Devanampiya Tissa's conversion to Buddhism

by Husna Inayathullah

Tissa who later came to be known as Devanampiya Tissa was one of the earliest rulers of Sri Lanka. He ruled Anuradhapura from 307 BC to 267 BC. His reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka with the help of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka.

Tissa was the second son of Mutasiva, king of Anuradhapura. The Mahavamsa describes him as being 'the foremost among all his brothers in virtue and intelligence.'

He ascended to the throne of the northern kingdom Anuradhapura around 247 BCE.

The Mahavamsa mentions an early friendship with Mauryan Emperor Asoka. Chapter IX of the chronicle mentions '...the two monarchs, Devanampiya Tissa and Dhammasoka, already had been friends a long time, though they had never seen each other', 'Dhammasoka' being an alternate way of saying 'Asoka'.

The chronicle also mentions Tissa sending gifts to the emperor Asoka. In reply Asoka sent not only gifts but also the news that he had converted himself to Buddhism and a plea to Tissa to adopt the faith as well.

The king does not appear to have done this at the time, instead adopting the name 'Deva-na-piya' ('Beloved of the Gods') and having himself consecrated King of Lanka in a lavish celebration.

Succession

Devanampiya Tissa is traditionally said to have been succeeded by his younger brothers Uttiya and Mahasiva. His other brother King Mahanaga was the founder of the Kingdom of Ruhuna. Emperor Asoka took a keen interest in the propagation of Buddhism across the world and it was decided that his son, Mahinda would travel to Sri Lanka and attempt to convert the people there.The events surrounding Mahinda's arrival and meeting with the king form one of the most important legends of Sri Lankan history.

According to theMahavamsa king Devanampiya Tissa was out enjoying a hunt with some 40,000 of his soldiers near a mountain called Missaka. The date for this is traditionally associated with the full moon day of the month of Poson.

Having come to the foot of Missaka, Devanampiya Tissa chased a deer into the thicket and came across Arhat Mahinda. Amusingly the Mahavamsa has the great king 'terrified' and convinced that the Thera was in fact a 'yaka', or demon.

However, Arahat Mahinda said, 'Recluses we are, O great King, disciples of the King of Dhamma, out of compassion for you alone have we come here from Jambudipa. Devanampiya Tissa recalled the news from his friend Asoka and realised that these are missionaries sent from India. Arahat Mahinda went on to preach to the king's company and preside over the king's conversion to Buddhism.

Mihintale

The first meeting of Devanampiya Tissa with Arahat Mahinda is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred sites today known as Mihintale. The sacred precinct features the Ambasthala, or 'Mango tree stupa' where Arahat Mahinda asked Devanampiya Tissa a series of riddles to guage his intelligence.

The cave in which Arahat Mahinda lived for over 40 years, and the Maha Seya, wherein is contained a relic of the Buddha.

Sri Maha Bodhi is an important tree associated with the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa.

The tree was a gift from Emperor Asoka to the island and it was planted within the precincts of Anuradhapura and is regarded as the oldest tree in the world.

Devanampiya Tissa remains one of early Sri Lanka's most significant monarchs due to his conversion to Buddhism.

He set the kingdoms of the island down a religious and cultural path.

Anuradhapura itself was to remain the capital of a powerful kingdom until it went under the Chola rule and then superseded by Polonnaruwa.