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 "Beloved by the Gods") was an important king of ancient Sri Lanka. He ruled from the city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital back then. He reigned a very long time ago, either from 307 BC to 267 BC or from 247 BC to 207 BC.
His time as king is famous because Buddhism first arrived in Sri Lanka during his rule. This happened with the help of the great Emperor Ashoka from India. Most of what we know about King Tissa comes from an ancient book called the Mahavamsa.
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King Devanampiya Tissa's Rule
Tissa was the second son of King Mutasiva. Old stories say he was the smartest and most virtuous of all his brothers.
The Mahavamsa tells us that King Tissa was good friends with Emperor Ashoka. Even though they had never met, they exchanged gifts. Ashoka, who had become a Buddhist, sent gifts to Tissa. He also sent a message asking Tissa to consider becoming a Buddhist too.
King Tissa didn't immediately become a Buddhist. Instead, he took the name Devanampiya, which means "Beloved of the Gods". He then had a grand celebration to become the official King of Lanka. After King Tissa, his younger brothers Uttiya and Mahasiva became kings. Another brother, Mahanaga, started a new kingdom called Ruhuna.
How Buddhism Came to Sri Lanka
Emperor Ashoka wanted to spread Buddhism around the world. So, he decided to send his son, Mahinda, to Sri Lanka. Mahinda's journey and his meeting with King Tissa are very important in Sri Lankan history.
The Mahavamsa says that King Devanampiya Tissa was hunting with 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, thinking Mahinda was a demon. But Mahinda told him, "We are monks, O great King, followers of the Buddha. We have come from India out of kindness for you." King Tissa remembered Ashoka's message. He realized these were missionaries from India. Mahinda then taught the king and his men about Buddhism. This led to King Tissa becoming a Buddhist.
Important Buddhist Events
King Devanampiya Tissa's reign saw many key events for Buddhism in Sri Lanka:
- Buddhism was officially established in Sri Lanka. This happened when Mahinda and his group arrived.
- The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree was planted. This tree came from the original tree under which the Buddha found enlightenment.
- The Bhikkuni Sasana, which is the order of Buddhist nuns, was also started. This was thanks to the arrival of Mahinda's sister, Theri Sangamitta.
- The king gave the Mahamegavana garden to the Buddhist monks. Here, the Maha Vihara monastery was built. It became a very important center for Theravāda Buddhism.
- The Thuparamaya was built. This was the first historical stupa (a dome-shaped shrine). It is believed to hold the right collar bone of the Buddha.
Famous Places from His Time
It's hard to know all the details from King Tissa's time because it was so long ago. But some places are still very important today.
- Mihintale: This is where King Tissa first met Mahinda. It is now one of Sri Lanka's most sacred places. You can find the Ambasthala, or 'Mango tree stupa', there. This is where Mahinda tested the king's understanding with riddles. There's also a cave where Mahinda lived for over forty years. The Maha Seya stupa at Mihintale holds a relic of the Buddha.
- Sri Maha Bodhi: This sacred tree in Anuradhapura was another gift from Emperor Ashoka. It was planted during King Tissa's reign. It is considered the oldest human-planted tree in the world.
- Tissa Wewa: King Devanampiya Tissa also built the Tissa Wewa, a large reservoir. It covers 550 acres. Its embankment is 2 miles long and 25 feet high. Even today, it is a vital water source for farmers in Anuradhapura.
See also
- Mahavamsa
- List of Sri Lankan monarchs
- History of Sri Lanka
- Buddhism in Sri Lanka
