Indian Antiquary Vol 22

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 29

JANUARY, 1893.)
KALYANI INSCRIPTIONS.
17
When the pisachas saw twice their own number of monsters created by the supernatural power of the two théras, they cried out: "Now, we shall become their prey," and, being stricken with terror, fled towards the sea. In order to prevent the return of the pisáchas, the théras established a cordon of guards around the country, and preached the Brahmajalasutta to the people, who had assembled together. At the conclusion of the sermon, 60,000 people attained to the comprehension of the Truth; 3,500 men and 1,500 women renounced the world, and the rest were established in the Three Refuges' and the silas. Thus the Religion was established in this country of Ramannadega by the two theras in the 296th year that had elapsed since the attainment of Parinirvana by the Fully Enlightened One.
Thenceforward, in Ramannadsa, all princea, born on the anniversary day of that event, were named soņuttara. In order to shield all new-born infants from the danger of being seized by the rakkhasi, the appearances created by the supernatural power of the thêras, were inscribed on armlets, wristlets, and leaves, and placed on their heads; and a stone, on which the same appearances were engraven, was placed on the top of a hill to the north-east of the town. This stone may be seen to this day.
Since its introduction, the Religion flourished for a long time in Râmaññadêsa. In course of time, however, the power of Ramaññadêsa declined, because civil dissensions arose and the extensive country was broken up into separate principalities, and because the people suffered from famine and pestilence, and because, to the detriment of the propagation of the excellent Religion, the country was conquered by the armies of the Seven Kings. Owing to these calamities, the priests, residing in Ramaññadêsa, were unable to devote themselves, in peace and comfort, to the acquisition of scriptural knowledge, or to the observance of the precepts; and the Religion also declined.
During the reign of Mandhari, who was also known by his princely name of Suriyakumara, the power of the kingdoma became very weak. This happened in the 1600th years that had elapsed since the attainment of Parinirvâņa by the Fully Enlightened One.
In 1601, Anno Buddha, and 419, Sakkaraj. King Anuruddha, the Lord of Arimaddanapura, took a community of priests together with the Tipitaka (from Ramaññadosa), and established the Religion in Arimaddanapura, otherwise called Pugama.
One hundred and seven years after this event, or in the year 526,' Sakkaraj, King Sirisanghabodhi-Parakkamabahu purified the Religion in Lankadipa.
Six years after the latter event, or in the year 582, Sakkaraj, Uttarajivamahathéra, the Preceptor of the King of Pugama, with the object of worshipping at the shrines in Lankadipa, set out for Kusimanagara,10 saying to himself: "I shall embark in a ship with a great many priests." Who was this Uttarajivamahathêra? He was a native of Ramannadesa, and was a pupil of Ariyavarasathers, who was a disciple of Mahakalathéra, a resident of Kappunganagara. 11 MahAkalathéra was a pupil of Pranadassimahathéra, who lived at Sudhammanagara,13 This maháthéra was endowed with likiyajjhana and abhinná. Being thas gifted, he would, every morning, proceed to Magadha and sweep the court-yard of the Mahâbôdhi tree in Uruveļa, return to Sudhammapura, and go on his alms-pilgrimage. One morning, while he was sweeping the court-yard of the Mahabodhi tree, certain traders, who lived in Uruvê!A, and were on their way to Magadha from Sudhammapura, saw him, and, on their return, related what they had seen to the people of Sudhammapura. Thus it was that the possession of supernatural powers by Prânadassimabâthêra, as a concomitant of bis attain. ment of loliyajjhána and abhina, became known.
(To be continued.)
1 Or 308 B. C. Or 1056 A. D.
Or 1164 A.D. 11 Kabaing near Twinter in the Houthawaddy District.
10 The modern Bassein. See ante page 181. 11 The modern Daton in the Amherst District.