Indian Antiquary Vol 22

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

Page 53

FEBRUARY, 1893.]
KALYANI INSCRIPTIONS.
For presenting to the maháthéras of Sihaladipa the following articles were prepared : -40 boxes containing cotton cloth of delicate texture; 20 silk and cotton uppur robes of various colours, namely, red, yellow, motley, and white; 20 betel-boxes of motley colour, manufactured in Haribhunja; four stone "pitchers ; eight painted pitchers manufactured in Chinadese; and 20 fans manufactured in Chinadésa.
Rimadhipatirija, the Lord of Ramaññadêsa and of the White Elephant, sent respectful greeting to Their Reverences the Mahathêras of Sihaladipa, and thus addressed them by letter:
" Reverend Sirs, for the purpose of adoring the Holy Tooth and other Relics I have sent priests with offerings. Voucbsafe to afford them assistance in making such offerings. With the twenty-two théras and their disciples, I have sent Chitradůta and RÂmadůta together with their attendants. Vouchsafe, Venerable Ones, to afford them such assistance as they may require in seeing and adoring the Holy Tooth Relic and making offerings to it. After seeing and adoring the Holy Tooth Relic, and making offerings to it, the twenty-two théras and their disciples will proceed to elect from among the fraternity, who are the spiritual successors of the residents of the Mahâvihậra monastery, a Chapter of priests, who are free from censure and reproach, and will receive at their hands the upasampadá ordination in the udakukkhépasimá consecrated on the Kalyà i River, where the Blessed One had enjoyed a bath. May it please the Venerable Ones to afford them assistance also in this matter PM Thus was prepared a letter addressed to the mahdthéras of Sihaladipa.
The following articles were prepared for presentation to Bhavanēkabábu, King of Sihaladipa :-two sapphires valued at 200 phalas of silver ; two rabies valued at 430 phalas ; four pieces of variegated China cloth, of great value, for making long mantles, which would cover the wearer from neck to foot; three pieces of thick, embroidered China cloth, of white and dark blue or ash colour; two pieces of plain, thick, China cloth, of white and dark blue or ash colour; one piece of plain, white, thick, China cloth; two pieces of green, thick, embroidered, China cloth; one piece of plain, green, thick, China cloth; two pieces of plain, black, China cloth; one piece of yellow, thick, embroidered China cloth; one piece of red, thin, embroidered, China cloth, of delicate textaze; one piece of thin, embroidered, China cloth, of delicate texture, and of white and dark blue, or ash colour: in all, 20 pieces of China cloth; the same number of variegated silk cloths called pavitti, and 200 mats wrapped up in leather cases. The letter addressed to Bhavanēkabahy, King of Sthaladips, was in import similar to that addressed to the mahithéras of that Island, and was inscribed on a tablet of gold.
Having thus prepared everything that was necessary, the King presented the twenty-two theras with the following articles :-44 boxes of fine cotton cloth for making the tichivara robes ; 22 carpets made of the wool of Marammadêsa ; 22 variegated leathern rugs; 22 variegated Haribhuñja betel-boxes, with covers; and many other articles required for food and for medi. cinal purposes on the voyage.
The twenty-two priests, who were the disciples of the theras, were each presented with a piece of cloth called kasiputta, and a thick, embroidered, carpet manufactured in Marammadêsa.
The twenty-two thoras and their disciples were consigned to the care of the two emissaries, Chitradata and Ramadata, into whose hands were likewise delivered the abovementioned offerings intended for the Holy Relics, the letter and presents for the maháthéras of Sthaladipa, and the letter inscribed on a tablet of gold and presents for Bhêvanêkabaha, King of that Island. Two hundred phalas of gold were given to the emissaries for the purpose of providing the twenty-two théras and their disciples with the 'four requisites,' should any mishap, such as scarcity of food, arise. The eleven théras, headed by Moggalanathore, together with their disciples, were embarked in the same ship & Ramadata ; while the remaining eloven thoras, headed by Mahasivalithéra, together with their disciples, wore ombarked in the same ship as Chitradata.