Indian Antiquary Vol 22

SR No.: 032514
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 442
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 55

FEBRUARY, 1893.]
KALYANI INSCRIPTIONS.
he was delighted, and, in the manner indicated above, exchanged with the théras and Råmaduta the compliments of friendship and civility, and had arrangements made for their entertainment.
On the following day, Ramadûts delivered to the maháthéras of Sthaladipa the letter and presents sent by the King, who was the Lord of Hamsavatinagara; and all the maháthéras gave a promise to Ramadata similar to that given by them to Chitraduta.
After a month had elapsed from that date, the théras, who embarked in the same ship as Chitradâta, visited Anuradhapura, and adored the Ratanacbêtiya, Marichivattichêtiya, Thủpårâmachêtiya, Abhayagirichêtiya, Silâchetiya, Jētavanachêtiya, and the Mahâbôdhi tree, which was the Southern branch of the tree at Buddha Gaya), and saw the Lôbapasada. They likewise, to the extent of their ability, removed grass, creepers, and shrubbery found growing in the court-yards of the various chétiyas, and cleaned their walls. After fulfilling such religious duties as were performed subsequent to making offerings, they returned and arrived at Jayavaddhapanagara.
The Sihaļa King now thought that the time had arrived for him to exhibit the Holy Tooth Relic for the adoration of all the théras, who had come by the two ships. On Sunday, the 1st day of the dark all of the second month Asalha, and the day on which vassa residence was entered upon, he had the whole of the tower containing the receptacle of the Holy Tooth Relio decorated, had a canopy of cloth put up, and had an offering made of scents, lights, incense, and flowers. The maháthéras of Sihaļadips were set apart on one side, while the twenty-two théras and their disciples, who had come by the two ships, together with Chitradůta and Ramadâta, were invited to be present. The Holy Tooth Relic, contained in a golden receptacle, was brought out in order that the twenty-two théras, and ChitradÛta and Râmadata might see and adore it, and make offerings to it. Then the Sîhala King, calling to mind the letter of Ramadhipatirâja, had the Holy Tooth Relic deposited in the golden relicreceptacle sent by the latter, and had a white umbrella placed over it. The golden vessel containing the Relic, the golden vase, and the golden duodecagonal betel-box were deposited together, and shown to the twenty-two théras, and Chitradüta and Ramadûta.
“Reverend Sirs, and Chitradû ta and Råmadüta, may it please you to let me know the purport of the letter of the Lord of the White Elephant ?" asked the Síhala King, who, saying to himself : “ Whatsoever may be the purport of the letter of the Lord of the White Elepbant, I shall act accordingly," issued commands to the Sihala ministers and directed the construction of a bridge of boats on the Kalykņi River, where the Blessed One had enjoyed & bath. A tower and a canopy of cloth were erected on the bridge, and various kinds of hanging awnings were likewise pat up. Vidagamamahathera was requested to elect from among the fraternity of priests, who were the spiritual successors of the residents of the Mahâvihåra monastery, & Chapter, who were free from censure and reproach ; and he accordingly elected a Chapter of twenty-four priests such as DhammakittimahathéreVanarstanamahathéra, Panchaparivéņavāsi-mangalathere, and Sibalarajayuvarajachariyathêrs. Having thus had a bridge of boats constructed, and a Chapter of priests elected, the King invited the twenty-four ordaining priests, headed by Dhammakittimaháthêra, on Wednesday, the 11th day of the dark half of the month of second Åsalha, and had them conducted to the bridge of boats, and had the forty-four priests of Ramaññadêsa ordained by them. In conformity with the custom followed by the Sibala mahdthéras of old, whenever priests from foreign countries were ordained, the forty-four priests of Râmaññadêsa were first established in the condition of laymen, and then admitted to the Order as súmaneras through the act of Vanaratanamahathéra, who presented them with yellow robes, and accepted their profession of faith in the Three Refuges.'
On the night of Wednesday, Ave theras, namely, Moggalanathéra, Kumarakassapathéra, Mahasivalithéra, Sariputtathors, and Nanasegarathera were ordained in the presence of the Chapter of the twenty-four priests, Dhammakittimahathêra and Pan