King Aggabodhi IV [667-683 CE]

Predecessor		Successor
King Dathopatissa II [659-667 CE] -House of Moriya-	King Aggabodhi IV [667-683 CE] -House of Moriya-	King Datta [683-684 CE] -House of Moriya-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA

Also known as Siri Sanga Bodhi in the Pujavaliya and Rajavaliya, King Aggabodhi IV ascended the throne of Anuradhapura in 667 CE, following the death of his elder brother, King Dathopatissa II (659–667 CE). His reign marked the beginning of a rare era of peace and stability after decades of incessant civil war and political strife.

A Just and Peaceful Reign

Aggabodhi IV was remembered as a righteous and compassionate monarch. He won the loyalty and admiration of his people through fairness, devotion to the Buddhist order, and consistent support of the Sangha. He restored dilapidated temples and shrines, made generous religious donations, and upheld justice in the administration of his kingdom.

A key feature of his reign was his effort to unify the fractured society. The Tamil mercenaries, who had arrived in successive waves during the reigns of Aggabodhi III (632–643 CE) and Dathopatissa I (643–650 CE), had by now become deeply integrated into the social and political fabric of the Anuradhapura kingdom. Aggabodhi IV handled this delicate situation with remarkable wisdom and balance.

Inclusion of Tamil Elites

Instead of attempting to expel or marginalize the Tamil population, the king chose to include them in statecraft. He appointed several Tamils to prominent positions of authority, including Senapati (commander of the army) and chief minister. Among them, figures like Potthakuttha, Potthasta, and Mahakanda distinguished themselves not only as officials but also as generous patrons of Buddhism. Their religious contributions rivaled those of the king, with lavish endowments and constructions for the Sangha, helping to bridge ethnic and political divides.

Polonnaruwa as a Royal Seat

During his reign, Aggabodhi IV made Polonnaruva—then known as Kandavuru Nuwara (the Camp City)—a temporary royal residence for the first time. This move would later gain strategic importance in the history of Sri Lanka, as Polonnaruwa gradually rose in prominence.

Death and Legacy

In the sixteenth year of his reign, King Aggabodhi IV fell ill while residing in Polonnaruwa and passed away there in 683 CE. Such was the love and respect he commanded that his grieving subjects preserved the ashes from his funeral pyre, believing they held medicinal properties due to his righteousness and virtue.

The 16-year reign of King Aggabodhi IV was a turning point in Sri Lankan history. After a long era marked by destructive internal conflict, he re-established the ideals of ancient Sinhalese kingship—just rule, devotion to religion, and social harmony. His ability to unite diverse communities and restore public trust in the monarchy made his reign a memorable chapter in the Anuradhapura period.

Works of King Aggabodhi IV

Built a practicing house (mahapadhanaghara) bearing his name for Dathasiva Thero residing in Nagasala Viharaya
A Tamil officer called Potthakuttha in the service of the King built Matambiya practicing house (mahapadhanaghara) and assigned it the Ambavapi (tank) at Bukakalla in the village of Tantavayikacatika together with the village of Nitthilavetthi together with slaves. This building has been identified as the Madabiyan Pirivena mentioned in the Timbiriwewa Pillar Inscription
Potthakuttha built a prasada at Kappura Pirivena. This is believed to be the Kaparamula Pirivena in the Abhayagiri Monastery.
Potthakuttha also built prasadas at Kurundapillaka Viharaya and Maharajaghara Viharaya
His senapati Potthasata, another Tamil officer, built a pirivena in Jeta Viharaya bearing the kings name.
Another Tamil officer named Mahakanda built a pirivena named after him
Another Tamil officer built Cullapantha Pirivena
His Uparaja (heir apparent), Samghatissa, built Sehala Uparajaka
His queen, named Jettha, built Jettharamaya as an abode for bhikkunis and granted 2 villages and 100 helpers for maintenance.
The Malayaraja built a relic house for the Mandalagiri Viharaya. This has been identified as the Medirigiri Viharaya from inscriptions.
Built Piyagal Pirivena and Devunuwara (source: Rajavaliya)

Ancient Manuscripts Detailing the Sovereigns of Sri Lanka

Sovereigns of Sri Lanka are chronicled in several ancient manuscripts. These texts not only record the lineages of kings but also the significant events and developments of their reigns. Some of the most significant ancient sources are:

Dipavamsa: compiled between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, and the earliest known historical chronicle
Mahavamsa: Initially compiled by Mahanama Thero in the 5th or 6th century CE, this chronicle was later expanded upon by other authors who added additional chapters. Covers events up until the reign of King Mahasena of Anuradhapura
Culavamsa: Starts where the Mahavamsa stops and records the history of Sri Lankan rulers from the 4th century to 1815. Mahavamsa and Culavamsa are often seen as one extended chronicle, commonly referred to simply as the Mahavamsa.
Pujavaliya: Written by a monk in or around 1266 during the reign of King Panditha Parakrama Bahu of Dambadeniya Kingdom
Rajavaliya: A 17th-century historical chronicle of Sri Lanka, covering the history of the island from its beginnings up to the accession of King Vimaladharmasurya II in 1687.

References

Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa: Being The More Recent Part of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part I–II. Pali Text Society.
Gunasekara, B. (1900). The Rajavaliya, a Historical Narrative of Sinhalese Kings Vijaya to Vimala Dharma Suriya II. George J. A. Skeen.
Nicholas, C. W., & Paranavitana, S. (1961). A Concise History of Ceylon: From the Earliest Times to the Arrival of the Portuguese in 1505. University of Ceylon.
Paranavitana, S. (1959). History of Ceylon (University of Ceylon): Vol. 1 (part 1)–3. Ceylon University Press.

Predecessor		Successor
King Dathopatissa II [659-667 CE] -House of Moriya-	King Aggabodhi IV [667-683 CE] -House of Moriya-	King Datta [683-684 CE] -House of Moriya-
COMPLETE LIST OF RULERS OF SRI LANKA