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Difference between revisions of "Abhayagiri"

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'''Abhayagiri''': A celebrated monastic establishment on the north side of [[Anurādhapura]], consisting of a [[Vihāra]] and a mighty thūpa. Only the thūpa now stands. It was built by King Vattagāmani [[Abhaya]] on the site of the ancient Titthārāma, 217 years, 10 months and 10 days after the founding of the Mahā[[Vihāra]] (Mhv.xxxvii.78-83). Tradition states that when the king was fleeing from the Tamils he passed the Titthārāma on his way, and the Nigantha Giri, who then lived there, made insulting remarks about him. The king vowed, if he were returned to the throne, to build a [[Vihāra]] on that spot (Mhv.xxxvii.43-4); he fulfilled his vow, and the name of the [[Vihāra]] was a combination of his own name and of that of the Nigantha. The [[Monastery]] was given in charge of the [[Thera]] Mahātissa of Kuppikala and of two other [[Monks]], Kuppikala having befriended the king in his misfortunes.
 
  
The [[Vihāra]] advanced rapidly in [[Wealth]] and in [[Power]], but quite soon the [[Monks]] seceded from the Mahā[[Vihāra]] fraternity because, according to the Mahāvamsa (Mhv.xxxvii.95ff), an incumbent of the Mahā[[Vihāra]], Mahātissa by name, was expelled from the [[Monastery]] for frequenting lay families. His [[Disciple]], Bahalamassutissa, went in [[Anger]] to Abhayagiri and formed a separate faction.
 
  
A Sinhalese chronicle, the [[Nikāya]] Sahgraha (pp.11, 12; also P.L.C.42), states that these dissentients were soon after joined by a [[Body]] of Vajjiputtaka [[Monks]] from the Pallārāma in [[India]], under the leadership of a teacher called Dhammaruci, and the sect which they together founded in Ceylon became known as the Dhammaruci [[Nikāya]], with headquarters in Abhayagiri.
 
  
For quite a long while the two fraternities, that of the Mahā[[Vihāra]] and that of the Abhayagiri, seem to have lived in amity, alike enjoying the munificence of patrons (Ibid., 52f.; Mhv.xxxv.20, 57, 119-22; xxxvi.7-14). Thus, Gajabāhukagāmani raised the height of Abhayuttara-thūpa (as the thūpa at Abhayagiri seems to have been called) and made the Gāmanitissa-tank to be used for the cultivation of land for the maintenance of the [[Vihara]] (Ibid., xxxv.119-22); Kanitthatissa built a splendid structure in the same [[Vihāra]] for the [[Thera]] Mahā[[Nāga]]; it was called the Ratanapāsāda (xxxvi.7, 8.).
 
  
But in the reign of Vohārakatissa, the Abhayagiri [[Monks]] openly adopted the heretical Vaitulya Pitaka (of the Mahāyānists see Mhv. trans. 259, n.2). An inquiry was held by the king with the help of his minister Kapila, the heretical [[Books]] were burnt and the [[Monks]] of Abhayagiri disgraced (Mhv.xxxvi.40-1).
 
