destroyed I bestow on thee that country." He having proceeded to the door of the den, and seeing at a distance the lion approaching, impelled by his affection for his child,-to transfix him, he (Síhabáhu) let fly his arrow at him. On account of the merit of the lion's good intentions, the arrow, recoiling in the air, fell on the ground at the feet of the prince. Even until the third effort it was the same. Then the king of animals, losing his selfpossession (by which the charm that preserved his life was destroyed), the impelled arrow, transpiercing his body, passed through him. (Síhabáhu) returned to the city, taking the head of the lion with the mane attached thereto. This occurred on the seventh day after the death of the king of Vaiga. The monarch having left no sons, and his virtuous ministers exulting in this exploit (of the prince), having ascertained that he was the grandson of the king, and recognised his mother (to be the king's daughter) they assembled, and with one accord entreated of the prince Síhabáhu, “Be thou king." He having accepted the sovereignty, and conferred it on (Anura) the husband of his mother, taking with him Síhasívali, he himself departed for the land of his nativity. There he founded a city, which was called Síhapura. In a wilderness a hundred yójanas in extent, he formed villages (in favourable situations for irrigation). In that capital of the land of Láļa, making Síhasívali his queen-consort, the monarch Síhabáhu administered the sovereignty. This queen in due course gave birth on sixteen occasions to twin children. The eldest was named Vijaya, the second was named Sumitta;-altogether thirty-two children. At the proper age the sovereign installed Vijaya in the office of sub-king. Vijaya became a lawless character, and his retinue were the same: they committed numberless acts of fraud and violence. The nation at large, incensed at this proceeding, represented the matter to the king. He censured them (the prince's followers), and his son he severely reprimanded. In all respects the same occurred a second time. On the third occasion, the nation enraged, thus clamoured: "Execute thy son." The king, compelling Vijaya and his retinue, seven hundred in number, to have the half of their heads shaved, and having them embarked in a vessel, sent them adrift on the ocean. In the same manner (in a second vessel) their wives. In like manner their children (in a third). These men, women, and children, drifting in different directions, landed and settled in different countries. Be it known, that the land in which the children settled is Naggadípa. The land in which the wives settled is Mahinda. Vijaya himself landed at the port of Suppáraka (in Jambudípa), but (dreading the hostility of the natives) on account of the lawless character of his band, he re-embarked in his vessel. This prince named Vijaya, who had then attained the wisdom of experience, landed in the division Tambapanņi of this land Lanká, on the day that the successor (of former Buddhas) reclined in the arbour of the two delightful sal trees, to attain "nibbána." The sixth chapter in the Mahávansa, entitled "The Arrival of Vijaya," composed equally to delight and to afflict righteous men. CHAPTER VII. THE ruler of the world, having conferred blessings on the whole world, and attained the exalted, unchangeable nibbána; seated on the throne on which "the most exalted state of rest." 2" lying on the bed." nibbána is achieved, in the midst of a great assembly of devatás, the great divine sage addressed this celebrated injunction to Sakka, who stood near him: “One Vijaya, the son of Síhabéhu, king of the land of Lála, together with seven hundred officers of state, has landed on Layká. Lord of dévas! my religion will be established in Lagká. On that account thoroughly protect, together with his retinue, him and Lagká." The devoted king of devas having heard these injunctions of the successor (of former Buddhas), assigned the protection of Lanká to the deva Uppalavaņņa (Vishņu). He, in conformity to the command of Sakka, instantly repaired to Lagká, and in the character of a "paribbájaka” (devotee) took his station at the foot of a tree. With Vijaya at their head, the whole party approaching him, inquired, "Pray, devotee, what land is this?" He replied, "The land Lapká." Having thus spoken, he blessed them by sprinkling water on them out of his jug ; and having tied (charmed) threads on their arms, departed through the air. A menial yakkhiņí (named Káli) assuming a canine form, presented herself. One (of the retinue), though interdicted by the prince, followed her, saying “In an inhabited village (alone) are there dogs." There (near a tank) her mistress, a yakkhiņí named Kuvéņi, was seated at the foot of a tree spinning thread, in the character of a devotee. Seeing this tank and the devotee seated near it, he bathed and drank there ; and while he was taking some (edible) roots and water from that tank, she started up and thus addressed him: "Stop! thou art my prey." The man, as if he was spellbound, stood without the power of moving. By the virtue of the charmed thread she was not able to devour him; and though entreated by the yakkhiņí, he would not deliver up the thread. The yakkhiņi then cast hirn bellowing into a subterraneous abode. In like manner, the seven hundred followers also she one by one lodged in the same place. All these persons not returning, Vijaya becoming alarmed, equipping himself with the five weapons of war, proceeded after them; and examining the delightful pond, he could perceive footsteps leading down only into the tank; and he there saw the devotee. It occurred to him: "My retinue must surely have been seized by her." 5" Pray, why dost thou not produce my ministers?” said he. 66 Prince," she replied, “from ministers what pleasures canst thou derive? Do drink and bathe (ere) thou