| Kirthi Sirimeghavanna | |
|---|---|
| King of Anuradhapura | |
| Reign | 301–328 AD |
| Predecessor | Mahasena |
| Successor | Jettha Tissa II |
| Dynasty | House of Lambakanna I |
| Father | Mahasena |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
Sirimeghavanna, also known asKirthi Sri Meghavarnabhaya andKithsiri Mevan was King ofAnuradhapura in the 4th century. According to thetraditional chronology, he ruled during 301–328 AD; the modified chronology adopted by modern scholars such asWilhelm Geiger assigns his reign to 352–379 CE.[1]
He succeeded his fatherMahasena asKing of Anuradhapura and was succeeded by his brotherJettha Tissa II.[2]
After the death of King Mahasen, his son Siri Meghavanna ascended the throne. Seeking to atone for the damage caused by his father, he consulted theMahavihara bhikkus, who reminded him that the Mahavihara and the magnificent Lovamahapaya had been destroyed during Mahasen’s reign. In response, King Siri Meghavanna undertook their restoration. King Siri Meghavanna. He commissioned a statue of Mahinda Thera and placed it at Mihintale. Thonigala Rock Inscriptions (303AD-331AD) were also created during his reign.
The sacredrelic of the tooth of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kithsiri Mevan[3] who welcomed it with great respect, ushered them to his capital and enshrined it inMeghagiri Viharaya, presently known asIsurumuniya in Anuradhapura. In order to honor the sacred tooth relic, an annual procession calleddalada perahera begins from the era of this king.[2]
Another creation of King Siri Meghavanna is the Egoda Kelaniya (Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya) temple. Its stupa enshrines the sacred Jalasatika Dhatu (නානකඩය or the bathing sarong of Lord Buddha). Remarkably, the surface of the stupa is said to remain moist throughout the year. Near the stupa is a Siripathula (footprint of the Buddha), which devotees are encouraged to worship when visiting. The temple also houses a unique Wel-Bodhi tree, where meditation is believed to yield profound spiritual benefits.
The Thonigala Rock Inscriptions (303–331 AD) (තෝනිගල සෙල්ලිපිය), created during his reign, provide evidence of an ancient banking system in which harvests were used to finance the maintenance of temples—possibly the oldest banking system in the world—while also supporting the chanting of theAriyawansa Deshanawa.
In the 2014 Sinhala filmSiri Daladagamanaya, the role of King Sirimeghavanna was played by Udara Rathnayake.[4]
Sirimeghavanna Born: ? ? Died: ? ? | ||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | King of Anuradhapura 301–328 AD | Succeeded by |
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