  
Soon afterwards, however, the heretics won over the king Mahāsena to their side and destroyed the establishment of the Mahā[[Vihāra]], carrying away all the materials to Abhayagiri (P.L.C. 53; Mhv.xxxvii.10-16). Later, Mahāsena repented of his ways, burnt the [[Books]] of the Abhayagiri [[Monks]] and transferred his patronage to the Mahā[[Vihāra]]. But the Abhayagiri fraternity must soon have recovered its prestige, for we find Mahāsena's successor, Sirimeghavanna, planting a [[Bodhi tree]] (called Tissavasabha) (Cv.trans. i.9, n.3) in Abhayagiri and surrounding it with a stone terrace ((Cv.xxxvii.91)). A few years later both Mahā[[Nāma]] (409-31) and his queen became active supporters of [[Abhaya]] Giri (Cv.xxxvii.212). Dhātusena is stated to have enlarged the Abhayuttara-[[Vihāra]] (Cv.xxxviii.61), and Silākāla is credited with several benefactions to the [[Vihāra]] and its [[Bodhi tree]] (Cv.xli.31-2); Mahā[[Nāga]] gave the weaver's village of Jambela to the Uttaravihāra (another name for Abhayagiri; see Cv. trans. i.8, n.2; 61, n.6.); [[Aggabodhi]] I. built a bathing-tank there (Cv.xlii.28), while his successor, [[Aggabodhi]] II., built the Dāthāggabodhi house, so called after himself and his queen (Cv.xlii.63-5).
+
'''[[Abhayagiri]]''': A celebrated [[monastic]] establishment on the [[north]] side of [[Anurādhapura]], consisting of a [[Vihāra]] and a mighty [[thūpa]]. Only the [[thūpa]] now stands. It was built by [[King]] [[Vattagāmani]] [[Abhaya]] on the site of the [[ancient]] Titthārāma, 217 years, 10 months and 10 days after the founding of the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]] (Mhv.xxxvii.78-83). [[Tradition]] states that when the [[king]] was fleeing from the [[Tamils]] he passed the Titthārāma on his way, and the [[Nigantha]] [[Giri]], who then lived there, made insulting remarks about him. The [[king]] [[vowed]], if he were returned to the [[throne]], [[to build]] a [[Vihāra]] on that spot (Mhv.xxxvii.43-4); he fulfilled his [[vow]], and the [[name]] of the [[Vihāra]] was a combination of his [[own]] [[name]] and of that of the [[Nigantha]]. The [[Monastery]] was given in charge of the [[Thera]] [[Mahātissa]] of Kuppikala and of two other [[Monks]], Kuppikala having befriended the [[king]] in his misfortunes.
 +
 
 +
The [[Vihāra]] advanced rapidly in [[Wealth]] and in [[Power]], but quite soon the [[Monks]] seceded from the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]] [[fraternity]] because, according to the [[Mahāvamsa]] (Mhv.xxxvii.95ff), an incumbent of the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]], [[Mahātissa]] by [[name]], was expelled from the [[Monastery]] for frequenting lay families. His [[Disciple]], Bahalamassutissa, went in [[Anger]] to [[Abhayagiri]] and formed a separate faction.
 +
 
 +
A [[Sinhalese]] chronicle, the [[Nikāya]] Sahgraha (pp.11, 12; also P.L.C.42), states that these dissentients were soon after joined by a [[Body]] of [[Vajjiputtaka]] [[Monks]] from the Pallārāma in [[India]], under the [[leadership]] of a [[teacher]] called Dhammaruci, and the [[sect]] which they together founded in [[Ceylon]] became known as the Dhammaruci [[Nikāya]], with headquarters in [[Abhayagiri]].
 +
 
 +
For quite a long while the two fraternities, that of the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]] and that of the [[Abhayagiri]], seem to have lived in [[amity]], alike enjoying the munificence of patrons (Ibid., 52f.; Mhv.xxxv.20, 57, 119-22; xxxvi.7-14). Thus, Gajabāhukagāmani raised the height of Abhayuttara-thūpa (as the [[thūpa]] at [[Abhayagiri]] seems to have been called) and made the Gāmanitissa-tank to be used for the [[cultivation]] of land for the maintenance of the [[Vihara]] (Ibid., xxxv.119-22); [[Kanitthatissa]] built a splendid {{Wiki|structure}} in the same [[Vihāra]] for the [[Thera]] [[Mahā]][[Nāga]]; it was called the [[Ratanapāsāda]] (xxxvi.7, 8.).
 +
 
 +
But in the reign of Vohārakatissa, the [[Abhayagiri]] [[Monks]] openly adopted the {{Wiki|heretical}} [[Vaitulya]] [[Pitaka]] (of the [[Mahāyānists]] see Mhv. trans. 259, n.2). An inquiry was held by the [[king]] with the help of his [[minister]] [[Kapila]], the {{Wiki|heretical}} [[Books]] were burnt and the [[Monks]] of [[Abhayagiri]] disgraced (Mhv.xxxvi.40-1).
 +
 
