Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.507

v2.c36.507

Saṅghamitta.—A Coḷa monk, follower of the Vetullavāda. At the Thūpārāma he defeated in argument the Thera Goṭhābhaya, and became a favourite of King Goṭhābhaya, being appointed tutor to his sons, Jeṭṭhatissa and Mahāsena. When Jeṭṭhatissa came to the throne, Saṅghamitta returned to Coḷa, as he was not greatly liked by the king; but on the accession of Mahāsena he returned to Ceylon. Acting on Saṅghamitta’s advice, Mahāsena decreed that no alms should be given to the monks of Mahāvihāra, and all the treasures belonging to Mahāvihāra were taken to Abhayagiri with the help of the minister Soṇa. Saṅghamitta had the Lohapāsāda destroyed. It was not till his favourite minister, Meghavaṇṇabhaya, rose in revolt against him, that Mahāsena saw the error of his ways and cast off Saṅghamitta. While the king was away, Saṅghamitta attempted to destroy the Thūpārāma, and one of the king’s wives persuaded a labourer to kill both Saṅghamitta and Soṇa.¹