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Causing an image of Mahá Mahinda to be made, and conveying it to the edifice (Ambamálaka), in which the théra's body had been burnt, in order that he might celebrate a great festival there; and that he might also promulgate the contents of the Dípavapsa, distributing a thousand pieces, he caused it to be read aloud thoroughly. He ordered also sugar to be distributed among the priests assembled there. (On this occasion) calling to his recollect tion the priest '(formerly) resident in the same vihara with himself, who had heaped dirt on his head, he did not per mit him to participate in these benefits. He made many repairs at the Abhayagiri vihára, and for the stone statue of Buddha an edifice with an apartment (for the image). On the gem set in the eye of the image of the divine teacher by Buddhadása being lost, this (rájá), 1in a similar manner, formed the eye with the “chúlamani” jewel (a part of his regal head dress). The supreme curly locks (of that image he represented) by a profusion of sapphires; in the same manner the “unnan" lock of hair (in the forehead between the eyes) by (a thread of) gold; and he made offerings (thereto) of golden robes; and also, composed of gold, a foot cloth, a flower and a splendid lamp, as well as innumerable cloths of various colours. In the image apartment he constructed many splendid cétiyas, where there also were (images of Boddhisattas).

For the granite statue of Buddha, as well as for the statue of the saviour of the world, called the "Upasambhava," he converted his “chálámani” head ornament (into the ornament placed on the head of Buddha's statue, representing the rays of glory); and in the manner before described (at the festival of inaugu ration) in regard to the image named the Abhiseka, he invested these (images also) with their equipments. To the Bodhisatta† Metteyya, he built an edifice to the southward of the bo-tree, and invested (his image) with every regal ornament; and directed that guards should be stationed at the distance of one yójana all round it. He caused the viháras to be painted with ornamental borders of the paint called the “dhátu,” as well as the superb edifice of the great bo, expending a lac thereon. At the Thúpâráma he repaired the thúpa and held a festival; he also repaired the dilapidations of the temple of the tooth-relic. He made an offering to the "Dáṭhádhátu (tooth-relic) of a casket thickly studded with radient gems and flowers of gold; and held a festival of offerings in honour of the tooth-relic. He bestowed also innume rable robes and other offerings on all the priests resident in the island. He made improvements at the several viháras. At each of those places he caused

* The Mahávasansa; whether brought down to this period, or only to the end of the reign of Maháséna, to which alone the Tiká extends, there is no means of ascertaining.

The Buddha who is to appear next, to complete the five Buddhas of the present "Mahábhaddakappa.”—[Notes by Mr. Turnour.]

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Dele. open hall." 4"caused the eyes to be set with two excellent jewels; also the halo, the crest, and the curled hair to be thickly studded with blue sapphires. He made offerings also of an excellent band of gold, an 'uppaloma' ornament (representing the curled hair on the forehead of Buddha), a golden robe, a net-work for the feet, a lotus, an excellent lamp, and cloths of divers colours without number. At the Bahumangala cétiya he built image-houses, and added images of the Bodhisattas to the Kálasela (Black stone') statue of the Master. To the statue of the Lord of the world, called Upasumbha, he made a halo and crest, and also to the statue of Buddha called Abhiseka the ornaments aforementioned."

Add "although he was a resident of his (the king's) vihára."

5 "surrounded with walks called the Dháturáji, and built."

"of a tooth-relic casket and a halo (circlet)."

7 66

‘golden lotuses set with a profusion of precious stones."

the enclosing wall of the edifice to be beautifully plastered. At the three principal cétiyas, having had the white plastering renewed, he made a golden. "chatta" for each, as well as a “cumbaţa” of glass.

On the Mahavihára being destroyed by the impious Maháséna, the priests of the Dhammaruci sect' had settled at the cétiya monntain. Being desirous of rebuilding, and conferring on the theravada priests (the opponents of the schismatics), the Ambatthala vihára (at the Cétiya mountain), and being also solicited by them to that effect, the monarch bestowed it on them.

'Haring celebrated a festival in honour of the "Dúthádatu" relic at the dedidication of a metal dish, he kept up offerings (of rice), prepared from ten amunams of grain; and, like unto the unsurpassed Dhammasóka's, constructing image houses both within and without the capital, he made offerings to those images of Buddha also. Who is there, who is able, by a verbal description alone, to set forth in due order all his pious deeds!

NOTE.-For the remainder of this Chapter see Part II., pages xxix—xxxii.

Abhayagiri fraternity.

"Having repaired the Ambatthala vihára (at the Cétiya mountain) the king was desirous of conferring it on the Théraváda brethren (the Mahavihára fraternity), but being entreated by them (the Dhammarucis) he gave it to them (allowed them to retain it.)"

"He caused an oval cistern of bronze to be made for the service of the relics; and made provision for the giving of alms out of twenty amunams of flelds. This king, with whom none but Dhammâsoka could compare, built and dedicated temples and images both inside and outside the city. Who can describe in detail all the good deeds that he had done? It is only a mere outline that has been set forth here."

THE

TRANSLATION OF THE SECOND PART

91-87

BY

L. C. WIJESINHA, MUDALIYAR.

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