 +
Soon afterwards, however, the {{Wiki|heretics}} won over the [[king]] [[Mahāsena]] to their side and destroyed the establishment of the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]], carrying away all the materials to [[Abhayagiri]] (P.L.C. 53; Mhv.xxxvii.10-16). Later, [[Mahāsena]] repented of his ways, burnt the [[Books]] of the [[Abhayagiri]] [[Monks]] and transferred his {{Wiki|patronage}} to the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]]. But the [[Abhayagiri]] [[fraternity]] must soon have recovered its prestige, for we find [[Mahāsena's]] successor, [[Sirimeghavanna]], planting a  
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Bodhi tree]] (called Tissavasabha) (Cv.trans. i.9, n.3) in [[Abhayagiri]] and surrounding it with a stone terrace ((Cv.xxxvii.91)). A few years later both [[Mahā]][[Nāma]] (409-31) and his [[Wikipedia:Queen consort|queen]] became active supporters of [[Abhaya]] [[Giri]] (Cv.xxxvii.212). [[Dhātusena]] is stated to have enlarged the Abhayuttara-[[Vihāra]] (Cv.xxxviii.61), and [[Silākāla]] is credited with several benefactions to the [[Vihāra]] and its [[Bodhi tree]] (Cv.xli.31-2); [[Mahā]][[Nāga]] gave the weaver's village of Jambela to the Uttaravihāra (another [[name]] for [[Abhayagiri]]; see Cv. trans. i.8, n.2; 61, n.6.); [[Aggabodhi]] I. built a bathing-tank there (Cv.xlii.28), while his successor, [[Aggabodhi]] II., built the Dāthāggabodhi house, so called after himself and his [[Wikipedia:Queen consort|queen]] (Cv.xlii.63-5).
 +
 
 
[[File:Ima365.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Ima365.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
In the [[Monastery]] at Abhayagiri there seems to have been a stone image of The [[Buddha]], referred to under various names, Silāsambuddha, Kālasela, Kālasatthā, Silāsatthā and Silāmayamuninda. Cv.xxxix.7; xxxviii.65; 61.2; see also vv.51, 77, 87. There was also in Abhayagiri another image called the Abhiseka (q.v.).
+
In the [[Monastery]] at [[Abhayagiri]] there seems to have been a stone image of The [[Buddha]], referred to under various names, Silāsambuddha, Kālasela, Kālasatthā, Silāsatthā and Silāmayamuninda. Cv.xxxix.7; xxxviii.65; 61.2; see also vv.51, 77, 87. There was also in [[Abhayagiri]] another image called the [[Abhiseka]] (q.v.).
  
It was evidently held peculiarly sacred. [[Buddhadāsa]] placed a nāgamani in its eye (Cv.xxxvii.123); this was soon lost, and we find Dhātusena replacing it, adorning and decorating the statue in various ways (For details see Cv.xxxviii.62ff). Silāmeghavanna had it restored and redecorated and made provision for its maintenance (Cv.xliv.68). The same king, we are told, attempted to carry out a reform of the Abhayagiri [[Monks]], but this attempt ultimately brought disaster on him (Cv.xliv.75ff). Jetthatissa gave to the [[Vihāra]] the village of Mahādāragiri (Cv.xliv.96). Dāthopatissa built the Kappūra-parivena attached to the [[Vihāra]], and also a [[Monastery]] Tiputthulla, encroaching on the precincts of the Mahā[[Vihāra]], notwithstanding the protests of the [[Monks]] belonging to the
+
It was evidently held peculiarly [[sacred]]. [[Buddhadāsa]] placed a nāgamani in its [[eye]] (Cv.xxxvii.123); this was soon lost, and we find [[Dhātusena]] replacing it, adorning and decorating the statue in various ways (For details see Cv.xxxviii.62ff). Silāmeghavanna had it restored and redecorated and made provision for its maintenance (Cv.xliv.68). The same [[king]], we are told, attempted to carry out a reform of the [[Abhayagiri]] [[Monks]], but this attempt ultimately brought {{Wiki|disaster}} on him (Cv.xliv.75ff). [[Jetthatissa]] gave to the [[Vihāra]] the village of Mahādāragiri (Cv.xliv.96). Dāthopatissa built the Kappūra-parivena [[attached]] to the [[Vihāra]], and also a [[Monastery]] Tiputthulla, encroaching on the precincts of the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]], notwithstanding the protests of the [[Monks]] belonging to the
  
