dutch), he sent an embassy to Ayojjhā—capital of Dhammika, king of Siam—asking that a chapter of monks might be sent to Ceylon. Ten monks were sent, with Upāli and Ariyamuni at their head, together with many books and other gifts. The monks took up their residence in the Pupphārāma in Siri-vaḍḍhanapura (Kandy), and, under the king’s patronage, the ceremony of ordination was held on the 2296th year after the Buddha’s death, on the full-moon day of Asāḷha.