Emperor Asoka:

The saviour of Buddhist places of worship

by Rupa Banduwardena

Emperor Asoka occupies a unique place in the world history. It is said that his reign is without parallel. It is “one of the brightest interludes in the troubled history of mankind. Amidst the tens and thousands of monarchs that crowd the columns of history... the name of Asoka shines”, said Wells. Soldier, statesman, saint and social reformer he combined in himself, the qualities of greatness seldom found in monarchs. He was the apostle of Ahimsa, love and compassion for all living beings.

The Magadha empire reached its greatest glory under him. He introduced many reforms and breathed a new spirit into the whole administration. Once he had consolidated his position on the throne amidst opposition from his brothers said to have been 99 (obviously an exaggeration). In his 13th year of reign he had attempted the conquest of Kalinga, which gave him the name Chandasoka due to the horrors of war involved.

The Kalinga war was a turning point in his life. At the height of his military glory he renounced war.

The slaughter, death and captivity that followed filled him with regret and remorse, driving him to be engaged in Dhamma. Shortly after he was converted to Buddhism and the true conquest came by.

The majesty now begins a new life with the little Dharmasoka for India at large. He was also referred to as Devanampiya, “the beloved of the gods.”

Asoka's legacy

Emperor Asoka's inscriptions and rock edicts which have been classified into eight groups convey a vivid description of his mighty service.

These give the main principles of his government, his Dhamma, Kalinga edicts show his changes in administration after the Kalinga war and the details of his benevolence. Still others mention his visit to holy places.

The Terai Pillar inscriptions in particular mention his Dhamma activities. These inscriptions scattered all over India give the nature and extent of his kingdom, aims and ideals of policy. After the war he declared that there would no more drums of war.

There would be in future only the Dhamma-Gosha. According to evidence he professed his faith in Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

It is said that he himself visited places sacred to Buddhists and built a large number of viharas and shrines and distributed relics of the Buddha to these places. This is of vital importance to Sri Lankans.

Architect

Indian history reveals that Asoka was well known for his effort to preserve the sacred places.

In his battle against the Moguls he worked hard for that purpose. The Moghuls in their conquering spree had plundered and razed most of the historic temples.

India's main attraction lies in the four sacred places where the Buddha was born, received Enlightenment, spread his Dhamma and finally Parinibbana. These are places of sanctity not to be missed by Buddhists.

The discovery of these places are attibuted to the reputed archaeologist Alexander Cunningham who in his excavations had found inscriptions in many hidden holy spots where history remained buried.

The sacred sites have seen many changes over the centuries. However, thanks to the royal patronage of Emperor Asoka which led to the restoration of many a sacred venue of Buddhism to honour the Buddha and preserve them for future generations.

Emperor Asoka's Buddhist mission adorned Sri Lanka with a new dimension.

Nearly 23 centuries ago, in his effort to propagate Buddhism, he spread the light of Dhamma in Asia. At the conclusion of the third Buddhist Council held at Pataliputra headed by Ven. Moggaliputtatissa Thera he had despatched nine missions to other countries including Sri Lanka.

The Mahavansa deals in detail the visits of Mahinda Thera followed by Sangamitta Therini. With their arrival the paradise isle was illumined with the light of Dhamma so much so that it came to be known as Dharmadweepa. With the advent of Buddhism there was an amazing spiritual awakening. Art and architecture, writing and literature flourished.

The dual gifts to the island, the Sacred Bo sapling and the ordination, the inauguration of the Bhikkhuni Sasana led to a new turn of events. Sri Maha Bodhi stands unshaken to date blessing the entire island.

In the religious annals these events are of special significance.

It was in the form of a precious gift from Emperor Asoka to his loyal friend in the island that the mission was sent, creating this amazing transformation.