Latter (Cv.xlv.29ff). [[Aggabodhi]] VII, added the Sabhattudesabhoga (Cv.xlviii.64), and Mahinda II. the Mahālekha-parivena as well as the many-storeyed Ratanapāsāda with its costly ornamentation (Cv.xlviii.135-40; see also Geiger's trans. 123, n.2).
+
[[Latter]] (Cv.xlv.29ff). [[Aggabodhi]] VII, added the Sabhattudesabhoga (Cv.xlviii.64), and [[Mahinda]] II. the Mahālekha-parivena as well as the many-storeyed [[Ratanapāsāda]] with its costly ornamentation (Cv.xlviii.135-40; see also Geiger's trans. 123, n.2).
  
Sena I. built the Virankurārāma and gave it to the Mahāsanghikas (Cv.l.68-9), while his consort, Sanghā, erected a dwelling house, Mahindasena (Cv.l.79), and his courtier, Uttara, yet another dwelling house, called Uttarasena, for the maintenance of which he provided. Two other courtiers, Vajira and Rakkhasa, built two dwelling houses, called respectively Vajirasenaka and Rakkhasa (Cv.l.83).
+
[[Sena]] I. built the Virankurārāma and gave it to the [[Mahāsanghikas]] (Cv.l.68-9), while his [[consort]], [[Sanghā]], erected a dwelling house, Mahindasena (Cv.l.79), and his courtier, [[Uttara]], yet another dwelling house, called Uttarasena, for the maintenance of which he provided. Two other courtiers, [[Vajira]] and Rakkhasa, built two dwelling houses, called respectively Vajirasenaka and Rakkhasa (Cv.l.83).
  
In the reign of Sena II. the Pamsukulika [[Monks]], who till then had evidently lived in Abhayagiri (Cv. trans. i.108, n.1), separated and formed special groups. Sanghā, queen of Udaya II., erected and endowed the building known as the Sanghasenapabbata (Cv.li.86-7). Kassapa IV. built a pāsāda bearing his name and assigned to it a village (Cv.lii.13; Cv.trs. i.162, n.4), while his successor, Kassapa V., erected the Bhandikā-parivena and the Silāmeghapabbata, endowing each with a village (Cv.lii.58-9).
+
In the reign of [[Sena]] II. the Pamsukulika [[Monks]], who till then had evidently lived in [[Abhayagiri]] (Cv. trans. i.108, n.1), separated and formed special groups. [[Sanghā]], [[Wikipedia:Queen consort|queen]] of [[Udaya]] II., erected and endowed the building known as the Sanghasenapabbata (Cv.li.86-7). [[Kassapa]] IV. built a [[pāsāda]] bearing his [[name]] and assigned to it a village (Cv.lii.13; Cv.trs. i.162, n.4), while his successor, [[Kassapa]] V., erected the Bhandikā-parivena and the Silāmeghapabbata, endowing each with a village (Cv.lii.58-9).
  
Sena III. spent 40,000 kahāpanas for a stone paving round the cetiya. The Abhayagiri [[Monks]] befriended both Vijayabāhu I. (then known as Kitti) and his brother, and out of [[Gratitude]] Vijayabāhu built the Uttaramūla-parivena, which was probably attached to the [[Vihara]] itself (Cv.lvii.18, 23).
+
[[Sena]] III. spent 40,000 [[kahāpanas]] for a stone paving round the [[cetiya]]. The [[Abhayagiri]] [[Monks]] befriended both [[Vijayabāhu]] I. (then known as [[Kitti]]) and his brother, and out of [[Gratitude]] [[Vijayabāhu]] built the Uttaramūla-parivena, which was probably [[attached]] to the [[Vihara]] itself (Cv.lvii.18, 23).
 
