King Devanampiya Tissa (307–267 BCE) remains one of the most beloved figures in Sri Lankan history. While he was the second son of King Mutasiva, his reign became the defining era of the Anuradhapura Kingdom due to his close friendship with Emperor Ashoka of India and his role in establishing Buddhism as the state religion.
A King “Beloved of the Gods”
The name “Devanampiya” translates to “Beloved of the Gods,” a title he shared with his contemporary, Emperor Ashoka. Interestingly, the chronicles state that Devanampiya Tissa and Ashoka were “unseen friends”—they had exchanged lavish gifts and diplomatic messages long before they ever met.
When Tissa ascended the throne, he sent a diplomatic mission to the Mauryan Empire. Emperor Ashoka sent back the regalia for a second coronation, along with a message stating that he had taken refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha, and urged his friend Tissa to do the same.
The Architect of a Buddhist State
Following his historic encounter with Arahat Mahinda at Mihintale, the King’s life was dedicated to the service of the Dhamma. He transformed the capital, Anuradhapura, into a sacred city. His contributions include:
- The Mahamevnawa Park: He donated his royal pleasure gardens to the monks, creating the site for the Mahavihara, which remained the center of Theravada Buddhism for over a millennium.
- The Thuparamaya: He built the first stupa in Sri Lanka to enshrine the right collar-bone relic of the Buddha.
- Social Welfare: He is credited with establishing the first organized hospitals and providing facilities for the growing community of monks and nuns.
- Hydraulic Works: He continued the tradition of water management by constructing the Tissa Wewa, which still provides water to the city of Anuradhapura today.
His reign was not just about religion; it was about the birth of a new cultural consciousness. Under his patronage, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was planted, and the order of Bhikkhunis (nuns) was established by Sanghamitta Theri.
King Devanampiya Tissa Quiz