departest." Saying to himself, "even my lineage, this yakkhiņi is acquainted with it," rapidly proclaiming his title, and bending his bow, he rushed at her. Securing the yakkhiņí by the throat with a "nárácana" ring, with his left hand seizing her by the hair, and raising his sword with his right hand, he exclaimed, "Slave! restore me my followers, (or) I will put thee to death." The yakkhiņí, terrified, implored that her life might be spared. "Lord! spare my life; on thee I will confer this sovereignty; unto thee I will render the favours of my sex, and every other service according to thy desire." In order that he might not be involved in a similar difficulty again, he made the yakkhiņí take an oath. 1" was." 2" When there is a village there are dogs in it"; meaning, that the appearance of dogs denote the existence of a village close by. 3 "as though she were." 4 66 'The word náráca-valaya appears to mean a noose or ring attached to an arrow. An arrow tipped with a hook, or some similar weapon is probably meant. 10" she might not prove herself treacherous." (Thereafter), while he was in the act of saying, "Instantly produce my followers," she brought them forth. Declaring "These men must be famished," she distributed rice and a vast variety of other articles (procured) from the wrecked ships of mariners who had fallen a prey to her. 1 The followers having dressed the rice and victuals, and having served them to the prince, the whole of them also feasted thereon. She likewise having partaken of the residue of the meal bestowed on her by the prince, excited to the utmost pitch of delight, transformed herself (into a girl) of sixteen years of age; and decorating her person with innumerable ornaments, "lovely as Máránga herself, and approaching him, quickly inflamed the passion of the chief. Thereupon, she caused a splendid bed, curtained as with a wall, and fragrant with incense, to spring up at the foot of a certain tree. Seeing this procedure, and foreseeing all the future advantages that were to result to him, he passed the night with her. There, his seven hundred followers on that night slept, outside the curtain, surrounding their sovereign. This (destined) ruler of the land, while reposing there with the yakkhiņí, hearing the sounds of song and music, inquired of the yakkhiņí regarding the same. Thereupon, she being desirous of conferring the whole sovereignty on her lord, replied, "I will render this Lapká habitable for men. "In the city Sirivattha, in this island, there is a yakkha sovereign (Kálaséna), and in the yakkha city (Lapkápura) there is (another) sovereign. Having conducted his daughter (Pusamittá) thither, her mother (Kondanámiká) is now bestowing that daughter at a marriage festival on the sovereign there (at Sirivattha). From that circumstance there is a grand festival in an assembly of yakkhas. That great assemblage will keep up that revel, without intermission, for seven days. This revel of festivity is in that quarter. Such an assemblage will not occur again: Lord! this very day extirpate the yakkhas." Hearing this advice of hers, the monarch replied to her : "Charmer of my affections, how can I destroy yakkhas, who are invisible ?" "Prince," replied she, "placing myself in the midst of those yakkhas, I will give a shout. Guided by the direction of that signal deal out thy blows; by my supernatural power they shall take effect on their bodies." This prince proceeding to act accordingly, destroyed the yakkhas. The king having put (Kálaséna), the chief of the yakkhas, to death, assumed his (court) dress. The rest of his retinue dressed themselves in the vestments of the other yakkhas. After the lapse of some days, departing from the capital of the yakkhas, and founding the city called "Tambapanņi," (Vijaya) settled there. At the spot where the seven hundred men, with the king at their head, exhausted by (sea) sickness, and faint from weakness, had landed out of the vessel, supporting themselves on the palms of their hands pressed on the ground, they sat themselves down. Hence to them the name of "Tambawannapánaya" (copper-palmed, from the colour of the soil). From this circumstance that wilderness obtained the name of " Tambapanņi." From the same cause also this renowned land became celebrated (under that name). By whatever means the monarch Sihabáhu slew the "siha" (lion), from 'From here as far as verse 68 there are two readings of the text. They do not, however, differ materially. Turnour has followed the reading found in most of the Sinhalese copies; the printed text, that of the Cambodian recension and one or two Sinhalese MSS. The latter reading agrees with the Tíká. The former is also prefixed to the printed text. 2 "the bewitching woman." I would read varanganá instead of maranganá, the v and m being almost alike in Sinhalese writing. 3" and thinking within himself." 4.66 replied." 5" their palms became copper-coloured (Tambapánayó'). that feat, his sons and descendants are called "Síhalá," (the lion slayers). This Lanká having been conquered by a Síhala, from the circumstance also of its having been colonised by a Síhala, it obtained the name of "Síhala." Thereafter the followers of the prince formed an establishment, each for himself, all over Síhala. On the bank of the Kadamba river, the celebrated village called (after one of his followers) Anurádha. To the north thereof, near that deep river, was the village of the brahmanical Upatissa, called Upatissa. Then the extensive settlements of Uruvela and Vijita; (each) subsequently a city. Thus these followers, having formed many settlements, giving to them their own names; thereafter having held a consultation, they solicited their ruler to assume the office of sovereign. The king, on account of his not having a queen-consort of equal rank to himself, was indifferent at that time to his inauguration. All these