[[File:Index142.jpg‎|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Index142.jpg‎|thumb|250px|]]
In the reign of Parakkamabāhu I., when that monarch had established himself on the throne, it is said that he tried to reform the [[Monks]] of the Abhayagiri, but he found the task hopeless (Cv.lxxviii.21ff). He found that the Abhayagiri-thūpa had been destroyed by the vandalism of the Tamils, and he had it restored to a height of 160 cubits (Cv.lxxviii.98). When [[Anurādhapura]] was finally abandoned, Abhayagiri fell into ruin and decay, the [[Monastery]] being completely destroyed.
+
In the reign of [[Parakkamabāhu]] I., when that {{Wiki|monarch}} had established himself on the [[throne]], it is said that he tried to reform the [[Monks]] of the [[Abhayagiri]], but he found the task hopeless (Cv.lxxviii.21ff). He found that the Abhayagiri-thūpa had been destroyed by the vandalism of the [[Tamils]], and he had it restored to a height of 160 {{Wiki|cubits}} (Cv.lxxviii.98). When [[Anurādhapura]] was finally abandoned, [[Abhayagiri]] fell into ruin and [[decay]], the [[Monastery]] being completely destroyed.
  
It is clear that even at the outset there was considerable rivalry between the [[Monks]] of Abhayagiri and those of the Mahā[[Vihāra]]. The rivalry seems originally to have been mainly personal, but it later developed into differences in doctrinal opinion. Of the exact nature of these latter we have no [[Information]], owing, chiefly, to the book-burnings carried out by pious kings in the excess of their [[Zeal]] for the purity of the [[Faith]]. For the same reason we are unable to ascertain what part, if any, the Abhayagiri fraternity played in literary activity. It has been suggested, however, that both the Jātakatthakathā (P.L.C.124, 125) and the Sahassavatthuppakarana (P.L.C.128), another compilation of tales, were the work of the Abhayagiri [[Monks]].
+
It is clear that even at the outset there was considerable rivalry between the [[Monks]] of [[Abhayagiri]] and those of the [[Mahā]][[Vihāra]]. The rivalry seems originally to have been mainly personal, but it later developed into differences in [[doctrinal]] opinion. Of the exact [[nature]] of these [[latter]] we have no [[Information]], owing, chiefly, to the book-burnings carried out by pious [[kings]] in the excess of their [[Zeal]] for the [[purity]] of the [[Faith]]. For the same [[reason]] we are unable to ascertain what part, if any, the [[Abhayagiri]] [[fraternity]] played in {{Wiki|literary}} [[activity]]. It has been suggested, however, that both the [[Jātakatthakathā]] (P.L.C.124, 125) and the Sahassavatthuppakarana (P.L.C.128), another compilation of tales, were the work of the [[Abhayagiri]] [[Monks]].
  
Fa-Hsien evidently spent the two years of his stay in Ceylon with the Abhayagiri fraternity because the [[Books]] he took away with him were those of the unorthodox schools. According to him, there were, at this time, 5,000 [[Monks]] in Abhayagiri (Fa Hsien's Travels, 67ff).
+
[[Fa-Hsien]] evidently spent the two years of his stay in [[Ceylon]] with the [[Abhayagiri]] [[fraternity]] because the [[Books]] he took away with him were those of the [[unorthodox]] schools. According to him, there were, at this time, 5,000 [[Monks]] in [[Abhayagiri]] (Fa Hsien's Travels, 67ff).
  
In the chronicles Abhayagiri is referred to under several names Abhayuttara, Abhayavihāra, Abhayācala and Uttaravihāra.
+
In the chronicles [[Abhayagiri]] is referred to under several names Abhayuttara, Abhayavihāra, Abhayācala and Uttaravihāra.
 
