King Bhathika Thissa - House of Lambakarna I | Anuradhapura - (141 - 165) - Sri Lankan History - Kings - Governors - Prisidents

King Bhathika Thissa

House of Lambakarna I | Anuradhapura - (141 - 165)

King Mahalluna had two sons. They were Prince Bhathiyatissa and Prince Kanitthiss. Upon the death of his father, the elder son, Prince Bhathiyatissa, ascended the throne. Since he is the second king to appear with this name, historians have referred to him as Bhathiyatissa II. The epithet “Bhathiya” was given because, as the chronicle states, he was the brother of Prince Kanitthiss. In inscriptions, this name appears in various forms such as Khatimahraja,  Nakamaharpuhputha, Tisamahraja, Bathikaraja, Bathiyaraja, Khatiyatissamahraja, and others. These two can be considered as younger brothers. The construction of an enclosure around the Mahavihara was among this king’s activities. The Paludageya and Gavaratisse Vihara in Nagadeepa, the Bhathiyatissa Vihara, and the Pohoya Geya at Thuparama were all his works. A tank called Randhakandaka was also said to have been built by this king, though none of these have been positively identified. The Maminiya Tank is mentioned in the Rajaratnakara as his creation. The Gamini Vapi mentioned in the Mahavamsa should correspond to this as well. Nine inscriptions from the period of King Bhathiyatissa have been found from various regions, including the northeastern provinces. Among these, the Velgam Vihara inscription identifies the sacred site as Akhagaravuhara (Abhayagiri Vihara). This corresponds to the present-day Velgam Vihara located in the Trincomalee region. The eastern side of this sacred site was managed during King Bhathiyatissa’s reign by Abhaya Senapati, who was his minister. The ritual mentioned in the inscription was performed by him. The Nelugala inscription is a long inscription. The stone-inscribed site in the Perillawali area of the Madakalpu region, belonging to the southern promontory of Maduru Oya, provides significant historical information. The inscription states that numerous offerings and rituals were performed at the sacred site called Piyagalaka Ahalipawatha, including the Wadamanaka Ahalawa (present-day Wadumune Weva). Other inscriptions also provide details of the religious rituals conducted during this king’s reign. A significant point arising from these inscriptions is that during King Bhathiyatissa’s reign, peace prevailed, with both the king and the people actively engaged in religious duties. During this time, the economic development of the country progressed, and the people lived a life of contentment, free from disorder and confusion. King Bhathiyatissa’s reign lasted thirty years.