chiefs, incited to exertion by their anxiety for the installation of the prince, sent to the southern Madhura (a deputation with) gems and other presents. These individuals 'having repaired thither, obtained an audience of (king) Paṇḍava, and delivering the presents they announced their mission, thus addressing him: "It is for a royal virgin. The son of Síhabáhu, named Vijaya, has conquered Lapká: to admit of his installation, bestow thy daughter on us." The king Pandava having consulted with his ministers, (decided that) he should send to him (Vijaya) his own daughter Vijayá; and for the retinue of that (king) one less than seven hundred daughters of his nobility. "Those " (said he) "among you who are willing to send your daughters to renowned Síhala, send them. Let them be quickly ranged before their doors decorated in their best attire." Having bestowed many presents on their fathers, he, with their concurrence, assembled the maidens (at the palace), and causing his own daughter to be decorated with every description of gold ornaments befitting her sex and exalted rank, he bestowed on her, as dowry, elephants, horses, chariots, and slaves. With eighteen officers of state, together with 'seventy-five menial servants (being horse-keepers, elephantkeepers, and charioteers), the monarch dispatched these (maidens), bestowing presents on them. All these persons having embarked in a vessel, from the circumstance of great concourses of people landing there, the port (at which they debarked) obtained the name Mahátittha. This daughter of Pandava arrived when the yakkhiní, by her connection with Vijaya, had borne him two children,—a son (Jívahatta) and a daughter (Disálá). The prince receiving the announcement of the arrival of this royal maiden, and considering it impossible that the princess could live with him at the same time with the yakkhiní, he thus explained himself to Kuvéņi: "A daughter of royalty is a timid being; on that account, leaving the children with me, depart from my house." She replied: "On thy account, having murdered yakkhas, I dread these yakkhas: now I am discarded by both parties; whither can I betake myself?" "Within my dominions (said he) to any place thou pleasest which is unconnected with the yakkhas; and I will maintain thee with a thousand bali offerings." She who had been thus interdicted (from reuniting herself with the yakkhas) with clamourous lamentation, taking her children with her, in the character of an inhuman being, wandered to that very city (Lagkápura) of inhuman inhabitants. 2 Dele. "in search of a royal virgin." 3 "sixty." Omit this. The other reading gives "one thousand artisans from the eighteen classes (or castes)." She left her children outside the yakkha city. A yakkha who detested her, recognising her in her search for a dwelling, went up to her. Thereupon another fierce yakkha among the enraged yakkhas (asked): "Is it for the purpose of again and again spying out the peace we enjoy that she is come?" In his fury he killed the yakkhini with a blow of his open hand. Her uncle, a yakkha (named Kumára), happening to proceed out of the yakkha city, seeing these children outside the town, "Whose children are ye?" said he. Being informed "Kuvéni's," he said, “Your mother is murdered: if ye should be seen here, they would murder you also: fly quickly." Instantly departing thence, they repaired to the (neighbourhood of the) Sumanakúṭa (Adam's Peak). The elder having grown up, married his sister, and settled there. Becoming numerous by their sons and daughters, under the protection of the king, they resided in that Malayá district. This person (Jiwahatta) retained the attributes of the yakkhas. The ambassadors of king Pandava presented to prince Vijaya the princess and other presents. Vijaya paid to the ambassadors every mark of respect and attention. According to their grades or castes he bestowed the virgins on his ministers and his people. All the nobles having assembled, in due form inaugurated Vijaya into the sovereignty and solemnised a great festival of rejoicing. Thereafter the monarch Vijaya invested with great pomp the daughter of king Pandu with the dignity of queen-consort. On his nobles he 'conferred riches on his father-in-law (king Pandava) he bestowed annually chanks and pearls, in value two lacks. This sovereign Vijaya, relinquishing his former vicious course of conduct and ruling with perfect justice and righteousness over the whole of Lanká, reigned uninterruptedly for thirty-eight years in the city of Tambapanui. The seventh chapter in the Mahávansa, entitled "The Inauguration of Vijaya," composed equally to delight and to afflict righteous men. CHAPTER VIII. THIS great monarch, Vijaya, when he arrived at the last year of his existence, thus meditated: "I am advanced in years, and no son is born unto me. Shall the dominion acquired by my exertions perish with my demise? For the preservation of the dynasty I ought to send for my brother Sumitta." Thereupon, consulting with his ministers, he despatched a letter of invitation thither; and shortly after having sent that letter, he went to the world of the devas. On his demise, these ministers, waiting for the arrival of the royal personage (who had been invited by the late king), righteously governed the kingdom, residing at Upatissa. From the death of king Vijaya, and prior to the arrival of that royal personage, this land of Lanká was kingless for one year. In the city of Síhapura, by the demise of king Síhabáhu, his son Sumitta "The yakkhas, on seeing her enter the city, quickly surrounded her, crying out: It is for the purpose of spying us that she has come back.' And when the yakkhas were thus excited, one of them, whose anger was greatly kindled, put an end to the life of the yakkhiņí by a blow of his hand." "This is the origin of the Pulindas (hill-men)." 66 3" bestowed wealth." |