{{R}}
 
{{R}}
 
[http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_names/am/abhayagiri.htm www.palikanon.com]
 
[http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_names/am/abhayagiri.htm www.palikanon.com]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 24 January 2024

Im42.jpg



Abhayagiri: A celebrated monastic establishment on the north side of Anurādhapura, consisting of a Vihāra and a mighty thūpa. Only the thūpa now stands. It was built by King Vattagāmani Abhaya on the site of the ancient Titthārāma, 217 years, 10 months and 10 days after the founding of the MahāVihāra (Mhv.xxxvii.78-83). Tradition states that when the king was fleeing from the Tamils he passed the Titthārāma on his way, and the Nigantha Giri, who then lived there, made insulting remarks about him. The king vowed, if he were returned to the throne, to build a Vihāra on that spot (Mhv.xxxvii.43-4); he fulfilled his vow, and the name of the Vihāra was a combination of his own name and of that of the Nigantha. The Monastery was given in charge of the Thera Mahātissa of Kuppikala and of two other Monks, Kuppikala having befriended the king in his misfortunes.

The Vihāra advanced rapidly in Wealth and in Power, but quite soon the Monks seceded from the MahāVihāra fraternity because, according to the Mahāvamsa (Mhv.xxxvii.95ff), an incumbent of the MahāVihāra, Mahātissa by name, was expelled from the Monastery for frequenting lay families. His Disciple, Bahalamassutissa, went in Anger to Abhayagiri and formed a separate faction.

A Sinhalese chronicle, the Nikāya Sahgraha (pp.11, 12; also P.L.C.42), states that these dissentients were soon after joined by a Body of Vajjiputtaka Monks from the Pallārāma in India, under the leadership of a teacher called Dhammaruci, and the sect which they together founded in Ceylon became known as the Dhammaruci Nikāya, with headquarters in Abhayagiri.

For quite a long while the two fraternities, that of the MahāVihāra and that of the Abhayagiri, seem to have lived in amity, alike enjoying the munificence of patrons (Ibid., 52f.; Mhv.xxxv.20, 57, 119-22; xxxvi.7-14). Thus, Gajabāhukagāmani raised the height of Abhayuttara-thūpa (as the thūpa at Abhayagiri seems to have been called) and made the Gāmanitissa-tank to be used for the cultivation of land for the maintenance of the Vihara (Ibid., xxxv.119-22); Kanitthatissa built a splendid structure in the same Vihāra for the Thera MahāNāga; it was called the Ratanapāsāda (xxxvi.7, 8.).

But in the reign of Vohārakatissa, the Abhayagiri Monks openly adopted the heretical Vaitulya Pitaka (of the Mahāyānists see Mhv. trans. 259, n.2). An inquiry was held by the king with the help of his minister Kapila, the heretical Books were burnt and the Monks of Abhayagiri disgraced (Mhv.xxxvi.40-1).

Soon afterwards, however, the heretics won over the king Mahāsena to their side and destroyed the establishment of the MahāVihāra, carrying away all the materials to Abhayagiri (P.L.C. 53; Mhv.xxxvii.10-16). Later, Mahāsena repented of his ways, burnt the Books of the Abhayagiri Monks and transferred his patronage to the MahāVihāra. But the Abhayagiri fraternity must soon have recovered its prestige, for we find Mahāsena's successor, Sirimeghavanna, planting a


Bodhi tree (called Tissavasabha) (Cv.trans. i.9, n.3) in Abhayagiri and surrounding it with a stone terrace ((Cv.xxxvii.91)). A few years later both MahāNāma (409-31) and his queen became active supporters of Abhaya Giri (Cv.xxxvii.212). Dhātusena is stated to have enlarged the Abhayuttara-Vihāra (Cv.xxxviii.61), and Silākāla is credited with several benefactions to the Vihāra and its Bodhi tree (Cv.xli.31-2); MahāNāga gave the weaver's village of Jambela to the Uttaravihāra (another name for Abhayagiri; see Cv. trans. i.8, n.2; 61, n.6.); Aggabodhi I. built a bathing-tank there (Cv.xlii.28), while his successor, Aggabodhi II., built the Dāthāggabodhi house, so called after himself and his queen (Cv.xlii.63-5).

Ima365.jpg

In the Monastery at Abhayagiri there seems to have been a stone image of The Buddha, referred to under various names, Silāsambuddha, Kālasela, Kālasatthā, Silāsatthā and Silāmayamuninda. Cv.xxxix.7; xxxviii.65; 61.2; see also vv.51, 77, 87. There was also in Abhayagiri another image called the Abhiseka (q.v.).

