Devanampiya Tissa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devanampiya Tissaදේවානම්පිය තිස්ස |
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| King of Anuradhapura | |
Mihintale Stone Statue of King Tissa
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| Reign | 307 BC – 267 BC or 247 BC – 207 BC |
| Predecessor | Mutasiva |
| Successor | Uttiya |
| Consort | Ramadattha |
| House | House of Vijaya |
| Father | Mutasiva |
| Religion | Theravāda Buddhism prev probably Saivism of Pandukabhaya's times |
Devanampiya Tissa (meaning "Loved by Gods") was an important early king of Sri Lanka. He ruled from Anuradhapura, which was the ancient capital city. Historians believe he ruled from around 247 BC to 207 BC. His time as king is famous because Buddhism first arrived in Sri Lanka during his reign. This happened with the help of Emperor Ashoka the Great from the Maurya Empire in India. Most of what we know about King Devanampiya Tissa comes from an ancient book called the Mahavamsa.
Contents
King Devanampiya Tissa's Rule
Devanampiya Tissa was the second son of King Mutasiva of Anuradhapura. Ancient texts describe him as being very wise and good among his brothers.
The Mahavamsa tells us that King Tissa and Emperor Ashoka were good friends, even though they had never met in person. King Tissa sent gifts to the powerful Emperor Ashoka. In return, Ashoka sent gifts back. He also shared the news that he had become a Buddhist. Ashoka encouraged King Tissa to also adopt the Buddhist faith.
At first, King Tissa did not become a Buddhist. Instead, he took the name Devanampiya, which means "Beloved of the Gods". He then had a grand ceremony to become the King of Lanka. After King Devanampiya Tissa, his younger brothers Uttiya and Mahasiva became kings. Another brother, Mahanaga, started the Principality of Ruhuna.
How Buddhism Came to Sri Lanka
Emperor Ashoka wanted to spread Buddhism around the world. According to Sri Lankan stories, Ashoka's son, Mahinda, was chosen to travel to Sri Lanka. His mission was to teach the people about Buddhism. The story of Mahinda's arrival and his meeting with King Tissa is a very important part of Sri Lankan history.
The Mahavamsa says that King Devanampiya Tissa was hunting with about 40,000 soldiers. They were near a mountain called Mihintale. This famous meeting happened on a full moon day in the month of Poson.
King Tissa was chasing a deer when he met Mahinda. At first, the king was scared. He thought Mahinda was a 'yakka', which means a demon. But Mahinda told him, "We are monks, O great King. We are followers of the Gautama Buddha. We have come here from India out of kindness for you." King Tissa remembered the news from his friend Ashoka. He realized that these were missionaries sent from India. Mahinda then taught the king and his soldiers about Buddhism. This led to King Tissa becoming a Buddhist.
Important Religious Events
- Buddhism was established in Sri Lanka when Mahinda and his group arrived.
- The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree was planted. This tree is a branch from the tree under which the Buddha found enlightenment.
- The Bhikkuni Sasana, which is the order of Buddhist nuns, was also started when Mahinda's sister, Theri Sangamitta, arrived.
- The king gave the Mahamegavana park to the Buddhist monks. The Maha Vihara monastery was built there. This place became a very important center for Theravada Buddhism.
- The Thuparamaya was built. This was the first historical stupa (a dome-shaped building for relics). It held a special relic: the right collar bone of the Buddha.
Famous Places from King Tissa's Time
It is hard to know exactly how much King Devanampiya Tissa's conversion to Buddhism changed things right away. This is because his reign was so long ago, and there are not many detailed records. We know he built temples, but their exact locations are not always clear today.
However, the place where King Tissa first met Mahinda is now one of Sri Lanka's most sacred sites. It is called Mihintale. At Mihintale, you can find the Ambasthala, or 'Mango tree stupa'. Here, Mahinda asked the king riddles to see how well he could learn. There is also a cave where Mahinda lived for over forty years. The Maha Seya stupa there holds a relic of the Buddha.
Another very important place from King Devanampiya Tissa's time is the Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. This tree was another gift from Emperor Ashoka. It was planted in Anuradhapura and is thought to be the oldest human-planted tree in the world.
King Devanampiya Tissa also built the Tissa Wewa, a large reservoir that covers 550 acres. Its embankment is two miles long and 25 feet high. Even today, it is a major source of water for farmers in Anuradhapura.
See also
- Mahavamsa
- List of Sri Lankan monarchs
- History of Sri Lanka
- Buddhism in Sri Lanka
