Ven. Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thero

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Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera - Bassilica Dom Jesus in Goa — The body lies in a glass vessel inside the Bassilica Dom Jesus in Goa, India

Ven. Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera (1408–1491) stands out as one of the most remarkable figures in Sri Lanka’s literary and religious history. A Buddhist monk, renowned scholar, poet, astrologer, and physician, Sri Rahula Thera’s life was as celebrated for its scholastic brilliance as it was shrouded in legends and mystery.

Early Life and Royal Patronage

Born in 1408 in the village of Dematana near Dedigama in the Kegalle District, his lay name was Jayaba Kumaru (also recorded as Prince Jayabahu). His mother, Seelawathie, was the elder sister of Queen Keerawelle, consort to King Parakramabahu VI of Kotte (1412–1467 CE). Following his mother’s death when he was just a year old and his father Prince Wickramabahu’s ordination as a monk, young Jayabahu was taken under the guardianship of the king and raised in the royal palace as a foster son.

Monastic Life and Education

Sri Rahula Thera entered the Buddhist Order at an early age under the tutelage of his grandfather Ven. Uthurumula Thera and Ven. Wilgammula Rahula Thera at Rathpath Vihara in Thotagamuwa. Upon ordination, he received the monastic name Vachissara Rahula Thera. His precocious intellect and dedication soon elevated him to prominence. He earned the title Shad Bhasha Parameswara, a master of six languages, and became renowned for his command of Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Tamil, and classical literature.

He was later appointed Sangaraja (Supreme Head of the Buddhist Sangha), becoming the first monk to be awarded this prestigious title outside of a capital city.

Literary Contributions

Ven. Sri Rahula Thera is considered one of the greatest literary figures in the Sinhala Buddhist tradition. His compositions reflect his broad erudition and poetic genius. Notable works include:

Buddhagajjaya (1430)
Vurthamala Sandesaya (1435)
Paravi Sandesaya (1445)
Selalihini Sandesaya (1447)
Kawyasekaraya (1449)
Panchika Pradeepaya (1457)
Buddhipasadiniya (1480)
Sakaskada
Mawulu Sandesaya

His Kawyasekaraya, considered a seminal work of Sinhala poetry, discusses royal themes including the controversial marriage of Princess Ulakudaya to a foreign prince, highlighting the social and political undercurrents of his time.

Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera’s legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces and religious contributions but also through the vibrant folklore and reverence that surround his name. He was bestowed numerous honorary titles such as:

Vijayaba Muni
Rahula Sangaraja
Thripitaka Vagisvaracharya
Bauddha Charawarthi
Sinhala Maha Kavi (Great Sinhala Poet)

Thotagamuwa Vijayaba Pirivena

Ven. Sri Rahula Thera served as the head of the Thotagamuwa Vijayaba Pirivena, a leading Buddhist educational institution founded during the reign of King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110 CE) and revived by Parakramabahu VI (1412-1467 CE). Located near Hikkaduwa, this institution attracted students from across South Asia to study subjects such as the Tripitaka, Vedas, Ayurveda, astrology, and arts.

Vijayaba Pirivena flourished under Sri Rahula Thera’s leadership during the Kotte era, reaching its intellectual zenith. However, it was later destroyed by Portuguese forces in 1580. The temple ruins remained neglected until they were rediscovered and partially restored in the 18th century by Ven. Pallattara Thera.

Miracles, Legends, and Rivalries

Sri Rahula Thera’s fame gave rise to numerous legends. He was believed to possess supernatural powers and a vast memory, capable of reciting the entire Tripitaka by heart. Stories also tell of his rivalry with his brilliant disciple, Ven. Wattawe Thera, who allegedly left the monastery due to subtle messages implied in the meals he was served. Wattawe Thera later authored the Guttila Kavya to affirm his respect and loyalty to his mentor.

According to folklore, following political upheaval during the reign of King Buwanekabahu VI (1471-1477 CE), Sri Rahula Thera, an opponent of the king, left the Vijayaba Pirivena and went into retreat at Ambana Indurugiri cave near Elpitiya, seeking refuge in the forest.

Mysterious Death and the Goa Legend

Sri Rahula Thera is believed to have died in 1491 at the age of 83. However, the circumstances surrounding his death are cloaked in mystery. One account says he died peacefully at Ambana cave after consuming an powerful Ayurvedic preparation known as Siddaloka Rasaya, which supposedly preserved his body for centuries. close to Elpitiya in the Galle district for safety and security

Sri Lankan Buddhists believe that the incorrupt body of Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Thera, which was said to have miraculously continued growing hair and nails after death, was seized by Portuguese colonists who had heard of its unusual preservation. They reportedly took the body by force and transported it to Goa, India. Father Francis Xavier who had arrived from Portugal to propagate missionary activities here had participated as the leader of the expedition to shift the body to Goa.

During the voyage, a severe illness broke out on the ship, claiming the lives of many passengers, including Father Xavier. Following the custom of the time, his body was given last rites and committed to the sea along with the others.

When the ship reached Goa, it carried only a few surviving but gravely ill sailors. Those who met the vessel in Goa discovered the preserved body and, unaware of its true identity, assumed it to be that of Father Francis Xavier. Mistaking it for a divine sign, they believed the body to be miraculously preserved and later declared Xavier a saint. The body was enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where it is still venerated today.