The Eternal Legacy of Sanghamitta Theri: The Woman Who Transformed Sri Lanka
In the annals of world history, few women have wielded as much spiritual and social influence as Sanghamitta Theri. As the daughter of the mighty Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and the sister of Arahat Mahinda, her arrival in Sri Lanka during the 3rd century BCE was not merely a religious mission; it was a cultural revolution that redefined the status of women and the spiritual landscape of the island forever.
The Divine Mission to Tambapanni
Following the successful mission of her brother, Arahat Mahinda, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa to Buddhism, a new need arose. Queen Anula, the consort of the King’s brother, along with hundreds of other women, expressed a deep desire to enter the order of the Sangha. However, according to Buddhist Vinaya (monastic law), only a fully ordained nun could ordain other women.
King Devanampiya Tissa, recognizing the importance of this request, sent a diplomatic mission to Emperor Ashoka in India, requesting that Sanghamitta Theri be sent to the island. Despite the pain of parting with his only daughter, Ashoka realized the significance of the request and allowed Sanghamitta to embark on the journey to the island then known as Tambapanni.
The Arrival of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Sanghamitta Theri did not come empty-handed. She brought with her the most sacred of gifts: a southern sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree from Bodh Gaya, the very tree under which the Buddha attained Enlightenment.
She arrived at the port of Jambukola Patuna in the Jaffna Peninsula. Legend says that King Devanampiya Tissa was so moved by the arrival of the sacred sapling and the Theri that he waded neck-deep into the ocean to receive the vessel. This sapling was later planted in the Mahamevnawa Park in Anuradhapura, where it stands today as the oldest documented tree in the world with a continuous historical record.
Establishing the Bhikkhuni Sasana
With her arrival, Sanghamitta Theri established the Bhikkhuni Sasana (the Order of Nuns) in Sri Lanka. This was a landmark event for gender equality in the ancient world. By granting women the right to lead a monastic life, she provided them with an alternative to traditional domestic roles, fostering a community of female scholars, teachers, and meditators.
The establishment of the order of nuns led to a surge in literacy and education among women. The nuns became the custodians of the Dhamma, contributing to the rich oral and written traditions of the island. Sanghamitta Theri’s influence extended beyond the monastery; she influenced art, architecture, and the social fabric, emphasizing compassion and intellectual pursuit.
A Lasting Legacy
Sanghamitta Theri spent the remainder of her life in Sri Lanka, working tirelessly to propagate the teachings of the Buddha. She passed away at the age of 79 during the reign of King Uttiya (the successor of Devanampiya Tissa). Her cremation was held with great royal honors near the Thuparamaya.
Today, Sri Lankans celebrate her arrival on the Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day in December. Her legacy is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of women in leadership. She remains a symbol of the deep, unbreakable bond between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in the shared heritage of the Buddha’s wisdom.
The Eternal Legacy of Sanghamitta Theri – Quiz