It was evidently held peculiarly sacred. Buddhadāsa placed a nāgamani in its eye (Cv.xxxvii.123); this was soon lost, and we find Dhātusena replacing it, adorning and decorating the statue in various ways (For details see Cv.xxxviii.62ff). Silāmeghavanna had it restored and redecorated and made provision for its maintenance (Cv.xliv.68). The same king, we are told, attempted to carry out a reform of the Abhayagiri Monks, but this attempt ultimately brought disaster on him (Cv.xliv.75ff). Jetthatissa gave to the Vihāra the village of Mahādāragiri (Cv.xliv.96). Dāthopatissa built the Kappūra-parivena attached to the Vihāra, and also a Monastery Tiputthulla, encroaching on the precincts of the MahāVihāra, notwithstanding the protests of the Monks belonging to the

Latter (Cv.xlv.29ff). Aggabodhi VII, added the Sabhattudesabhoga (Cv.xlviii.64), and Mahinda II. the Mahālekha-parivena as well as the many-storeyed Ratanapāsāda with its costly ornamentation (Cv.xlviii.135-40; see also Geiger's trans. 123, n.2).

Sena I. built the Virankurārāma and gave it to the Mahāsanghikas (Cv.l.68-9), while his consort, Sanghā, erected a dwelling house, Mahindasena (Cv.l.79), and his courtier, Uttara, yet another dwelling house, called Uttarasena, for the maintenance of which he provided. Two other courtiers, Vajira and Rakkhasa, built two dwelling houses, called respectively Vajirasenaka and Rakkhasa (Cv.l.83).

In the reign of Sena II. the Pamsukulika Monks, who till then had evidently lived in Abhayagiri (Cv. trans. i.108, n.1), separated and formed special groups. Sanghā, queen of Udaya II., erected and endowed the building known as the Sanghasenapabbata (Cv.li.86-7). Kassapa IV. built a pāsāda bearing his name and assigned to it a village (Cv.lii.13; Cv.trs. i.162, n.4), while his successor, Kassapa V., erected the Bhandikā-parivena and the Silāmeghapabbata, endowing each with a village (Cv.lii.58-9).

Sena III. spent 40,000 kahāpanas for a stone paving round the cetiya. The Abhayagiri Monks befriended both Vijayabāhu I. (then known as Kitti) and his brother, and out of Gratitude Vijayabāhu built the Uttaramūla-parivena, which was probably attached to the Vihara itself (Cv.lvii.18, 23).

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In the reign of Parakkamabāhu I., when that monarch had established himself on the throne, it is said that he tried to reform the Monks of the Abhayagiri, but he found the task hopeless (Cv.lxxviii.21ff). He found that the Abhayagiri-thūpa had been destroyed by the vandalism of the Tamils, and he had it restored to a height of 160 cubits (Cv.lxxviii.98). When Anurādhapura was finally abandoned, Abhayagiri fell into ruin and decay, the Monastery being completely destroyed.

It is clear that even at the outset there was considerable rivalry between the Monks of Abhayagiri and those of the MahāVihāra. The rivalry seems originally to have been mainly personal, but it later developed into differences in doctrinal opinion. Of the exact nature of these latter we have no Information, owing, chiefly, to the book-burnings carried out by pious kings in the excess of their Zeal for the purity of the Faith. For the same reason we are unable to ascertain what part, if any, the Abhayagiri fraternity played in literary activity. It has been suggested, however, that both the Jātakatthakathā (P.L.C.124, 125) and the Sahassavatthuppakarana (P.L.C.128), another compilation of tales, were the work of the Abhayagiri Monks.

Fa-Hsien evidently spent the two years of his stay in Ceylon with the Abhayagiri fraternity because the Books he took away with him were those of the unorthodox schools. According to him, there were, at this time, 5,000 Monks in Abhayagiri (Fa Hsien's Travels, 67ff).

In the chronicles Abhayagiri is referred to under several names Abhayuttara, Abhayavihāra, Abhayācala and Uttaravihāra.

Source

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